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Welcome to River City Church Online. Thank you for joining us today as we start our new series called Pursuing Peace In A Divided World.
Today's message has been presented by our Pastor Darrell Bierman.
Guard What We SayThe first step to be a peacemaker is to avoid saying things that stir up dissension. James writes that if we can’t control what we say, our religion is worthless (James 1:26).
Paul says that our speech should be gracious (Colossians 4:6) and to block unwholesome speech from our mouths (Ephesians 4:29).
There are many more verses, too (Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 15:1; Psalm 19:14; etc.).
Focus on Silence Not Speech – or – Listen more than you talkJust because we can say something, doesn’t mean we should. As followers of Jesus, we should avoid promoting division whenever possible.
The easiest way to do this is to not add to the fray, but to keep our mouth shut. We should listen first and then speak (James 1:19).
Jesus modeled silence, even when it seemed in his best interest to defend himself (Matthew 26:63).
It’s a noisy world out there.
Many of us are talking, but few are listening.
Speak the Truth in LoveIf we feel we must speak out about a subject, we should cover our speech in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Too often—especially in the church and religious circles—people decry evil, but they do so in the most unloving way.
We judge, we condemn, and we withhold forgiveness.
Instead, Jesus tells us to do the opposite (Luke 6:37).
The world is watching, and they rightly dismiss us as a result.
Forgive as the Lord Forgave You (Colossians 3:12-15) (Matt. 6:14-16).Psychologically – can you have peace if you’re harbouring a major grudge (vengeance) against someone?
I suspect not.
I’ll rely on notes from my Church Renewal for this topic of forgiveness.
Pray! Present your requests to God (the good, the bad, the ugly) (Phil. 4:6-7)Not only did Paul write his letter to the Philippians from prison, but throughout his ministry, he suffered through beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, and hunger.
When he said that the peace of God was beyond understanding, he knew what he was talking about.
Unlike the happiness of the world that is entirely dependent upon circumstances, the peace of God was always present.
Paul’s sufferings-and God’s faithfulness throughout them-convinced him that his worries were no match for Jesus’s peace that guarded his heart and mind.
In prayer: trust to God the injustice you've suffered.
Support: James 4:1-2; Heb. 4:16; & Matt. 6:10 (LP: “your kingdom come…will be done” is a prayer for peace);
Live Yielded (Submit) to the Holy Spirit. As per Romans 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Very interesting!
Christian transformation happens as we submit ourselves to the Spirit.
When we are led by the Spirit, we experience a life characterized by joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit.
But when we are governed by the flesh, we rely upon our own strength, perceptions, and resources.
This not only makes consistent peace impossible to achieve, ultimately leads to destruction.
Look to God for Peace (1 Peter 5:6-7) put your confidence in Him – and in His purposes – versus to circumstances, current events, political leaders, etc.).
Parting Blessing for this week (2 Peter 1:2): Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
We welcome you to join us for our service.
Café will be open right after the service.
We are located at 215 South Street, Cambridge, Ontario.
God bless you today and we hope to see you soon.
Would you like to connect with us?
Visit us at https://rivercitychurch.org/lets-connect
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Visit https://rivercitychurch.org/giving
River City Jingle by Pat Chan
