Part 1: Christmas Peace
CHRISTMAS AT CRESTVIEW
PART 1
Luke 2:10-14
1. WHAT IS THE PEACE ON EARTH JESUS
BRINGS?
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)
It’s not political or international peace.
“‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’ He replied: ‘Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, “I am He,” and, “The time is near.” Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.’” Luke 21:7-9 (NIV)
It’s not a lack of disturbance.
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Luke 12:49-51 (NIV)
“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, to give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:76-79 (NIV)
Jesus brings peace between you and God.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 (NIV)
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Colossians 1:21-22 (NIV)
2. HOW DO WE RECEIVE THIS PEACE?
You have to admit you are at war.
“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” Romans 8:7 (NIV)
“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
Say yes to Jesus.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NIV)
3. HOW DO WE LIVE OUT THIS PEACE?
“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.” 1 Peter 1:12 (NIV)
Peacemaking
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
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This week’s Reading Plan and blog/podcast:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook (@crestviewbc) throughout this series for the scripture of the week.
Blog: “Peace on Earth” by Shawn Williams
Podcast: “What is Peace on Earth?”