Our Only Hope and Peace

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many son to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. - Hebrews 2:10

-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT- Our only hope & peace – Jesus Christ

The question is – what is our hope in life and death? The answer – Our only hope in life and death is belonging to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Within this hope, within this belonging to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, there is an abundance of riches and blessings. Being with the Lord comes numerous blessings.

One of those blessings is peace. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18. Focus on verse 16 which reads, Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. I could not help to think about the words of Jesus in John 14:15-31. Pay attention to verses 26-27 - …the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

For those who have faith in Jesus Christ, for those who hope in Christ, there is a promised peace from Christ. Christ puts a us at peace with God and through the presence of the Holy Spirit, He gives us peace as we are in the world. Also, for those in Christ, there is a peace with one another. Read Ephesians 2:11-22.

There are no laws that will bring about peace, because man is wicked and evil and breaks laws. Peace comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. We need to humble ourselves and turn to Christ. We need to trust Christ. Read Philippians 4:4-9.

Are you anxious these days? Look to Christ. He is the only hope and peace for humanity. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be know to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

-CONSIDER & MEDITATE-

In whom or what do you rejoice? Do you rejoice?

Are you anxious about anything? Do you take it to the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving?

What do you think about? What do you put before your eyes and ears? These things will direct your thoughts.

What do you practice? Think about your life – how are you living? In communion with God, trusting, praising, giving thanks to Him? Or are you caught up in temporary things and events of this world?

-PRAYER & THANKSGIVING- Pray for the Lord to search you and know your heart. Ask the Lord to fix your heart and mind on Christ. Give thanks to the Lord that our troubles and trials and difficulties are temporary. Give thanks to the Lord that we can call on Him and trust Him in all that we face. Give thanks to the Lord for sending His Son Jesus and that in Jesu, we belong to Him.