We Got Peace For Christmas

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PEACE

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CHRISTMAS

Daniel A. Brown, Ph.D.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2:14

PEACE 1. More than absence of conflict, hostility, warfare 2. More than “Not sick” = vigorous, healthy, fit 3. More than “No enemies” = Banquet table in their midst (Psalm 23) 4. Peace = proactive presence/atmosphere, like a ‘zone’ For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river…” Isaiah 66:12 He makes peace in your borders... Psalm 147:14

SHALOM 1. Safety and well‐being; happiness and satisfaction 2. Hammock rest on a warm, breezy day 3. Pause between fillet mignon and raspberry cheesecake 4. Prosperity of heart 5. Discovering way more money than expected 6. Combined moments of opening scene and last curtain call for director of successful Broadway production

PEACE IS AN ACTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE FORCE 1. Peace regulates and rules over the stuff of your life. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace… Isaiah 9:6‐7 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… Colossians 3:15 2. Peace brings increase and prosperity to your life. "Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver... And I will make peace your administrators... Isaiah 60:17

The Coastlands, Aptos Foursquare Church

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PEACE

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CHRISTMAS

Daniel A. Brown, Ph.D.

3. Peace seeks out and overcomes opposition to your soul. And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20 4. God blesses (advantages) His people with peace. The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11 "There is no peace for the wicked," says the LORD. Isaiah 48:22 5. Peace is an unexplainable calm in the midst of great conflict. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, for they are many who strive with me. Psalm 55:18 6. Peace is a profound awareness of God’s ultimate victory/resolution. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 7. Peace is an uncanny sense of direction and leading. “For you will go out with joy, and be led forth with peace...” Isaiah 55:12 “…to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:79 8. Peace is an antidote to and protection from confusion, doubt or fear. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 God is not a God of confusion but of peace... 1 Corinthians 14:33

HOW TO INCREASE PEACE IN YOUR LIFE 1. God grants us peace for every circumstance. Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! 2 Thessalonians 3:16 “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:42

The Coastlands, Aptos Foursquare Church

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PEACE

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CHRISTMAS

Daniel A. Brown, Ph.D.

2. Peace also comes from: a. Getting to know the Lord better. Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord… 2Peter 1:2 b. Allowing the Holy Spirit more to cultivate. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…Galatians 5:22 c. Asking for ‘seconds’ from Jesus. "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27 d. Reading (and loving) God’s word. Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. Psalm 119:165 e. Putting your trust, again and again, in the Lord. "The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Isaiah 26:3 OTHER SCRIPTURES ON PEACE In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for Thou alone, O LORD, dost make me to dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7 "For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… Romans 5:1 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:18 The Coastlands, Aptos Foursquare Church

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PEACE

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CHRISTMAS

Daniel A. Brown, Ph.D.

…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:33

The Coastlands, Aptos Foursquare Church