Follow Along with the Message

Making Peace

Pastor Nate Sickler

Through Christmas, Jesus demonstrates that both conflict and peace are very real and peace is  (John 1:5, 12, 16-17).

Note John 16:33; Ephesians 2:14-16

Navigating  is a universal challenge. 

Someone who navigates conflict God's way is called a  (James 3:18; Matthew 5:9). 

Peacekeeping or Peacemaking?

"Peace is often limited to absence of war or the cessation of violence. Ceasefires and surrenders are important as preambles to peace. But peace in the Bible includes the finest of loving relationships between individuals, within families, communities, and nations. Peace also includes good health." (Kenneth Bailey)

• Peacekeeping maintains the  but does not produce health. 
  • This is accomplished through dominance or . 

• Peacemakers  God's wisdom and righteousness (James 3:17-18, Matthew 5:6)
  • This pursuit requires thorough and consistent  (James 4:1-3).
  • This pursuit requires God's  at work in our lives (James 4:6-7a).

• Peacemakers  that words carry the power of life and death and cannot be returned once sent. So, they choose words with the utmost care for speaking the truth in love (Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:14; James 1:19).

• Peacemakers  good health is their goal (James 4:11-12; John 13:34-35). 

How can I find Christmas peace?

• Are you  the status quo?
• Are you ?
• Are you after ? 
• Would the people  describe you as a peacemaker? 

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