Tag: peace

Peace, Love, & the Holy Spirit

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Good evening! Last Sunday, Pastor Alan shared another wonderful teaching in the book of John. He continued his lessons on what occurred in the Upper Room, focusing this week on “Peace, Love, and the Holy Spirit.” To listen to this message from John 14, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included Pastor Alan’s outline with links to the verses on Bible Gateway. Enjoy!

The Upper Room, part IV: Peace, Love, and the Holy Spirit

John 14:15-28

  1. Jesus’ words on love. (John 14:15, 21-24, 28)
  2. Jesus’ words on the Spirit. (John 14:16-20, 25-26)
    • Various translations of John 14:16
      • Advocate, Counselor, Helper, Paraclete
      • The idea is this: Jesus will send the Spirit as His ambassador (notice the word “another”). As that ambassador, He:
        • reveals truth
        • brings truth to remembrance
        • indwells
        • gives guidance and strength when we are helpless (as orphans)
        • is instrumental in our salvation (John 3:6-8; John 6:63)
        • sanctifies us/helps us become more like Christ (Galatians 5:22-26)
        • gives gifts to serve God & others (Romans 12:6-13)
    • Father’s Day note: It’s tough to lose a person you turned to the most for strength and guidance. The disciples had Jesus as their spiritual father for strength and guidance. He was going to leave them physically but would be with them always through the Holy Spirit.
  3. Jesus’ words on peace (John 14:27-28)
    • Peace is linked to Jesus
    • There are two kinds of peace (worldly peace & godly peace)
    • Peace can’t really be found without being right with God and living in faith to God (Matthew 5:2-10).
      • “Trust & Obey”
      • “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”
    • Romans 5:1-5 ties it all together.

Father’s Day note: What is the legacy we would most like to leave behind? Jesus leaves us peace. Are we peacemakers?

Conclusion: Are our lives marked by a sense of peace and obedient love and being guided by the Spirit?

A Season of Peace

by Laurin, posted in Devotion

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It’s the second Sunday of Advent: time to ponder the PEACE that comes from knowing Jesus as our Savior. This week reminds us that since God prepared the world for His Son, we need to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Lord.

So light the second purple candle in your Advent wreath (the Candle of Peace, also called the Candle of Preparation or the Bethlehem Candle) and read the following verses (or read one selection each day this week):

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:1-2

Matthew 2:9-11

Isaiah 2:1-5

Matthew 3:1-6

God kept His promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Through this promise, we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1,6-8), peace from God (John 14:27), and the peace of God (Philippians 4:6-7).

Preparation means to “get ready.” During this season, we need to “get ready” to welcome Jesus into our hearts, our homes, our everything.

Pray: Jesus, You amaze me. You are a glorious King, and yet You were born in the most humble of circumstances. Thank You for showing me what true humility looks like. I know that even when I feel unworthy, You can still use me. Please give me the boldness to be a voice in the wilderness of this world, sharing my faith with those who don’t yet know You and the peace You bring. I pray You are preparing their hearts in advance to hear the Good News. Thank You for being Immanuel: God with us. Thank You for being with me throughout this week and for blessing me with Your peace. In Your Name we pray, Jesus. Amen (adapted from Rose Publishing, “Celebrating Advent”).