On January 11, 2019 our church was the target of an arson attempt. After the initial shock the crisis of the fire at the church has passed and now we are left picking up the pieces. In the midst of chaos it can feel like everything is up in the air. Let’s look at a few scriptures from the gospel of John to see what Jesus has to say about peace. This blog is a summary of the January 20, 2019 sermon at Crossroads Community Church. Due to the church fire we are currently meeting at the Merritt Civic Centre and there is no sermon recording available.
The Bible reassures us that Jesus is with everyone in all situations. Jesus says: “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.” (John 14:27) This passage is very reassuring: Jesus gives us his peace. He encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled. Even though we may feel afraid or discouraged we do not have to live in the place of fear! This passage goes much deeper than what we might call feelings of peace. The peace spoken of in this passage relates to the peace that Jesus provides through salvation. Ultimately peace means that followers of Jesus are rooted in the promise of salvation and that his presence goes with every believer.
While we don’t underestimate peace we recognize that Jesus said we would have difficulties in this world. It’s in times of trials that our faith is tested. Jesus says: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We would not have expected an arson attempt on the church and it’s certainly not what we would have asked for but we are not surprised that we are experiencing a trial. The reassurance from Jesus is that he has overcome the world. Can circumstances threaten to overwhelm people? Absolutely. Can the world overcome believers? Absolutely not. We may feel fear but we don’t live in the place of fear! (see Romans 8:37-39)
Finally, let’s look at one more scripture from the gospel of John. “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:19-20) At the end of the book of John we’re looking at a group of disciples that have experienced a very traumatic event. They have just walked through the death of their friend and leader, Jesus. If anyone had a reason to be afraid and doubtful it is this group of disciples. Everything they believe has been shaken. Where does their faith stand? Are they in personal danger? In the midst of their fear and doubt Jesus walks in. He says to the fearful disciples “peace be with you!” Just the presence of Jesus and the words “peace be with you” are enough to reassure them. Jesus would say to you right now, “Peace be with you.” In the midst of your circumstances Jesus is ready to walk in. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thess 3:16)
Until next time,
Pastor Mike
The Bible reassures us that Jesus is with everyone in all situations. Jesus says: “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.” (John 14:27) This passage is very reassuring: Jesus gives us his peace. He encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled. Even though we may feel afraid or discouraged we do not have to live in the place of fear! This passage goes much deeper than what we might call feelings of peace. The peace spoken of in this passage relates to the peace that Jesus provides through salvation. Ultimately peace means that followers of Jesus are rooted in the promise of salvation and that his presence goes with every believer.
While we don’t underestimate peace we recognize that Jesus said we would have difficulties in this world. It’s in times of trials that our faith is tested. Jesus says: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We would not have expected an arson attempt on the church and it’s certainly not what we would have asked for but we are not surprised that we are experiencing a trial. The reassurance from Jesus is that he has overcome the world. Can circumstances threaten to overwhelm people? Absolutely. Can the world overcome believers? Absolutely not. We may feel fear but we don’t live in the place of fear! (see Romans 8:37-39)
Finally, let’s look at one more scripture from the gospel of John. “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:19-20) At the end of the book of John we’re looking at a group of disciples that have experienced a very traumatic event. They have just walked through the death of their friend and leader, Jesus. If anyone had a reason to be afraid and doubtful it is this group of disciples. Everything they believe has been shaken. Where does their faith stand? Are they in personal danger? In the midst of their fear and doubt Jesus walks in. He says to the fearful disciples “peace be with you!” Just the presence of Jesus and the words “peace be with you” are enough to reassure them. Jesus would say to you right now, “Peace be with you.” In the midst of your circumstances Jesus is ready to walk in. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thess 3:16)
Until next time,
Pastor Mike
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