what is in your heart? n one of the most dangerous things a person can do is to open another’s...

What is in your heart?What is in your heart?

One of the most dangerous things a person One of the most dangerous things a person can do is to open another’s heart.can do is to open another’s heart.


One of the most dangerous things a person One of the most dangerous things a person can do is to open another’s heart.can do is to open another’s heart.

God has clearly spoken concerning men’s God has clearly spoken concerning men’s ways. ways. (Jer 9:8, 26, 11:8; 17:9-10)(Jer 9:8, 26, 11:8; 17:9-10)


NKJ NKJ Jeremiah 9:8Jeremiah 9:8 - Their tongue - Their tongue is is an an arrow shot out; It speaks deceit; arrow shot out; It speaks deceit; One One speaks speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, But in his heart he lies in wait.But in his heart he lies in wait.


NKJ NKJ Jeremiah 9:26Jeremiah 9:26 - "Egypt, Judah, - "Egypt, Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all who are who are in the farthest corners, who dwell in the farthest corners, who dwell in the wilderness. For all in the wilderness. For all these these nations nations are are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are are uncircumcised in the heart.”uncircumcised in the heart.”


NKJ NKJ Jeremiah 11:8Jeremiah 11:8 - Yet they did not obey - Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but everyone followed or incline their ear, but everyone followed the dictates of his evil heart; therefore I will the dictates of his evil heart; therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded covenant, which I commanded them them to do, to do, but but which which they have not done.they have not done.


NKJ NKJ Jeremiah 17:9Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart - The heart is is deceitful deceitful above all above all things, things, And desperately wicked; And desperately wicked; Who can know it? 10 I, the LORD, search Who can know it? 10 I, the LORD, search the heart, the heart, I I test the mind, Even to give every test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.the fruit of his doings.


Jesus personally opened men’s hearts and Jesus personally opened men’s hearts and many wanted to kill Him. many wanted to kill Him. (Lk 2:34-35)(Lk 2:34-35)


NKJ NKJ Luke 2:34Luke 2:34 - Then Simeon blessed - Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this "Behold, this Child Child is destined for the fall is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 "(yes, a which will be spoken against 35 "(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.be revealed.


Today I ask you to let Jesus’ words open Today I ask you to let Jesus’ words open your heart.your heart.


It is not uncommon to have men in an It is not uncommon to have men in an assembly prepared ahead of time to keep assembly prepared ahead of time to keep their hearts shut! their hearts shut!


It is not uncommon to have men in an It is not uncommon to have men in an assembly prepared ahead of time to keep assembly prepared ahead of time to keep their hearts shut! their hearts shut!

It is easier to ignore Jesus if you hate It is easier to ignore Jesus if you hate someone or if you are critically looking someone or if you are critically looking

at others present today to justify at others present today to justify yourself.yourself.


It is not uncommon to have men in an assembly It is not uncommon to have men in an assembly prepared ahead of time to keep prepared ahead of time to keep their hearts shut! their hearts shut!

It is easier to ignore Jesus if you hate someone or It is easier to ignore Jesus if you hate someone or if you are critically looking if you are critically looking at others present at others present today to justify yourself.today to justify yourself.

The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ description of The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ description of the real child of God and of the real nature of His the real child of God and of the real nature of His kingdom.kingdom.


The world does not understand at all what The world does not understand at all what Jesus teaches in this sermon!Jesus teaches in this sermon!


The world does not understand at all what The world does not understand at all what Jesus teaches in this sermon!Jesus teaches in this sermon!

We will examine the beatitudes and the We will examine the beatitudes and the similitudes.similitudes.

The fundamental components of how a child The fundamental components of how a child of God thinks (Mt 5:1-6)of God thinks (Mt 5:1-6)

NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:1Matthew 5:1 - And seeing the - And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are are the the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. heaven.


4 Blessed 4 Blessed are are those who mourn, For they those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are are the meek, the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are are those who hunger and thirst for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.righteousness, For they shall be filled.


Jesus came to help men be restored to a Jesus came to help men be restored to a right relationship with God. right relationship with God. (Lk 19:10)(Lk 19:10)


NKJ NKJ Luke 19:10Luke 19:10 - "for the Son of Man has - "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was come to seek and to save that which was lost.”lost.”


How would you start to teach a multitude of How would you start to teach a multitude of people that are willing to hear?people that are willing to hear?


How would you start to teach a multitude of How would you start to teach a multitude of people that are willing to hear?people that are willing to hear?

Jesus in the beatitudes describes the Jesus in the beatitudes describes the components of a heart that is right with components of a heart that is right with God. It does not describe different people or God. It does not describe different people or things that can be left out and we still be things that can be left out and we still be right with God. right with God.


One’s attitude toward himself in the One’s attitude toward himself in the presence of God – presence of God – “poor in spirit” “poor in spirit” (Mt 5:3)(Mt 5:3)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:3Matthew 5:3 - "Blessed - "Blessed are are the poor the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.heaven.


The word used here (ptochos), may be The word used here (ptochos), may be translated "abject poverty." It reflects one translated "abject poverty." It reflects one who is virtually destitute, or in "imminent who is virtually destitute, or in "imminent danger of real starvation.”danger of real starvation.”


It describes the widow with the two mites It describes the widow with the two mites and Lazarus who has to beg. and Lazarus who has to beg. (Mk 12:42-44; Lk 16:20-21)(Mk 12:42-44; Lk 16:20-21)


NKJ NKJ Mark 12:42Mark 12:42 - Then one poor widow - Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 all those who have given to the treasury; 44 "for they all put in out of their abundance, but "for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”her whole livelihood.”


NKJ NKJ Luke 16:20Luke 16:20 - "But there was a certain - "But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 "desiring to be fed was laid at his gate, 21 "desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.licked his sores.


It described Jesus in his earthly state as It described Jesus in his earthly state as compared to heaven! compared to heaven! (2 Cor 8:9)(2 Cor 8:9)


NKJ NKJ 2 Corinthians 8:92 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.become rich.


Here Jesus is describing poverty of Here Jesus is describing poverty of spirit.spirit. (Psa 51:17)(Psa 51:17)


NKJ NKJ Psalm 51:17Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifices of God - The sacrifices of God are are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart -- These, O God, You will not despise.heart -- These, O God, You will not despise.


We must realize that we cannot impress We must realize that we cannot impress God! God! (Isa 64:6)(Isa 64:6)


NKJ NKJ Isaiah 64:6Isaiah 64:6 - But we are all like an - But we are all like an unclean unclean thing, thing, And all our righteousnesses And all our righteousnesses are are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.taken us away.


One’s attitude towards his sin in the One’s attitude towards his sin in the presence of God – presence of God – “mourning”“mourning” (Mt 5:4)(Mt 5:4)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:4Matthew 5:4 - Blessed - Blessed are are those who those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.mourn, For they shall be comforted.


The word mourn (pentheo) means "to The word mourn (pentheo) means "to bewail, lament, mourn for.“bewail, lament, mourn for.“


The word mourn (pentheo) means "to The word mourn (pentheo) means "to bewail, lament, mourn for.“bewail, lament, mourn for.“

Do we really take our sin seriously? Do we really take our sin seriously? (Lk 6:21)(Lk 6:21)


NKJ NKJ Luke 6:21Luke 6:21 - Blessed - Blessed are you are you who who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you are you who weep now, For you shall who weep now, For you shall laugh.laugh.


When we mourn over our sins we know we When we mourn over our sins we know we have offended God! have offended God! (Joel 2:12-13)(Joel 2:12-13)


NKJ NKJ Joel 2:12Joel 2:12 - " Now, therefore," says the - " Now, therefore," says the LORD, "Turn to Me with all your heart, LORD, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." 13 So rend your heart, and not mourning." 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He God, For He is is gracious and merciful, Slow gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.relents from doing harm.


One’s attitude towards his blessings in the One’s attitude towards his blessings in the presence of God – presence of God – “meekness.”“meekness.” (Mt 5:5)(Mt 5:5)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:5Matthew 5:5 - Blessed - Blessed are are the meek, the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.For they shall inherit the earth.


Meekness is “true composure, i.e., the Meekness is “true composure, i.e., the ability to be angry at the right times and ability to be angry at the right times and never angry at the wrong time. Rightly so, never angry at the wrong time. Rightly so, the Greeks used the Greeks used praus praus (meek) for a tamed (meek) for a tamed beast (a horse once wild, but now obedient beast (a horse once wild, but now obedient to bit and saddle)to bit and saddle)


Moses is a great example of meekness. Moses is a great example of meekness. (Num 12:3)(Num 12:3)


NKJ NKJ Numbers 12:3Numbers 12:3 - (Now the man Moses - (Now the man Moses was was very humble, more than all men who very humble, more than all men who were were on the face of the earth.)on the face of the earth.)


How do you respond to men who complain How do you respond to men who complain and murmur? and murmur? (Prov 16:32)(Prov 16:32)


NKJ NKJ Proverbs 16:32Proverbs 16:32 - - He who is He who is slow to slow to anger anger is is better than the mighty, And he who better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.rules his spirit than he who takes a city.


How do you respond to unfair and How do you respond to unfair and unreasonable people? unreasonable people? (Rom 12:21)(Rom 12:21)


NKJ NKJ Romans 12:21Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. by evil, but overcome evil with good.


One’s attitude towards the guidance from One’s attitude towards the guidance from God – God – “hunger and thirst.”“hunger and thirst.” – – (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:6Matthew 5:6 - Blessed - Blessed are are those who those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.shall be filled.


Are you teachable? You are if righteousness Are you teachable? You are if righteousness is your passion! is your passion! (Ps 25:4-5)(Ps 25:4-5)


NKJ NKJ Psalm 24:4Psalm 24:4 - He who has clean hands - He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.righteousness from the God of his salvation.


We want to know more about God and We want to know more about God and draw as close as we can to Him. draw as close as we can to Him. (Psa 63:1; Psa 84:1-5)(Psa 63:1; Psa 84:1-5)


NKJ NKJ Psalm 63:1Psalm 63:1 - O God, You - O God, You are are my my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.and thirsty land Where there is no water.


NKJ NKJ Psalm 84:1Psalm 84:1 - To the Chief Musician. - To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm of the On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. How lovely sons of Korah. How lovely is is Your Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. the living God.


3 Even the sparrow has found a home, And 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young -- may lay her young -- Even Even Your altars, O Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God. 4 LORD of hosts, My King and my God. 4 Blessed Blessed are are those who dwell in Your house; those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah 5 They will still be praising You. Selah 5 Blessed Blessed is is the man whose strength the man whose strength is is in in You, Whose heart You, Whose heart is is set on pilgrimage.set on pilgrimage.


These will not run from Bible study and These will not run from Bible study and isolate themselves from God's people. isolate themselves from God's people. (Mal 3:16-17)(Mal 3:16-17)


NKJ NKJ Malachi 3:16Malachi 3:16 - Then those who feared - Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard LORD listened and heard them; them; So a book of So a book of remembrance was written before Him For remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. 17 "They shall be Mine," says on His name. 17 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.”man spares his own son who serves him.”


Rather than feeding our souls on lust and Rather than feeding our souls on lust and revenge and other things of the world, let us revenge and other things of the world, let us fill ourselves on the righteousness of God! fill ourselves on the righteousness of God!

How this change of thinking How this change of thinking relates to others (Mt 5:7-12)relates to others (Mt 5:7-12)

NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:7Matthew 5:7 - Blessed - Blessed are are the the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed Blessed are are the pure in heart, For they shall the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed see God. 9 Blessed are are the peacemakers, the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. kingdom of heaven.


11 "Blessed are you when they revile and 11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 against you falsely for My sake. 12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is is your reward in heaven, for so they your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before persecuted the prophets who were before you.you.


Our response to others because of God’s Our response to others because of God’s response to us – response to us – “merciful” - (Mt 5:7)“merciful” - (Mt 5:7)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:7Matthew 5:7 - Blessed - Blessed are are the the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.


Do you know the blessing of God’s mercy? Do you know the blessing of God’s mercy? (Lk 18:13)(Lk 18:13)


NKJ NKJ Luke 18:13Luke 18:13 - "And the tax collector, - "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as standing afar off, would not so much as raise raise his his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!‘saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!‘


Consider the ten lepers received mercy Consider the ten lepers received mercy from Jesus. from Jesus. (Lk 17:13)(Lk 17:13)


Those who show no mercy do not fear God. Those who show no mercy do not fear God. (Jas 2:13)(Jas 2:13)


NKJ NKJ James 2:13James 2:13 - For judgment is without - For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.Mercy triumphs over judgment.


How many hate sinners who will not “make How many hate sinners who will not “make things right”?things right”?


Have you forgotten your forgiveness? Have you forgotten your forgiveness? (2 Pt 1:9)(2 Pt 1:9)


NKJ NKJ 2 Peter 1:92 Peter 1:9 - For he who lacks these - For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.his old sins.


Are you refusing to “make things right” so Are you refusing to “make things right” so that others will not “win”?that others will not “win”?


Our continuous way of thinking because of Our continuous way of thinking because of our desire for fellowship with God – our desire for fellowship with God – “pure in heart” (Mt 5:8)“pure in heart” (Mt 5:8)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:8Matthew 5:8 - Blessed - Blessed are are the pure in the pure in heart, For they shall see God.heart, For they shall see God.


"Blessed are those whose motives are "Blessed are those whose motives are absolutely unmixed, whose minds are absolutely unmixed, whose minds are utterly sincere, who are completely and utterly sincere, who are completely and totally single-minded." - J.B. Phillipstotally single-minded." - J.B. Phillips


We must have a single focus in this life. We must have a single focus in this life. When we have this everything will come When we have this everything will come from pure motives! from pure motives! (Mt 6:22-24; 2 Cor 11:2)(Mt 6:22-24; 2 Cor 11:2)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 6:22Matthew 6:22 - "The lamp of the - "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 "But if your eye is bad, your whole body 23 "But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great light that is in you is darkness, how great is is that darkness! that darkness!


24 "No one can serve two masters; for 24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.and mammon.


It is easy to recognize one whose complete It is easy to recognize one whose complete focus is God. They will not be hyper-focus is God. They will not be hyper-sensitive and evasive. sensitive and evasive.


Our work with others because of our Our work with others because of our relationship with God – relationship with God – “peacemakers” – “peacemakers” – (Mt 5:9) (Mt 5:9)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:9Matthew 5:9 - Blessed - Blessed are are the the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.of God.


Jesus is called the "prince of peace," but Jesus is called the "prince of peace," but how did He accomplish it? how did He accomplish it? (Isa 9:6; Jn 16:31-33)(Isa 9:6; Jn 16:31-33)


NKJ NKJ Isaiah 9:6Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a Child is - For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Prince of Peace.


NKJ NKJ John 16:31John 16:31 - Jesus answered them, "Do - Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32 "Indeed the hour is you now believe? 32 "Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 "These things I have Father is with Me. 33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.“of good cheer, I have overcome the world.“


We are to follow after peace We are to follow after peace (Rom. 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:13; 2 Tim. 2:22).(Rom. 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:13; 2 Tim. 2:22).


NKJ NKJ Romans 14:19Romans 14:19 - Therefore let us - Therefore let us pursue the things pursue the things which make which make for peace and for peace and the things by which one may edify another.the things by which one may edify another.


NKJ NKJ 1 Thessalonians 5:131 Thessalonians 5:13 - and to esteem - and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.sake. Be at peace among yourselves.


NKJ NKJ 2 Timothy 2:222 Timothy 2:22 - Flee also youthful - Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.of a pure heart.


Our relationship to a world that see us as Our relationship to a world that see us as radicals – radicals – “persecuted” – (Mt 5:12)“persecuted” – (Mt 5:12)


NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:10Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are those who - Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly My sake. 12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great glad, for great is is your reward in heaven, for so your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before they persecuted the prophets who were before you.you.


What will your response be? Jesus wants What will your response be? Jesus wants you to know about it a head of time so you to know about it a head of time so you can think about it and be prepared. you can think about it and be prepared. (Jn 15:18-21)(Jn 15:18-21)


NKJ NKJ John 15:18John 15:18 - " If the world hates you, - " If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before you know that it hated Me before it hated it hated you. 19 "If you were of the world, the world you. 19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. world, therefore the world hates you.


20 "Remember the word that I said to you, 20 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 "But all these things they will yours also. 21 "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.do not know Him who sent Me.


In these things you are “blessed” because In these things you are “blessed” because you are glorifying God!you are glorifying God!

How this thinking is used by God to change How this thinking is used by God to change the world. (Mt 5:13-16)the world. (Mt 5:13-16)

NKJ NKJ Matthew 5:13Matthew 5:13 - " You are the salt of - " You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 "You are the light of underfoot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. be hidden.


15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it 15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all gives light to all who are who are in the house. 16 in the house. 16 "Let your light so shine before men, that "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.your Father in heaven.


The great battle we face is to keep our The great battle we face is to keep our thinking and actions right. thinking and actions right. (Rom 12:2)(Rom 12:2)


NKJ NKJ Romans 12:2Romans 12:2 - And do not be - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what prove what is is that good and acceptable and that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.perfect will of God.


Churches can become worldly and make the Churches can become worldly and make the Lord sick. Lord sick. (Rev 3:15-17)(Rev 3:15-17)


NKJ NKJ Revelation 3:15Revelation 3:15 - "I know your works, - "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 "So then, because you you were cold or hot. 16 "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 "Because you vomit you out of My mouth. 17 "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' -- and do not know that you need of nothing' -- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked –naked –


Are you living a distinctive life for the Lord Are you living a distinctive life for the Lord or do you mix well with the churches or do you mix well with the churches of of men?men?


Are you living a distinctive life for the Lord Are you living a distinctive life for the Lord or do you mix well with the churches or do you mix well with the churches of of men?men?

The world laughs at your example but there The world laughs at your example but there will be those that see! will be those that see! (1 Pt 2:12)(1 Pt 2:12)


NKJ NKJ 1 Peter 2:121 Peter 2:12 - having your conduct - having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by may, by your your good works which they good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.visitation.


What is in your heart? What is in your heart?


What is in your heart? What is in your heart? Did you even look? You will never regret Did you even look? You will never regret

letting go of all thinking that conflicts letting go of all thinking that conflicts with what Jesus has taught.with what Jesus has taught.


Is Jesus outside of your heart? Is Jesus outside of your heart? (Rev 3:19-20)(Rev 3:19-20)


NKJ NKJ Revelation 3:19Revelation 3:19 - "As many as I love, - "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 "Behold, I stand at the door and repent. 20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.dine with him, and he with Me.

We pay careful attention when God We pay careful attention when God describes Himself!describes Himself!

Hebrews 8:11-12 (NKJV)Hebrews 8:11-12 (NKJV)11 11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know theand none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.of them to the greatest of them. 12 12 For I will For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,be merciful to their unrighteousness, and and their sinstheir sins £ £and their lawless deeds I will and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”remember no more.”


We have already learned that in the kingdom We have already learned that in the kingdom our goal is to become like the king. our goal is to become like the king.

Are you being conformed to His image? Are you being conformed to His image? (Rom 8:29)(Rom 8:29)

Do you “know the Lord?” Do you “know the Lord?” (Heb 8:11-12)(Heb 8:11-12) God has chosen to often describe Himself as God has chosen to often describe Himself as

“the God of peace.” “the God of peace.”


This is found six times in the New This is found six times in the New Testament. Testament. (Rom 15:33; 16:20; 2 Cor (Rom 15:33; 16:20; 2 Cor 13:11; Phil 4:9; 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 13:20)13:11; Phil 4:9; 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 13:20)


Romans 15:33 (NKJV)Romans 15:33 (NKJV) - Now the - Now the God of God of peacepeace bebe with you all. Amen. with you all. Amen.


Romans 16:20 (NKJV)Romans 16:20 (NKJV) - And the - And the God of God of peacepeace will crush Satan under your feet will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ bebe with you. Amen. with you. Amen.


2 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV) - Finally, - Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and peace; and the God of love and peacethe God of love and peace will will be with you.be with you.


Philippians 4:9 (NKJV)Philippians 4:9 (NKJV) - The things - The things which you learned and received and heard which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.peace will be with you.


1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV)1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV) - Now may - Now may the God of peacethe God of peace Himself sanctify you Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Hebrews 13:20 (NKJV)Hebrews 13:20 (NKJV) - Now - Now may the may the God of peaceGod of peace who brought up our Lord who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,everlasting covenant,


Consider how Jesus is described as “the Consider how Jesus is described as “the Lord of peace.” What does He want for Lord of peace.” What does He want for our lives? our lives? (2 Thess 3:16)(2 Thess 3:16)


2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NKJV)2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NKJV) - Now may - Now may the Lord of peacethe Lord of peace Himself give you peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord always in every way. The Lord bebe with you with you all.all.


To be like God is to be a “child of God.” To be like God is to be a “child of God.” Remember how Jesus described the Remember how Jesus described the citizen of the kingdom? citizen of the kingdom? (Mt 5:9)(Mt 5:9)


Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)Matthew 5:9 (NKJV) - Blessed - Blessed areare the the peacemakerspeacemakers,, For they shall be called For they shall be called sons of God.sons of God.


The kingdom of God is characterized by The kingdom of God is characterized by peace! peace! (Isa 11:1-2, 6-10)(Isa 11:1-2, 6-10)


Isaiah 11:1-2 (NKJV)Isaiah 11:1-2 (NKJV) - There shall come - There shall come forth forth a Rod from the stem of Jessea Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a , And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.


Isaiah 11:6-10 (NKJV)Isaiah 11:6-10 (NKJV) - “The wolf also - “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. straw like the ox.


8 The nursing child shall play by the 8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. 9 They shall put his hand in the viper’s den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. cover the sea.


10 “10 “And in that day there shall be a Root of And in that day there shall be a Root of JesseJesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the , Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.”And His resting place shall be glorious.”


That statement may come as a surprise to That statement may come as a surprise to you.you.


This king and His kingdom will be very This king and His kingdom will be very different from any kingdom that ever different from any kingdom that ever existed. Consider the prophecies and existed. Consider the prophecies and announcements surrounding His birth. announcements surrounding His birth. (Lk 1:79; 2:14)(Lk 1:79; 2:14)


Luke 1:79 (NKJV)Luke 1:79 (NKJV) - To give light to those - To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”peace.”


Luke 2:14 (NKJV)Luke 2:14 (NKJV) - “Glory to God in the - “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”toward men!”


Peace is the great work of all who have Peace is the great work of all who have yielded to the reign of God.yielded to the reign of God.


Peace is the great work of all who have Peace is the great work of all who have yielded to the reign of God.yielded to the reign of God.

What does peace mean?What does peace mean?

True peace begins with God.True peace begins with God.

What is peace?What is peace?


What is peace?What is peace? eirene ¤ AV - peace 89, one 1, rest 1, quietness eirene ¤ AV - peace 89, one 1, rest 1, quietness

1; 92 ¤ 1) a state of national tranquillity 1a) 1; 92 ¤ 1) a state of national tranquillity 1a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war 2) exemption from the rage and havoc of war 2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord 3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, concord 3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous). things safe and prosperous).


Who we seek peace with will make all the Who we seek peace with will make all the difference in our service to God.difference in our service to God.


Who we seek peace with will make all the Who we seek peace with will make all the difference in our service to God.difference in our service to God.

There is only one way to have peace with There is only one way to have peace with God.God. (Rom 5:1) (Rom 5:1)


Romans 5:1 (NKJV)Romans 5:1 (NKJV) - Therefore, having - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,God through our Lord Jesus Christ,


A living faith will lead us to this peace.A living faith will lead us to this peace.


Peace can only come through the blood of Peace can only come through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. (Col 1:20)(Col 1:20)


Colossians 1:20 (NKJV)Colossians 1:20 (NKJV) - and by Him to - and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His having made peace through the blood of His cross.cross.


This peace with God will lead us into the This peace with God will lead us into the one body with those we hated while in one body with those we hated while in the world. the world. (Eph 2:14-15)(Eph 2:14-15)


Ephesians 2:14-15 (NKJVEphesians 2:14-15 (NKJV) - For He ) - For He Himself is our peace, who has made both Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, flesh the enmity, that is,that is, the law of the law of commandments commandments containedcontained in ordinances, so in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man as to create in Himself one new man fromfrom the two, the two, thusthus making peace, making peace,


When we choose peace with God we will When we choose peace with God we will find ourselves at war with the world!find ourselves at war with the world!


We must always ask ourselves the question: We must always ask ourselves the question: “Whose peace do we want?” “Whose peace do we want?” (Jam 4:4-6)(Jam 4:4-6)


James 4:4-6 (NKJV)James 4:4-6 (NKJV) - Adulterers and - Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? yearns jealously”?


6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: says: “God resists the proud, But gives “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”grace to the humble.”


We will even find the war coming within We will even find the war coming within the church against those who wish to the church against those who wish to please men. please men. (Gal 1:10)(Gal 1:10)


Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) - For do I now - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.would not be a bondservant of Christ.


Some who cry for peace the loudest want Some who cry for peace the loudest want peace with the world! peace with the world! (Jer 6:14-15)(Jer 6:14-15)


Jeremiah 6:14-15 (NKJV) Jeremiah 6:14-15 (NKJV) - They have also - They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When ‘Peace, peace!’ When there isthere is no peace. 15 no peace. 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down,” says the LORD.down,” says the LORD.

We must fight for peace with the citizens We must fight for peace with the citizens of the kingdomof the kingdom

The Lord makes it clear that finding peace The Lord makes it clear that finding peace with other Christians is not easy.with other Christians is not easy.


The Lord makes it clear that finding peace The Lord makes it clear that finding peace with other Christians is not easy.with other Christians is not easy.

We must seek and pursue it. A casual We must seek and pursue it. A casual profession is not enough. profession is not enough. (1 Pt 3:10-11)(1 Pt 3:10-11)


1 Peter 3:10-11 (NKJV) 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NKJV) - For - For “He who “He who would love life And see good days, Let him would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. from speaking deceit. 11 11 Let himLet him turn away turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. and pursue it.


As we flee sin we must pursue peace. As we flee sin we must pursue peace. (2 Tim 2:22)(2 Tim 2:22)


2 Timothy 2:22 (NKJV)2 Timothy 2:22 (NKJV) - Flee also - Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.Lord out of a pure heart.


If we do not pursue peace we will not see If we do not pursue peace we will not see the Lord. the Lord. (Heb 12:14)(Heb 12:14)


Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) - Pursue peace - Pursue peace with all with all people,people, and holiness, without which and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:no one will see the Lord:


Why is peace with our brethren difficult?Why is peace with our brethren difficult?


Why is peace with our brethren difficult?Why is peace with our brethren difficult? Because we tend to look out for our Because we tend to look out for our

interests and not our brethren. interests and not our brethren. (Rom 15:1)(Rom 15:1)


Because we do not have a love for the Because we do not have a love for the things of the Lord (which are the people things of the Lord (which are the people of the Lord!) of the Lord!)



Because of the pressure of the world to Because of the pressure of the world to accept their standards. accept their standards.



Because of the pressure of the world to Because of the pressure of the world to accept their standards. accept their standards.

We must keep learning how to be at peace We must keep learning how to be at peace with one another. with one another. (Gal 5:22-23)(Gal 5:22-23)


I have a sermon called “Some Lessons that I have a sermon called “Some Lessons that Do not Stay Learned.” This is especially Do not Stay Learned.” This is especially true of our relationship with each other.true of our relationship with each other.


I have a sermon called “Some Lessons that I have a sermon called “Some Lessons that Do not Stay Learned.” This is especially Do not Stay Learned.” This is especially true of our relationship with each other.true of our relationship with each other.

Our relationship with God depends on our Our relationship with God depends on our seeking peace with one another. seeking peace with one another. (2 Cor 13:11)(2 Cor 13:11)


2 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV) - Finally, - Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.be with you.


One of the worst things that could happen One of the worst things that could happen to a church is for the membership to to a church is for the membership to become overconfident and lazy. Satan will become overconfident and lazy. Satan will take advantage of this.take advantage of this.


What kind of kingdom has its followers What kind of kingdom has its followers fight each other?fight each other?

How is peace found in the kingdom of God?How is peace found in the kingdom of God?

We must preach the gospel of peace without We must preach the gospel of peace without compromise. compromise. (Acts 10:36; Rom 10:15)(Acts 10:36; Rom 10:15)


Acts 10:36 (NKJV) Acts 10:36 (NKJV) - The word which - The word which GodGod sent to the children of Israel, sent to the children of Israel, preaching preaching peacepeace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—all—


Romans 10:15 (NKJV) Romans 10:15 (NKJV) - And how shall - And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: written: “How beautiful are the feet of those “How beautiful are the feet of those whowho preach the gospel of peace, Who bring preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”glad tidings of good things!”


Some will find peace while many will go to Some will find peace while many will go to war against you! war against you! (Mt 10:34-39)(Mt 10:34-39)


Matthew 10:34-39 (NKJV) – Matthew 10:34-39 (NKJV) – 34 “Do not 34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35For I have come to 35For I have come to ‘set‘set a man against his a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’;law’; 36and 36and ‘a man’s enemies will be those ‘a man’s enemies will be those of hisof his ownown household.’household.’


37 He who loves father or mother more 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.find it.


Please remember where true peace comes. Please remember where true peace comes. Without a biblical faith there will never be Without a biblical faith there will never be peace. peace. (Phil 3:18-19; 1 Cor 11:19)(Phil 3:18-19; 1 Cor 11:19)


Philippians 3:18-19 (NKJV)Philippians 3:18-19 (NKJV) - For many - For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, now tell you even weeping, that they arethat they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19whose the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19whose end end isis destruction, whose god destruction, whose god is theiris their belly, belly, and and whosewhose glory glory isis in their shame—who set in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. their mind on earthly things.


1 Corinthians 11:19 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 11:19 (NKJV) - For there - For there must also be factions among you, that those must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized who are approved may be recognized among you.among you.


In conversion Christ must come to reign In conversion Christ must come to reign with our hearts. with our hearts. (Rom 14:17-21)(Rom 14:17-21)


Romans 14:17-21 (NKJV)Romans 14:17-21 (NKJV) - for the - for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things these things isis acceptable to God and acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things pursue the things which makewhich make for peace and for peace and the things by which one may edify another. the things by which one may edify another.


20 Do not destroy the work of God for the 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed sake of food. All things indeed areare pure, but pure, but it isit is evil for the man who eats with offense. evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 21 It isIt is good neither to eat meat nor drink good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor wine nor do anythingdo anything by which your brother by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.stumbles or is offended or is made weak.


We now only want that which is We now only want that which is “acceptable to God.”“acceptable to God.”


As we mature we put others above As we mature we put others above ourselves because we view our brethren as ourselves because we view our brethren as Christ does. Christ does. (1 Cor 8:11-13)(1 Cor 8:11-13)


1 Corinthians 8:11-13 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 8:11-13 (NKJV)- And - And because of your knowledge shall the weak because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12But brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12But when you thus sin against the brethren, and when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if food makes against Christ. 13Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.meat, lest I make my brother stumble.


This is the calling of all that find salvation. This is the calling of all that find salvation. (Col 3:15)(Col 3:15)


Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) - And let the - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be also you were called in one body; and be thankful.thankful.


Am I growing in my service to God?Am I growing in my service to God?


Am I growing in my service to God?Am I growing in my service to God? Am I increasingly displaying the “mind of Am I increasingly displaying the “mind of

Christ?” Christ?” (Phil 2:1-5)(Phil 2:1-5)


Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)- - LetLet nothing nothing be be donedone through selfish ambition or conceit, through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4Let each of you others better than himself. 4Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.also for the interests of others.


Do I view my life’s purpose as pursing Do I view my life’s purpose as pursing peace with my brethren? peace with my brethren? (Eph 4:1-3)(Eph 4:1-3)


Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV)Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV) - I, therefore, the - I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.


Romans 8:6 (NKJV)Romans 8:6 (NKJV)- For to be carnally - For to be carnally minded minded isis death, but to be spiritually death, but to be spiritually minded minded isis life and peace. life and peace.


Do you really want to be in the kingdom of Do you really want to be in the kingdom of God? There are some lions who would God? There are some lions who would rather eat the lambs!rather eat the lambs!



We need men who will fight a war for We need men who will fight a war for peace!peace!



We need men who will fight a war for We need men who will fight a war for peace!peace!

Problems cannot be ignored. They will only Problems cannot be ignored. They will only grow. grow. (Heb 12:15)(Heb 12:15)


Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV)Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV) - looking carefully - looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;defiled;


Why is it easier to use Satan’s wisdom and Why is it easier to use Satan’s wisdom and call it God’s?call it God’s?


Why is it easier to use Satan’s wisdom and Why is it easier to use Satan’s wisdom and call it God’s?call it God’s?

Am I really involved in seeking the peace Am I really involved in seeking the peace of God? of God? (James 3:13-18)(James 3:13-18)


James 3:13-18 (NKJV)James 3:13-18 (NKJV) - Who - Who isis wise and wise and understanding among you? Let him show understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct by good conduct thatthat his works his works are doneare done in in the meekness of wisdom. 14But if you have the meekness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. do not boast and lie against the truth. 15This wisdom does not descend from 15This wisdom does not descend from above, but above, but isis earthly, sensual, demonic. earthly, sensual, demonic.


16 For where envy and self-seeking 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist,exist, confusion and every evil thing confusion and every evil thing areare there. 17 there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.by those who make peace.


Are you that approachable person that Are you that approachable person that another could trust with their problems?another could trust with their problems?


Are you that approachable person that Are you that approachable person that another could trust with their problems?another could trust with their problems?

Are you one who would defend “the faith” Are you one who would defend “the faith” when others would water down the gospel when others would water down the gospel to “please men?”to “please men?” (Gal 1:10) (Gal 1:10)


Galatians 1:10 (NKJV)Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) - For do I now - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.would not be a bondservant of Christ.

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