LUKE 24:36–43 Our Lord appeared among his disciples with remarkably gracious words: “Peace to you” (v. 36). This greeting is all the more striking when we consider to whom it was spoken. Only days earlier, these men had forsaken him and fled. Their bold promises had collapsed into fear. One had denied him three times, … Continue reading Peace After Failure
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“When the Risen Christ Speaks Peace”
John 20:19–23 When the risen Jesus first appeared to His disciples, His opening words were: “Peace be with you.” This was no empty greeting. After their failure, fear, and confusion, Jesus did not meet them with blame or rebuke. His first word from beyond the tomb was peace—peace grounded in His finished work, His shed … Continue reading “When the Risen Christ Speaks Peace”
Promised Peace for Troubled Hearts
Have you ever felt abandoned? Left alone to suffer in silence? Jesus prepares his followers for His departure, but He promises not to leave us as spiritual orphans. He promises to come to us and send the Spirit into our hearts so that we always experience His abiding presence and promised peace. In John 14:27, … Continue reading Promised Peace for Troubled Hearts
Transforming the Fearful into the Faithful – A Prayer Guide for John 20:19-23
Praying Scripture | John 20:19–23 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his … Continue reading Transforming the Fearful into the Faithful – A Prayer Guide for John 20:19-23
Pursuing Peaceful Relationships
I. What does God value? God is a peace-loving God who values PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIPS. The wisdom sayings of Proverbs show us that God values peaceful relationships. God’s love for peace reflects the mutual love, respect, and communion that exists within the Holy Trinity. Hear this strong statement from the pen of Solomon: “The LORD hates … Continue reading Pursuing Peaceful Relationships
In the Soil of a Thankful Heart
My Grandmother Rose was known all around our community for how she responded to the simple question: "How are you doing?" Her classic response always was: “I’m thankful.” In times of sorrow and in times of joy, “I’m thankful.” In times of abundance and in times of scarcity, “I’m thankful.” My Grandmother spoke in the … Continue reading In the Soil of a Thankful Heart
We Love God’s People
Membership Vow #5 Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the church, promising to promote its purity, peace, and unity? Core Value: CONNECT Core Value: We believe that the gospel creates a nurturing community where love rules every relationship. Outcome: All who come into our church family will experience genuine friendship and … Continue reading We Love God’s People
A Prayer to Pursue Peaceful Relationships
God, our gracious, heavenly Father, you are our dependably steady and warmly personal God. Those qualities so frequently elude us. Show us the path of self-denying, sacrificial love. Grant us endurance and encouragement to love those who are different than us. Those who disappoint us and even those who hurt us. Show us how to … Continue reading A Prayer to Pursue Peaceful Relationships
A Prayer for those Facing Conflict and Dissension
O Father, Jesus Christ is among us as our peace, but we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. We long for the end of hostilities in our families, with our friends and in our world. We confess that we are often anxious and angry over … Continue reading A Prayer for those Facing Conflict and Dissension
A Prayer for The Dying and Those Who Care for Them
O Father, may your salvation surround us who live and walk under the shadow of death. Draw near to your dying children. By simple faith in your undying grace may they have peace in the hour of their departing. Draw near to those caught up in the rawness of a new grief. Enable them to … Continue reading A Prayer for The Dying and Those Who Care for Them