The God of Peace posted by jwatson on Dec 07, 2011

The simplicity and sufficiency of the EE gospel presentation:

The God of peace, and people’s response to Him:

In presenting the gospel, we proclaim the truth that God desires peace between Himself and His people, peace with one another, and harmonious, benevolent relationships with the entire created order.

Peace at any price – even the life of His own beloved Son.

Why is it important to tell people that He is a God of peace?

Many people live a life of anxiety, traumatized by conflict between social strata, between nations, races, cultures, men and women, parents and children, rich and poor. To them the promise of peace and unity is extremely attractive. This world is characterized by division, alienation, fear, greed and worry. These things drive us away from one another. The ultimate loneliness is expressed in the term “god-forsaken,” and the ultimate joy is to be able to say “Abba, Father,” to confess that our highest purpose is to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever” (Westminster Confession). What glorious news it is, to reveal to those who are lost, abandoned and lonely that in Christ they can belong, find acceptance and unconditional love! In the

words of that song: “I’m forgiven, because He was forsaken, I’m accepted, He was condemned …” (Chris Tomlin – “Amazing Love”).

Time and time again I have heard Christ-followers give testimony of how they were on the brink of giving up, often depressed or suicidal, because of a terrible loneliness, even though they were among many friends, acquaintances or workmates, desperately longing for acceptance and love. And how, having received Christ, that has all changed. Now the person’s life is characterized by self-assurance, significant and healthy relationships, a sense of community and selfless service.

As Jesus said, and we echo: “my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” John 14:27

That is why –

When sharing your faith, tell people that Jesus Christ died, the perfect sacrifice of a perfect life, to make peace with God and with one another possible. He took away the sin and the guilt that separates us from God and one another, and dealt with it once and forever by the shedding of His precious blood.

In the words of Scripture: “… and now, may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20-21