Blessed are the Peacemakers

1. Blessed are the Peacemakers John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.

2. Fallen Humanity is Self-destructing • Of the last 3,421 years –only 268 years been without war! Will Durant, “Lessons of History.” • Sinful man is always at War! • "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.“ John 16:33

3. God initiated His own “Peace Initiative” by sending Jesus! • Prophesied by Isaiah: “The Prince of Peace.” • Birth—”Peace on earth and good will to men.” • Ministry: Preached gospel of peace! • Ascension: Left earthly Jerusalem—to heavenly Jerusalem! • Jerusalem: “City of Peace.”

4. Jewish and Christian Heritage • Jewish greetings/salutations: “Shalom” = Peace to you • Paul used it in greetings/salutations • Grace be to you, and peace , from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 1:2 • “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” Rom 15:33

5. What Peacemaking is not • Not “in the world” solving national and international conflicts. • We can pray! 1 Tim 2:2 Pray for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. • Jesus did not come to bring world peace.

6. Jesus does expect peace from his disciples. • Titus 3:2-5 …malign no one, be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us . . . • Where are you in your own spirit?

7. The Reign of God is characterized by Peace. • God is the “God not a God of confusion, but of peace.” I Cor 14:33 • Isa 9:7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace.” • Word is found in every NT book! • 88 times in NT---never “world peace.”

8. Peacemaking is not Peace Loving • Most everyone wants and loves peace • Jesus did not say: “Blessed are the peace lovers but peace makers.” • Peace lovers sometimes just avoid and become a part of the problem! • Peace makers are AGGRESSIVE IN PEACE LOVING • Peace makers INITIATE RECONCILATION • “Seek peace and pursue it!” I Peter 3:11

9. What is peace making? • Matt 5:22 "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ' You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. • 23 "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

10. What is peace making? • Matt 18:15-17 "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 "If he refuses to listen to them, then tell it to the church.”

11. What is peace making? • Whether you are the offended or the offender you are to take the initiative to restore peace. • If followed: Two true disciples will never be alienated from each other. • Caring enough to face awkward situations is difficult! Gal 6:1

12. Never be a peacemaker unless . . • “Poor in spirit” – humble. • “Meek” – renounced our “rights” • “Hunger and Thirst Righteousness” –do what is right regardless! • “Merciful” – Willing to forgive! • “Pure in heart” – Single minded devotion

13. What is peace making? • When you step in and interrupt the vicious cycle of ill-will which dominates the lives of those who are alienated from God, themselves and others! • When we do that, we do what Jesus did for us and become “sons of God!” • Prayers are requested as we reach out to those who left Oldham Woods. . .

14. Jesus was the ultimate “peace maker.” • 1 Peter 2:22-23 “While being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; • Matt 5:43-45 " You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven

15. The Peace Maker becomes the World’s SHOCK ABSORBER! • Absorb and do not pass it on . . . • CHOICE: • Either Absorb it – repress it –blow up! • Absorb it – defuse it! • Are you a shock absorber? • “Turn the other cheek?” • “Be willing to be personally defrauded?”

16. ABSORB 47 TIMES THEIR OWN WEIGHT IN EXCESS STOMACH ACID.” Are you “Acid” or “Rolaids?” Blessed are the “Rolaids.”

17. Why Peacemakers are called “sons of God?” • Jesus provided reconciliation by absorbing our shocks, bruises, sins and hurts! • Isaiah 53: • He was wounded by our transgressions • He was bruised for our iniquities • The chastisement of our peace was upon him. • By His stripes we are healed. • He absorbed our sins – he defused them!

18. Are you a peace maker? • Do you need to make peace with any one? • Do you need to make peace with God? • Rom 10:15 How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace , and bring glad tidings of good things. • Respond to the initiative of Jesus to reconcile you to the father!