WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.740 We can turn this one off and get this one on. 00:00:09.740 --> 00:00:10.839 Well, how's everybody? 00:00:12.519 --> 00:00:13.060 Good. 00:00:13.980 --> 00:00:16.420 Anybody remember when this happened on the screen? 00:00:17.640 --> 00:00:18.240 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.179 Not that. 00:00:36.859 --> 00:00:37.600 Pass that. 00:00:37.659 --> 00:00:38.000 There we go. 00:00:38.179 --> 00:00:38.480 Perfect. 00:00:38.880 --> 00:00:39.299 That'll work. 00:00:39.380 --> 00:00:39.659 Thank you. 00:00:40.019 --> 00:00:42.079 This was called the Christmas Truce. 00:00:42.880 --> 00:00:45.000 1914, the Christmas Truce. 00:00:45.759 --> 00:00:52.420 During World War I, soldiers on both sides of the Western Front did the impossible. 00:00:52.420 --> 00:01:03.480 On Christmas Eve, British and German troops put down their weapons, climbed out of their trenches, and met in the middle of what they called No Man's Land. 00:01:04.379 --> 00:01:08.320 That stretch of land in between both sides of the battlefield. 00:01:09.219 --> 00:01:10.599 They sang Christmas carols. 00:01:11.159 --> 00:01:12.240 They exchanged gifts. 00:01:13.120 --> 00:01:14.640 They even played a soccer match. 00:01:15.780 --> 00:01:19.120 For some of them it was called football, but that's because they don't know what real football is. 00:01:19.120 --> 00:01:23.800 For one night, the war stopped. 00:01:24.520 --> 00:01:27.120 Not because the armies had resolved their conflict. 00:01:27.320 --> 00:01:28.480 It was far from over. 00:01:29.160 --> 00:01:34.380 But because peace had stepped into the middle of it and interrupted this war. 00:01:35.360 --> 00:01:37.100 That peace was Christmas. 00:01:38.219 --> 00:01:40.980 And that is still what Christmas is about today. 00:01:41.200 --> 00:01:46.560 God's peace interrupting the war within and around us. 00:01:46.560 --> 00:01:48.359 Our internal battles. 00:01:48.879 --> 00:01:50.680 The rivalries we cling to. 00:01:51.600 --> 00:01:54.719 And what Christmas does is calls a truce. 00:01:55.460 --> 00:01:56.640 Let's go to Isaiah. 00:01:57.299 --> 00:01:59.879 Isaiah chapter 9 and verse 6. 00:02:00.159 --> 00:02:02.540 I pulled these off the internet. 00:02:03.900 --> 00:02:05.260 Let me see if I can get this thing working. 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:07.920 It's a weekly struggle. 00:02:08.759 --> 00:02:09.480 There we go. 00:02:09.560 --> 00:02:09.920 Thank you. 00:02:09.919 --> 00:02:15.099 This one was down in the trenches opening some of the gifts. 00:02:15.199 --> 00:02:20.699 Those are the German soldiers there in 1914 during World War I that they had exchanged. 00:02:21.039 --> 00:02:22.319 Would you take me on to the next one? 00:02:22.359 --> 00:02:24.259 This thing is not cooperating. 00:02:25.419 --> 00:02:26.599 You know, it might be out of batteries. 00:02:26.799 --> 00:02:28.319 I don't know if we have any batteries up there. 00:02:29.039 --> 00:02:32.279 It takes two AAAs because the light's not coming on as usual. 00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:37.000 I don't know if y'all have any AAAs on hand. 00:02:37.460 --> 00:02:38.060 Appreciate it. 00:02:38.560 --> 00:02:40.920 Until then, we'll just try to, if y'all can follow along. 00:02:41.080 --> 00:02:43.500 And that means the guys on the deck are going to have to pay attention this time. 00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:44.699 I'm just kidding with you. 00:02:44.740 --> 00:02:45.300 They always do. 00:02:45.979 --> 00:02:47.780 But yeah, they played soccer together. 00:02:48.120 --> 00:02:48.780 This is fun. 00:02:48.920 --> 00:02:50.960 Isaiah chapter 9 and verse 6. 00:02:51.340 --> 00:02:57.420 Let's look at a truce that God is bringing to us in our hearts, in our conflict. 00:02:57.419 --> 00:03:01.579 A child is born to us. 00:03:01.679 --> 00:03:03.919 Isaiah chapter 9 verses 6 and 7. 00:03:05.179 --> 00:03:07.639 A son is given to us. 00:03:08.779 --> 00:03:15.179 The government will rest on his shoulders and he will be called, can we say it together? 00:03:16.179 --> 00:03:23.399 Wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace. 00:03:23.400 --> 00:03:27.400 Then his government and its peace will never end. 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:32.000 I want to introduce you to this concept called sar shalom. 00:03:33.560 --> 00:03:34.780 Sar shalom. 00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:37.719 You take us to the next slide. 00:03:38.300 --> 00:03:40.259 The word is pronounced sar shalom. 00:03:40.580 --> 00:03:43.659 It means prince of peace. 00:03:44.540 --> 00:03:47.620 See on this next slide what shalom means. 00:03:48.040 --> 00:03:50.259 How many of y'all heard this word shalom before? 00:03:50.259 --> 00:03:53.439 You take us on up to the next one. 00:03:54.259 --> 00:03:55.039 Sar shalom. 00:03:55.500 --> 00:03:55.919 There you go. 00:03:56.679 --> 00:03:58.399 I know it's twitchy. 00:03:58.840 --> 00:03:59.239 Here we go. 00:03:59.439 --> 00:03:59.959 Thank you, Matt. 00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:01.139 Look at that. 00:04:01.620 --> 00:04:01.979 Perfect. 00:04:02.120 --> 00:04:02.579 I got it now. 00:04:03.699 --> 00:04:05.239 Appreciate y'all technical difficulties. 00:04:05.679 --> 00:04:06.479 It's a reality. 00:04:07.840 --> 00:04:10.739 The word is pronounced sar shalom meaning prince of peace. 00:04:10.979 --> 00:04:13.280 This is one of the names that we read in this. 00:04:13.639 --> 00:04:15.379 Y'all heard this passage of Christmas time before? 00:04:16.019 --> 00:04:17.360 Yeah, it's pretty familiar, right? 00:04:18.240 --> 00:04:19.959 What do we mean by shalom? 00:04:19.959 --> 00:04:24.939 Often it just gets interpreted as peace, translated as peace. 00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:26.759 But it's much more than that. 00:04:27.139 --> 00:04:29.259 Anybody come from a Jewish background in here? 00:04:29.859 --> 00:04:30.159 Anybody? 00:04:31.019 --> 00:04:32.719 I was going to say you would be the authority on this. 00:04:32.819 --> 00:04:39.959 But from what I understand from studying this out, a Jew would tell you shalom means so much more than just peace. 00:04:39.959 --> 00:04:44.939 It means harmony, completeness, wholeness is probably the key word here. 00:04:44.939 --> 00:04:45.939 Wholeness. 00:04:46.339 --> 00:04:49.319 And it could even invoke prosperity, well-being. 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:50.319 It means being whole. 00:04:50.319 --> 00:04:51.319 It means being complete. 00:04:51.319 --> 00:04:53.099 Being complete. 00:04:53.599 --> 00:04:57.259 Having everything in your life as it should be. 00:04:57.420 --> 00:04:59.819 That doesn't necessarily mean that there are no problems. 00:05:00.219 --> 00:05:02.699 Doesn't necessarily mean that there's no adversity. 00:05:03.240 --> 00:05:06.339 But it means it is well with your soul. 00:05:06.339 --> 00:05:11.839 You recognize the wholeness and the completeness found in God. 00:05:12.000 --> 00:05:14.739 And that is what this shalom comes from. 00:05:15.539 --> 00:05:18.359 So can you look at the person next to you? 00:05:18.519 --> 00:05:20.319 Because we like to make it awkward and uncomfortable. 00:05:20.799 --> 00:05:24.539 Can you look at the person next to you and say, shalom upon you? 00:05:24.540 --> 00:05:28.180 That was really nice. 00:05:28.260 --> 00:05:30.680 Probably the nicest thing you've said to anybody all day. 00:05:32.580 --> 00:05:33.400 Look at that. 00:05:33.920 --> 00:05:34.360 All right. 00:05:34.500 --> 00:05:36.780 So we got this idea of sar shalom. 00:05:36.960 --> 00:05:45.400 So when Jesus says, when Isaiah is writing about Jesus, and then Jesus is called the prince of peace, and he says, I came to bring peace. 00:05:45.540 --> 00:05:47.800 He's talking about this shalom. 00:05:48.040 --> 00:05:48.560 Can we say it? 00:05:49.200 --> 00:05:49.640 Shalom. 00:05:50.080 --> 00:05:50.379 Yes. 00:05:51.160 --> 00:05:52.300 So that's who he is. 00:05:52.300 --> 00:05:56.439 He's here to bring wholeness, completeness. 00:05:56.759 --> 00:05:59.620 But why do our lives feel incomplete? 00:06:01.740 --> 00:06:04.060 Why don't we feel whole? 00:06:07.080 --> 00:06:10.699 This is the foundation of the Christmas season. 00:06:11.900 --> 00:06:22.280 Christmas is God stepping into this world, our world, your world, my world, to bring real, lasting shalom. 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:25.660 So let's see what Paul has to say about this. 00:06:25.980 --> 00:06:27.480 Can we go over to Ephesians chapter 2? 00:06:28.100 --> 00:06:33.199 Ephesians chapter 2, we're going to look verses 14 down through 17. 00:06:33.939 --> 00:06:37.259 As you turn to Ephesians 2, we read an Old Testament passage. 00:06:37.379 --> 00:06:38.900 Now we're going to a New Testament passage. 00:06:39.199 --> 00:06:46.120 I want to remind you we're in the second week of our Christmas Advent series called The Gift is Waiting. 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:50.240 Anybody remember what Advent theme we talked about last Sunday? 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:53.540 Say it loud and proud, y'all. 00:06:53.980 --> 00:06:54.420 Hope. 00:06:54.480 --> 00:06:54.920 That's it. 00:06:54.939 --> 00:06:55.819 We talked about hope. 00:06:56.139 --> 00:06:58.000 I hope you remember that. 00:06:59.439 --> 00:07:00.060 Dad joke. 00:07:00.160 --> 00:07:00.399 All right. 00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:04.519 Last week, we saw that hope is found in trusting God's timing. 00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:07.840 Times of waiting are never wasted. 00:07:07.839 --> 00:07:16.119 This week, we're going to look at the gift waiting for us in peace or shalom that is found in Jesus alone. 00:07:16.239 --> 00:07:19.639 So Ephesians chapter 2, verses 14 through 17. 00:07:20.120 --> 00:07:21.000 I'll begin and read. 00:07:21.339 --> 00:07:26.259 For Christ himself has brought peace, remember, shalom to us. 00:07:26.259 --> 00:07:39.039 He united the Jews and Gentiles into one people when he, in his own body on the cross, broke down the wall of hostility between us that separated us. 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:43.180 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. 00:07:43.579 --> 00:07:52.539 Man, in the last series, before we started this Christmas series, we talked about the law and how the law was there for a purpose to show us how we could never be right with God. 00:07:53.539 --> 00:07:54.060 Isn't that crazy? 00:07:54.060 --> 00:08:00.180 That's what laws and regulations and rules are there for, to show you how bad you are at obeying them. 00:08:01.980 --> 00:08:09.699 Sure, it's to keep you, in theory, from breaking them, but rules are made to be broken. 00:08:09.840 --> 00:08:11.840 There's a reason y'all knew the answer to that. 00:08:13.819 --> 00:08:18.939 Because oftentimes, well, pretty much all the time, that's what humanity does. 00:08:19.139 --> 00:08:21.160 You set a rule, somebody's going to break it. 00:08:21.840 --> 00:08:23.060 Many are going to break it. 00:08:23.060 --> 00:08:26.899 I know all y'all drive under the speed limit, right? 00:08:28.060 --> 00:08:29.480 Max, right up, yes. 00:08:29.959 --> 00:08:32.539 Michael, Ferris, you probably do drive under the speed. 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:33.539 Kidding with me. 00:08:33.960 --> 00:08:40.360 But listen, it is so essential to keep God's laws. 00:08:40.440 --> 00:08:45.600 It's the only hope we have of peace or shalom in this world. 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:49.720 But God gave us those laws knowing we wouldn't be able to. 00:08:50.500 --> 00:08:57.379 So when Jesus came, it says, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 00:08:57.700 --> 00:08:58.700 How did you do this? 00:08:58.700 --> 00:09:02.300 By ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. 00:09:02.300 --> 00:09:04.720 He said it's not about the rules anymore. 00:09:05.720 --> 00:09:12.100 Now it's about having a meaningful relationship with Jesus and letting the Holy Spirit of God transform you. 00:09:12.220 --> 00:09:14.140 Not just make you a rule follower. 00:09:14.139 --> 00:09:16.980 Make you a whole new person. 00:09:16.980 --> 00:09:19.679 And we talked about a lot of that in our last series. 00:09:19.819 --> 00:09:23.059 But it applies today in our study of shalom or peace. 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:29.759 So it says his purpose in doing all this, in replacing the laws with himself. 00:09:30.259 --> 00:09:33.179 His purpose was to create, what does it say? 00:09:33.179 --> 00:09:37.039 In himself, one new people. 00:09:38.699 --> 00:09:42.839 God wants First Baptist Henrietta to be new people. 00:09:43.519 --> 00:09:45.219 One new people. 00:09:46.419 --> 00:09:48.439 Out of the two groups. 00:09:49.759 --> 00:09:53.679 God's people, the Jews, the Gentiles who were far off. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:56.239 He wants to bring them together. 00:09:56.819 --> 00:10:03.000 Because the truth was, God's people never pursued God with their whole hearts. 00:10:04.099 --> 00:10:06.500 They had a hard time keeping those laws. 00:10:06.879 --> 00:10:09.279 Just like you and I would have a hard time keeping those laws. 00:10:10.399 --> 00:10:12.479 They could never do it from the heart. 00:10:13.279 --> 00:10:16.979 So there was really no difference between the Jews and the Gentiles. 00:10:17.139 --> 00:10:19.779 Because neither of them were following God from the heart. 00:10:20.599 --> 00:10:24.319 So God made a way for both of them to come together into one new people. 00:10:25.339 --> 00:10:27.599 And thus make peace. 00:10:28.019 --> 00:10:29.079 In one body. 00:10:29.439 --> 00:10:30.319 To reconcile. 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:32.679 We love reconciling, don't we? 00:10:33.179 --> 00:10:40.939 Hopefully if you're going to get together with family that you're not reconciled with before this Christmas holiday. 00:10:41.059 --> 00:10:42.639 I hope that you're able to reconcile. 00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:45.179 Either before or while you're there. 00:10:45.699 --> 00:10:46.559 And make peace. 00:10:47.139 --> 00:10:49.819 Because often times there can be strife in families. 00:10:49.820 --> 00:10:52.240 I hope reconciliation can come for you. 00:10:53.080 --> 00:10:55.140 But that's what God wants for us. 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:59.160 In one body to reconcile both of us to God. 00:10:59.280 --> 00:11:01.780 Because the truth is the relationship was broken. 00:11:02.460 --> 00:11:03.840 It was fractured. 00:11:04.260 --> 00:11:05.560 It could not be okay. 00:11:05.700 --> 00:11:07.360 So everything's okay between me and God. 00:11:07.820 --> 00:11:11.000 Not unless God has reconciled you to him. 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:13.159 Then everything's not okay. 00:11:14.299 --> 00:11:15.500 That's only through Jesus. 00:11:16.080 --> 00:11:17.500 So he writes about it here. 00:11:18.399 --> 00:11:19.320 He says one body. 00:11:19.460 --> 00:11:24.399 He can reconcile both of us to God through the cross of Jesus Christ. 00:11:24.679 --> 00:11:25.820 Say why did Jesus die? 00:11:25.940 --> 00:11:26.899 To pay for our sins. 00:11:26.980 --> 00:11:28.340 It's so much more than that. 00:11:28.940 --> 00:11:31.759 It's restoring a broken relationship between man and God. 00:11:31.759 --> 00:11:40.559 And by which this cross he came and he put to death the hostility between the two groups. 00:11:41.559 --> 00:11:45.080 He came and preached peace. 00:11:46.299 --> 00:11:46.679 Shalom. 00:11:47.819 --> 00:11:49.899 To you who were far away. 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:51.519 And peace. 00:11:52.240 --> 00:11:52.620 Shalom. 00:11:53.139 --> 00:11:54.259 To you who were near. 00:11:54.860 --> 00:11:56.379 That brings us to point number one. 00:11:57.100 --> 00:12:01.319 Jesus brings a truce to the wars inside us. 00:12:01.759 --> 00:12:07.319 Jesus brings a truce to the wars inside us. 00:12:07.539 --> 00:12:11.899 Why did we use the word truce instead of peace? 00:12:12.960 --> 00:12:16.539 Because ultimate peace is only found in Jesus. 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:19.779 And that is a lifetime process. 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:23.059 Paul describes this war. 00:12:23.439 --> 00:12:25.759 This conflict within himself. 00:12:26.600 --> 00:12:29.000 It's his flesh against his spirit. 00:12:29.000 --> 00:12:32.500 Do you understand that inside you right now. 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:34.139 If you are a child of God. 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:36.360 Then you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. 00:12:36.639 --> 00:12:38.519 You carry God with you wherever you go. 00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:42.720 But then also you still carry your sinful flesh with you wherever you go. 00:12:42.980 --> 00:12:45.159 And so there's this constant conflict happening. 00:12:45.559 --> 00:12:47.039 And the longer you walk with Jesus. 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:49.120 The more you learn to tune out the flesh voices. 00:12:49.460 --> 00:12:51.240 And listen to the spirit's voice. 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:54.620 But there's a conflict. 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:57.680 Remains a conflict through your whole life. 00:12:57.960 --> 00:12:59.740 Paul walks so closely with Jesus. 00:13:00.080 --> 00:13:04.799 And he writes in Romans about how hard and difficult this struggle is. 00:13:04.899 --> 00:13:06.000 How the struggle is real. 00:13:06.299 --> 00:13:06.980 Paul was saying. 00:13:08.019 --> 00:13:08.860 It's legitimate. 00:13:10.340 --> 00:13:12.840 He said I find myself doing the things I know I shouldn't do. 00:13:12.899 --> 00:13:13.820 And don't even want to do. 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:14.980 And yet I find myself doing them. 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:17.000 And the things that God wants me to do. 00:13:17.080 --> 00:13:18.440 I find myself not doing those. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:20.040 Anybody identify with that? 00:13:20.140 --> 00:13:21.240 Every time I read that passage. 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:23.000 They're like yes Paul that right there. 00:13:23.420 --> 00:13:24.160 I feel seen. 00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:24.880 I feel heard. 00:13:25.340 --> 00:13:25.940 Paul gets me. 00:13:27.820 --> 00:13:30.900 But that's because the struggle is so real. 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:35.120 So why does conflict happen between Christians? 00:13:36.340 --> 00:13:38.820 Because we're a bunch of walking struggle buses. 00:13:40.260 --> 00:13:42.880 We're a bunch of walking conflicts within ourselves. 00:13:43.180 --> 00:13:45.820 And then our conflict bumps up against somebody else's conflict. 00:13:45.940 --> 00:13:47.820 And what you get is a bunch of Christian conflict. 00:13:48.440 --> 00:13:53.340 So Jesus came to bring a truce to that. 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:55.120 In the name of peace. 00:13:55.860 --> 00:13:59.780 The conflict, the war will ultimately be resolved someday. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:02.260 When we all gather in the presence of Jesus. 00:14:02.500 --> 00:14:04.380 And we are in heaven forever. 00:14:04.800 --> 00:14:06.420 In the presence of God. 00:14:07.140 --> 00:14:08.560 All wars will be stopped. 00:14:09.260 --> 00:14:11.120 Peace will finally be on earth. 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:13.820 But until that day comes. 00:14:14.940 --> 00:14:18.100 God came to bring a truce to our conflict. 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:21.940 He came to bring a stop to the wars. 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:24.299 He says you don't have to keep fighting each other. 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:26.500 I came to bring shalom. 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:29.279 I'm going to help you get to shalom. 00:14:29.539 --> 00:14:31.240 And we're going to start with a truce. 00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:33.580 So he came to bring a truce to the wars. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:35.759 I'm not even talking about your conflict with each other. 00:14:35.919 --> 00:14:37.680 I'm talking about the conflict within us. 00:14:38.600 --> 00:14:41.000 He came to bring a truce to the wars inside us. 00:14:41.080 --> 00:14:42.460 Verse 14 talked about it. 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:46.539 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. 00:14:46.639 --> 00:14:50.080 Back in Ephesians chapter 2. 00:14:50.080 --> 00:14:52.960 Christ himself has brought peace to us. 00:14:53.060 --> 00:14:54.700 He ended that by the system. 00:14:54.920 --> 00:14:57.080 He did this by ending the system of law. 00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:59.139 With its commandments and its regulations. 00:14:59.540 --> 00:15:03.340 This is what causes the conflict in you. 00:15:04.840 --> 00:15:06.480 I'm not doing everything I should be doing. 00:15:06.680 --> 00:15:08.520 I know I'm not the person I should be. 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:11.960 Jesus came to bring a truce to them. 00:15:13.259 --> 00:15:14.740 You ever heard of the angel on one shoulder. 00:15:14.840 --> 00:15:15.879 And the devil on the other shoulder. 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:16.840 And they're both talking to you. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:20.060 You could probably say that the angel over here. 00:15:20.080 --> 00:15:21.879 There's the conscience that God put in all of us. 00:15:21.940 --> 00:15:24.180 And then that gets enhanced by the Holy Spirit. 00:15:24.180 --> 00:15:25.379 After you turn to Christ. 00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:27.980 And now he's using your conscience. 00:15:29.580 --> 00:15:31.480 Led and guided by the Holy Spirit. 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:32.940 To reveal his will. 00:15:33.040 --> 00:15:33.700 His guidance. 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:35.520 His warnings to you. 00:15:36.040 --> 00:15:37.320 But you've still got that flesh. 00:15:37.400 --> 00:15:38.900 Or we put a little devil over there. 00:15:38.920 --> 00:15:40.120 We like to blame everything on the devil. 00:15:40.360 --> 00:15:42.400 Because it's easier than realizing that we're the problem. 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:44.740 You say the devil told me to do it. 00:15:44.780 --> 00:15:45.020 No. 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:45.720 You did. 00:15:47.480 --> 00:15:50.060 But the idea is that peace starts in our hearts. 00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:53.300 Because God brings silence to it. 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:54.600 He says no. 00:15:55.639 --> 00:15:56.660 Both of you be quiet. 00:15:58.800 --> 00:15:59.960 And you just listen to me. 00:16:00.500 --> 00:16:01.379 You sit with me. 00:16:02.259 --> 00:16:02.940 You be still. 00:16:03.340 --> 00:16:04.320 And know that I'm God. 00:16:04.940 --> 00:16:05.800 I'm in control. 00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:08.000 Peace starts in our hearts. 00:16:08.800 --> 00:16:11.100 And we stop listening to the voices. 00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:14.720 And we hand over our worries and fears to God. 00:16:14.720 --> 00:16:16.620 It's not that we've resolved all the problems. 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:19.279 It's not that they've suddenly gone away. 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:23.600 But we hand off the burden to someone else. 00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:24.920 So you know what? 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:25.960 I can't figure this out. 00:16:26.360 --> 00:16:27.100 You deal with it. 00:16:28.139 --> 00:16:29.080 You carry it. 00:16:29.800 --> 00:16:30.680 I'm done with it. 00:16:31.820 --> 00:16:32.720 You know what God does? 00:16:33.460 --> 00:16:35.139 He takes the burdens from you. 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:37.559 He's called the burden bearer. 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:43.439 He says the burden that I will ask you to carry is light. 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:45.620 It's easy. 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:49.279 Compared to this burden that you're already carrying yourself. 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:50.740 Lay that one down. 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.980 And take my yoke. 00:16:53.680 --> 00:16:54.620 Take my burden. 00:16:55.419 --> 00:16:55.620 So. 00:16:57.060 --> 00:16:58.919 Give all your worries and cares to God. 00:16:59.379 --> 00:17:00.360 For he carries to you. 00:17:00.680 --> 00:17:00.980 For you. 00:17:01.060 --> 00:17:01.779 That's in 1 Peter. 00:17:01.860 --> 00:17:02.879 Before we get to 1 Peter. 00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:04.160 I want to go to John 14. 00:17:04.900 --> 00:17:06.859 Jesus is teaching himself. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:09.400 At the last supper to his disciples. 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:11.720 One of the last times he's ever going to get to speak to them. 00:17:12.120 --> 00:17:14.559 And he says I'm leaving you with a gift. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:16.079 He'd been warning his disciples. 00:17:16.240 --> 00:17:17.740 His followers that he was on his way out. 00:17:18.920 --> 00:17:20.240 Right before his crucifixion. 00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:21.680 And he says I'm leaving you with a gift. 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:22.660 Peace of mind. 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.519 Peace of heart. 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:24.660 And the peace. 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:25.079 Remember. 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:25.559 Shalom. 00:17:25.839 --> 00:17:27.019 That I give to you. 00:17:27.120 --> 00:17:29.480 Is a gift the world cannot give. 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:32.000 You won't find this peace anywhere else. 00:17:32.380 --> 00:17:34.339 You won't find this shalom anywhere else. 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:37.339 He says so don't be troubled or afraid. 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:39.299 Can I rehash those words. 00:17:39.359 --> 00:17:41.420 And reiterate those words to you this morning. 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:42.799 1st Baptist Henrietta. 00:17:43.140 --> 00:17:44.920 Don't be troubled or afraid. 00:17:45.880 --> 00:17:47.339 Because the Prince of Peace. 00:17:47.839 --> 00:17:48.720 The Sar Shalom. 00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:50.660 Is with you wherever you go. 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:53.380 And the peace you find from him. 00:17:53.380 --> 00:17:54.279 Is a peace. 00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:56.140 A gift the world cannot give. 00:17:56.700 --> 00:17:57.940 You won't find anywhere else. 00:17:58.440 --> 00:18:00.660 You won't find in the presence you unwrap. 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.920 Or the presence you don't unwrap. 00:18:02.480 --> 00:18:05.519 You won't find in the relationships that are happy and healthy. 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:06.740 Or the ones that are broken. 00:18:06.980 --> 00:18:09.160 You won't find it in anything else. 00:18:09.360 --> 00:18:12.120 Except the Prince of Peace. 00:18:12.119 --> 00:18:15.839 1st Peter chapter 5. 00:18:15.839 --> 00:18:19.279 Paul was writing to the scattered church. 00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:19.919 Or Christians. 00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:21.039 Throughout Turkey. 00:18:21.539 --> 00:18:23.059 Throughout what is now modern day Turkey. 00:18:23.419 --> 00:18:24.459 And he's writing to them. 00:18:24.599 --> 00:18:26.039 Amidst all their persecution. 00:18:26.399 --> 00:18:28.139 Not being able to gather regularly. 00:18:28.139 --> 00:18:29.039 As they would love to. 00:18:29.119 --> 00:18:30.459 Just like we get to do every week. 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:31.480 They didn't get to do that. 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:33.279 They were scattered by government oppression. 00:18:33.659 --> 00:18:34.319 And so he says. 00:18:34.379 --> 00:18:35.159 I'm writing to you. 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:37.959 To give all your worries and cares to God. 00:18:38.299 --> 00:18:40.559 In the middle of this very difficult season. 00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:42.119 You're trying to be a Christ follower. 00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:43.799 In a world that doesn't want it. 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:45.579 You ever feel like that? 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:47.159 Trying to be a Christ follower. 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:48.919 In a world that doesn't want that. 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:50.759 Doesn't celebrate that. 00:18:51.659 --> 00:18:52.279 He says. 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:54.619 Give all your worries and cares to God. 00:18:54.740 --> 00:18:57.200 Because he cares about you. 00:18:58.279 --> 00:19:00.220 Cares about those worries and fears. 00:19:01.159 --> 00:19:02.879 He wants you to trade them. 00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:04.559 For shalom. 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:07.919 So internal unrest. 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.139 Anxiety. 00:19:09.899 --> 00:19:10.339 Striving. 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:11.460 These are natural things. 00:19:11.579 --> 00:19:12.899 And sometimes they're increased. 00:19:12.900 --> 00:19:15.120 Or enhanced during a holiday season. 00:19:16.340 --> 00:19:17.140 But Jesus. 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:18.580 Wants to interrupt that. 00:19:19.540 --> 00:19:20.420 Bring a truce. 00:19:20.800 --> 00:19:21.660 Bring a pause. 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:23.200 To the conflict in your heart. 00:19:24.160 --> 00:19:26.259 And start to introduce peace. 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:28.220 When you stop fighting. 00:19:28.620 --> 00:19:29.620 Inside yourself. 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:31.100 You stop striving. 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:34.140 You lay down your weapons. 00:19:34.360 --> 00:19:35.220 Against yourself. 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:38.700 Then there's room. 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:40.019 For the Holy Spirit. 00:19:40.019 --> 00:19:41.240 To introduce. 00:19:41.600 --> 00:19:42.220 Shalom. 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:43.519 Into your heart. 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:46.799 Peace cannot spread. 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.539 From me. 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:49.720 To Holly and the boys. 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:52.299 Unless it starts in me first. 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:54.059 Unless it's real in me first. 00:19:54.579 --> 00:19:55.660 Then they'll feel. 00:19:55.980 --> 00:19:56.380 The peace. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.120 And when it's not there. 00:19:59.700 --> 00:20:00.839 They feel the conflict. 00:20:00.920 --> 00:20:02.539 They feel the stress. 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:04.379 They feel the stress. 00:20:06.859 --> 00:20:08.359 They feel the despair. 00:20:09.359 --> 00:20:11.240 When it's replaced with shalom. 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:15.000 Then it's a avenue of peace. 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:16.119 That flows out to others. 00:20:16.339 --> 00:20:17.960 It's a river of peace. 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:19.359 That flows out to others. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:22.379 What's going on in your heart? 00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:25.539 Shalom begins on the inside. 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.899 Wholeness restored. 00:20:27.359 --> 00:20:29.279 God stepping into the trenches. 00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:30.139 Of our heart. 00:20:30.139 --> 00:20:32.059 And doing work there. 00:20:33.220 --> 00:20:35.799 We experience this Christmas truce. 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:37.139 Internally. 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:39.259 When we release our burdens. 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:41.139 To the burden bearer. 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:43.299 Knowing that he cares. 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:46.220 So let me leave you with this. 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:47.559 For point one. 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:49.519 Peace is not the absence of problems. 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:52.559 It's the presence of Jesus. 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:55.799 It's the presence of the Sar Shalom. 00:20:56.319 --> 00:20:57.460 The Prince of Peace. 00:20:58.859 --> 00:21:00.159 That's where it comes from. 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:03.720 I got too many problems to have peace. 00:21:04.660 --> 00:21:05.100 Unrelated. 00:21:06.540 --> 00:21:08.019 Can I just throw this at you? 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:10.860 Peace is unrelated to your problems. 00:21:12.360 --> 00:21:13.440 Two different things. 00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:16.140 Two different things. 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:19.420 Peace comes from the Prince of Peace. 00:21:20.300 --> 00:21:22.180 Problems come from this broken world. 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:25.360 But you get to live in this broken world. 00:21:25.560 --> 00:21:27.580 Not as those who have no hope. 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:31.600 But with those who are sons of the Prince of Peace. 00:21:32.279 --> 00:21:33.019 Point number two. 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:36.279 Jesus brings a truce to our rival kingdoms. 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:40.180 Jesus brings a truce to our rival kingdoms. 00:21:40.320 --> 00:21:42.299 He's got to start on the inside with you. 00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:43.080 With me. 00:21:43.580 --> 00:21:47.060 But then he can bring peace to the conflict between us. 00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:49.019 Verse 14. 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:50.220 The second part. 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:51.500 Back in Ephesians 2. 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:54.299 Jesus united Jews and Gentiles. 00:21:54.399 --> 00:21:56.819 Y'all if there was ever a divide. 00:21:56.940 --> 00:21:58.460 If there was ever a racial divide. 00:21:58.579 --> 00:22:01.099 Ever a socioeconomic divide. 00:22:01.220 --> 00:22:02.299 A religious divide. 00:22:02.619 --> 00:22:04.460 Just a divide in every way. 00:22:04.559 --> 00:22:05.799 It was Jews and Gentiles. 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:07.559 You couldn't get more divided. 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:09.659 Or at odds with one another. 00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:11.099 As the Jews and the Gentiles. 00:22:11.099 --> 00:22:13.740 Jesus united them. 00:22:14.619 --> 00:22:16.099 He broke down those walls. 00:22:16.659 --> 00:22:17.959 He united them into one people. 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:20.079 When in his own body on the cross. 00:22:20.199 --> 00:22:22.559 He broke down the wall of hostility. 00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:23.919 That separated us. 00:22:23.959 --> 00:22:25.459 Down in the second part of verse 15. 00:22:25.719 --> 00:22:27.039 His purpose in doing this. 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:29.579 Was to create in himself one new people. 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.799 Out of the two groups. 00:22:31.139 --> 00:22:32.279 Thereby making peace. 00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:33.179 Verse 16. 00:22:33.419 --> 00:22:34.579 Together as one body. 00:22:34.679 --> 00:22:37.079 Christ reconciled both groups to God. 00:22:37.079 --> 00:22:39.159 By means of his death on the cross. 00:22:39.419 --> 00:22:40.899 And our hostility toward each other. 00:22:40.900 --> 00:22:42.080 Was put to death. 00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:42.800 He killed it. 00:22:43.420 --> 00:22:43.980 Said nope. 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:47.980 Hostility cannot live in my people anymore. 00:22:48.280 --> 00:22:50.800 So why does hostility still live? 00:22:51.920 --> 00:22:53.080 Among his people. 00:22:54.820 --> 00:22:56.800 He put it to death. 00:22:58.060 --> 00:22:58.759 His purpose. 00:22:59.320 --> 00:23:00.580 Was to bring us together. 00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:02.360 To unite us. 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:04.400 So we would not be hostile. 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:06.000 Toward each other. 00:23:06.400 --> 00:23:06.840 Anymore. 00:23:08.060 --> 00:23:09.700 This is called good news. 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:11.500 Verse 17. 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:13.200 He brought this good news. 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:14.039 Or this gospel. 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:15.120 Of peace. 00:23:15.120 --> 00:23:16.819 To you Gentiles. 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:19.240 Who were far away from him. 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:22.620 And he brought the same gospel of peace. 00:23:22.620 --> 00:23:23.720 To the Jews. 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:25.920 Who were supposedly near him. 00:23:26.080 --> 00:23:27.420 They knew of him. 00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:29.500 They even worshipped him. 00:23:30.080 --> 00:23:31.220 In their words. 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:32.120 With their lips. 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:33.900 With their songs that they would sing. 00:23:34.100 --> 00:23:35.660 With the scriptures they would read. 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:36.940 With the prayers they would pray. 00:23:36.940 --> 00:23:38.120 They worshipped him. 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:40.480 But their hearts were far from him. 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:44.940 So he had to bring the same gospel of peace to him. 00:23:45.080 --> 00:23:47.039 Even though they were closer. 00:23:48.440 --> 00:23:49.519 They at least knew. 00:23:49.820 --> 00:23:50.320 And were aware. 00:23:50.840 --> 00:23:54.360 I think that's where modern day church members often find themselves. 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:56.259 Sitting in our pews. 00:23:57.059 --> 00:23:58.779 We feel like we're closer to God. 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.759 Than those who are on the outside. 00:24:01.920 --> 00:24:03.900 God's here to break down that divide. 00:24:03.900 --> 00:24:06.540 And preach the same gospel of peace to both of us. 00:24:06.540 --> 00:24:07.940 So we can be united. 00:24:08.600 --> 00:24:11.220 Under one banner of shalom. 00:24:11.620 --> 00:24:13.440 Of peace from the pence of peace. 00:24:14.120 --> 00:24:15.640 So peace extends outward. 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:17.460 When we surrender control. 00:24:18.180 --> 00:24:19.259 Pursue reconciliation. 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:22.540 And prioritize our common kinship. 00:24:23.080 --> 00:24:24.200 Matthew talks about this. 00:24:24.280 --> 00:24:25.940 Jesus is teaching in the sermon of the mount. 00:24:26.380 --> 00:24:28.019 And Matthew writes down what Jesus said. 00:24:28.060 --> 00:24:28.360 And he said. 00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:31.180 If you are presenting a gift at the altar in the temple. 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:34.299 And suddenly remember that someone has something against you. 00:24:34.360 --> 00:24:35.320 So what do we mean by this? 00:24:35.860 --> 00:24:37.259 Let's put it in modern day terms. 00:24:37.779 --> 00:24:39.019 You're worshiping at church. 00:24:39.320 --> 00:24:40.880 You're giving something in the offering. 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:42.700 You're doing the Christian stuff. 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:43.200 Okay. 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:44.640 The things that are expected. 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:44.960 Yep. 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.740 I'm a good Christian. 00:24:45.820 --> 00:24:46.400 I go to church. 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:47.240 And I go to Sunday school. 00:24:47.299 --> 00:24:48.080 And I give my gift. 00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:49.600 And I sing the songs. 00:24:49.640 --> 00:24:49.980 And all that. 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:50.820 So you're doing all that. 00:24:50.900 --> 00:24:53.519 And you suddenly remember that someone has something against you. 00:24:54.940 --> 00:24:57.320 Leave your gift there in front of the altar. 00:24:57.319 --> 00:25:01.059 Jesus doesn't even say. 00:25:01.899 --> 00:25:03.019 Make a mental note. 00:25:03.099 --> 00:25:05.279 To go try to make things better with that person. 00:25:05.379 --> 00:25:07.019 He says stop right where you are. 00:25:07.099 --> 00:25:07.899 And go fix it. 00:25:08.799 --> 00:25:10.980 Go and be reconciled to that person. 00:25:11.639 --> 00:25:13.779 Then come and offer your gift to God. 00:25:13.879 --> 00:25:14.099 Why? 00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:16.480 Because it's not an act of worship. 00:25:17.159 --> 00:25:19.319 Unless it's coming from a place of reconciliation. 00:25:20.179 --> 00:25:20.819 Of peace. 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:22.379 Of a truce. 00:25:22.380 --> 00:25:26.340 It doesn't say you have to convince the person. 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:26.960 That you were right. 00:25:27.020 --> 00:25:27.600 And they were wrong. 00:25:27.780 --> 00:25:30.060 And until they apologize to you. 00:25:30.120 --> 00:25:33.200 It doesn't even say you have to finally admit. 00:25:33.320 --> 00:25:34.160 And say you know what? 00:25:34.320 --> 00:25:35.200 It was me. 00:25:35.340 --> 00:25:36.040 It wasn't you. 00:25:36.160 --> 00:25:37.420 It doesn't mean that a. 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:39.500 Everything has to be resolved. 00:25:39.680 --> 00:25:41.500 But a truce has to come. 00:25:41.640 --> 00:25:43.900 Where you're no longer hostile toward one another. 00:25:44.360 --> 00:25:44.900 Say guys. 00:25:45.140 --> 00:25:46.640 We may not agree on this. 00:25:46.720 --> 00:25:48.260 We may have to agree to disagree. 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:50.460 We may have to lay down our weapons. 00:25:50.460 --> 00:25:51.420 And just say you know what? 00:25:51.420 --> 00:25:52.620 We're going to move on past it. 00:25:54.300 --> 00:25:56.320 Because we recognize that peace. 00:25:56.660 --> 00:25:57.700 Is more important. 00:25:58.980 --> 00:26:01.360 The same kind of peace that Jesus brings. 00:26:04.080 --> 00:26:05.519 So go and be reconciled. 00:26:06.140 --> 00:26:07.060 To that person. 00:26:08.180 --> 00:26:09.779 Then God will accept your act of worship. 00:26:11.560 --> 00:26:12.300 Side note. 00:26:13.360 --> 00:26:14.160 That's assuming. 00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:16.039 That the things you were doing. 00:26:16.860 --> 00:26:17.660 The Christian stuff. 00:26:18.440 --> 00:26:20.100 Was an act of worship to begin with. 00:26:20.099 --> 00:26:21.899 And it wasn't just for show. 00:26:22.459 --> 00:26:23.879 It wasn't just for expectation. 00:26:24.579 --> 00:26:25.859 It wasn't just to check your box. 00:26:26.099 --> 00:26:27.480 Or make you feel better about yourself. 00:26:28.959 --> 00:26:30.839 Like I say that as a lifelong person. 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:32.000 Who's been doing all those things. 00:26:32.699 --> 00:26:33.919 And there are seasons of life. 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:34.679 Where sometimes. 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:35.959 It's a little bit more for show. 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.240 It's a little bit more. 00:26:37.359 --> 00:26:38.859 So everybody pats you on the back. 00:26:38.899 --> 00:26:39.679 Says you're a good person. 00:26:40.219 --> 00:26:41.619 Or you feel better about yourself. 00:26:41.619 --> 00:26:44.379 But if it's truly an act of worship. 00:26:44.379 --> 00:26:45.759 Then God receives it. 00:26:46.519 --> 00:26:47.459 As worship. 00:26:48.419 --> 00:26:49.699 And that he blesses you. 00:26:49.959 --> 00:26:51.619 As someone who worships him. 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:52.599 In humility. 00:26:53.339 --> 00:26:55.079 And with peace with one another. 00:26:55.599 --> 00:26:57.619 So he says you can't worship me like this. 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:59.779 If you're at odds with each other. 00:26:59.819 --> 00:27:00.719 Because I came. 00:27:00.819 --> 00:27:02.319 The whole point of this. 00:27:02.479 --> 00:27:03.679 Was to bring peace. 00:27:04.099 --> 00:27:05.439 Between the two sides. 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:08.360 So if we have a church. 00:27:09.160 --> 00:27:10.080 That's at odds. 00:27:11.120 --> 00:27:11.960 With each other. 00:27:13.840 --> 00:27:14.600 What's the point? 00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:17.080 We've got to be united. 00:27:17.600 --> 00:27:18.960 We've got to be reconciled. 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:21.299 We don't have to be in agreement on everything. 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:23.400 We can agree on Jesus. 00:27:24.320 --> 00:27:24.720 100%. 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:26.019 If you don't agree on Jesus. 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:27.360 I'm sorry you're not going to fit in here. 00:27:28.019 --> 00:27:30.799 But we would love to talk to you about Jesus. 00:27:30.960 --> 00:27:32.019 And give you that good news. 00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:34.360 So you can agree on him with us. 00:27:34.359 --> 00:27:36.099 And we can carry that. 00:27:36.459 --> 00:27:37.059 To the nations. 00:27:38.579 --> 00:27:40.299 We don't have to agree on everything else. 00:27:41.159 --> 00:27:42.439 But we've got to lay down our weapons. 00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:44.579 And be reconciled. 00:27:45.879 --> 00:27:46.119 So. 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:49.119 Proverbs gives us a little bit more advice on that. 00:27:50.339 --> 00:27:51.539 Solomon's wisdom says. 00:27:51.719 --> 00:27:54.339 When a person's ways please the Lord. 00:27:54.679 --> 00:27:56.500 He makes even his enemies. 00:27:56.979 --> 00:27:58.219 To be at peace. 00:27:58.779 --> 00:27:59.240 With him. 00:28:01.179 --> 00:28:02.699 I'm not going to have you raise your hand. 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:04.480 But do you have any enemies in your life? 00:28:06.340 --> 00:28:08.180 Not saying they're trying to hunt you down and kill you. 00:28:08.240 --> 00:28:10.259 But just people you just don't get along with. 00:28:10.360 --> 00:28:11.220 And just seem to. 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:14.559 Come up against each other. 00:28:14.680 --> 00:28:14.880 Just. 00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:16.840 Not a lot of peace there. 00:28:20.519 --> 00:28:22.059 When our ways please the Lord. 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:24.620 God will bring peace. 00:28:24.619 --> 00:28:28.599 We have to make an effort for reconciliation. 00:28:29.899 --> 00:28:32.079 We have to make an effort for a truce. 00:28:32.939 --> 00:28:33.259 So. 00:28:34.059 --> 00:28:35.379 I want to leave this with you. 00:28:35.919 --> 00:28:36.479 Passionately. 00:28:37.079 --> 00:28:37.519 Pursue. 00:28:38.179 --> 00:28:38.500 Peace. 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:40.319 Passionately. 00:28:40.979 --> 00:28:41.379 Pursue. 00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:42.179 Peace. 00:28:43.639 --> 00:28:46.019 Leave the rival kingdoms aside. 00:28:46.099 --> 00:28:48.379 That's going to take an ego hit. 00:28:48.380 --> 00:28:51.480 It's going to take a hit to our pride. 00:28:52.620 --> 00:28:55.260 It's going to take a hit to our need to be right. 00:28:56.540 --> 00:28:57.920 But rival kingdoms. 00:28:58.360 --> 00:29:00.880 Are all about our desire to control. 00:29:01.420 --> 00:29:02.840 Our desire to be right. 00:29:03.020 --> 00:29:06.400 Or our desire to defend our way. 00:29:08.800 --> 00:29:09.400 Instead. 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:11.240 Passionately. 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:12.140 Pursue. 00:29:12.720 --> 00:29:13.060 Peace. 00:29:15.060 --> 00:29:16.580 Choosing reconciliation. 00:29:16.579 --> 00:29:17.579 Or peace. 00:29:17.919 --> 00:29:19.859 Invites God's wholeness. 00:29:20.179 --> 00:29:21.139 His completeness. 00:29:21.379 --> 00:29:22.240 His shalom. 00:29:22.639 --> 00:29:24.139 Into both lives. 00:29:25.099 --> 00:29:26.899 And into our daily relationship. 00:29:27.339 --> 00:29:29.099 And it restores the community. 00:29:29.439 --> 00:29:30.319 That Paul says. 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.359 And Jesus said. 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:32.599 Was so crucial. 00:29:32.819 --> 00:29:33.740 In God's people. 00:29:34.119 --> 00:29:35.500 We must have that community. 00:29:35.859 --> 00:29:37.000 We need one another. 00:29:37.240 --> 00:29:38.699 You need the people you're mad at. 00:29:39.419 --> 00:29:40.539 And they need you. 00:29:42.220 --> 00:29:44.319 So passionately pursue peace. 00:29:44.659 --> 00:29:46.559 Not just because God told you. 00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:46.879 You to. 00:29:46.879 --> 00:29:48.339 But because you recognize. 00:29:48.339 --> 00:29:49.919 There's a reason he told you to. 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:51.139 Because you need it. 00:29:51.639 --> 00:29:52.700 And they need it. 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:55.740 So passionately pursue peace. 00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:57.599 This Christmas season. 00:29:58.139 --> 00:29:58.579 And remember. 00:29:58.960 --> 00:30:00.119 That the enemy of peace. 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:00.940 Is pride. 00:30:02.339 --> 00:30:02.879 Pride. 00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:04.039 Will not allow peace. 00:30:04.639 --> 00:30:05.279 In your life. 00:30:06.399 --> 00:30:07.819 Peace is not about problems. 00:30:08.839 --> 00:30:10.500 But you know what the lack of peace is? 00:30:11.139 --> 00:30:12.179 It's about pride. 00:30:13.299 --> 00:30:14.859 Peace is not about problems. 00:30:14.859 --> 00:30:16.000 But it is about pride. 00:30:17.719 --> 00:30:18.959 If you don't have peace. 00:30:19.179 --> 00:30:20.479 Could it be an issue of pride? 00:30:22.439 --> 00:30:23.479 Could it be that we just. 00:30:23.679 --> 00:30:25.199 Will not admit when we're wrong? 00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:26.719 Or. 00:30:27.500 --> 00:30:29.359 We're so dug in on being right. 00:30:29.419 --> 00:30:30.559 That we refuse to go. 00:30:31.079 --> 00:30:31.719 And reconcile. 00:30:32.119 --> 00:30:32.759 To someone else. 00:30:33.579 --> 00:30:34.500 The enemy of peace. 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:35.439 Is pride. 00:30:35.919 --> 00:30:36.599 Isaiah 2. 00:30:36.719 --> 00:30:37.399 In verse 4. 00:30:37.400 --> 00:30:39.500 It's the last passage we'll read today. 00:30:44.780 --> 00:30:46.019 While you're turning to Isaiah. 00:30:46.220 --> 00:30:46.759 Chapter 2. 00:30:46.820 --> 00:30:47.320 In verse 4. 00:30:48.420 --> 00:30:49.640 The key to peace. 00:30:49.860 --> 00:30:50.740 Is giving up the keys. 00:30:51.120 --> 00:30:51.660 To your kingdom. 00:30:53.100 --> 00:30:53.820 Say that again. 00:30:53.900 --> 00:30:54.360 The key. 00:30:54.860 --> 00:30:55.380 To peace. 00:30:56.040 --> 00:30:57.160 Is giving up the keys. 00:30:57.720 --> 00:30:58.400 To your kingdom. 00:30:58.400 --> 00:31:01.400 It's a hard thing to do. 00:31:01.460 --> 00:31:01.680 Isn't it? 00:31:02.320 --> 00:31:03.560 We worked hard for that kingdom. 00:31:04.080 --> 00:31:05.160 We built it over years. 00:31:06.840 --> 00:31:08.980 We have some measure of confidence in it. 00:31:09.800 --> 00:31:12.060 It's the thing that holds everything together for us. 00:31:12.100 --> 00:31:13.460 And we hand over the keys. 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:14.360 To God. 00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:15.519 That's a scary thing. 00:31:16.660 --> 00:31:17.600 It's a scary thing. 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:19.320 We feel like there's going to be cracks in our kingdom. 00:31:20.360 --> 00:31:21.440 But Jesus says no. 00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:23.400 I'm going to replace the foundation of your kingdom. 00:31:23.720 --> 00:31:24.320 With me. 00:31:24.640 --> 00:31:25.460 I'm going to replace it. 00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:26.320 With something else. 00:31:26.420 --> 00:31:26.940 Isaiah 2. 00:31:26.940 --> 00:31:27.440 In verse 4. 00:31:28.320 --> 00:31:30.180 He will judge between the nations. 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:32.400 And he will settle disputes. 00:31:32.600 --> 00:31:33.400 For many people. 00:31:34.160 --> 00:31:36.940 They will beat their swords into plowshares. 00:31:37.100 --> 00:31:40.539 And their spears into pruning hooks. 00:31:40.799 --> 00:31:42.920 Nation will not fight against nation. 00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:46.640 And they will no longer train for war. 00:31:47.660 --> 00:31:48.120 Y'all. 00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:49.140 Let me promise you this. 00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:50.460 The day is coming. 00:31:51.100 --> 00:31:52.740 When you're not going to have a choice. 00:31:52.880 --> 00:31:54.400 There's going to be peace on earth. 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:56.240 And there's going to be peace in your heart. 00:31:56.240 --> 00:31:58.279 And there's going to be peace between people. 00:31:59.799 --> 00:32:01.859 God's going to legislate it. 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:03.480 He's going to make it happen. 00:32:03.480 --> 00:32:09.319 But you get to have a taste of that right now. 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:11.420 When you call a truce. 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:13.660 And you lay down your weapons. 00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:17.660 You say I don't agree with my brother or sister over there. 00:32:18.819 --> 00:32:21.799 I don't agree with this fellow church member or church attender. 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:23.860 I don't agree with this person out in the community. 00:32:23.860 --> 00:32:24.380 That just. 00:32:24.720 --> 00:32:26.319 They don't see life the right way. 00:32:26.360 --> 00:32:27.660 And they're driving me nuts. 00:32:28.259 --> 00:32:30.140 And I got to get on Facebook and talk about it. 00:32:31.140 --> 00:32:32.920 Instead you lay down your keyboard. 00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:35.100 Or you lay down your weapons. 00:32:36.060 --> 00:32:37.080 And you say no. 00:32:37.220 --> 00:32:39.780 I'm going to prioritize peace on my earth. 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:41.500 On this earth and in my heart. 00:32:41.620 --> 00:32:43.660 Because I believe in the prince of peace. 00:32:44.120 --> 00:32:45.380 And I want a truce. 00:32:46.300 --> 00:32:47.920 And y'all Christmas is a good time to do that. 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:49.259 They did it back in 1914. 00:32:50.200 --> 00:32:51.280 With the Christmas truce. 00:32:51.280 --> 00:32:53.880 If they could lay down their weapons in a world war. 00:32:53.880 --> 00:32:56.820 Can we not lay down our weapons against our neighbors. 00:32:58.500 --> 00:32:59.940 The day is coming. 00:33:00.900 --> 00:33:02.160 When you will. 00:33:03.320 --> 00:33:07.860 Beat your swords and weapons into tools for prosperity. 00:33:08.860 --> 00:33:09.960 Tools of peace. 00:33:10.860 --> 00:33:12.580 You will beat your spears. 00:33:13.040 --> 00:33:14.340 Beat all your weapons. 00:33:14.560 --> 00:33:15.980 Beat your weaponized words. 00:33:16.360 --> 00:33:20.140 Everything else into something productive. 00:33:20.140 --> 00:33:22.920 There will be no more fighting. 00:33:24.060 --> 00:33:25.640 No more training for war. 00:33:27.360 --> 00:33:28.700 So you can have that now. 00:33:29.380 --> 00:33:30.420 You can start now. 00:33:31.720 --> 00:33:32.540 There's a song. 00:33:33.180 --> 00:33:34.800 That captures the same truth. 00:33:35.120 --> 00:33:38.340 That war and conflict will someday give way to hope and reconciliation. 00:33:38.900 --> 00:33:39.740 It's a Christmas carol. 00:33:40.240 --> 00:33:43.259 And it reminds us that God's peace or his shalom is real. 00:33:43.500 --> 00:33:44.160 It's powerful. 00:33:44.300 --> 00:33:45.240 It's active in the world. 00:33:45.240 --> 00:33:50.039 The same way that those soldiers back in 1914 got a little taste of it. 00:33:50.420 --> 00:33:51.200 This song says, 00:33:51.359 --> 00:33:53.000 I heard the bells on Christmas day. 00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:55.180 Their old familiar carols play. 00:33:55.599 --> 00:33:58.240 Wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth. 00:33:58.339 --> 00:33:59.240 Goodwill toward men. 00:33:59.480 --> 00:34:00.779 But then reality sets in. 00:34:01.700 --> 00:34:02.259 And he says, 00:34:02.339 --> 00:34:04.000 In despair I bowed my head. 00:34:04.539 --> 00:34:06.160 Wait, there is no peace on earth. 00:34:06.220 --> 00:34:06.640 I said. 00:34:07.359 --> 00:34:08.139 Hate is strong. 00:34:08.219 --> 00:34:10.400 It mocks the song of peace on earth. 00:34:10.500 --> 00:34:11.280 Goodwill to men. 00:34:12.039 --> 00:34:13.219 I guess he'd been watching the news. 00:34:13.219 --> 00:34:15.139 He realized there's no peace. 00:34:16.079 --> 00:34:18.559 But then rang the bells more loud and deep. 00:34:18.939 --> 00:34:20.079 God is not dead. 00:34:20.659 --> 00:34:21.939 Nor does he sleep. 00:34:22.639 --> 00:34:23.899 The wrong will fail. 00:34:24.480 --> 00:34:25.879 The right will prevail. 00:34:26.439 --> 00:34:27.719 With peace on earth. 00:34:27.839 --> 00:34:28.819 Goodwill toward men. 00:34:29.039 --> 00:34:30.259 Pick up the book of Revelation. 00:34:30.459 --> 00:34:33.339 You can read about the wrong failing and the right prevailing. 00:34:33.559 --> 00:34:35.159 But we don't have to wait until then. 00:34:35.480 --> 00:34:36.199 Every day. 00:34:36.500 --> 00:34:37.179 Every week. 00:34:37.339 --> 00:34:37.839 In hearts. 00:34:38.179 --> 00:34:38.639 In churches. 00:34:38.879 --> 00:34:39.519 In communities. 00:34:39.879 --> 00:34:41.299 All around our state. 00:34:41.300 --> 00:34:43.320 All around this nation. 00:34:43.539 --> 00:34:44.220 And trust me. 00:34:44.220 --> 00:34:45.640 All around this globe. 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:47.660 The wrong is failing. 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:49.280 And the right is prevailing. 00:34:49.460 --> 00:34:50.980 Through peace on earth. 00:34:51.100 --> 00:34:52.920 From the prince of peace. 00:34:53.420 --> 00:34:54.780 From the Tsar Shalom. 00:34:55.620 --> 00:34:57.900 Peace is prevailing on this earth. 00:34:58.480 --> 00:35:00.300 We just don't always hear about it on the news. 00:35:00.980 --> 00:35:01.960 But it happens. 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:03.380 In our hearts. 00:35:03.640 --> 00:35:05.260 When we went out last Wednesday night. 00:35:05.260 --> 00:35:06.420 A couple of teenagers. 00:35:06.680 --> 00:35:07.740 Walked by a house. 00:35:08.000 --> 00:35:09.680 And they were hanging one of the door hangers. 00:35:09.820 --> 00:35:11.340 To invite that person to church. 00:35:11.400 --> 00:35:12.060 And she came out. 00:35:12.260 --> 00:35:12.980 And she said. 00:35:13.320 --> 00:35:14.420 Am I welcome there? 00:35:15.460 --> 00:35:16.240 And they said. 00:35:17.080 --> 00:35:17.520 Yes. 00:35:19.080 --> 00:35:20.020 Anybody's welcome there. 00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:22.840 You could see her break. 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.420 And she said. 00:35:24.220 --> 00:35:25.360 That's so wonderful to hear. 00:35:25.760 --> 00:35:26.620 Maybe I'll come visit. 00:35:27.160 --> 00:35:28.460 And she wrapped her arms around them. 00:35:28.500 --> 00:35:29.340 And gave them both hugs. 00:35:30.600 --> 00:35:31.040 Peace. 00:35:31.720 --> 00:35:32.080 Prevailed. 00:35:32.780 --> 00:35:33.320 That day. 00:35:33.320 --> 00:35:35.440 Peace prevailed. 00:35:35.660 --> 00:35:36.220 In that heart. 00:35:36.780 --> 00:35:37.539 Wrong failed. 00:35:38.100 --> 00:35:38.800 Right prevailed. 00:35:39.539 --> 00:35:41.420 When Jesus brings a truce. 00:35:41.980 --> 00:35:43.880 To the wars inside us. 00:35:45.340 --> 00:35:47.039 We find that peace on earth. 00:35:47.120 --> 00:35:48.840 We find that shalom on earth. 00:35:49.440 --> 00:35:50.680 When he brings a truce. 00:35:50.760 --> 00:35:51.760 To our rival kingdoms. 00:35:52.660 --> 00:35:54.519 We find the good will toward men. 00:35:56.260 --> 00:35:57.600 Don't just sing it. 00:35:59.039 --> 00:36:00.900 It's like God make it real for you. 00:36:02.140 --> 00:36:03.200 Let's lay down our weapons. 00:36:03.980 --> 00:36:05.940 Let's call a Christmas truce. 00:36:06.440 --> 00:36:07.380 In Jesus name. 00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:08.440 Would you bow your heads with me now? 00:36:12.539 --> 00:36:15.000 God every one of us picks up weapons every day. 00:36:15.080 --> 00:36:16.559 It's almost like when we wake up. 00:36:17.039 --> 00:36:20.080 We start arming ourselves for defense throughout the day. 00:36:20.160 --> 00:36:21.180 And sometimes offense. 00:36:21.179 --> 00:36:26.299 We see the results of this conflict. 00:36:26.299 --> 00:36:27.179 We see the results of this conflict. 00:36:27.299 --> 00:36:28.539 And how we deal with one another. 00:36:31.339 --> 00:36:32.699 We see it in our attitudes. 00:36:32.940 --> 00:36:34.299 Our countenances. 00:36:35.299 --> 00:36:37.639 Sometimes we just have that scowl on our face. 00:36:37.839 --> 00:36:41.759 And it's because sometimes there's not peace inside. 00:36:41.760 --> 00:36:41.860 God. 00:36:44.880 --> 00:36:46.560 I pray that in your name. 00:36:47.880 --> 00:36:49.340 We would lay down the weapons. 00:36:50.420 --> 00:36:52.040 We would call a Christmas truce. 00:36:52.039 --> 00:36:57.900 That we wouldn't just sing the words. 00:36:58.279 --> 00:36:59.920 Let there be peace on earth. 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.980 Good will toward men. 00:37:01.900 --> 00:37:05.239 But that we would hand over the inner conflict to you. 00:37:05.239 --> 00:37:10.319 So we can experience that peace that you promise on this broken earth. 00:37:14.899 --> 00:37:19.099 And that we would give over our ego. 00:37:19.439 --> 00:37:20.399 Our need to be right. 00:37:21.279 --> 00:37:22.939 In our conflicts with one another. 00:37:24.339 --> 00:37:26.259 So you can make us whole. 00:37:27.019 --> 00:37:28.259 You can make us complete. 00:37:28.899 --> 00:37:31.439 Through your promise of shalom. 00:37:31.440 --> 00:37:34.440 Jared's going to play. 00:37:35.820 --> 00:37:36.679 This is a moment. 00:37:39.659 --> 00:37:41.820 When you can remain seated in quiet prayer. 00:37:42.659 --> 00:37:43.780 God's working on your heart. 00:37:44.559 --> 00:37:45.280 Let him work. 00:37:46.539 --> 00:37:47.420 Let him speak. 00:37:47.679 --> 00:37:48.220 Let him move. 00:37:49.780 --> 00:37:50.880 Let him change us. 00:37:52.500 --> 00:37:54.039 Jared's going to sing this song over you. 00:37:55.159 --> 00:37:56.559 You need to come talk to somebody. 00:37:56.639 --> 00:37:57.300 I'm here down front. 00:37:57.340 --> 00:37:58.139 I'd love to talk with you. 00:37:58.800 --> 00:38:00.039 You need to talk about joining this church. 00:38:00.139 --> 00:38:01.420 You need to talk about putting your faith in Jesus. 00:38:01.440 --> 00:38:03.360 You need to talk about getting right with somebody. 00:38:03.460 --> 00:38:06.059 If you need to go across the aisle to somebody in this church. 00:38:06.139 --> 00:38:07.059 And sit and pray with them. 00:38:07.659 --> 00:38:08.460 Ask for forgiveness. 00:38:08.639 --> 00:38:09.420 Ask for reconciliation. 00:38:10.300 --> 00:38:10.940 Do that now. 00:38:11.340 --> 00:38:12.320 Call a Christmas truce. 00:38:12.659 --> 00:38:13.440 In Jesus name. 00:38:13.440 --> 00:38:21.780 I've been walking by troubled waters. 00:38:22.619 --> 00:38:25.440 Here in the shadow alone. 00:38:25.440 --> 00:38:35.179 I've been worried about tomorrow. 00:38:35.179 --> 00:38:39.340 I'm stuck in a world I can't control. 00:38:39.340 --> 00:38:47.760 I met you as a savior. 00:38:47.760 --> 00:38:50.940 I found in you a friend. 00:38:50.940 --> 00:38:54.760 I've seen you as a healer. 00:38:54.760 --> 00:38:58.460 My help and my defense. 00:38:58.460 --> 00:39:01.420 God you've been my provider. 00:39:02.300 --> 00:39:05.059 But right now what I need. 00:39:07.240 --> 00:39:13.220 Is you to be my prince of peace. 00:39:14.639 --> 00:39:19.940 Come and be my prince of peace. 00:39:19.940 --> 00:39:22.059 God that's what we pray for right now. 00:39:22.139 --> 00:39:24.340 For you to be our prince of peace in our hearts. 00:39:24.340 --> 00:39:36.079 I've been wrestling with my demons. 00:39:36.079 --> 00:39:41.079 Fighting this war inside my mind. 00:39:41.079 --> 00:39:43.079 God that's what we pray for right now. 00:39:43.079 --> 00:39:50.259 And I've been swallowed by all my problems. 00:39:50.579 --> 00:39:54.659 I just want to leave them all behind. 00:39:58.159 --> 00:40:01.559 I met you as a savior. 00:40:02.319 --> 00:40:04.639 I found in you a friend. 00:40:04.639 --> 00:40:08.819 I've seen you as a healer. 00:40:08.819 --> 00:40:12.139 My help and my defense. 00:40:12.500 --> 00:40:15.219 God you've been my provider. 00:40:16.059 --> 00:40:19.099 But right now what I need. 00:40:20.299 --> 00:40:25.920 Is you to be my prince of peace. 00:40:25.920 --> 00:40:33.079 Come and be my prince of peace. 00:40:33.079 --> 00:40:34.180 I need you to be my provider. 00:40:36.740 --> 00:40:39.079 Sing I met you as a savior one more time. 00:40:39.079 --> 00:40:46.480 I met you as a savior. 00:40:46.480 --> 00:40:49.659 I found in you a friend. 00:40:50.460 --> 00:40:53.759 I've seen you as a healer. 00:40:53.759 --> 00:40:57.039 My help and my defense. 00:40:57.460 --> 00:41:00.420 God you've been my provider. 00:41:00.420 --> 00:41:04.599 But right now what I need. 00:41:04.599 --> 00:41:11.159 Is you to be my prince of peace. 00:41:11.700 --> 00:41:18.880 Come and be my prince of peace. 00:41:19.460 --> 00:41:24.440 Peace like a river flow. 00:41:24.440 --> 00:41:31.440 Peace like a river flow. 00:41:31.440 --> 00:41:38.380 Peace like a river flow. 00:41:40.380 --> 00:41:45.519 Peace like a river flow. 00:41:49.179 --> 00:41:52.220 I met you as a savior. 00:41:52.219 --> 00:41:55.500 I found in you a friend. 00:41:56.359 --> 00:41:59.219 I've seen you as a healer. 00:41:59.219 --> 00:42:02.959 My help and my defense. 00:42:03.279 --> 00:42:06.219 God you've been my provider. 00:42:07.199 --> 00:42:10.319 Right now what I need. 00:42:11.719 --> 00:42:17.279 Is you to be my prince of peace. 00:42:17.280 --> 00:42:24.960 Come and be my prince of peace. 00:42:25.960 --> 00:42:27.340 Church would you let me pray over you. 00:42:38.560 --> 00:42:39.640 God I love this church. 00:42:39.720 --> 00:42:40.460 I love so many. 00:42:40.460 --> 00:42:47.000 Stories that I've seen play out in real life. 00:42:49.260 --> 00:42:49.780 Reconciliation. 00:42:50.420 --> 00:42:54.159 Of turning from sin and turning to you. 00:42:54.280 --> 00:42:56.720 We've seen you do real change. 00:42:57.260 --> 00:42:58.579 And bring real peace. 00:42:59.240 --> 00:43:00.820 And real people and lives. 00:43:01.539 --> 00:43:02.280 In this place. 00:43:04.320 --> 00:43:05.780 Pray that you would keep doing that. 00:43:05.780 --> 00:43:08.980 In the name of Jesus. 00:43:09.140 --> 00:43:10.519 I pray against any spirit. 00:43:10.740 --> 00:43:11.360 Of discord. 00:43:12.140 --> 00:43:12.720 Of disunity. 00:43:13.519 --> 00:43:14.000 Strife. 00:43:14.360 --> 00:43:14.880 Conflict. 00:43:16.220 --> 00:43:18.320 That would prevent your peace from prevailing. 00:43:19.900 --> 00:43:21.560 Pray that we would as a church. 00:43:21.640 --> 00:43:22.780 Experience the wholeness. 00:43:23.519 --> 00:43:24.100 The shalom. 00:43:25.960 --> 00:43:27.320 That you desire for us. 00:43:27.380 --> 00:43:28.860 That you saved us to experience. 00:43:29.860 --> 00:43:31.780 Let every family be touched by this. 00:43:31.780 --> 00:43:34.460 Let it be very real. 00:43:34.720 --> 00:43:35.680 This Christmas time. 00:43:36.519 --> 00:43:37.720 Before they go to bed at night. 00:43:37.820 --> 00:43:38.880 When they gather as a family. 00:43:40.420 --> 00:43:41.480 In their interactions. 00:43:41.800 --> 00:43:42.880 Throughout the day with each other. 00:43:43.320 --> 00:43:44.100 With the church. 00:43:44.180 --> 00:43:44.740 With the community. 00:43:45.680 --> 00:43:46.540 With the relatives. 00:43:48.060 --> 00:43:49.620 Let them bring that light. 00:43:50.080 --> 00:43:50.760 Of shalom. 00:43:51.200 --> 00:43:51.860 Wherever they go. 00:43:52.780 --> 00:43:53.780 It's in Jesus name. 00:43:53.840 --> 00:43:54.400 We ask it all. 00:43:55.040 --> 00:43:55.240 Amen. 00:43:55.240 --> 00:43:55.360 Amen.