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A
Gospel for Turbulent Times
We
are living in momentous days. The fear of terrorism
looms around us. Wars are being fought in at least
two hotspots of the world. There is FEAR in the hearts
of people ranging from the fear of personal danger to fear
of an international recession. In times like these,
we need to remind ourselves that our faith is anchored in
the Gospel of Peace. In fact, the Christian
enjoys a three-fold peace:
The
Peace of God:
"And
the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension
shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 4:7) The peace of God comes as a result
of our peace with God. (Romans5:1)
The
Peace of Jesus the Son:
"
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you... Let not
your heart be troubled nor let it be fearful".
(John 14:27)
To
experience the peace that Jesus gives we must first be reconciled
to him (Colossians 1:20)
The
Peace of the Holy Sprit:
"
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control
against such things there is no law". (Galatians
5: 22).
Having
received this peace the Christian has an obligation to share
the Gospel of Peace with \ others "Jesus therefore
said to them, "Peace be with you, as the Father
has sent me I also send you". (John
20:21)
Rejecting
God is the ultimate evil. This evil has consequences
including lack of peace, selfishness, conflict and even
destruction of innocent lives.
In
such a world God has placed us - to be His instruments of
peace. Let us shine for Him in this dark and bleak
moment of history. Let us pray and support those who
are carrying the torch of peace in far away lands.
Shalom!
Jonathan
James
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