Many believers want an abundance of God’s grace and peace, but they are unwilling to put forth the effort to get to know Him better through bible study and prayer. To enjoy the privileges God offers us freely, we need to grow in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
One of the most prominent elements in a crisis is ever increasing levels of fear. Of course this fits perfectly with the plan of the inventor of crises. God however has not left us defenseless against this onslaught, providing us with many levels of protection.
Today’s message focuses on the foundational principles of baptism. The storms are coming. The signs that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24 are increasing both in frequency and intensity. His basic message was “Build your life on a reliable foundation, build your house upon the Rock.
The apostle Paul wrote, “…may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” But where is the God of hope, the God who brings peace? In today’s message we will lay out God’s strategy to bring you lasting peace, even in a world of divide.
Righteousness is the beginning of peace. Faith gives us access to the peace grace provides. That peace restores hope and causes joy to rise within. You can take the peace that rightfully belongs to you by grace through faith in Jesus!
Of all people in this world, we are the most blessed. We get to be in Christ, the most favored being in creation. With it comes a host of privileges.
We can count on God to provide whatever we need and have His peace guarding our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Making our requests with thanksgiving is also key to having our prayers answered.
Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” You might think and even say, “Now that’s an impossible demand!” The world and our nation are beset by hatred, violence, tragedy and discord. Here is God’s solution to keep your heart from being troubled—“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.— Colossians 3:14-16 NLT
Of all the tools given to us as Children of the Most High, rest may be the least used. I am not talking about physical rest and relaxation, but the state of immovable peace and security in the midst of the storm. Jesus was in perfect rest in the Father’s hands when he was sleeping in the boat in the midst of a raging squall (Mark 4:35-41). If rest is being in the same state and mind as Jesus, then it is a great weapon against the enemy. This sermon examines true rest and encourages the people of God to practice it daily and effectively.
Colossians 3:15 AMP
And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from the Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds…. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always.]- AMP / Pastor Harley Kolterman teaches that God’s supernatural peace can dominate and govern every emotion and situation that confronts you.