THE GOD OF PEACE
Cotr/ss042802
Introduction:
Much of the time it seems as though the message preached at church on Sundays is aimed at helping people with problems, hurting people, people who need some help with life. The reason for this can be clearly seen from the passages in the bible which show Jesus ministering to the people of His day.
One day Jesus heard the religious leaders conversing about the type of people He was targeting with His message and ministry. They were complaining about Him spending so much time with what they considered the wrong kind of people. We hear Jesus reply in:
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Later in Luke 19 when Jesus had gone into the house of Zacchaeus, some murmured and complained that He had decided to sit down and eat with an evident sinner. Jesus responded:
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Jesus has a heart for the hurting and a hope to help them.
This morning is no different. Jesus in here in our midst on a quest to seek out and minister to those who have needs, people with problems, hurting people who will let Him touch their pain, heal their hurt and solve their problems. Jesus is here this morning to bring hope to the hopeless, restore confidence to those who have been betrayed and through forgiveness and acceptance show His love to you.
For those of you who are right now doing fine and have no need of a Savior or Healer, worship with us this morning and thank Jesus for His abundant mercy which has come to your life and family. Testify of His goodness and let His Word sink deep into the good and receptive soil of your life. We know not what tomorrow may bring, but we do know that with Jesus we can be prepared for anything.
For those of you who are going through trials, encountering hardship and/or burdened down with pain, this morning is especially important for you. This morning is your morning to hear what Jesus is willing and able to do for you. Take heart, begin to hope, Jesus has the answer and He is willing to help.
I. Matthew 11:28 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
A. The first step to getting help from Jesus is to:
* Come To Jesus
Scripture: John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
> Get Saved
> Rededicate Your Life
> Refresh Your Commitment
> Sit At His Feet
II. Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn of me; …
A. The second step is:
* Lordship
(His yoke is easy … Lordship is easy & the burden light)
B. The third step:
* Learn About Him
> His Word
> His Will
> His Way
III. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care on Him; for He careth for you.
A. The next step is to:
* Cast Your Care On Jesus
> Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; …
> Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Note: The peace of God will preserve you & the God of Peace will protect you.
> Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Note: The peace of God will stabilize your heart & mind in the middle of a crisis and the God of Peace will defeat your enemies and restore all that the enemy has disturbed & devoured.
IV. Close
A. Have You Come To Jesus
1. Are you saved
2. Have you repented of your sin since you were saved
3. Do you need to refresh your relationship with Jesus
4. Why not make plans to spend some quality time sitting at His feet
B. What About Lordship?
1. Have you given Jesus all the rights to your life?
2. Is He more than Savior?
C. Do You Know Him?
1. Read His Word
2. Seek His Will
3. Walk His Way
D. Have You Given Your Burdens To Jesus
1. Let’s Pray Right Now
2. Jesus Cares
3. He Will Hear
4. He Will Help
5. What Have You Got To Loose Except What You Don’t Want
