Advent 4 Love

New Creation Church

Advent 4 Love

December 22, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Matthew 11:28–30, 1 John 4:16, Jeremiah 1:5, 1 John 4:8, Ephesians 1:4–5

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God Is Love:

Hope Peace Joy Love

The Miraculous Realm Of God’s Love

In The massive cosmos of His Creation-

He Reached Out To You With His Great Love

We Love Him Because He First Loved Us

God IS A Giving God

He gave and provided Himself before you and I were

Born-

The Wonders Of His Love

The Entire New Covenant—

The Gospel The Good News~

All that it involves—

Is wrapped up in love.

1 Jn 4:16 God Is Love!

Jer. 31:3 He has loved you with an everlasting Love

Jer. 29:11 His Plans For you are Good Not Evil!

Romans 5:8 God demonstrated His Love While we were yet sinners Christ Died For Us!

Jer. 1:5 God Knows All About you Before you were formed in your mothers womb He Knew You

And Called you And Anointed You!

Things possessions relationships Alcohol Drugs

Only lead to emptiness’s

What will it profit a person…

Soul Exchange

Only God’s Love Can Save you and deliver you and set you apart~

According to God’s WORD,

We can walk in perfected love while we are here in this earth.

God is love

His Love IS perfect;

Not some made up

Religions New Age Mystic

Zen Hindi

Buddhist self exalting that only leads to death

All philosophical attempts to reach God~

Or Humanity Trying yo make themselves gods

Only Jesus Christ Said ~

John 14:6 I Am the Way The Truth and The Life~ and No one gets to God but Through HIM~

Only He Came To Demonstrate God’s Great Love~

If you desire real lasting eternal freeing Love

It comes From JESUS~

You were created to function on God’s level...

Made In His Image

Adam and Eve walked on that level in the Garden of Eden;

But when they chose death and not believe God,

They fell from their position of fellowship and unity with God.

It took Jesus coming to earth as a Emanuel (God With Us)

To reclaim the authority that Adam gave over to Satan.

For God SOOO Loved The World-

But we have to ALLOW INVITE RECEIVE THIS AMAZING LOVE

GOD IS LOVE

4 Implications of This Amazing Attribute of God

The love of God was demonstrated by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to make it possible for us to be forgiven and to become children of God.

This Is A Glorious Time Of Year

Every Person Writes The Date Are Testifying

JESUS

AD The Year Of Our Lord~

As children of God, we will also be growing in the love of God—loving as God loves.

1 John 4:8 describes one of God’s primary attributes as

Love.

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

This verse does not define God as love;

It describes God’s love as His Full Essence in all He is

All He does.

As for today’s headlines

shout stories of scandal,

tragedy, and war;

believers can be confident knowing all they need is God’s love.

It’s His love That Sustains US

HOW CAN ANYONE LIVE WITHOUT THE LOVE OF GOD

Nothing God ever does, or ever did, or ever will do,

is separate from the love of God.

HIS LOVE IS ATTACHED

Everything He has ever done has been out of love.

Here are several key implications that this attribute -

God is love - that is for all people today.

We can trust in God’s Love.

Jeremiah 31:3

"The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 gives several descriptions of love:

"Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast,

it is not proud. It does not dishonor others,

it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

Love never fails."

At the core of these qualities is the unwavering and unfailing aspect of love.

God Is Out To Bless You

Duet 28:22 all these blessings shall come on thee and overtake thee, Chase you Down~

if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God:

God has proven this nature about Himself to humanity throughout the ages.

Faithful and True~

He has maintained a Covenant relationship with humanity since creation.

Even in our Rebellion~

Putting everything Else Above Him~

God continued and Continues to maintain patience with us and show us mercy.

Eph. 2:3 …were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them

By looking at the faithfulness of God’s love throughout history,

we can trust that He will continue to act accordingly in our lives.

His past faithfulness Demands Our Present Trust~

2. Our salvation is an expression of God’s love.

1 John 3:1. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

The greatest demonstration of God’s love was this gift of His Only Son.

Romans 5:8. But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

LOVE GIVES~

John 3:16.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,”

God Still Loves The World THE WHOLE WORLD~

EVERY NATIONALITY EVERY PERSON~

God did not send Christ as a reward to the obedient,

but rather as a ransom for the defiant.

We see Jesus display His love throughout His life and ministry.

He healed the sick without requirement of gratitude.

He displayed humility even though

He was King of Kings.

Even while on the cross, Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of the ones who placed Him there

Salvation is open to all who believe in Christ.

God’s love does not discriminate.

3. Our ability to love

Is enabled through God’s love.

John 13:34-35

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus set for us the example to Love and gives us the command to follow in His example

When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet,

He took the role of a servant and placed the needs of others above His own dignity AND Deity

He instructed His followers to do the same.

He tells to love our neighbors as well as our enemies.

Yet, this task is not burdensome, for love is a fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

When we rest and abide in God,

Love outpours onto others as a result

1 John 4:7

7 Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

It is through our love that the world will know that we belong to Christ.

4. We can rest in God’s love.

Ephesians 1:4-5

Because God’s nature is love,

His love is unconditional.

God’s Love IS Based Upon Jesus’s Performance

God Made Him TO be sin for us who knew no Sin~

He chose a path to save us from us

We were born in death Jesus Came to Give Us Life!

Ephesians 1:4-5

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

5 He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

This gives us hope as His children.

Heavenly Father who has a plan and purpose for our lives.

Jesus personified this message and called people into rest

Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Enter into His Rest~

Stability

Stop being the devils YoYo

Rest By Seeking The Kingdom Of God First

In Your Life

Your Business

Your Family

Your Singleness

When we recognize that Christ is our Advocate, we can rest in assurance of God’s love.

We Can Have Confidence in God's Love

His Past faithfulness demands our present trust~

His Love IS Unfailing~

As we look back upon His loving faithfulness from the beginning of time,

From Adam And Eve Till NOW

We can grow in our assurance that God will continue to Bless His children and promote His kingdom until His plan and purpose comes to full fruition.’

He came To Die For the Sin That separated us from Him~

Isaiah 53:5-6

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

Isaiah 7:14

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Isaiah prophesies the sacrificial love of the Messiah, who would bear the weight of our sins.

This love is selfless and redemptive, bridging the gap between God and humanity.

God’s love required the ultimate sacrifice—His own Son—to save us.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The New Testament confirms this prophecy. Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s sacrificial love. His wounds bring us peace and healing, and His sacrifice reconciles us to the Father.

Additional Fulfillment:

John 15:13

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

He laid Down His Life For You~

Jesus’ words highlight the depth of His sacrificial love.

He willingly laid down His life for us, His friends, showcasing the greatest act of love ever demonstrated.

Hope Joy Peace Love

December 19, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 7:14, Galatians 4:3, Leviticus 17:11, John 5:39

Advent - Hope Peace Joy Love The Meaning of Advent Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation of the coming of Christ— both in the celebration of His birth and His promised return. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love are gifts we receive through Jesus Christ. Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 1 HOPE: The Promise of the Messiah Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." It doesn’t mean young woman~ That is no sign that a young women get pregnant~ But A Virgin Yes! That is a sign ~ Explanation: The prophecy of Immanuel gave hope to a weary and oppressed people, pointing to God’s intervention. God Delivered The Children of Israel from Egyptian Bondage ~ The in the Time of Judges everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes~ Ignoring the Law Of God and making it say something it did no say~ The Moral Depravity Much Like Today~ Led them to Babylonian Captivity Then God keeps His Promise to Bring them To The Place God Had Chosen for them to be~! Back into Jerusalem~ But Now under the ternary of Roam~ The Hope Of Messiah Now Arrives~ Gal 4:3 In the Fullness of Time God Brought Forth His Son Born of a Woman Born Under the Law~ The Prophetic Promise of Gen.3:15 God Speaking To the Serpent And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” John 3:14 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: And if I am lifted Up I will Draw all Humanity to myself~ God established the Blood Covenant~ Lev. 17:11 Without the Shedding Of Blood There would be no forgiveness of sin~ Separation Being under the Babylonian oppression and now Roman Oppression The Messiah is Long awaited~ God announced His Arrival and His Name Hashem to MARY~ His Name Will Be Called Jesus ~ Joshua. John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. Through Moses (THE LAW) you could not enter into the Promises Of God Joshua God Has Become Our Salvation…. New Testament Realization: Scripture: Luke 1:30-33 - "But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.'" Application: Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise. Our hope is anchored in His life, death, and resurrection… None Like Him None Compared to Him…. 2 PEACE: The Restoration of Relationship Is. 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace God’s promise of peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of reconciliation through the Messiah. SHALOM Peace that Makes You Whole ~ Micah 5:5 - "He will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses." New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus Said in John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus brings peace between God and humanity, offering calm in the storms of life. Romans 5:1: "Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you" 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" Colossians 3:15: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble" Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" Romans 12:18: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” You have The Power TO Make Peace~ 3. JOY: The Good News of Great Joy Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Joy is found in God’s presence and His eternal promises. Being in the Presence Of God There is nothing Like it~ Celebration: Luke 2:10-11 - "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'" The birth of Jesus is the source of true and lasting joy, transcending circumstances… You have to come to Him by Faith` Looking for Love in all the wrong Places~ 4. LOVE: The Heart of the Gospel Jeremiah 31:3 - "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." God’s love for His people is steadfast, demonstrated through His covenant faithfulness. Romans 5:8 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus Said For God So Loved The Whole World~ John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” Coming TO God on HIS TERMS~ No Other Way~ Jesus embodies God’s love, which is sacrificial, unconditional, and eternal… Thats the Love He Gives you When YOU Come To Him on His Terms~ By Believing~ John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know. ” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Conclusion: Living in Advent Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love Advent is a time to reflect, repent, and rejoice in God’s gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love through Jesus. Embrace these gifts in your life and share them with others as a testimony of Christ’s transformative power. Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ, who brings hope, peace, joy, and love into our lives. Pray for the congregation to live out these truths during the Advent season and beyond.

Advent 3 Joy

December 15, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Luke 2:10, Isaiah 6:7, Isaiah 9:6, Habakkuk 3:17–18, Leviticus 17:11

The Promise of Joy- Like Sholom Peace which Was the Desire of God For His People God also desired EVERLASTING JOY~ Advent is a time of anticipation and reflection as we prepare to celebrate the Birth of Messiah~ The Long Awaited One To Redeem God’s People From Slavery and Ternary Of Oppressive Nations~ But HaShem Came To Deliver Us From SIN that separated us from God~ Physical FreedomYES BUT SPIRITUAL FREEDOM IS WHAT GOD DESIRED Throughout the Ages God Has A Plan For His People and Through the Seed Of Abraham All there Nations of The Earth Would Be Blessed~ The Long awaited ADVENT that would change World History and Separated Time~ The Prophetic Became the Actual~ To Bring —hope, peace, Joy and Love, —today we focus on joy. God Told His People Through the Prophet Isiah~ That HE Himself Would Deliver Them~ Blood Had To Be Shed For the Forgiveness of Sin~ Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22 Without the shading of Blood there would be no forgiveness of Sin~ God Promised That Messiah would be cut off from His People Is. 53 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. and would be the blood sacrifice For the Nations~ THE GOOD NEWS Scripture: Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Joy is more than happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances; Joy is rooted in the unchanging promises of God. Life is full of opportunities to get upset— delays, inconveniences frustration over traffic, delays, and loss of keys. The rude coworker or A relative who always finds fault. Life's challenges are unavoidable But the key to lasting joy is how you respond to them. Joy is within your control; you have to give it away. 1 The Source of Joy: God's Presence David Said In Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Your ultimate goal is spending time with Your Creator~ He Made You~ Joy is in your Control~ Don't let anyone Control Your Joy~ True joy begins with Our Creator. This Life is So Fleeting~ No one knows you like God Knows You~ That is why self deception is so scary~. John 8:32 Jesus Said you will know the Truth (HIM) and HIS truth will set you free~ It’s not found in Possessions, Success, or Relationships, A Carrer But In The Presence of the Lord. Emmanuel— God with us— is the source of our joy~ As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, let’s take time to seek His presence in prayer, worship, and the Word. Is:6:7 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and Everlasting Joy will be Yours. Step aside from the cares of this life and cuddle into to His Presence~ Shift from "I have to”go to work "I Have To go To Church to I get to church Thank You God I Get To Be A Part of you plan in this time of HISTORY 2 Joy in the Fulfillment of God’s Promises Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The birth of Jesus fulfilled centuries of prophecy. His coming is proof that God is faithful to His promises. When Mary visited Elizabeth, both women rejoiced because they saw God’s promises being fulfilled. Luke 1:46-47 “And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’” Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life. Rejoice in His promises for today and the future. All the things you desire He desires to fulfill in You According To His Word~ 3 Joy That Transcends Circumstances Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Though the promises of God have not all manifested You Have His Assurance they are coming to pass~ Habakkuk’s joy wasn’t dependent on his circumstances but on the character of God… 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful Is He Who Calls you Who Will Also Do it~ The shepherds were the first to hear the angel’s announcement of great joy. Despite their humble status, they experienced the joy of encountering Jesus. Understanding God’s Purpose in Opposition There’s THE BIGGER PICTURE God is setting you up for bigger things- Joseph: Betrayal by his brothers led to the palace. Genesis 50:20 – "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." David: King Saul’s jealousy prepared him for the throne. 1 Samuel 24:12 – "May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you." Nehemiah: God Called to rebuild The Wall Of Jerusalem~ Was ridiculed by his own peers~ They tried to discouraged him~ Ignored insults to complete the wall. Nehemiah 6:3 – "So I sent messengers to them with this reply: 'I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?’" You don’t have to answer to people Why You Do What You Do~ People Don’t determine your Destiney Only God Does~ You Just Stay In JOY~ Key Principle: Some opposition is ordained to propel you into your destiny. To accomplish Gods Call On Your Life~ Application: Even in trials, we can have joy because Jesus has come, and He will come again. Trust in His faithfulness. Remember The Deliverances Of The Past Scripture References: Exodus 15:20-21 – The Israelites sing for joy after crossing the Red Sea… Isaiah 51:11 – "The redeemed of the Lord shall return... everlasting joy shall be upon their heads." Hebrews 12:1-3 – Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Biblical Stories~ Exodus 15 After God parted the Red Sea, Miriam and the Israelites sang and danced with joy, even though they were not yet in the Promised Land The Promise is Not Quite Yet There~ Daniel 3 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Despite facing the fiery furnace, They rejoiced in their trust in God, who ultimately delivered them. David & Goliath Goliath wasn’t there to Kill Dave He Was There To Introduce David! What ever season you are in God IS With You And He Will Deliver YOU~ OUR JOY thrives even in the wilderness or oppressive circumstances. It is grounded in hope for future deliverance and trust in God’s promises. Jesus Said~ Matthew 5:16 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. All Things Are Working For Your Good ~ Thought we cant see all the Behind The Scenes it’s Happening~ 4 Sharing the Joy of Christ with Others Scripture: Matthew 2:10-11 “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (When you see the promise The Manifestation of Joy Takes Place~) The Magi rejoiced as they worshiped Jesus and offered Him gifts. Their joy Led to Action. Joy is contagious. When we live in the joy of Christ, it overflows to those around us. Illustration: Think of a time when someone’s joy brightened your day. How can you be that light for others this Advent season? Application: Share the joy of Christ through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and pointing others to Jesus. 5 The Eternal Joy of Christ’s Return Scripture: Revelation 21:3-4 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” Advent not only celebrates Jesus’ first coming but also anticipates His return. The ultimate joy is the hope of eternity with Him, where there will be no more pain or sorrow. John 16:22 – "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." Application: Live in joyful anticipation, sharing the hope of Christ’s return with others. Conclusion: Choosing Joy This Advent Season Scripture: Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” RE Joyce comes From The Meaning as To RE Joyce Re Joyce ~ Keep Repeating JOY~ Choose joy—not because of what’s happening around you but because of what Christ has done and the promises of what’s to come. Challenge: Take time each day this Advent season to reflect on God’s

Peace Pt 2 Advent

December 12, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Job 5:24, 2 Chronicles 7:11, Luke 2:9–15, Colossians 1:19–23, Ephesians 2:11–16

The Prince of Peace: Restoring Shalom Shalom as Completeness and Wholeness Job 5:24: "You shall know that your tent is in peace; You shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss." Shalom can describe personal well-being or the state of one’s possessions and relationships. Shalom as Restoration To bring shalom means to restore or make whole what is broken. 1 Kings 9:1; 2 Chronicles 7:11: Solomon brought shalom by completing the temple of the Lord. Examples: Repaying damages to a neighbor’s field to restore what was lost. Reconciliation and healing of broken relationships. Prophetic Vision of Shalom Israel’s kings often failed to cultivate shalom, but the prophets foresaw a future king, the Prince of Peace. The concept of peace is deeply rooted in Scripture, not merely as the absence of conflict but as the presence of something much greater: Completeness, Wholeness, and Restoration. The biblical concept of peace, or shalom, as revealed through the Word of God, and how Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, Fulfills this divine promise of restoration. The Prophecy of Peace Isaiah 9:6-7 The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of a future king who would establish a covenant of shalom and heal all that was broken. Let us read: He Heals The Broken Hearted, Those who have gone astray~ Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The reign of this Prince of Peace is marked by justice, righteousness, and endless shalom. His coming sets the foundation for God’s ultimate plan to restore creation. You Can not have peace or Completeness Outside of Jesus Christ~ Coming to Him By Faith~ Turning from your Former lifestyle and Being Born again By the Holy Spirit Of God 2. The Fulfillment in Jesus Luke 2:9-15 At the announcement of Jesus’ birth, the angels proclaimed peace to the world, affirming Him as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Let us read: Luke 2:9-15 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” God chose to announce the arrival of His Son to humble shepherds, reflecting His kingdom's nature— one of Humility, Grace, and Love~ God is Compassionate In His Love And Mercy for those who desire Him on His terms~ His Love Does Not Permit what ever feels good to you is ok with God~ That is the frivolous outlook of this world~ His Compassionate Love Embraces The Broken Hearted the Hurting the Rejected~ But To Heal the Broken hearted~ Healing Broken who have lost their way` The Prodigal's~ 3. Reconciliation Through the Cross Colossians 1:19-23 The peace Jesus brings is not superficial. It addresses humanity’s separation from God and restores the broken relationship. Let us read: Colossians 1:19-23 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus restored what was broken, making peace between humanity and God. 4. Unity Through Christ Jesus’ peace also unites people. He broke down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity. Let us read: Ephesians 2:11-16 11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. The separation~ Jesus reconciled divided groups, showing that His peace is meant to restore not just individuals but communities. 5. Living in the Unity of Peace As followers of Christ, we are called to maintain this unity through humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Let us read: Ephesians 4:1-3 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. If you are a Child of God ~ You are called to keep PEACE THE PEACE HAS TO DO WITH MAKING THINGS COMPLETE~ Fulfilled~ Not Strife~ Where the spirit of the lord is there is Peace~ Proverbs 20:3: "It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel" Proverbs 13:10: "Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice" James 4:1: "What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you?" Ephesians 4:31: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor . . . be put away from you with all malice" Galatians 5:20: "Now the works of the flesh are plain: . . . strife, jealousy, anger . . . " Matthew 5:22: "Every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment" James 3:16-17: "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" When these virtues are absent, unity breaks down. But when they are present, they reflect the true nature of Christ’s peace in His body, the Church. Conclusion: Restoring Shalom The biblical concept of peace—shalom—is about restoration and wholeness. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to restore what was broken: our relationship with God, with each other, and with the world. This restoration requires humility, patience, and love. As we follow Jesus, let us become people of peace, participating in His work to reconcile all things to God. True peace is not the absence of conflict but the active presence of restoration. May we live out this peace in every area of our lives.