Prince of Peace
Waiting
December 5, 2021
When we left God’s people last week, they were captives in Babylon. But God had promised long before that their captivity wouldn’t last forever— Isaiah 9:1a | Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. God keeps His promise and after 70 years, He makes a way for His people to return home. Ezra 2:64-67 | So a total of 42,360 people returned to Judah, in addition to 7,337 servants and 200 singers, both men and women. They took with them 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys. However, part of God’s promise hasn’t come true yet. Days pass. Then years. Then hundreds of years. In fact, there would be over 400 years of waiting. Can you imagine over 400 years of what seems to be unanswered prayer? Maybe you’re in a season of waiting or a season of silence. Remember— in your waiting, Jesus is your peace— 2 Thessalonians 3:16 | Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.
Prince of Peace
December 25, 2021 • Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27, Romans 3:22–25, James 2:19, Romans 15:13
SCRIPTURES John 14:27 - “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Romans 3:22-25 - We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Additional Scriptures: 2 Peter 3:9, James 2:19, Romans 15:13, Hebrews 12:2 DISCUSSION -What is peace? -What people, places, or things rob you of peace (make you anxious or worried)? -Why is Jesus called the Prince of Peace? What kind of peace does He offer? (Read Romans 5:10 and Romans 5:1 if you’re not sure). -What must a person do to receive the peace Jesus offers? Do you have the peace only Jesus can give? -What distractions draw your focus away from Jesus? How will you stay focused on the Lord today, tomorrow, and every day?
Waiting
Michael Fitzgerald
When we left God’s people last week, they were captives in Babylon. But God had promised long before that their captivity wouldn’t last forever— Isaiah 9:1a | Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. God keeps His promise and after 70 years, He makes a way for His people to return home. And then… Even though the Israelites were back home, they are ruled by the kingdom of Persia. They still aren’t truly free which means they are not truly at peace. They know a King has been promised who will bring peace— Nothing. Silence. Days pass. Then years. Then hundreds of years. In fact, there would be over 400 years of waiting. Can you imagine over 400 years of what seems to be unanswered prayer? Maybe you’re in a season of waiting or a season of silence. Remember— in your waiting, Jesus is your peace.
