Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Peace
Subject: Peace
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
With a final benediction, Paul brought to a close this second letter to the church in Thessalonica. These last words were written by Paul personally. While it seems that he dictated most of his letters, (cf. Romans 16:22), he typically sent his salutation with his own handwriting. “See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!” (Galatians 6:11). Perhaps Paul had bad eyesight, or some other condition that made it hard for him to write.
The words themselves are beautiful and significant. They declared clearly Paul’s love for his brethren. He asked God’s blessing upon the Thessalonians, that God grant them peace, and be with them. The phrase “be with you all” is not merely a closing. Paul desired they be granted and maintain a close relationship with the Lord.
He finished his letter with a request that Jesus Christ’s grace or favor be upon them. The ultimate expression of this is salvation.
The Fruit of Righteousness
Consider the following from James’ pen, “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18).
James’ words complete a section of scripture (13-18) contrasting true wisdom with what men often consider to be wise. These are described as “wisdom [that] does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic” (15). And, “the wisdom that is from above [that] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (17).
These words must be put into the proper context of scripture as a whole. They do not preclude a contending for truth, and an insistence that peace comes through the unity characterized by the Father and the Son. Jesus prayed, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20-21).
What James clearly indicates is our proper inclination. It is love and peace. We are to rejoice in unity, not in division. Heavenly wisdom requires for us to be righteous. We must sow peace! Do not be bitter, do not be envious, do not seek your own. Make peace!
The Fruit of the Spirit
In Galatians 5 the apostle Paul describes the conflict between the lust of the flesh and the fruit that is developed in the child of God as we grow and mature, heeding the Spirit of God. Noting the works of the flesh first, (19-21), we will in this lesson describe and define the fruit of the Spirit, listed in verses (22-23). This is important, for in this context Paul assures us to, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (16).
Love
The Greek word agape is the word that Paul uses here. It is uniquely used in the New Testament to describe the highest expression of love for others. It is an unselfish love, motivated and informed as to what is best for others. For example, “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” (John 3:16). It is the type of love we should have for God (John 4:15); for our brethren (1 John 2); for our wives (Ephesians 5:25); and even for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). It is not surprising that this heads Paul’s list. A love for God and for man is the basis of God’s expectations for us as we serve Him (Matthew 22:36-40). Continue reading “The Fruit of the Spirit”
Sermon: A Divisive Christ?
A discussion of Matthew 10:21-42 showing that reconciliation and peace with God, though it is valuable and secures us blessings, sometimes will cause division with even our closest family members.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Not Violent
The New King James version renders one of the qualifications of elder to be “not violent” (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). The phrase consists of two Greek words: me, meaning no or not, and plektes.
The word plektes only occurs in these two places in the New Testament. The phrase is translated “no striker” in the King James Version. There is a similar term also given as one of the qualifications in Paul’s list, translated in the KJV as “not a brawler.” There would seem to be little difference between “no striker” and “not a brawler.” The NKJV tries to make a more obvious distinction by translating the two terms: “not violent” and “not quarrelsome.”
Many Greek scholars agree with the distinction shown in the NKJV, believing the second term to have had, (at the time of Paul’s writing), an emphasis on arguing rather than physical violence.
So, the word plektes seems to have, in Paul’s writing, a reference to physical violence. It is obvious that an elder should not be a man to raise his fists at provocation. In fact, no Christian should be physically violent with others. Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:39, “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”
It is sad that violence is common to many men. It is pervasive in our society. However, it has no place in the life of a Christian, whose life is one of peace. It certainly can’t characterize a man who serves as an overseer of God’s people.
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Sermon: What God Values in Man
What Does God Value in Man? Eyes of humility. A tongue of truth. Hands that do honest work. A good heart. Cautious feet. Those who advocate for justice and mercy, A maker of peace. That is what God values.
COVID-19 (15) Mr. Lonely
This article was inspired by an online Bible study by one of our members, Dennis Craig. His lesson was titled Learning the Value of Solitude. It was a great help to our members who are observing the shelter in place guidelines from local and state government.
Bobby Vinton wrote a song in the late 1950’s after being drafted into the military. He spent two years serving domestically, and wrote Mr. Lonely which later became a number one hit when released in 1964. Here are the lyrics, which more accurately describe a soldier sent overseas.
Be The Exception
A friend recently lent me a book to read. There is much good material in it. In one chapter, the basic premise is the need to recognize that the world is broken.
It is not something that should shock us. Rather than get surprised and offended when we see evil, we should instead note its commonality, and give thanks to God for His intervention and ultimate cure for sin. Following is a quote from the book:
War is not exceptional; peace is. Worry is not exceptional; trust is. Decay is not exceptional; restoration is. Anger is not exceptional; gratitude is. Selfishness is not exceptional; sacrifice is. Defensiveness is not exceptional; love is. And judgmentalism is not exceptional… But grace is.
(Brant Hansen, Unoffendable, page 40)
It is in this way that Christians are able to be an influence for good in our world (cf. Matthew 5:13-14). In the midst of a broken world, we are to be peacemakers, to trust in God, to edify, to give thanks, to give, to love, and to forgive.
We are to be as God is, who has extended His grace to all mankind. It is easy to “walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk” (cf. Ephesians 4:17). Instead, “put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
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Sermon: Pursue Peace
Without pursuing peace, with holiness, it is impossible to please God. With this such an important consideration, the lesson discusses what is necessary to heed God’s command to do so.
Sermon: Wisdom for the Family
The lesson, based on texts in Proverbs, indicates the important things that must be provided for a family to thrive. Things like, instilling a fear of the Lord; providing peace, love, sufficient material support, and discipline.
FB: “Go in peace”
A woman who had the rightly earned reputation as a sinner knelt at the feet of Jesus, anointing them with fragrant oil, and wiping them with the hair on her head.
In this action she exhibited faith in Jesus. Jesus told the master of the house, “her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much” (Luke 7:47). He then told her, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (vs. 50).
Jesus told her to “Go in peace” because her sins were forgiven. There is no peace without the forgiveness of sins. When a man’s sins remain he is separated from God. No peace can be found without His presence in your life.
If your life is not blessed with the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), you need to have your sins forgiven. If you want help, contact us, we would love to study with you online or in person..
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Invitation: The Character of the Elect
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Colossians 3:12-15 Paul describes the proper character of the elect. Three things are noteworthy: Love, Humility and Peace.
Sermon: The Fruit of the Spirit – Peace
A two part lesson, preached AM and PM on Galatians 5. The first lesson audio gives a short explanation of the Fruit of the Spirit, as listed by Paul in the text. The second lesson is a discussion of the attribute, “Peace.”Invitation: Pursue Peace
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The text of Hebrews 12:12-17 expresses our responsibilities toward one another as Christians. We pursue peace, lest we lose a brother to the world.
Invitation: Bearing Burdens
Invitation delivered by: Joshua Jackson
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus promises us an easy burden and light yoke. We are given instructions (Gal. 6:2) to help bear one another’s burdens.
