Peace in a troubled world

Fri Dec 21, 2012

by Bishop Hollis Charles

Luke 2, 13 &14 – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying glory to God in the highest an on earth, peace, goodwill, toward men”.

What is the meaning of peace? Peace is freedom from war a cessation of war, to make and bring about a treaty of peace between two powers at war. The angels announced a message of peace to men, so we can have peace in a troubled world. We sing in our National Anthem may peace reign from shore to shore. How can we have this peace; is this peace possible?{{more}}

My question is who is the author of peace? God is. 1st Corinthians 14:33 – “God is not the author of confusion but of peace: as in churches of the saints.”

I have seen many people making the peace sign, but deep within their hearts there is still war and confusion.

This peace can be threefold:-

1. Peace with God. 2. Peace from God. 3. The peace of God.

Romans chapter 5: 1 says: “– therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” You can make your peace with God this season before it’s too late, yes! You can have peace in this troubled world.

Only a relationship with God can set you free and give you peace with God.

Peace from God: Paul writing to the church at Philippi; he said to them grace be unto you and peace from God, our father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. This peace I am talking about is not from man, or a woman, or the angel, it is from God. The greatest war is not fought in the Middle East, Africa, Syria nor on a battle field. The greatest is war fought in the hearts of men and women. The late J.F Kennedy said “Man must put an end to war or war will put an end to man.” How true! Man is searching for peace; some are searching in the wrong places, some in things. But I have news for you. Jesus can give you peace: He is the prince of peace. Are you longing for that peace today? Why don’t you ask Him for this peace? When you are at peace with God, you will also be at peace with your fellowmen have peace from God. Job 22:21 says: “Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace, thereby good shall come unto thee.”

The peace of God: Philippians 4:7. Many people are dying from heart attack, some worry about a lot of things, worry will never solve your problems, why worry when you can pray? There is this beautiful verse that I like very much: what about it? It says and peace of God which passeth all, not some, but all understanding. What will it do? It will keep your heart and minds through Christ the prince of peace.

The message for this season is peace. Young men, put down your weapons, the guns, knives and cutlasses and turn your life over to God. What about your heart? Is it right with God? Do you have that peace, the peace that only Jesus gives? Jesus is the divine keeper. Isaiah 26:3 says: “Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee.”

The word perfect means complete or faultless; nothing can be added or taken away. Before Jesus went back to His father He called His disciples together. It seems as if they were sad. in John 14:27 – He said to them: “peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you not as the word giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”.

These are words of comfort; no other person can say that but Jesus. Are you troubled or afraid? What are you afraid of? What a blessing to have the peace of God. My friend, when you would have accepted and trusted Jesus as your personal Saviour, He will give you that peace you have been longing for.

In Luke chapter 2 vs. 25- 30, Simeon the priest, he was a just and devout man waiting for the consolation of Israel, The Holy Ghost was upon him, it was revealed to him that he should not see death, before he had seen Jesus Christ. While he was in the temple Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God and said “Lord let they servant depart in peace, according to thy word for mine eyes have seen they salvation.”

Yes sir! Yes Madam! Jesus came into the world to bring salvation, not religion – religion is made: salvation is God given. Acts 4:12 says, neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

Death is something we can’t get accustom to. You are going to die one of these days, are you prepared? No one should leave this world until he or she knows for sure that they have made peace with God. To have peace with God is to rest on Him, to wait on Him, not to get anxious about anything. Peace with God gives bold assurance, to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God will come through for you.

Christmas is a time to reflect on the goodness and blessings of God. It is a blessing to be alive and well. On behalf of my family and members of the Bethel Gospel Assembly churches in St. Vincent and all my faithful listeners to the ‘Guiding Light’ broadcast every Friday 5:45pm on NBC radio. I wish you all a peaceful and a blessed holiday season and productive new year.