“Blessed are the peacemakers” Two Groups of Jews: 1. Those who Hated Jesus- John 7:1,19,25 2. Common Jew – expected warlike king

The Beatitudes Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.”

“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God” God the Father of All Peace – 1 Corinthians 14:33 God’s Nature is that of Peace- 2 Corinthians 5:19 IS it any wonder that the Son of God is called the “Prince of Peace?” Colossians 1:20 “made peace through the blood of His cross.”

PEACE MEANS: Εἰρηνοποιός “to make peace” “one who cultivates peace and concord” “The Greek concept – primarily denotes a state, not a relationship or attitude…opposite of po’lemos (WAR). Linked with treaties of peace or conclusion of peace…opposite of disturbance…absence of hostile feelings…promote human concord…God calls them His children because they are like Him.”

PEACEMAKERS: WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? God Who has actively promoted Peace requires the Same in His Children Men who are to be at Peace with God - Why did Jesus Die? Make Peace Possible Isaiah 59:1,2 “iniquities have separated you from your God

PEACE OF CHRIST Always at Peace Within Asleep in belly of storm tossed ship- Matthew 8:23-27 Speaking to 5,000 who hungered when no food available – Luke 9:12-17 More peace the closer He moved to Calvary – Mark 15:23; Luke 23:34

PEACE OF CHRIST Jesus’ Peace is: Peace of Heart and Life Peace of Forgiveness and Pardon Experienced Peace of Mercy Received Romans 5:1 “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Gospel of Peace & Faith Shows Us The Way – faith, repentance, confession, baptism

Man To Be At Peace With Himself To Do This: Conscience must be clean Forgiven through the Blood of Jesus A Relationship Established & Maintained – Unity with God Obedience & Trust by Faith in the God of Peace establishes & keeps us at Peace with God

Men Are To Be At Peace With Other Men Peace Jesus Possessed to be Personal Must necessarily flow from Us to Others John 14:27 “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives” World gives False Peace – born of Compromise, falsehood & error Jesus doesn’t Represent Peace at Any Price Peace of Jesus founded on Truth, Righteousness & Purity – James 3:17

Peacemakers to Make Peace Between Man & Man & Man & God Proverbs 6:19 God hates “one who sows discord among brethren” 1 Peter 3:11 “seek peace and pursue it” Psalm 133:1 “good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity.” Romans 14:19 “pursue the things which make for peace”

How Can I Be A Peacemaker Among Men? Through Attitudes Like Jesus Compassion, Caring, Considerate, Kind, Warm, Friendly, Helping & Serving Carrying “Gospel of Peace” & “Glad Tidings of Good Things” Romans 10:15 We make Peace by Bringing Others to Jesus

THE PROMISE: “CALLED SONS OF GOD” Identified with Character of Father Acts 4:36 identified by good disposition When we both Posses and Make Peace, we are Identified as His Sons We Must Choose the way of Peace in Our Hearts It Comes Through the Will of God

We Must Carry the “Gospel of Peace” to be Peace-makers