GrowthDepthStrength Taking the easy way out?

GrowthDepthStrength Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” TNIV “You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family” Message

GrowthDepthStrength Interpretation  Literal or figures of speech?  Replace the Law or add to it?  Minimum standards; commandments or guidelines?  All cultures/ ages or a specific period? “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10 (TNIV)

GrowthDepthStrength Wise Words “If a leader can't get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn't even matter“ Gilbert Amelio, former CEO of Apple

GrowthDepthStrength Interpretation  Incremental  Context & Culture

GrowthDepthStrength Peace - Shalom  Wholeness and completeness  Well-being and healthiness  Harmony, serenity, peacefulness and tranquillity  Prosperity and richness in relationships  Reconciliation

GrowthDepthStrength Prince of Peace “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever” Isaiah 9: 7 (TNIV)

GrowthDepthStrength Family likeness “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God” John 1:12-13 (TNIV)

GrowthDepthStrength Family likeness “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” Galatians 3:26 (TNIV) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1 (TNIV)

GrowthDepthStrength Family likeness  A God of peace: Romans 15:33 Romans 16:20 Philippians 4:9 1Thessalonians 5:23 Hebrews 13:20  He’s a peacemaker Colossians 1:20 2Corinthians 5:19

GrowthDepthStrength Family likeness “Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself, and God gave us the work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him” 2Corinthians 5:18 (NCV)

GrowthDepthStrength It depends on me “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” Romans 12:18 (NIVUK) “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone” Hebrews 12:14 (TNIV)

GrowthDepthStrength The Challenge “Seek peace and pursue it” 1Peter 3:11 (TNIV) “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace” Isaiah 52:7 (TNIV)

GrowthDepthStrength The Challenge “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:3 (NIVUK)

GrowthDepthStrength The Challenge  Where have I taken the easy way and ignored the problem or avoided it?  In what areas do I need to pursue peace and what stops me?  Where do I need peace in my life?

GrowthDepthStrength A Promise to Claim “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7 (TNIV)