Archive for January 9th, 2012

Posted on January 9, 2012 - by genes

John 14:27-29

Most people hear the word peace and think that’s the absence of war.   While the world might greet one another with the word peace, talk about peace, negotiate for peace or even give each other  the “peace” sign, it has a rather dismal history of achieving any sort of lasting peace.  Yet, to the apostle John, peace meant something much more than world peace.  He understood peace as being in a right relationship with God, a special gift from Jesus to His disciples.  Peace, or unity with God, is the natural result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, promised to repentant believers who enter into a faith covenant with Jesus at their baptism.   Once marked with the Spirit’s presence, the beliver also becomes the special possession of God.   In such a relationship, regardless of life’s circumstances (and Jesus disciples would face very challenging circumstances) Christ’s followers can rest assured that they are in perfect union, or peace, with God.  The world can never offer such peace.  It is the unique bequest of Jesus and the reason why, in all of life’s ups and downs, we should never be troubled or afraid.   No matter what happens in this life, nothing can take away our special relationship with God. Jesus made that promise, then and now, to all who would be His disciples.  

Posted on January 9, 2012 - by susanm

January 9, 2012

Today’s special message from Jesus Christ is:

John 14:27-29
New International Version (NIV)

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

Optional reading pages 24 & 25 from the book The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven K. Scott.