CHRISTIAN PEACE flict between what the disciples desired and what was actually go ing to happen. The circumstances would surely shatter any peace they might expect. However, in the light of these words, Christ still promises a peace that passes un derstanding. Perhaps now we have a clear idea of why it does go be yond human understanding. Most of you know the life of Paul well enough to realize that he experienced great suffering. Be ginning with II Corinthians 11:23, he talks about being shipwrecked, beaten, and thrown into prison. He knew disappointment as we see in II Timothy 1:15. Everyone seemed to have turned away from him. He knew the anguish of problems and perplexities (II Corinthians 4:8, 9). Yet his messages in the Epistles, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, are always filled with the message of peace. Paul's peace was not totally dependent upon circumstances. The circumstances were seldom favorable. Christian peace is also unique because Cod has given a plan whereby we can alter the circum stances we do control and thereby know the fullness of Christian peace. The world certainly has no pattern for that. There are some elements of psychology which help people maintain a measure of peace, but there is no clear-cut pattern such as is defined in the Word of Cod which will give us true and lasting peace even amid our circumstances. Do you know first-hand, and are you regularly experiencing this blessed peace? Christian peace is potentially the possession of every Christian even despite the many disturbing cir cumstances over which we may
have no control. But our peace is related to circumstances — those circumstances over which we do have control. For example, to a certain extent, we do control our relationship with Cod. While it is the Holy Spirit who works in our lives, yet it is by our desire and actions that we both accept Christ and walk in fellowship with Him. It is also by our neglect that we drift away from Cod and play the role of a prodigal son. By our fool ishness the peace of fellowship is often replaced by the agony of separation. Christian peace is primarily based on salvation. We should never in any way ever minimize this truth. Paul explains this, "Therefore, be ing justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). This means that we appear before Cod as ac ceptable to Him through our faith in His Son. We cannot possibly have harmony with Cod so long as we are enemies with Him. We only have this peace through our Savior. This is all foundational. There is another phrase which helps me to understand how important salva tion is for personal peace, "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15). If an individual cannot have harmony in this life while in conflict with God, then he must receive "the gospel of peace." To exist apart from this can never provide real satisfaction or content ment. Peace from God does not come from trying to live a good life. To do this ultimately will re sult in agony. Paul found this out
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