December 2 Real and Lasting Peace Colossians 3:15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
When Paul wrote these words, the only “Peace” that the people were familiar with was the “Peace” that came through conquest, by Caesar and the Roman Empire and its armies. So, here comes this fellow named Paul, and he is talking about the “Peace of Christ,” and this Peace should “rule in your hearts.” Think about it… Caesar brought a perceived Peace through “Might” and “Conquest,” yet, this Christ, that Paul speaks of, brings Peace that is described as “Mercy and Humility and Love and seems to be about a personal experience, not a conquering force and domination. As I contemplate the environment of Paul’s day, I see how these folks would have difficulty with this “Peace” thing. We have a natural tendency to attempt to “make Peace” in our lives by being more assertive and attaining more power and leverage. Notice, that the Followers of Jesus were different! They recognized that the only true and lasting way to bring “Peace,” is through “Peace!” I believe that this lesson is vital and critical in our, present day, survival! Evil, Chaos, and Total Insanity has taken hold of our world and, it appears that the goal is to disrupt and to destroy any “Peace” that we might enjoy! Paul said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Model your life after Jesus and allow Him to “Rule” in your heart and be Grateful for His Blessings, Guidance and His Real and Lasting PEACE, regardless of the worldly circumstances! The Source of Real and Lasting Peace is Jesus Christ, and HIM ALONE! Isaiah 9:6 tells us… “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” This World Needs JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting)
P.S.: Is it possible to be a part of a Baptist Church and NOT be Baptist (Having been baptized by immersion)? I fully realize that Traditions and Man Created Processes DO NOT Save People, however, I have been made aware that there are several “Baptist” Churches that are no longer requiring “Baptism by Immersion” or “Baptism,” period, as a requirement for membership in the Baptist Church. Wow! There are two (2) sacraments in the Baptist Church, and they are Celebration of Communion and Water Baptism. Just a thought, if baptism by immersion is no longer required for membership, and you could have been sprinkled or even baptized as a baby, and qualify for membership, then what’s to say that Salvation should be required? Last thought: When is it appropriate for the “Body of Christ” to conform to the world versus the world conforming to the “Body of Christ?” In an attempt to attract the World, are we becoming like the World? Matthew 7:13-14 speaks of “The Narrow Way!” “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Just an Observation!