Chapter 13
PEACE WITH AND FROM GOD
In our previous study we saw that as a born again believer in Jesus Christ we are a child of God, a temple of the Holy Spirit and have our citizenship in Heaven. Lord willing in this study we shall find that now, in our new position, we are at peace with God and can have peace from God. However, before we begin our study let us pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You in the Name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Father, please enable me to understand Your Word. Help me to begin to comprehend the tremendous blessings You have bestowed upon me through Your Son, Jesus. Dear Lord, please bless this time with You.
Amen
To better understand the peace we now have in Jesus Christ, we will:
1. Review the regulations and purpose for the Old Testament Peace or Fellowship offering. In doing this we will see that they were a foreshadowing to teach us about the nature of Jesus' sacrifice for us.
2. See throughout the history of Israel and especially during the times He was very angry with their sins, God foretold that a time will come when He will bring peace between Him and those who belong to Him.
3. Find that in Jesus Christ we have the promised peace with and from God.
OLD TESTAMENT FORESHADOWING
To see that Jesus is our Peace and Fellowship offering we will,
1. Review the Old Testament Peace and Fellowship offerings to see that they were pointing to the sacrifice that Jesus Christ would make on our behalf.
2. Find that the sacrifices and offerings of the Old Testament could not keep the worshipper in good fellowship with God. In other words, these sacrifices and offerings had no power to change the people and therefore could not keep peace with or from God.
The Old Testament Fellowship Offering
In our study of the Atonement, we saw how the nation of Israel was commanded to sacrifice various animals. This was done so that the animal’s blood could be used to make atonement for their sins. We also discovered that the blood of bulls, goats, sheep, etc. could never take away sin. In this study we saw that these animal sacrifices and the shedding of their blood was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice and the shedding of His blood for the forgiveness and redemption from our sins once and for all (Hebrews 9:1–10:18).
As we read further in the Old Testament ceremonial law, we also find that there was a group of sacrifices called Peace/Fellowship offerings. To see how these sacrifices were also a foreshadowing of the nature of Jesus' sacrifice for us, we begin by noting that there were three reasons or occasions in which these offerings were to be made: (1) the result of a vow, (2) a freewill sacrifice and (3) an expression of thankfulness. To see this let us begin with Leviticus 7:16.
The first occasion for the fellowship offering was,
A Result Of A Vow
Leviticus 7:16
"[16] If, however, his offering is the result of a vow …"
NOTE: In Acts 13:23 we read that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the fulfillment of a promise or vow God made to save us from our sins.
Acts 13:23
""[23] … God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised."
Thus, Jesus Christ's offering of His body and blood was the result of a vow.
The second reason for the fellowship offering was simply that the offerer gave it not as a result of a command or penalty for sin, but to be,
A Freewill Offering
Leviticus 7:16
"[16] … or is a freewill offering, …"
NOTE: In John 10:17-18 we find that Jesus offered Himself voluntarily, that is of His own free will.
John 10:17-18
"[17] The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.""
The third reason for the fellowship offering was to be as,
An Expression Of Thankfulness
Leviticus 7:12
"[12] If he offers it as an expression of thankfulness, …"
NOTE: In John 8:29 we find that Jesus always did what pleased the Father.
John 8:29
"[29] The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.""
In addition, in John 15:13 Jesus tells us that He loves us so much that He laid His life down for us.
John 15:13
"[13] Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
In reflecting upon these things one comes to realize that Jesus' offering on the cross was also an expression of thanksgiving to be able to save you and me from the fires of eternal damnation.
This offering was also unique with respect to all the other sacrifices of the Old Testament in that it
Was To Be Shared By All Three Participants
Thus, it was a communal offering to be consumed by God, the priest and the offerer along with his family. To see this, let us read about the freewill offering in,
Deuteronomy 12:17-18
"[17] You must not eat in your own towns the tithe of your grain and new wine and oil, or the firstborn of your herds and flocks, or whatever you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. [18] Instead, you are to eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose--you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levites from your towns--and you are to rejoice before the LORD your God in everything you put your hand to."
Let us notice the following verses,
17 … They were not to eat their freewill offerings or gifts in their home towns or cities.
18(a) … They were to eat their offerings in the presence of God. Specifically, they were to go to Jerusalem to the Temple, that is the house of God, and offer their sacrifice there.
18(b) … After God’s portion was given on the altar; the remainder of the sacrifice was to be eaten by the priest or Levite (who was the mediator) and the person, along with his family, who brought the sacrifice. In other words, all three participants (God, the mediator and the offerer) of the sacrifice ate together, that is they had fellowship and were at peace with one another.
By noting how the fellowship or peace offering was to be eaten we also come to see that this sacrifice was also a foreshadowing of the Lord's Supper. In other words, it was also a foreshadowing of the fellowship and peace we have with God. During the Lord’s Supper when we partake of the bread and wine (representing Christ's body and blood), Who is our Mediator, we are reminded of the peace and fellowship we now have with God the Father.
Israel Continually Fell Away From God
As we read the Old Testament, we find that all these ceremonial offerings and sacrifices became just a ritual and an end to themselves. In other words, the people strictly complied with the external rules and regulations for the offerings and the Temple service but their hearts fell far away from the Lord. To see this, let us consider what God said to the Israelites through His prophet Isaiah in,
Isaiah 1:10-20
"[10] Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah! [11] "The multitude of your sacrifices-- what are they to me?" says the LORD. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. [12] When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? [13] Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations-- I cannot bear your evil assemblies. [14] Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. [15] When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; [16] wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, [17] learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. [18] "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. [19] If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; [20] but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
Let us notice the following verses,
10 … God addressed Israel as Sodom and Gomorrah. Remember, Sodom and Gomorrah was so steeped in sin that finally our Lord decided to wipe them out. In His anger, God addressed His people of Israel as Sodom and Gomorrah. Just think about how infuriated God must have been.
11 … God told Israel that He has had it with all their offerings and was not pleased with them.
12 … God questioned Israel; “Who asked you to do this?” In other words, the people were giving offerings and sacrifices to God as if it was for His benefit. They missed the point. The whole sacrificial system was for the benefit of the people and to teach them about the ways of God and the coming Messiah.
13-14 … God told the people that because of their attitude, they should not bring any more offerings or hold any more assemblies. In other words, it had all become ritual and tradition. It no longer had meaning and was not benefiting them. Can you imagine how this must have been received by the people of Israel? To put it into focus, suppose a prophet of God came into our churches of today and said the same thing, that is do not bother getting together to worship and sing praises to God. Your hearts are far from Him, you do not do what He desires, and your assembly has only become a meaningless tradition.
15 … God was so upset that He would not even listen to their prayers!
16-18 … God called out to Israel to repent, change their ways and follow His precepts.
19 … If the people would repent, they will be blessed.
20 … However, if they did not change their ways, they will be overrun by the sword.
Reading further in the Old Testament, we discover that even though there were short periods of revival and restoration to God, over the long term Israel fell further and further away from God. Finally, in 586BC1, approximately 120 years after the prophecy of Isaiah, God brought King Nebuchadnezzar’s army to destroy Jerusalem, the Temple and take the people captive into Babylon. To see this let us read from,
2 Chronicles 36:15-20
"[15] The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. [16] But they mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. [17] He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians, who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither young man nor young woman, old man or aged. God handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar. [18] He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the Lord's temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. [19] They set fire to God's temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there. [20] He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power."
Amazingly enough, even after their return from Babylon to Jerusalem, Israel continued to fall away from serving the Lord. To see this, let us read how God through the prophet Zechariah was calling the people of Israel to Him.
Zechariah 1:1-4
"[1] In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo: [2] "The LORD was very angry with your forefathers. [3] Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty. [4] Do not be like your forefathers, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.' But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the LORD."
Summary
In reflecting upon the above, one is left with the question; “Why?” “Why did Israel keep falling away?” “Why did they not continue to follow and serve God?” The answer to these questions is really twofold.
First, as we found in previous studies, mankind’s problem is the fact that we have a fallen nature. Consequently, to truly walk with God and please Him we must live our lives on earth by faith in Him. To see this let us consider the following passage,
Romans 9:30-32
"[30] What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; [31] but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. [32] Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone.""
Secondly, the whole Old Testament sacrificial system did not have power to change an individual. Thus, it could never bring into fruition true lasting peace with and from God. It was instituted as a shadow or foretelling of what was yet to come. In other words, it was pointing to the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the work He was going to do for us. To see this, let us prayerfully read from,
Hebrews 10:1-2
"[1] The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. [2] If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins."
This brings us to,
THE PROMISE OF PEACE
Consequently, in addition to all the prophecies of impending disaster and doom God, throughout the history of Israel, also foretold of a time when the Messiah or Anointed One will come and bring about peace between Him and His people. To see this we will read two examples of this promise.
In our first example notice that one of the Messiah’s Names or attributes is that He is the Prince of Peace. To read this prophecy we go to,
Isaiah 9:6-7
"[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] 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. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."
To see that this prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, let us read what the angels said when they announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds who were living in the fields. It is recorded in,
Luke 2:8-14
"[8] And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." [13] Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, [14] "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.""
Let us notice the following verses,
10-11 … The angel announced to the shepherds that he brings to them good tidings and great joy. He then proceeded to tell them that the promised Messiah, the Savior had been born.
14 … The angels praised God and announced that peace and goodwill towards men had come. Thus, the angels were telling them that the time had arrived. The Messiah had been born and through Him God has extended peace and goodwill to men on whom His favor rests. In other words, the Prince of Peace had come!
In the second example concerning the promise of peace we find that the Messiah or the Anointed One will not only bring peace to Israel and but also to the rest of the nations. To read this prophecy we go to,
Zechariah 9:9-10
"[9] Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. [10] I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth."
Let us notice the following verses,
9 … Through the prophet Zechariah God foretold that the Messiah, Israel's true King, who brings with Him salvation, will enter Jerusalem on a donkey amid great shouts of joy.
10 … God further foretold that the King, the promised Messiah, will extend His peace to Jerusalem and all the nations.
To see that this prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus let us read about His triumphal entry into Jerusalem,
Matthew 21:1-11
"[1] As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. [3] If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." [4] This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: [5] "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" [6] The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. [7] They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. [8] A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. [9] The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" [10] When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" [11] The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.""
Unfortunately, for the majority of the people of Israel, they never grasped the significance of what was going on. Specifically, in Jesus Christ God was fulfilling His vow or promise to save us. The reason for the people’s unbelief was because that, even though outwardly they meticulously followed the rules and regulations of the Temple service, their hearts were hardened and far from God. To see this, let us read how Jesus lamented over Jerusalem just before He entered it.
Luke 19:41-44
"[41] As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it [42] and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. [43] The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. [44] They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.""
Let us notice the following verses,
41-42 … Jesus cried about the fact that the people did not know that it was He, Jesus Christ, who had come to bring them peace.
43-44(a) … Jesus foretold that the days will come when Jerusalem and the Temple will be destroyed. This prophecy was fulfilled in 70AD2. Approximately 37 years after Jesus’ prophecy, the Roman army under the command of General Titus came and, as King Nebuchadnezzar did, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple.
44(b) … The reason for this judgment was because many of the Israelites did not recognize that their Lord and God had visited them!
This account of Jesus crying over Jerusalem brings to mind the question of; “What about each one of us?” “Have we recognized and accepted the fact that Jesus Christ came to bring us peace with God and save us from our sins?” If anyone hasn’t please, with all your heart prayerfully call upon Him to save you from your sins, fill you with the Holy Spirit and bring you to peace with God the Father. With all this background, let us now explore,
THE PEACE OF JESUS CHRIST
Specifically, let us now look into the peace that the born again believer has in Jesus Christ. To see that through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we have peace, let us read from,
Colossians 1:19-20
"[19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
In fact, one of the things that Jesus told His disciples when He was preparing them for His upcoming ordeal was that in Him they and we will have peace. This is recorded in,
John 16:33
""[33] I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.""
Notice that Jesus tells us that the peace we have in Him is not from or with this world. To expand upon this a bit let us read one of the things Jesus said relative to the cost of being a disciple of His. It is given in,
Luke 12:51-53
[51] Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. [52] For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. [53] Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
In other words, Jesus is telling us that even though those who are born again desire to be at peace with all people, this will not happen. We must remember that those who are born again have been transferred into the Kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13-14) and desire to please Him (Ephesians 2:10); whereas those who are not born again still belong to the kingdom of the evil one and follow his ways (1 John 5:19).
More specifically, Jesus is warning us that if they, the non believers of this world, would persecute Him then do not be surprised that you too will be persecuted. To read what He said to His disciples we go to,
John 15:18-21
[18] “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. [19] If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. [20] Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. [21] But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Thus, one is left with the question of, “What kind of peace do we have in Jesus Christ?” As it turns out, in Jesus Christ we have two kinds of peace:
With God
-And-
Of God
The first type of peace we have in Jesus is,
Peace with God
To see this, let us first review the essence of the Gospel. To do that, let us read from,
Colossians 2:9-15
"[9] For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, [10] and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. [11] In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, [12] having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. [13] When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, [14] having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. [15] And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
Let us notice the following verses,
9 … In other words, Jesus Christ is the second person of the Godhead and is fully God who came to earth in a physical human body.
10 … In Jesus we too have been given the divine nature. In other words, God the Holy Spirit lives inside the born again believer.
11 … Our old self was crucified with Christ.
12 … In water baptism, by faith in God, we buried our old self and rose to new life in the resurrected Christ.
13-14 … On the cross at Calvary Jesus Christ made atonement for our sins. Specifically, He paid the debt for our sins that we could not pay. Consequently, because of His sacrifice we have been forgiven and redeemed.
With this in mind, let us now read from,
Romans 5:1
"[1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"
In other words, since we are forgiven and have been justified through faith in Jesus Christ and what He did for us, we are now at peace with God, our Maker.
Another way to see and understand this is by reading the following excerpt from the letter to the believers in the church in Colossae.
Colossians 1:15-23
"[15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. [19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. [21] Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. [22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
If we continue in our faith not only do we have peace with God, but we also discover that in Christ Jesus we have,
Peace from God
Our first hint to this type of peace, which is different than peace with God, comes to us from reading the salutations or greetings of the epistles written by the Apostle Paul. For example,
Romans 1:7
"[7] To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
Notice the phrase, “Grace and peace to you from God …”
1 Corinthians 1:3
"[3] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 1:2
"[2] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
In reflecting upon the above Scriptures, one is left with the question of, “Are these just nice polite standard greetings of that day?” (Or) “Is there more to it?” To find out, let us read what Jesus once said about the peace that we have in Him in,
John 14:27
"[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."
Notice what our Lord Jesus Christ said:
(1) Peace I leave with you.
(2) Peace I give to you.
(3) Be not troubled or afraid.
What did Jesus mean? To find out, let us first go to the sermon on the mountain and read how Jesus encourages us to place our complete and total trust in Him and not to allow material things to rule and control us.
Matthew 6:24-34
""[24] No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. [25] "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [27] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? [28] "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Let us now read what the Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, said will happen to us when we follow the above instruction,
Philippians 4:4-7
"[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Let us notice the following verses,
4 … We are to rejoice and be thankful in the Lord always. This includes bad times along with the good.
6 … Do not worry about anything but with thanksgiving and prayer we are to present our concerns and requests to God. When we do this we must believe and trust that He not only heard us but will also answer in a way that is for our eternal benefit. Now when we do this, God promises that He will fill us with His peace. To see this, let us read the next verse,
7 … The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
CONCLUSION
As we reflect on all we have covered, we come to realize that when Jesus Christ died on the cross to atone for and redeem us from our sins, also embedded in that sacrifice was His freewill offering to bring us into peace and fellowship with God Almighty. Consequently, through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, God the Father fulfilled His vow or promise to save us from our sins and bring into peace with Him.
To remind us of these things, God asks the born again believer, as He did with Israel in Old Testament times, to be thankful and periodically partake of the peace/fellowship offering. We do this through what is called, “The Lord’s Supper or Communion.” To see this let us read from,
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
"[23] For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." [25] In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.""
Now with all this in mind, let us close our study with praise and thanksgiving to our Lord and God by reading the following Psalm,
Psalm 145:1-21
"[1] I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. [2] Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. [3] Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. [4] One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. [5] They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. [6] They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. [7] They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. [8] The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. [9] The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. [10] All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. [11] They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, [12] so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. [13] Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. [14] The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. [15] The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. [16] You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. [17] The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. [18] The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. [19] He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. [20] The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. [21] My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever."
Blessed be the Lord forever!
AMEN and AMEN