Vision Glorious

Intro

Before turning specific attention to the topic of peaceful living, I’d like to first touch on what I envision when a body lives in True Christian Community. What experience has taught me (particularly in Italy) is that when you’re living in True Christian Community (TCC), you and your “family” are living out your faith as a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” referred to in Exodus 19:6. Together, your local body of Christ is living as a “complete and healthy body” with Jesus at the head. As such, each member of the body is living in obedience and utilizing the gifts given by the Holy Spirit to serve and meet the needs of others, encourage and pray for one another, win others to Christ—in short, to be Jesus’ hands, feet, eyes, ears (sounds like a body doesn’t it).

Peace Out — and In.

One might guess that living in peace in TCC should be a natural spiritual outflow of the image presented above. In reality, it is and it isn’t. It is because God’s perspective on peace tells us biblically that it should be and, in fact, with obedience and effort peace does flow out of TCC living. However, by outward appearances, peace may not be apparent. Why? There may and likely will be great attack from the enemy when the body comes together this way. Also, our flesh and pride, in particular, have a way of degrading from the ideal images of peace in a body alive. Finally, disobedience to God’s plan also leads us (and the church leaders) away from a state of “peace” as defined by the world.

The world defines peace as a “state of calm” or “freedom from stife and discord.” Probably a better spiritual definition would be “harmony in interpersonal relationships with God, others and enemies.” We need to understand God’s call to peace, His perspective and provision for peace in TCC, and that it takes obedience and work to realize true peace in TCC. Let’s look at some principles next.

Hmmm… Meaty Peace Principles

• Principle 1- We are called to peace

Luke 10:5 When you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house.”

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Considering the above verses, it is clear we are called to actively engage and be instruments of peace within the Church as well as in every house we enter. Keep that one on your mind as you enter a home, and you’re on your way. But from where do we derive this peace?

• Principle 2- God is the giver of peace

Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (peace thru Jesus) For unto 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. (This makes Father God the King of Peace)

John 14:27 (peace thru Holy Spirit) Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

God makes provision for peace in our world and our lives because he is the King of Peace, the author of peace. He sent His son, the Prince of Peace, to leave peace with us, not as the world gives, but through the Holy Spirit, a hint of heavenly peace. When we are living harmoniously with the body of Christ, we WILL be at peace. Three things separate us from God’s peace and two of the three we bring on ourselves: disobedience and giving in to our flesh. The third cause, the enemy’s attacks, may bring temporary disorder but should lead us to sidle right up next to God, cry out His Name, leaving us a bit closer to God than where we stood when under attack.

As I mentioned to a dear friend today, Satan does potentially have a few hooks into our mind where sin has held us captive. He’ll intermittently play the different lines like a skilled fisherman (temptation) to see if he can bet a bite on those old lines. If he doesn’t get a hit on a line that used to work, he’ll eventually give up on it. When we’ve truly allowed God to heal our brokenness, He graciously removes those hooks from our minds, and Satan loses access in that realm. On a practical note here, where does the enemy have a hook in your life? Ask and allow God to remove it for good.

• Principle 3- We can have Peace with God, men, and even enemies

Romans 5:1 Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Ephesians 4:2-4 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit.

Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him

Harmony in personal relationships is my definition of peace- seek to find harmony in your relationships with God, men, the body, and through obedient living– God will even bring peace with enemies.

• Principle 4- Obedience leads to peace

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

2 Chronicles 14:1-6 (read on your own) In this passage:

1) Asa’s reign was peaceful because he did what was “good and right in the eyes of the Lord.” Obedience to God led to peace with God and others.

2) Asa actively removed what was offensive to God; he eliminated sinful practices to avoid turmoil and have true peace.

3) Asa had peace on every side and used this time to edify his towns and defenses. Prepare to defend attacks in advance during times of peace.

4) It’s hard to defend spiritual (or other) attacks after they’ve begun. It’s much easier to build defenses before temptation (attack) strikes.

• Principle 5 (last one)- Peace is an active process that requires work and prayer

Psalm 34:14/1 Peter 3:11 (peace results from commitment) If you love life and desire to see many good days…, seek peace and pursue it.

1 Timothy 2:2 [pray]for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Jeremiah 29:7 seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

Isaiah 32:17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

God’s word is clear that we need to seek and pursue peace, pray for our leaders and our cities to inherit peace. Isaiah teaches us that righteous living under God’s command, with obedience and faithfulness, will lead to that sweet fruit within the body that we imagine in our mind’s eye.

The sweetest moments for many of us at the Serenissima have been the result of much effort, work and persistence. Yet after the outpouring of our labors, if our works were drawn up by God in advance for us to do, the fruit of peace follows. Examples are many: A unity of spirit between men after confessing our shortfalls in Sauris di Sopra; a light-hearted but God-centered planning session for the church over a cup of cappuccino in downtown Sacile; knowing you’ve done your best to serve those God has led your way; lying down to sleep, exhausted but exhilarated, knowing you’ve been faithful and another soul will spend eternity in heaven with the chosen.

So many images of peace in this world are fleeting or too shallow to catch God’s perspective. The peace He has for those willing to walk in His ways, and not their own, is beyond human measure. The joy of the quiet contentment that God is in control and that He only has the best designs for His children is incalculable on any Texas Instrument.

This is true peace and it is best found in the context of working out our salvation in the places God has called us- in the lives of those with whom we have True Christian Community.

A final thought that seems appropriate here:

“Our works are good when the will of God is the rule of them, the glory of God the end of them; when they are done in His strength, and for his sake; to Him, and not to man.”

~ author: Tim Mazzola - Tim served as a faithful deacon to the Serenissima Bible Church and helped found the Serenissima Ministry Group, Italia. Tim is now moving to Pegosa Springs, CO with his wife Beth and two boys. Tim is a Physician by trade and a Servant by New Birth.