The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord
Pastor David Lenz
4 March 2007

Text: 2 Thes. 3:16

Review from last week: With Gentleness and Respect
I Peter 3:16
When anyone asks……
Be ready to answer…….
With gentleness and respect……
Assignment for next week: What’s your answer for the hope within you?

The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord: 2 Thes 3:16
The Lord of Peace gives to us the peace of God.
How do you end a letter or an email?

David’s Story:
David said, “I love my family. I can provide material comforts. I can impart a value system. I can be an example of Christian character, and I can pray for my family.”
David’s prayer: “God save my boys from biting dogs and speeding cars.”
David’s realization: “As I get older I am more in touch with my limits. The things I can’t control.”
Write a Rainbow by Ann Wiens
“I love my family but I can’t write them a rainbow. I can’t give them peace.”

Trouble Finds Us: John 14:27, Johne 16:33
From a snowplow and $.20 increase in gas prices to the depletion of the ozone layer and wars.
Jesus doesn’t take us out of trouble but rather leads us through trouble.

Three Benefits.
Peace with God:
The feeling any sinner should feel facing the holiness of God is 1 million times greater than what Alice in Wonderland felt facing the mighty Oz.
But we have peace with God because of Jesus – Romans 5:1-2

Peace in the face of death
The day after the resurrection Jesus said: “Peace be with you.” Jn 20:19, 21
One week later Jesus said: “Peace be with you.” Jn 20:26
Death rids away any sense of peace. But we can have peace because we know it is not the end.

Peace even if we know the world is coming to an end.

The Passing of the Peace
It is not just filling time.
It is not just a ritual.
But it is announcing that Jesus is the Lord of Peace and he give Peace to us all

Key Phrase: “May the Lord of Peace give you peace.”