Finding Peace in Jesus, Our Rescuer

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. We do this by “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. We study to love and know God, share to know and love others, and serve to love in action. Today, we delve into the profound peace that Jesus offers us, a peace that is essential for sharing the hope of Jesus with the world.

The Source of True Peace

In John 20:21, Jesus says, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” This peace is not just a fleeting feeling but a profound state of being that Jesus provides through His love, sacrifice, and resurrection. He reminds us that He has already won the battle, and now it is our turn to go out and share that peace with others.

Do You Have Peace in Your Heart?

The big question this morning is, do you have peace in your heart? For some, the answer is a resounding yes. For others, it may be a hesitant no. Today can be the opportunity to stand for the first time or to solidify your stance in Jesus. He decided that you were worth dying for long before you ever chose Him. He offers abundant grace, mercy, and hope. All you and I have to do is accept it.

Scriptural Foundation

Romans 5:1-2 (ESV) says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” This peace is a gift from God, made possible through Jesus Christ. It is not something we can earn but something we receive through faith.

The Role of Peace in Our Mission

At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that this peace is crucial for our mission. If we are to go into the world and share the hope of Jesus, we need to be grounded in the peace that only He can provide. This peace allows us to face challenges, endure trials, and remain steadfast in our faith.

Study, Share, Serve

1. Study: To find this peace, we must first study the Word of God. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” By studying the Bible, we come to understand the depth of God’s love and the peace He offers.
2. Share: Once we have this peace, we are called to share it with others. Matthew 5:9 (ESV) says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Sharing the peace of Jesus is an act of love and a testament to our faith.
3. Serve: Finally, we serve others as an expression of this peace. Galatians 5:13 (ESV) says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Serving others is a tangible way to demonstrate the peace and love of Jesus.

Conclusion

Today, you have the opportunity to take a stand or solidify your stand with Jesus Christ. He has offered abundant grace and mercy, but we must accept it through faith. Ephesians 2:8 (ESV) says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Jesus came to be our rescuer and change our lives for good. What is holding you back today? What is hindering you? What sin is entangling you? Throw it all off and run hard after Christ, who rescued you from sin and death.