Peace - What is peace?  Pastor Don states that peace can be understood in a tri-level.  There is peace within you personally, peace between you and the Lord, and finally, peace in our relationships with others.  Peace within yourself can provide a peaceful state of mind.  Peace with God means you have no fear of the future, and peace with others makes for an enjoyable life.

Are you ready for the fruit that peace can bring?

Message Outline

Introduction:

“Peace that goes beyond understanding”

#I         Peace, begin with yourself.

a.       Verse. 17-19

b.      He had a choice to make.

c.       Do I change or stay the same?

d.      Take responsibility for your actions.

e.       Lay out a plan.

f.        His plan was to swallow his pride and admit where his decision had taken him.

g.       When you take control by laying out a plan.

a.       It brings peace to your mind.

b.      It brings peace to how you view yourself.

c.       It brings peace knowing you are taking control.

d.      It brings peace physically.

#II        Peace, with our relationship with God.  

a.       Verse 20 He put feet on his plan.

b.      Luke 15: 20-24

a.       No, condemnation.

b.      No, I told you so’s.

c.       No, you have to prove yourself first.

d.      No, rejection.

e.       Look, back at verse 10.

f.        I Timothy 1:5

g.       II Corinthians 5:17-18 (New Creation)

h.       II Corinthians 5:20 (Renew trust)

i.         Lamentations 3:22-23 

#III      Peace, in relationship with others.

a.       Matthew 5:23-24

b.      I ask myself two questions:

a.       Who is the adult?

b.      Who is the Christian?

c.       The oldest son could have said, “Why be good”?

a.       He doesn’t have to apologize for anything.

b.      He has no guilt to carry around.

c.       No stigma, no reputations to live down.

d.      No regrets.

Conclusion:

            Peace begin with you and your decisions.

            Peace in your relationship with God.

            Peace, with your relationship with others.