Friday First - He Gives Us Peace

It was in his book Confessions where Augustine said, “You made us for yourself, and our hearts find no peace until they rest in you.” There may not be any better example in the NT than Paul, who lived this out in a very real way. Philippians 4.8-13 constitutes some of his best writing where he captures the heart of spiritual focus, contentment, and peace. Paul stressed it was all built on the foundation of Christ.

The peace Paul experienced came from a source outside of this world — true peace that will calm a troubled heart. What Paul felt was the fulfillment of John 14.27: Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. The peace Jesus left is what enabled Paul, and every Christian, to conquer their fear, rejoice in trial, sing during suffering, and stand with the greatest confidence as death approached. Peace is much more than the absence of trouble … it is an attitude that impacts every facet of life. It is never affected by circumstances … in fact, it is a peace which can affect our circumstances and thereby bring glory to Christ.

John 14.27 serves as the capstone to this month’s series on Jesus calming our fears. Today we will learn more about the peace He provides by examining John 14.27. We will learn:

• What true peace is.
• Where peace comes from.
• About the impact peace makes.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. Can we find peace in this world? Explain.
2. What are the two types of peace explained in the New Testament? With whom must we obtain peace if we are to experience peace?
3. What is the peace Paul describes in Philippians 4.7? It is a …
4. What is so damaging about negative self talk?
5. What are some things you can do to build your trust in the care of our God?

OPENING / WELCOME
Cain Atkinson

SONG LEADER
Mark Ringle

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Matt Ringle

LORD'S SUPPER
Kody Pritt

SCRIPTURE READING
Marvin Lewis
John 14.27

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Russ Robins

WELCOME CENTER
Pat Reeder / Roger Robins

USHERS (arrive @ 08.45)
Randy Mullins / Jeremy Price

Post-Service Sanitization
Lea Baker / James Johnson
Tricia Spargo / Sarah Spargo

Closing the Building
John Key