Some titles can be unwarranted – all Jesus’ titles are warranted
Are you concerned about a name?
Jesus did not parade Himself – He was humble
He made Himself of no reputation, a servant
He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many
Overview:
He makes peace between God and men – Peace with God
He gives peace in the hearts of men – the Peace of God
The angels said "Peace to men on earth"
Not an end to war or earthly problems
Jesus came to reconcile those who would trust in Him (to God)
The Christmas narrative describes Simeon who had peace with God
Peace with God
Example of situations where there is not peace
A need for reconciliation
A need for some to mediate peace
What about peace with God?
Jesus’ first task is to bring people into peace with God
Mankind is naturally an enemy of God
God is not at fault
God existed from eternity and did not need mankind
Yet God chose to make mankind and the universe
But mankind chose to sin
Isa, Rom 3:23
We are all sinners
Sin brings spiritual death
God did not leave us in this situation but sent His only Son to bring everlasting life
God sends the Prince of Peace
To bridge the gap between heaven and earth
Jesus takes on human flesh
No other religion has a God like ours
Most religions say you have to ‘do’ something
Christianity – says you cannot do it, but God has done it [in Jesus Christ]
Explanation of the cross
For true peace – justice must be satisfied
God is loving
God is just
Jesus stands in our place
Christmas and Easter – cannot be separated
Peace with God through the blood of Jesus Christ
Reconciliation with God through Christ’s work on the cross
Repent of your sin and be reconciled to God
Have you accepted Christ ?
Peace of God
It is a marvellous thing to experience the peace of God
You can only experience this if you have peace with God
It is not a temporary peace
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27
This peace might be tried and tested
Example of the disciples
Christians can experience troubles – but Christ stills our storms
Col 3:15 – "let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called"
2 Thess 3:16 – "may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way"
