Jesus Gives Perfect Peace
The sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing and loving God, and the role of peace, thankfulness, and Scripture in our daily lives.
The preacher, focusing on the Greek word 'anakainizo' meaning 'to restore,' emphasizes the concept of bringing to conversion again and the impossibility of a second repentance according to Hebrews. This renewal, leading to becoming a 'brand new creation,' is a one-time miracle, highlighting the idea of regeneration in early Christian writings. The term 'anakainizo' is used in secular writing to signify renewing, giving new life, or restoring something already present, with a unique emphasis on a new and qualitatively different repentance.
Text
I walked out on the hill just now. It is exalting, delicious, to stand embraced by the shadows of a friendly tree with the wind tugging at your coattail and the heavens hailing your heart, to gaze and glory and give oneself again to God--what more could a man ask? Oh, the fullness, pleasure, sheer excitement of knowing God on earth! I care not if I never raise my voice again for Him, if only I may love Him, please Him . . . . If only I may see Him, touch His garments, and smile into His eyes--ah, then, not stars nor children shall matter, only Himself.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:15-16).
Sermon Outline
- The Pleasure of Knowing God
- The Call to Peace
- The Importance of Scripture
- The word of Christ dwelling within us
- Wisdom, teaching, and admonishing one another
Key Quotes
“Oh, the fullness, pleasure, sheer excitement of knowing God on earth!” — Jim Elliot
“If only I may see Him, touch His garments, and smile into His eyes--ah, then, not stars nor children shall matter, only Himself.” — Jim Elliot
Application Points
- Seek to know and love God more deeply in your daily life.
- Let the peace of Christ guide you in your daily decisions.
- Make time to read and meditate on Scripture, and to share it with others.