A Freedom Christmas, Week 1: Find Peace

Message Title: “Find Peace” For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34 (NLT) Jesus’ goal was not peace on earth… it was peace in you. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV) In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV) And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV) And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:26-38 (ESV) And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:26-38 (ESV) And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV) And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV) For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:26-38 (ESV) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 (ESV) Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! Luke 1:46-49 (NLT) For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. Luke 1:46-49 (NLT) For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. Luke 1:46-49 (NLT) 1.  It is conditional God’s peace is not conditional based on your circumstance, but based on your surrender The mind governed by the flesh is death… Romans 8:6 (NIV) …but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) 2.  It doesn’t make sense …The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:5-7(NIV) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7(NIV) INTERNAL peace is possible even in EXTERNAL CHAOS. 3.  It is closer than you think Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 (NIV) God doesn’t just offer peace… it’s part of who He is. Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) Immanuel = God With Us The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)