Summer Fruit, Week 3: Peace

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV) The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV) Peace = a consistent calm unaffected by personal rage and situational chaos Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV) Peace has nothing to do with your OUTWARD CIRCUMSTANCES, but it has everything to with your INWARD CONDITION. Message title: "Pathway to Peace" Peace with GOD Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.  Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. Romans 5:1-2 (NLT) Peace with OURSELVES So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus… Romans 8:6 (NLT) So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NLT) If your past keeps resurfacing, you can rest assured that it's not God bringing it up. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Peace with PEOPLE Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)  Too often we judge other based off their actions, but judge ourselves based off our intentions.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NLT) Change our approach to EVERYDAY LIFE Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.  They must turn from evil and do good… 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NIV) …they must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NIV) Peace is not a feeling based on external conditions… but an internal condition that will produce a feeling you can trust. Come to grips with UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. Ephesians 6:15 (NLT) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)  Confront the CHAOS  Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)  Jesus didn't call us to be PEACEKEEPERS but PEACEMAKERS.  Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.  A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Mark 4:36-41 (NIV)  Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" Mark 4:36-41 (NIV) He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:36-41 (NIV)  He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:36-41 (NIV)  They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" Mark 4:36-41 (NIV) If you need peace in your life… stop looking at the chaos AROUND you and start speaking to the storm WITHIN you. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)