Series Overview

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” (Matt. 5:9). But in a world divided by conflict, violence, and war, there is so much that gets in the way. This series delves into some of the common obstacles to peacemaking – complacency, resentment, and violence – leading us first to receive Christ’s peace in our own spirits and then get to the hard work of making peace in the world.  

June 22: Wade in the Waters | Amos 5:21-24

We love our churches and our Sunday morning worship services. But if going to church is the only way we live out our faith, we are missing something essential: working for the justice that will make God’s kingdom come “on earth as it is in heaven.” The prophets call out this complacency and teach us that living faithfully includes working for justice in the world. 

June 29: When Resenting is Preventing | Matthew 20:1-16

Resentment can lead to anger and anger to violence. By embracing God’s grace and generosity to us and to others, we can let go of our feelings of entitlement and comparison, allowing true peace to take root in our hearts and extend to our neighbors.

July 6: From Death to Life | Micah 4:1-5

When we turn to God, the Holy Spirit helps us transform instruments that bring death into ones that bring life. When we have the complete peace of God, we no longer desire to take from others by force but are finally content with what we have. 

July 13: The Kingdom of God: And Let it Begin with Us | Ephesians 2:14-16

Christ proclaims peace, brings peace and is our peace. Yet, our society is steeped in violence and our own spirits may be riddled with hostility. How do we claim the power and the promise of the cross to tear down the walls that have been constructed —and the walls that we have built? This is our task. The work of peacemaking begins here, with us.