Is Prayer Possible?

January 21st, 2024
Is Peace Possible?
Speaker - Owen Mason
Sermon Notes

Matthew 5:9 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

1. Misconceptions about peacemaking.

- It is not pretending it does not exist.

- It is not appeasement.

Question:
- Are you a peace maker?
- Are you a peace keeper?

2. Why be a peacemaker?

- Because unresolved conflict:
- Blocks my fellowship with God.

1 John 4:20-21 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

1 John 1:3-4 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

- Prevents prayer from being answered.

- Hinders my happiness.

Job 18:4 4 You who tear yourself in your anger,
    shall the earth be forsaken for you,
    or the rock be removed out of its place?

3. How to be a peacemaker.
P.E.A.C.E.

- Plan a peace conference.

Matthew 5:23-24 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

- Empathize with their feelings.

Philippians 2:4 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others

- Attack the problem not the person.

- Cooperate as much as possible.

Romans 12:18 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

James 3:17 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

- Empathize reconciliation not resolution.

2 Corinthians 5:18 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

Colossians 3:15 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

4. Peace in the home.

Ephesians 5:22 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:25 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

1 Peter 3:7 7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered