8/4/2014 All the articles of our religion, all the canons of our - PDF document

8/4/2014 All the articles of our religion, all the canons of our church, all the injunctions of our princes, all the homilies of our fathers, all the body of divine is in these three chapters, in this one Sermon on the Mount. - John Donne Call to Kingdom Life 1

8/4/2014 Call to Kingdom Life Normal Christian Life Call to Kingdom Life Normal Christian Life Call to a Different Life Peacemakers: - Peace = Shalom – wholeness and restoration 2

8/4/2014 Peacemakers: - Peace = Shalom – wholeness and restoration - Requires action 1. Peacemaking begins with the Prince of Peace 1. Peacemaking begins with the Prince of Peace For he himself is our peace , who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace , 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross Ephesians 2:14-15 3

8/4/2014 1. Peacemaking begins with the Prince of Peace For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross . Colossians 1:19-20 2 . Peace is by nature restorative – and necessarily has a more public dynamic to it . 2. Peace is by nature restorative – and necessarily has a more public dynamic to it . - Recognizes complexity 4

8/4/2014 2. Peace is by nature restorative – and necessarily has a more public dynamic to it . - Recognizes complexity - Seek to break cycles of violence 2 . Peace is by nature restorative – and necessarily has a more public dynamic to it. blessed are those who work to bring about solutions, to lessen tensions, to promote understanding, who seek justice that leads to wholeness - those who make peace . (Carson) 3. Peacemaking is our calling as daughters and sons of the King. 5

8/4/2014 3. Peacemaking is our calling as daughters and sons of the King. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God . 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 3. Peacemaking is our calling as daughters and sons of the King. Called to be peacemakers – in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our society. Peacemaking often begins small – but may have significant impact For they shall be called sons of God . 6

8/4/2014 For they shall be called sons of God. - Legal standing and privilege For they shall be called sons of God. - Legal standing and privilege - Reflecting an identity – partakers in an essence For they shall be called sons of God. - Legal standing and privilege - Reflecting an identity – partakers in an essence - Join in the mission of reconciliation and peace 7

8/4/2014 A theology and journey of reconciliation : 1. An Act of Love 1. An Act of Love 2. Developing a Right View of the Other 8

8/4/2014 1. An Act of Love 2. Developing a Right View of the Other 3. Seek to Listen and Understand 1. An Act of Love 2. Developing a Right View of the Other 3. Seek to Listen and Understand 4. An Unsteady Journey – committed to progress Blessed are you who work to bring about solutions, to lessen tensions, to promote understanding, who seek justice that leads to wholeness – those who make peace For you reflect the character of your Heavenly Father, joining in his Kingdom To show forth his love showing yourselves to be part of His family, 9