Peace and Gratitude for a Great Church: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2 by Dr. Rod Mattoon

Scripture

• 1 Thessalonians 1:1–2

About this sermon

* The Peace of God * The Peace of God gives us CALM, like a newborn fawn nestled in the wild flowers of a meadow, or like dark-water ponds in a snow-covered valley. Isaiah said in Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." * The Peace of God gives us COMFORT, like the sweet song of a soothing violin, or a warm, woolen blanket on a cold winter night. 1)When facing death, He whispers, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). 2)When facing poverty, He lifts our chin and says, "I will supply all your needs according to my riches in glory." * The Peace of God gives us CLARITY, like a morning breeze that blows away the veil of fog or like a brilliant lamp in a cave blanketed with darkness. His peace enables us see our way through difficult circumstances, or those times when we feel surrounded by problems. * The Peace of God gives CONFIDENCE, like a cabinet full of food or a gold coin in your pocket. The confidence comes from knowing that the Lord is in control of your life and that He is never surprised or taken off guard. He is aware, alert, acquainted with your circumstances, and able to meet any need you have in your life. * The Peace of God is CONQUERING, like a valiant warrior that scales the walls of an evil enemy. It strengthens us to conquer our fear, frustration, failures, flops, fiascos, and fretting. The psalmist said in Psalm 29:11, "The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." * The Peace of God gives COURAGE, like a badger facing a bear. Paul said, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). * The Peace of God is also COUNTLESS, like the drops of water in all the oceans, or the stars in the heavens. It is like a deep well with no bottom. It is inexhaustible, incalculable, illimitable, indeterminate, and infinite. The psalmist said in Psalm 119:165, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Do you know His peace?

Topics

• Peace
• Church & Fellowship
• Gratitude
• The Church
• Thanksgiving