But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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 14:26-27
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. Isaiah 9:6-7
Soak and Share
Soak and Share is a way for you to take Sunday’s teaching to the next level and challenges you to soak in (reflect on) the teachings and share them with others.
The Soak & Share for this week is to make time for the Word, reflect and pray. It is designed to stimulate conversation and improve your reflective time. You can use this to reflect individually or for group discussions.
READ & REFLECT Philippians 4: 4-9
- Do you tend to worry? What about?
- What exceptions do you usually make for your worries?
- Do you think worry is a problem in our society?
- Take a close look at verse 6. Do you think there is any place for worries? Why or why not? What does the passage say?
- How do you personally respond to this challenge, “Be anxious for nothing”?
- How can we best describe God’s peace? In verse 7 name four aspects of God’s peace from this verse.
- What part of the prayer for peace is the hardest?
READ & REFLECT Ephesians 4: 1-16
- When you think of Christ’s gift of peace, what difference does it make for you as an individual when you are facing stresses or conflicts?
- What difference have you observed Christ’s peace making among believers who have had serious differences of opinion or conflicts?
- What kinds of things have you observed that occasionally sabotage Christ’s peace among believers? What do you think are effective ways of preventing or addressing these peace-robbing attitudes or actions?
- If, as Paul says, living fully in Christ’s power and peace is a matter of “growing up,” what are some habits or patterns of communication that we as growing Christians could let go of or “grow out of” for the sake of a greater witness?
- What might you do to strengthen the bond of peace in your group, in your local church or with people of other faith communities?
Think together for a few minutes about the power of peace as a witness to the reality of Jesus Christ. Name or imagine situations in which authentic peace has reflected or might reflect the power and promise of the Good News in Jesus Christ.
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