Embodying Shalom: Peace in a Fractured World
Summary
In the sermon titled "A Shalom Life In A Fractured World," part of the series "Peace On Earth, Goodwill Towards Men," the speaker, whose name is not discernible from the title, explores the concept of Shalom, which signifies peace and well-being. The speaker urges the congregation to embody Shalom by engaging with others through faithful presence and generous compassion, going beyond mere belief to demonstrate the gospel through actions and words. The importance of establishing a faithful presence before evangelizing is stressed, and the transformative story of Rosaria Butterfill is shared as an example of the power of faithful presence.
The speaker challenges the congregation to dedicate their lives to a new level of Shalom, to be more present with their families, and to get to know others within the church community. The sermon concludes with a prayer for strength, compassion, and evangelism.
The speaker also reflects on the Bethlehem moment, aligning it with God's pattern of Divine subversion throughout scripture. They express concern about Christians embracing dominion political theology and emphasize the importance of being salt and light in the world, rather than seeking political power.
The sermon introduces the concepts of Shalom and faithful presence, encouraging the audience to seek revelation from the Holy Spirit regarding their meanings. The speaker references biblical passages, including the birth of Jesus and instructions to the exiled Israelites in Jeremiah, to emphasize the importance of seeking the well-being of the city and being wary of false prophets.
The story of Zacchaeus is discussed to illustrate how the kingdom of God can manifest in unexpected places and touch people's lives. The speaker shares a personal story from their early 20s, where they practiced kindness, forgiveness, and generosity in the workplace, leading others to inquire about their Christian faith.
The speaker discusses the concept of Shalom in Western civilization, emphasizing that it is not just personal peace but encompasses the well-being of the entire community. They highlight the importance of creating Shalom in the present world, not just waiting for the future.
The speaker addresses the tendency to overlook the life and teachings of Jesus, focusing instead on defending his sinless perfection and repeating popular quotes. They emphasize the importance of studying the life of Jesus and living in the way he lived.
The sermon includes announcements about church events and initiatives, such as Fellowship Sunday, the blessing tree, Christmas at the barn, and the Christmas Eve service. Pastor Phil announces a change in the Bible Discovery night and invites everyone to join his class on Ephesians chapter 4.
The speaker reflects on John 16:33, where Jesus tells his disciples that they will have peace in him but trouble in the world. They emphasize the impact of the disciples and discuss Shalom in a fractured world.
The speaker affirms that the chosen ones are getting it right while the Jewish public is getting it wrong, discussing the exclusivity of the Gospel and the importance of living for the benefit of everyone.
The importance of identifying oneself as a Christian and a member of the chosen community of Jesus is highlighted, along with the significance of faithful presence and cultivating peace within the community.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of ordinary people admitting their need for Jesus and choosing to identify with God and His people over seeking favor from the world.
The speaker discusses the "big three" destructive behaviors in relationships: criticism, control, and contempt, urging the audience to make loving others a serious pursuit.
The sermon also includes an announcement about the opening of a cafe, the importance of giving, and a social event for seniors.
Key Takeaways:
- Shalom is not merely a personal state of tranquility but a communal responsibility that Christians are called to foster in their immediate and broader environments. By engaging with others through faithful presence and compassionate action, believers can demonstrate the gospel in tangible ways, as seen in the transformative story of Rosaria Butterfill. [01:13:43]
- The concept of Divine subversion, as exemplified by the Bethlehem moment, challenges the pursuit of dominion political theology among Christians. Instead, the speaker advocates for being salt and light, influencing society through peaceful means and prioritizing the well-being of the community over political power. [58:09]
- The importance of seeking the well-being of the city, as instructed in Jeremiah, is a call for Christians to contribute positively to their societies, even when they find themselves in less than ideal circumstances. This faithful presence is a testament to the belief that God's kingdom can break through in unexpected places, bringing Shalom to a fractured world. [35:45]
- The life and teachings of Jesus provide a practical template for Christian behavior, which goes beyond doctrinal correctness. By studying and emulating Jesus' life, believers can live out their faith in meaningful and transformative ways, impacting those around them as the speaker did in their workplace. [01:07:50]
- The speaker's discussion on the "big three" destructive behaviors—criticism, control, and contempt—serves as a reminder that fostering Shalom within the Christian community requires intentional effort to love and support one another. This pursuit of love is foundational to demonstrating the reality of the body of Christ to the world. [01:05:53]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "A Shalom Life In A Fractured World"
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:10-14 (NIV)
> "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
2. Jeremiah 29:4-7 (NIV)
> "This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 'Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.'"
3. John 16:33 (NIV)
> "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the angel proclaim to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-14 about the birth of Jesus?
2. According to Jeremiah 29:4-7, what instructions does God give to the Israelites in exile regarding their new environment?
3. In John 16:33, what does Jesus promise his disciples about peace and trouble in the world?
4. How does the speaker describe the concept of Shalom in the sermon? ([39:05])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the angel's message in Luke 2:10-14 relate to the concept of Shalom as described in the sermon? ([33:51])
2. What might be the significance of God instructing the Israelites to seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon in Jeremiah 29:4-7, especially in the context of living a Shalom life in a fractured world? ([35:45])
3. How does Jesus' statement in John 16:33 about overcoming the world provide a foundation for living a Shalom life despite the troubles we face? ([51:26])
4. The sermon mentions the importance of faithful presence. How does this concept help in creating Shalom in our communities? ([33:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you embody the concept of Shalom in your workplace or community, similar to the speaker's story about practicing kindness and generosity at work? ([16:11])
2. The sermon challenges us to be more present with our families. What specific steps can you take this week to be more present and engaged with your family members? ([19:17])
3. How can you seek the well-being of your city or community, as instructed in Jeremiah 29:7? Identify one practical action you can take this month to contribute positively to your local area. ([35:45])
4. The speaker discusses the "big three" destructive behaviors in relationships: criticism, control, and contempt. Which of these behaviors do you struggle with the most, and what steps can you take to address it? ([01:05:53])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of studying and emulating the life of Jesus. What is one specific teaching or action of Jesus that you can focus on this week to live out your faith more authentically? ([01:07:50])
6. How can you practice faithful presence within your church community? Think of one person in your church you don't know well. How can you reach out to them and build a meaningful connection? ([19:48])
7. The speaker encourages us to identify as Christians and members of the chosen community of Jesus. How does this identity influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? ([01:00:55])
Devotional
Day 1: Shalom as Communal Responsibility
Shalom extends beyond personal peace to the collective well-being of the community. Christians are called to actively engage in creating environments of peace and wholeness, reflecting the gospel not just in belief but through compassionate action and presence. This is exemplified in the transformative impact on individuals like Rosaria Butterfill, who experienced the power of faithful presence. [01:13:43]
Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the well-being of your community this week through an act of kindness or service?
Day 2: Divine Subversion Over Dominion
The Bethlehem moment signifies God's preference for subversion over dominion, calling Christians to influence society as salt and light, rather than seeking political power. This approach emphasizes peaceful influence and prioritizes the community's well-being, challenging the pursuit of dominion political theology. [58:09]
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice being salt and light in your community without seeking control or power?
Day 3: Well-Being of the City as Faithful Presence
Seeking the well-being of the city, even in less than ideal circumstances, is a testament to a faithful presence that anticipates the kingdom of God breaking through in unexpected ways. This calls for a commitment to contribute positively to society, embodying the peace and wholeness of Shalom in a fractured world. [35:45]
Jeremiah 29:7 - "Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take to seek the prosperity of your city or community this week?
Day 4: Emulating Jesus' Practical Template
Studying and emulating the life and teachings of Jesus provides a practical template for Christian behavior that transcends doctrinal correctness. This approach to living out faith can lead to meaningful and transformative interactions with others, as demonstrated by the speaker's personal workplace experience. [01:07:50]
1 John 2:6 - "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."
Reflection: What aspect of Jesus' life can you more closely model in your own life, starting today?
Day 5: Overcoming Destructive Behaviors with Love
The "big three" destructive behaviors—criticism, control, and contempt—can hinder the cultivation of Shalom within the Christian community. Overcoming these behaviors requires a serious pursuit of love, supporting one another in a way that demonstrates the reality of the body of Christ to the world. [01:05:53]
Ephesians 4:29-32 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Reflection: Can you identify any of the "big three" behaviors in your relationships? How can you begin to address and replace them with love and kindness today?
Quotes
"We need to dedicate our life to a new level of faithful presence, not just in our own homes but in our communities. Start by knowing three people's names and genuinely asking about their week. This simple act can transform our Sunday gatherings into a place of deeper connection." [01:19:48] (Download)
"Shalom culminates in the humble servants of God engaging outsiders with faithful presence and generous compassion, proclaiming the gospel goes beyond something personal." [01:11:09] (Download)
"Once it's well established that our identity is in Jesus, our truth and God's truth, and we properly love the people of God, then we're ready to take Shalom to the culture." [01:11:58] (Download)
"It's right that you would say I am a Christian and I'm a part of that church; those are my people, and I am going to practice faithful presence with the people that God has called me to serve." [01:01:31] (Download)
"Cultivating peace means resolving conflict, modeling loyalty, and sharing resources with the other members of the community of Jesus that you're in proximity to." [01:02:11] (Download)
"In western civilization, imagine if I can just have a little piece, a little me time... they could not have Shalom alone; it had to include the family, the community, everybody. It had to include everybody for it to be peace, for it to be Shalom." [39:40] (Download)
"I realized that it was talking about Shalom now; that I can have shalom in a fractured world, in a world that's troubled, in a world that's going crazy, in a world that's on fire. I can create shalom in my life, in my church, in my family, and in my community." [40:57] (Download)
"We're supposed to be living the way Jesus lived; that's Shalom. We need to study the life of Jesus, not just agree with a half dozen ideas about Him." [01:10:19] (Download)
"Shalom and faithful presence are concepts that, when understood and embraced, can lead to transformative decisions in how we live our lives. They are doors to rooms of spiritual depth we must explore." [33:51] (Download)
"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which you have been carried into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper—a principle that holds true in our lives today." [35:45] (Download)
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