Embracing God's Peace Amidst Life's Turmoil

Summary

Peace is a gift from God that surpasses all human understanding and is more valuable than any material possession. When Jesus sent out His disciples, He instructed them to offer peace to every house they entered, knowing the profound impact true peace has on the human soul. This peace is not just a polite greeting or a wish for the absence of conflict; it is a living, spiritual reality that comes from God Himself. When received, it brings contentment, quietness, and healing to our innermost being. The absence of peace, on the other hand, leads to worry, anxiety, and even physical sickness, as seen in David’s confession that his bones grew old when he kept silent about his sin.

In our modern world, we are bombarded with negative information and constant noise, which erodes our peace and leaves us vulnerable to fear and illness. Yet, Christ offers a peace that the world cannot give—a peace that remains even in the midst of turmoil, tragedy, and uncertainty. This peace is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the presence of God and the truth of His Word.

God’s faithfulness is evident throughout history. Even in times of persecution and hardship, He prepares the way for His people and answers prayers that may have been lifted decades or even centuries before. The story of the church’s growth in Russia, the miraculous provision of a place to gather, and the preservation of God’s Word through the centuries all testify to His sovereign care. The discovery of the ancient scrolls in Qumran, perfectly preserved and matching the Scriptures we have today, is a powerful reminder that God’s truth endures and that we are never forgotten by Him.

No matter our mistakes or the challenges we face, God sees each of us as His beloved children. He works through His Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and provide for us. The greatest privilege we have is to receive and live in the peace of God, trusting in His Word and His presence. Let us be mindful of what we allow into our hearts and minds, seeking the peace that only Christ can give, and standing firm on the unchanging truth of Scripture.

Key Takeaways

- True peace is a living gift from God, not merely the absence of conflict or a polite greeting. When Jesus instructed His disciples to offer peace, He was imparting something spiritual and powerful that can rest on a person or return if not received. This peace is active, transformative, and essential for our well-being. [01:07:40]

- The absence of peace leads to deep spiritual and physical consequences. David’s experience of his bones growing old under the weight of unconfessed sin illustrates how worry and unrest can affect our bodies and souls. Modern medicine even recognizes that many illnesses stem from anxiety and a lack of inner peace. [01:11:11]

- The world bombards us with negative information, which can rob us of the peace Christ offers. We must be vigilant about what we consume and where we seek our information, ensuring that it leads us toward God’s peace rather than away from it. The peace Jesus gives is not like the world’s, and it is our responsibility to guard it. [01:16:06]

- God’s providence and faithfulness are evident in both personal and historical events. From providing a place for believers to gather in Russia to preserving His Word through centuries of turmoil, God prepares the way for His people and answers prayers in ways we may not immediately see. We are never forgotten by Him, no matter how long the wait. [01:26:19]

- The preservation and reliability of God’s Word is a testament to His sovereignty and care. The discovery of the Qumran scrolls, which matched the Scriptures we have today, shows that God’s truth endures through generations. We can trust the Bible as the foundation for our peace and faith, knowing it is the unchanging Word of God. [01:41:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:05:35] - Honoring Fathers and the Value of Peace
[01:06:26] - Jesus’ Instructions: “Peace to You”
[01:07:11] - The Power and Nature of Peace
[01:08:31] - David’s Confession and the Cost of Unrest
[01:11:11] - Worry, Sickness, and the Lack of Peace
[01:13:13] - The Modern World’s Assault on Peace
[01:15:31] - Christ’s Unique Gift of Peace
[01:17:03] - God Never Forgets His Children
[01:18:19] - The Story of Billy Graham in Russia
[01:21:59] - Spiritual Hunger in Post-Soviet Russia
[01:23:19] - God’s Preparation and Miraculous Provision
[01:29:27] - The Holy Spirit’s Guidance and Comfort
[01:32:04] - Persecution and the Prayers of the Faithful
[01:35:17] - The Preservation of God’s Word
[01:41:31] - The Enduring Truth of Scripture
[01:42:35] - Blessing and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Gift and Power of God’s Peace

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### Bible Reading

1. Luke 10:5-6
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.”

2. Psalm 32:3
“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.”

3. John 14:27
“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.”

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### Observation Questions

1. In Luke 10:5-6, what does Jesus instruct his disciples to do when they enter a house? What is supposed to happen if the peace is not received? ([01:06:26])
2. According to Psalm 32:3, what physical effect did David experience when he kept silent about his sin? ([01:08:31])
3. In John 14:27, how does Jesus describe the peace He gives compared to the peace the world offers? ([01:15:31])
4. What examples did the sermon give about how the lack of peace can affect a person’s health? ([01:11:11])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized offering peace to every house, and what does it mean that peace can “return” to the one who offers it? ([01:07:40])
2. How does David’s experience in Psalm 32:3 help us understand the connection between spiritual unrest and physical health? ([01:11:11])
3. What is the difference between the peace Jesus gives and the peace the world tries to offer? Why is this distinction important for believers today? ([01:15:31])
4. The sermon mentioned that God’s faithfulness is seen in both personal stories and big historical events. How does this encourage believers to trust God’s timing and care? ([01:26:19])

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### Application Questions

1. Jesus told His disciples to offer peace wherever they went. When you enter a new place—like work, school, or someone’s home—do you bring peace with you? What would it look like to intentionally offer God’s peace in your daily life? ([01:06:26])
2. The sermon talked about how negative news and constant noise can steal our peace. What are some sources of “noise” in your life that make you anxious or worried? Is there one you feel led to limit or remove this week? ([01:13:50])
3. David’s unconfessed sin led to physical and emotional pain. Is there something you are holding inside that is robbing you of peace? What step could you take toward confession or reconciliation? ([01:08:31])
4. The world’s peace depends on circumstances, but Jesus’ peace does not. Can you think of a recent situation where you experienced God’s peace even though things were difficult? What helped you hold onto that peace? ([01:15:31])
5. The sermon shared stories of God’s faithfulness in providing for His people, even when answers took years or decades. Is there a prayer you have been waiting on for a long time? How can remembering God’s past faithfulness help you keep trusting Him now? ([01:26:19])
6. The discovery of the Qumran scrolls showed that God’s Word is reliable and unchanging. How does knowing the Bible has been preserved encourage you to trust it more? Is there a promise from Scripture you need to stand on this week? ([01:41:31])
7. The pastor encouraged us to be mindful of what we allow into our hearts and minds. What is one practical way you can guard your heart and seek God’s peace this week? ([01:16:06])

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Devotional

Day 1: The Gift and Power of Christ’s Peace
True peace from Christ is deeper than worldly calm.

When Jesus sent out His disciples, He instructed them to say, “Peace to you” upon entering a house, highlighting the profound spiritual value of peace. This peace is not merely a polite greeting or a wish for comfort, but a living, active blessing that comes from God Himself. Christ’s peace is distinct from what the world offers; it is a gift that brings contentment, quietness, and stillness to the soul, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. In a world filled with anxiety, tragedy, and negative information, the peace Jesus gives stands as a shield for the believer’s heart and mind, offering a refuge that cannot be shaken by external circumstances. [01:15:31]

Luke 10:5-6 (ESV)
“Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you most need to receive Christ’s peace today, and how can you intentionally invite His presence into that area?


Day 2: The Consequences of Hidden Sin and the Need for Confession
Unconfessed sin robs us of peace and brings deep distress.

David’s experience reveals the heavy toll that hidden sin takes on the human soul and even the body. When he kept silent about his wrongdoing, he described his bones as growing old and his strength as drying up, illustrating how guilt and worry can physically and spiritually exhaust a person. Modern medicine even recognizes the connection between anxiety and physical illness, but the root cause is often a lack of peace that comes from unresolved sin. True healing and restoration begin when we bring our failures before God, trusting in His mercy and forgiveness, rather than allowing shame and secrecy to consume us from within. [01:08:31]

Psalm 32:3 (ESV)
“For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.”

Reflection: Is there a hidden sin or burden you have been carrying in silence? What would it look like to bring it honestly before God today?


Day 3: God’s Faithfulness Across Generations
God never forgets His children and answers prayers in His time.

Throughout history, God has shown that He does not abandon His people, even in the darkest times. The prayers of persecuted believers, offered decades earlier, were answered in unexpected ways as new opportunities for worship and witness arose. God’s timing may not align with our expectations, but He is always at work, preparing the way and orchestrating events for His glory and our good. Even when circumstances seem hopeless, believers can trust that they are not forgotten, and that God’s faithfulness endures from generation to generation. [01:35:17]

Isaiah 49:15-16 (ESV)
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.”

Reflection: Can you recall a time when God answered a prayer in your life or your family’s life after a long season of waiting? How does that memory encourage you to trust Him today?


Day 4: The Enduring Reliability of God’s Word
God’s Word remains true and unchanging through the ages.

The preservation of the Scriptures, even through centuries of turmoil and attempts to destroy them, testifies to God’s sovereign care over His Word. The discovery of the ancient scrolls in the Qumran caves, which matched the later manuscripts almost perfectly, demonstrates that God has ensured His truth would reach every generation without corruption. No matter how many translations or versions exist, the essence of God’s message remains unchanged, offering guidance, hope, and life to all who receive it. When you open the Bible, you hold in your hands the living and enduring Word of God, a treasure that has withstood the test of time. [01:41:31]

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

Reflection: How can you make space today to engage with God’s Word, trusting in its truth and power for your life?


Day 5: The Holy Spirit as Our Comforter and Helper
The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and empowers believers in every circumstance.

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to help His followers, and this promise remains true for every believer. The Spirit’s presence brings comfort in times of fear, guidance in moments of uncertainty, and strength to accomplish God’s purposes. Even when facing opposition, persecution, or overwhelming challenges, the Holy Spirit works behind the scenes, preparing the way and providing exactly what is needed. Believers are never alone; the Spirit is always with them, interceding, empowering, and revealing God’s truth in every situation. [01:29:59]

John 14:26 (ESV)
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit’s comfort or guidance today, and how can you invite Him to lead you?

Quotes

When Christ sent his disciples to preach, he gave them ten points, and in these ten points, there is one point: When you enter someone's house, say peace to you. I have been reading the Bible for many years, I study it, and I have not paid much attention to these words. What does it mean, peace to you? Maybe you should give money. That would be better. Maybe give the house. But Christ knew the value of what he was saying. [01:06:19] (74 seconds) Edit Clip

When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. Many of you here know what David has done. Those of us that read the Bible, they know what David has done. Some people say that David committed a mistake. But this was an act of something that I'm not, I don't even want to speak about. But when the prophet actually revealed the essence of what he did, he knew that he was king and he thought that everything is permittable to a king. But not everything is permittable to a king. [01:09:09] (68 seconds) Edit Clip

Evil is something that God hates. God, he forgives mistakes. But evil is something really different. And David he realized that when he committed the sin, he started to worry. He wasn't the very last person in this world who was really a great person. He was a prophet of God. He loved God. And the time has come when he realized that it's bad. [01:10:23] (45 seconds) Edit Clip

Today, we can ask this question, why are there so many sick people? It's because an avalanche of information, it just falls on our heads. TV, internet. We don't even let go out of our hands. Constantly, it's just bad information, negative information. [01:13:26] (41 seconds) Edit Clip

That is why a believer, Christian person, brothers and sisters, can be in that peace that God gives. Watch and look where you receive your information from. Does it bring you peace? Or the absence of peace. [01:15:45] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

Not a single Christian is forgotten by God. We can give account to ourselves or to our neighbor. We can estimate our neighbors, the pastor can estimate their members of the church. But to God, we are all beloved children. With all of our mistakes. With all of our problems. [01:17:09] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

When we came to Russia, no one has heard of Christ. Never heard of his name. So imagine how to tell people who don't know who Christ is that this is Christ. [01:22:29] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

This one woman in the city where we stayed, the wife of the director of like a city hall kind of area in the city, she felt that God exists. Not in the church. Never read the Bible. Didn't know anything. She visited this city hall where her husband was the director. She said, God if you exist reveal yourself to our city. [01:22:55] (58 seconds) Edit Clip

The fact is that about 50 years before we came there was a lot of persecution towards the Christians in our country. You just simply read the Bible you could end up in prison. If you're preaching at the temple you will surely end up in prison. It didn't matter what kind of church you were, community whether Baptist Christians or any other Orthodox Catholic. [01:30:22] (55 seconds) Edit Clip