1. Advent Message Three The Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6

2. Thesis The peace that is the most sought-after and yet elusive virtue in all of human experience is only found in the Prince of Peace, who is Jesus.

3. Point 1 With the title Prince of Peace, Isaiah shifts our focus from the nature of the Savior we are seeking, to the mission of the Messiah in the modern world.

4. An Experiential Exegesis of Your Misperceptions About Peace 1. Peace is not avoiding a problem

5. An Experiential Exegesis of Your Misperceptions About Peace 1. Peace is not avoiding a problem 2. Peace is not appeasing all people

6. An Experiential Exegesis of Your Misperceptions About Peace 1. Peace is not avoiding a problem 2. Peace is not appeasing all people 3. Peace is not an appearance of calm

7. Definition Peace in God’s terms is shalom, which means health, prosperity, happiness and welfare as an order of wellbeing that produces a wholeness of life.

8. Point 2 Peace comes from allowing the Lord to lead you by teaching you, and directing you through his word.

9. Point 3 God shows up when we are most fearful, and what he always does is to draw us to respond from a position of faith.

10. Point 4 You know what you are, but God knows what you have the potential to be by faith in his grace.

11. Three Kinds of Peace 1. Peace on the upside—you can have peace with God John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

12. Three Kinds of Peace 1. Peace on the upside—you can have peace with God John 3:17-18 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

13. Three Kinds of Peace 1. Peace on the upside—you can have peace with God Rom. 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

14. Point 5 Peace comes from knowing God is your Father, which art in heaven, who sees you and loves you, knowing what is best for you, therefore he operates all things through providence to produce the likeness of Christ in you.

15. Three Kinds of Peace 1. Peace on the upside—you can have peace with God 2. Peace on the inside—you can have the peace of God Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

16. Three Kinds of Peace 1. Peace on the upside—you can have peace with God 2. Peace on the inside—you can have the peace of God 1 Cor. 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

17. Three Kinds of Peace 1. Peace on the upside—you can have peace with God 2. Peace on the inside—you can have the peace of God Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

18. Point 6 At the window of your soul and doorway of your spirit, you have to let God’s peace stand guard, protecting you and permitting you to rest in God’s providential dealings with you. Col. 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

19. Three Kinds of Peace 1. Peace on the upside—you can have peace with God 2. Peace on the inside—you can have the peace of God 3. Peace on the outside—you can have peace with others

20. Three Kinds of Peace Rom. 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 3. Peace on the outside—you can have peace with others

21. How to become a peacemaker P—Plan a peace conference

22. Point 7 Don’t let your conception of fate prevent you from acting in faith. Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

23. Point 7 Don’t let your conception of fate prevent you from acting in faith. Eph. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

24. How to become a peacemaker P—Plan a peace conference E—Empathize with the feelings of those who are offended Heb. 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

25. How to become a peacemaker P—Plan a peace conference E—Empathize with the feelings of those who are offended A—Aim at resolution

26. How to become a peacemaker P—Plan a peace conference E—Empathize with the feelings of those who are offended A—Aim at resolution C—Cooperate as much as possible

27. Point 8 All great relationships are built on compromise by negotiation. Eph. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

28. Point 9 Often what it takes to bring peace is not written into the script you already have, but if you go offscriptand make room for the Lord, he will bring peace to your relationship.

29. How to become a peacemaker P—Plan a peace conference E—Empathize with the feelings of those who are offended A—Aim at resolution C—Cooperate as much as possible E—Expect God to work for you

30. Come Forward for Prayer