The document discusses Jesus as the ultimate example of peacemaking. It describes how Jesus made peace with outsiders like the Samaritan woman and tax collector Matthew. The Bible's overarching theme is reconciliation between God and humanity and between people. Jesus came to offer peace with God through his sacrifice on the cross. Christians are called to follow Jesus' example and work to make peace in both the church and the world.

1. TAPPING INTO GOD'S ESSENCE. PEACE-MAKING! Matthew 5: 1-9

2. JESUS IS AN EXAMPLE OF PEACE MAKING WHEN JESUS MET THE WOMAN AT THE WELL HE DID NOT GET INTO A FIGHT WITH A “BAD” SAMARITAN RATHER HE WAS A PEACE MAKER Results: SHE BECAME THE FIRST EVANGELIST FOR JESUS. SHE WAS EXCITED AND HAPPY.

3. Matthew 5:1-9 (New Living Translation) One day as the crowds were gathering, Jesus went up the mountainside with his disciples and sat down to teach them. [2] This is what he taught them: [3] "God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. [4] God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

4. Matthew 5:1-9 (New Living Translation) [5] God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. [6] God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full. [7] God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. [9] God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

5. TAKE HOME • Peace-making is God's vocation. Will it be mine? • The underlying theme of the Bible is reconciliation, micro and macro. • Jesus went to the cross for one purpose, to offer us peace with God. • The church serves as a living parable Peace-Making. How does our church measure up?

6. Lord, Thank you so much for removing the barrier of sin so I can have peace with you. I'll do my best to live in peace with others and serve as your Peace Ambassador where I live. Commitment

7. ANNOUNCEMENTS

8. Worship in Song

9. GOD'S MISSION FROM DAY ONE: RECONCILIATION! Before the creation of the world. Jesus, the slain lamb --Revelation 13:8 Jesus, the lamb chosen from the foundation of the world --I Peter 1:18-20

10. EACH OF THE MAJOR COVENANTS CONTAINED "PEACE" AS A MAJOR BLESSING Abraham was told his offspring would bring peace to all ethnics. --Genesis 12 Moses brought Peace Offerings/Fellowship Offerings --Ex 24 Jesus: We have peace with God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

11. THE CROSS: GOD'S PEACE SIGN “ Come unto me all you who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest for your soul.” --Jesus

12. JESUS’ PEACE OFFERING AND YOU ARE INVITED

13. Confession: I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is my Lord and Savior.

14. Worship in Song

15. JESUS IS AN EXAMPLE OF PEACE MAKING HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED HOW DIFFERENT EACH OF JESUS’ DISCIPLES WERE? MATTHEW WAS A DREADED TAX COLLECTOR. YET, JESUS MADE PEACE WITH HIM. Results: A DISCIPLE WHO WROTE A GOSPEL WINNING MILLIONS.

16. Matthew 5:1-9 (Message Bible) When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down [2] and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: [3] "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. [4] "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

17. Matthew 5:1-9 (Message Bible) [5] "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. [6] "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. [7] "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.

18. Matthew 5:1-9 (Message Bible) [8] "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. [9] "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

19. THE GREAT COMMISSION. GOD'S PEACE OFFER GOES GLOBAL Evangelism. Peace-makers, all! --Matthew 28: 18-20 "Who ever believes shall not perish but have eternal life."

20. PEACE IN THE CHURCH. AN INDEX OF GOD'S WORD AND SPIRIT AT WORK The church: A living parable of peace and goodwill. Forgiveness practiced here. Humility fosters an 'after you' mentality.

21. PEACE IN THE CHURCH. AN INDEX OF GOD'S WORD AND SPIRIT AT WORK Patience and longsuffering don't allow fires and friction to get a toe hold. Forbearance and love for one another allows for variety, individuality and various expressions of worship, celebration and giftedness. Unity is another way of saying Peace --Ephesians 4: 11-16

22. AND WHEN WE ARE PEACE-MAKERS Ah! We'll be called "Sons of God"! "Son of.." A common way of speaking of one's core. Barnabus: "Son of Encouragement" --Acts 4:36 Judas: "Son of Perdition” --John 17: 12 Peacemakers: "Sons of God" --Matthew 5:9

23. Worship in Song

24. OFFERING Jesus paid it all. Making Peace through the cross.

25. Worship in Song

26. PRAYER & PRAISE

27. TAKE HOME • Peace-making is God's vocation. Will it be mine? • The underlying theme of the Bible is reconciliation, micro and macro. • Jesus went to the cross for one purpose, to offer us peace with God. • The church serves as a living parable Peace-Making. How does our church measure up?

28. Lord, Thank you so much for removing the barrier of sin so I can have peace with you. I'll do my best to live in peace with others and serve as your Peace Ambassador where I live. Commitment

29. GO AND TOUCH THE WORLD