Advent: Real peace in a counterfeit world
Our “Real Advent” series rolled into week 2 with a look at Real Peace. Pastor Jake began by reminding us that the quest for peace is a universal human experience, and it often feels like chasing an elusive dream. We find ourselves in a world filled with chaos, conflict, and constant pressures that seem to blow away any semblance of peace we might grasp.
The Bible, however, offers us a pathway to true peace through the birth of Jesus Christ. The angels proclaimed peace on earth at His birth, yet we still see so much turmoil around us. This paradox leads us to two critical questions: Why is peace so hard to find, and how can we experience the peace of God in our lives?
The answer lies in understanding the spiritual battle between two kingdoms: the kingdom of darkness, ruled by Satan, and the kingdom of heaven, ruled by God. Our peace is constantly under attack in this spiritual war, even if we don’t notice it (and we often don’t), and we must choose which kingdom to serve.
The kingdom of heaven, brought to earth by Jesus, offers a new rule and a new peace. To experience this peace, we must first make peace with God by turning away from the kingdom of darkness and embracing the leadership of Jesus. This involves surrendering control of our lives to God, trusting Him with our burdens, and allowing His peace to fill us.
True peace is not found in the counterfeit sources the world offers us – through efforts to control our circumstances or numb our emotions. No, the peace Jesus came to give us can only be found in surrendering to God’s loving leadership.
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on a time when you sought peace through external success or control. How did that experience compare to the peace Pastor Jake described?
- Jake discussed the spiritual battle between two kingdoms. How can you become more aware of this battle in your daily life, and what steps can you take to align yourself with the kingdom of heaven?
- Consider the areas of your life where you are holding onto control. What specific steps can you take to surrender these areas to God and trust Him with your burdens?
- Identify a situation where you have relied on counterfeit peace, such as distraction or addiction. What changes can you make to seek true peace through God’s leadership instead?
- This week’s message emphasized the importance of surrender for experiencing peace. What is one area of your life where you need to practice surrender, and how can you begin to do so this week?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from December 8
- “Joy to the World”
- “Only a Holy God”
- “Hark”
- “The Stand” (after the message)