Recipe for God's Peace
Bailey E. Smith
Philippians 4:4-7
In a recent edition of a news magazine I was amazed to read the amount of commitments the United States has to other nations. Besides South Viet Nam, we are helping almost every Latin American country, plus giving aid and support to West Berlin, South Korea, India, and Israel. The list seems interminable. Authorities in Washington feel that our strength, support, aid, and well-being are the only things that keep these countries free and prospering.
Almost every careful observer agrees that if the United States ever lost its power, wealth, and peace, much of the free world would sink with it. Since her neighbors could not withstand the assault of Communism alone, an admirable goal for our nation is the security of her own peace.
By the same token, one of the greatest needs of our churches is the attainment and maintenance of its own strength. If the church becomes sterile by the destruction of its own peace and well-being, much of the good of our world will be dealt a fatal blow. If I had a sub-title for this sermon, it would be "Keep the Home Base Strong". How can the sick be ministered unto by a sick church? How can those battling against the reaping of their sinful sowing find help and peace in a warring church? The church (assuming the people to be the church) needs to find the ingredients for its own peace. Only a people at peace with God can be the church Christ intended them to be.
In writing to the church at Philippi, Paul wisely and tactfully endeavors to correct a small disorder. He notes that two ladies, Euodias and Syntyche, are having some contention and asks for someone to help them. Paul loved the Christians at Philippi and knew that if they maintained peace with each other, they could bring peace to others.
Paul describes three ingredients in this peace. These also need to become active ingredients in our lives if the church is to keep strong and peaceful in ...
Bailey E. Smith
Philippians 4:4-7
In a recent edition of a news magazine I was amazed to read the amount of commitments the United States has to other nations. Besides South Viet Nam, we are helping almost every Latin American country, plus giving aid and support to West Berlin, South Korea, India, and Israel. The list seems interminable. Authorities in Washington feel that our strength, support, aid, and well-being are the only things that keep these countries free and prospering.
Almost every careful observer agrees that if the United States ever lost its power, wealth, and peace, much of the free world would sink with it. Since her neighbors could not withstand the assault of Communism alone, an admirable goal for our nation is the security of her own peace.
By the same token, one of the greatest needs of our churches is the attainment and maintenance of its own strength. If the church becomes sterile by the destruction of its own peace and well-being, much of the good of our world will be dealt a fatal blow. If I had a sub-title for this sermon, it would be "Keep the Home Base Strong". How can the sick be ministered unto by a sick church? How can those battling against the reaping of their sinful sowing find help and peace in a warring church? The church (assuming the people to be the church) needs to find the ingredients for its own peace. Only a people at peace with God can be the church Christ intended them to be.
In writing to the church at Philippi, Paul wisely and tactfully endeavors to correct a small disorder. He notes that two ladies, Euodias and Syntyche, are having some contention and asks for someone to help them. Paul loved the Christians at Philippi and knew that if they maintained peace with each other, they could bring peace to others.
Paul describes three ingredients in this peace. These also need to become active ingredients in our lives if the church is to keep strong and peaceful in ...
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