I came across this excellent sermon, published in the blog of the Crescent Hill Baptist Church. I was blown away. It is so good and so timely. I would like to publish it all, but I think that it is better to actually visit the nice blogger that shared it with us at:
chbc comments
You can also find the sermon in the main site of the church
www.crescenthillbaptistchurch.org
I haven't seen or heard a sermon that so clearly outlines the message of Jesus in a long time. It has made me very happy today :)
Here is the beginning:
LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF GOD:
PEACE THROUGH NONVIOLENCE
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44
What do you believe our world needs more than anything?
Miss America beauty pageant contestants (other than teaching us geography lessons) usually give voice to the generic desire of most of us when she expresses the desire for world peace. Few are those who do not want to sit down with their families in peace, safe in their homes, allowing their children to play freely in the neighborhood, in a world where nations are at peace with one another.
World peace is a worthy desire and necessary aim, but it requires more than wishful dreaming. Martin Luther Kings said, “Many people cry Peace! Peace! but they refuse to do the things that make for peace.” World peace requires that we all learn the ways that make for peace.
Peacemaking today is the work of giving a future to humanity, making it possible to continue our life together on this planet.
If we continue to live without peace, ultimately moving toward the world’s annihilation, nothing else will matter, not even freedom or democracy, for no one will be alive to enjoy it.
We have to find a way to make the word “peace” as important as the word “freedom." (1)
The ways that make for peace are ways that can be learned and lived by those who do not even believe in God. But for those of us who do believe in God, we must learn to live in God’s light and lead the first steps toward peace so that others may follow.
Peace Through Nonviolence, Gregory Pope
