ChurchApplied

Peace on Earth?

This morning I thought about what the angels said at Christ's birth, "To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God; And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God" (Luke 2:14 / The Voice). Another version reads, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased" (NLT). It is worthy to note that the birth of Christ did not signal peace for all "mankind," but for only those with whom God was, and is, pleased. It is available to all through Christ, but is not extended to all by default. Heaven's peace is only available to those who embrace it.

Peace Angel - Mike Monahan

Later in His ministry Jesus said, "I have come to set the world on fire...Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! (Luke 12:49-51 / NLT).

What kind of God would do this? Is He a trouble-maker, One who thrives on chaos? I believe so, at least when it comes to unsettling complacency! In His quest to redeem fallen humanity, God destroys the "peace" of the unrepentant with His grace. He turns the realm of darkness on its head with His mercy. He creates hunger in each heart for spiritual wholeness. This kind of peace is foreign to our terrestrial thinking. It is unsettling to those who are absorbed only with tangible realities. Without His offer and encouragement, such peace could never be desired or pursued!

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27) NASB

God's peace creates division and hostility in a fallen world. Darkness does not willingly give way to light. Sin does not loosen its grip without a struggle.

"Dear God: Shine Your penetrating light into the dark recesses of my heart. Expose those elements in me that are hostile to Your Kingdom of grace! Forgive my attitudes of spiritual indifference and mediocrity. Ignite my passions with Your Holy fire and use me today as an example of your redeeming power! In the name of Jesus I pray."

Rich DuBose is Director of Church Support Services for the Pacific Union Conference.

Time to Think

This past week brought a big change in weather up and down the west coast. Southern California got dumped on with rain and snow (closing the Grape Vine and Highway 14). This last Wednesday Linda and I drove from Sacramento, CA to Bend, OR and hit snow packed roads near Klamath Falls. If you've ever traveled Highway 97 ( a two-lane highway), you know how desolate and boring it can be. But when trucks are doing 60 mph even on on snow packed roads, believe me, there is no time to be bored!

Oregon Highway 97 - By Linda DuBose

Extended trips are great because it gives us time to think! So much of what we do keeps us distracted and engaged, we hardly have time to listen to our own thoughts. As we celebrate this Christmas season I am thankful for time to reflect on God's guidance and mercy. Lately I have come to understand that were it not for God's mercy and grace I wouldn't have a chance. So, "thank you Lord for those long drives and extended Sabbath hours that give me time to reflect and be renewed in mind and spirit."

Google Mapping Car

This morning I took this photo of a Google Mapping car in Thousand Oaks, CA. The car is used by Google to take photos of every house (e.g. for Google Maps Street View). The car has a circular ring of cameras that takes photos as it drives down the street. If Google can map every house in America, certainly we can bring the good news of salvation to every home that wants to hear it.

Here's a Google car with its cameras staged for operation.

Using the Web for Evangelism

Today I'm at the Compton Adventist Church in Los Angeles helping with a seminar, then I am doing the same in Temple City tomorrow. My emphasis in each location is on how to use the web as an evangelism tool. Several other presenters shared some great material and those who attended had the opportunity to network and share ideas.

 

  Attendees at the Temple City Church near Los Angeles

The Sunday seminar in Temple City was sponsored by the Southeastern and Southern California Conference Communication Departments.