Sun, 3 November 2019
I’m sure it comes as no newsflash, but we are living in a war-torn world.
Think of the serious conflicts that rage globally. Hotspots include: Turkey and Syria, India and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and the list goes on. Not only are there are conflicts between nations, there are conflicts within nations—places like Venezuela and Hong Kong. In fact, it might be easier to list the countries that don’t have war than those that do. Recently the Institute for Economics and Peace evaluated 162 countries. Only 11 were not involved in conflict of one kind or another.
It’s bad enough to have conflict within the league of nations, but how bad is it when it erupts in Little League?! On June 15, 2019, a baseball game for 7-year-olds in Lakewood, Colorado descended into chaos when parents disagreed over a decision made by the 13-year-old umpire. Spectators captured video of a shocking brawl that ensued. Authorities ultimately issued citations for disorderly conduct to twelve adults. Crazy!
Let me get more personal still. What about your family? What about your own heart? Are you at peace?
This coming Sunday at Istrouma we will focus on James 4:1-10. There God gives us a prescription for peace. We’ll see the sources of conflicts, the seriousness of conflicts, and the solution to conflicts. Be sure to join us!
James: Practical Spirituality “A Prescription for Peace” James 4:1-10
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? (4:1a)
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a firend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (4:4-5).
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (4:6-7).
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Sun, 3 November 2019
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