Peacemakers
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Matthew 5:9 - “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) - “Because things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country.”
Blessed
μακάριος - “Happy is the one” // God’s favor rests on…
Peace/Shalom
Cornelius Plantinga - “ (Shalom) is the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight.”
Peacemaking
Matthew 5:38-41 - 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Matthew 5:43-45 - 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
Nelson Mandela - “When we dehumanize and demonize our opponents, we abandon the possibility of peacefully resolving our differences and seek to justify violence against them.”
John Howard Yoder - “By refusing to extend the chain of vengeance, we break into the world with good news.”
Rebekah Eklund - “To be peacemakers, then, means to actively participate in ushing in the world of shalom, making whole whatever is broken.”
Ephesians 2:14-18 - 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
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Each Sunday we come together we offer an open invitation into the way of Jesus. An invitation to enter into sacred rhythms - to draw near to God through singing, giving, learning, and praying.
As a community that desires renewal in Des Moines as it is in Heaven, we recognize that we cannot offer what we ourselves do not have. We cannot lead where we ourselves have not been led; in turn, these questions aim at reflection. Reflecting on God’s word and making space for his leadership.
After watching or listening consider the following discussion questions as a large group or in groups of three to four:
What stood out from the teaching?
How does shalom - the fullness of all good things with Jesus - differ from common conceptions of peace?
Where do you feel the most division around you? How does Jesus’ blessing on those who make peace feel?
This weekend Kyle quoted John Howard Yoder saying, “By refusing to extend the chain of vengeance, we break into the world with good news.” Why is this good news? How might this conception of good news differ from “good news” on the street?
Where is Spirit inviting you to make peace?