October 9th, 2025
by Mark McAdow
by Mark McAdow
By Pastor Mark McAdow
Our world received an encouraging word last evening with the announcement that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a cease fire and an exchange of Israeli hostages – unfortunately most dead but thankfully some still alive – for Palestinian prisoners. A measure of peace. It’s a beginning – if both parties keep their word. In President Trump’s announcement about the agreement, he concluded his remarks by quoting Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). I appreciated that.
Jesus sought peace, but He also knew His presence would bring division. To follow Christ means we must "speak the truth in love.” Truth, as we’ve discovered in our Truth Rising study, separates people. It requires a choice to be made. We either follow Jesus and His Word, or we rely on our own limited understanding and deceive ourselves and others. Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him!
Peace in this world is always temporary, but Jesus offers a peace that is permanent with Him. “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). How could he promise that? Check out the verse above in John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The key is the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives.
Continue to pray for the “peace process” in the Middle East and around the world, remembering abiding peace is found only in Jesus. He is our peace. Is your heart troubled today? Cast yours cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22). Be encouraged.
See you this Sunday morning at worship.
Love you,
Pastor Mark
I appreciate you!
Our world received an encouraging word last evening with the announcement that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a cease fire and an exchange of Israeli hostages – unfortunately most dead but thankfully some still alive – for Palestinian prisoners. A measure of peace. It’s a beginning – if both parties keep their word. In President Trump’s announcement about the agreement, he concluded his remarks by quoting Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). I appreciated that.
Jesus sought peace, but He also knew His presence would bring division. To follow Christ means we must "speak the truth in love.” Truth, as we’ve discovered in our Truth Rising study, separates people. It requires a choice to be made. We either follow Jesus and His Word, or we rely on our own limited understanding and deceive ourselves and others. Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him!
Peace in this world is always temporary, but Jesus offers a peace that is permanent with Him. “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). How could he promise that? Check out the verse above in John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The key is the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives.
Continue to pray for the “peace process” in the Middle East and around the world, remembering abiding peace is found only in Jesus. He is our peace. Is your heart troubled today? Cast yours cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22). Be encouraged.
See you this Sunday morning at worship.
Love you,
Pastor Mark
I appreciate you!
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