10 Commandments of Church Effectiveness

Let Us Do What Leads To Peace

Commandments so far…

#1 – Present yourself as one approved#2 – Lift up holy hands in prayer#3 – In doctrine show integrity#4 – Flee evil desires#5 – Set An Example For Believers

Peace On Earth

•Lesson happens to fall during holiday time.•Good time to speak on subject of peace, while people are more-than-average focused on Jesus.•The effective church is a church that promotes peace.

•Peace: Easy to talk about – hard to accomplish

•To be peacemakers we must understand the process by which true and lasting peace is accomplished.

Beginning With Personal Peace

Can I promote peace if I am at war with myself?

Philippians 4:6-7 -- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Can I really live anxiety free?

•1 Peter 5:7 -- Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Failure to release worry and anxiety demonstrates a lack of faith and trust in God

John 14:27 -- 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.

My responsibility to promote peace

Psalm 34:14 -- Turn from evil and do good;        seek peace and pursue it.

1 Peter 3:11 -- He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

2 Corinthians 13:11 -- Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Hebrews 12:14 -- Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Peace and holiness walk hand-in-hand.

Displaying Peace in and through the Church

Psalm 133:1 -- How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Ephesians 4:3

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

How do we define EVERY EFFORT?

Commandment #6 – Romans 14:19 -- Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

We are ONE BODY

Colossians 3:15 -- Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Promoting peace takes personal sacrifice.We must give up our personal rights to

promote peace.We cannot live in wickedness and

promote peace.Only the faithful child of God who is holy

can truly promote peace.What will we do to bring peace to this

earth?Will we make EVERY EFFORT?