Is Peace Even Possible in 2023? 

1.   Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth.
    a.    What most people really want in life is peace. 
    b.    It’s a peace only God can give.
    c.    This Christmas what we really want and need is peace on earth. 

2.    Is peace even possible in 2023? 
    a.    Isa.26:1-4 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

3.    What is perfect peace? 
    a.    Peace = shalom. 
    b.    It means wholeness or completeness. 
    c.    There's no sense of fear or dread.

4.    You will be kept in shalom, shalom. 
    a.    It means God will give you peace, + more than you need.
    b.    Peace doesn’t mean that you won't have trouble. 
    c.    Jn.16:33 In this world you will have trouble. 

5.    What is shalom, shalom? 
    a.    It’s the perfect peace of God! 
    b.    How do you experience the shalom, shalom of God? 
    c.    Well it begins in your mind. 

6.    The battle for peace begins in your mind. 
    a.    Isa.26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all whose thoughts are fixed on you, God. 
    b.    (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.
    c.    No, you'll have perfect peace when your mind is fixed on the truth of God. 

7.    fixed = samak 
    a.    It means to lean on completely or to fully rest on. 
    b.    What's your mind fixed on? 
    c.    Where does your mind drift to?

8.    Phil.4:8-9, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

9.    So when your mind is fixed on God...
    a.    ...then the God of peace will be with you. 
    b.    Ask yourself, Ro.8:35 Who shall separate me from the love of God in Christ? Shall trouble, or hardship, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 37 No, in all these things, what are we? We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who loved us. 

10.    38 For I am convinced, Neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, nor height nor depth, nor anything in all creation will be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. 
    a.    My mind is fixed on God. 
    b.    God offers me shalom, shalom. 
    c.    The world can't give it, and the world can't take it away.

11.    Jn.14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
    a.    Phil.4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.