Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

February 23, 2025 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

WINTER 2025: Happiness Is . . . 

The Beatitudes 

January 5 – March 4, 2025 

Flourishing in Peacemaking 

Matthew 5:9 

Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

Theme for Winter 2025: Happiness Is . . . 

Alfred Nobel 

World Peace: According to the United Nations, humans have been at peace for 268 of the last 3,400 years, which is about 8% of recorded history. The Geneva Academy is currently monitoring 110 armed conflicts around the world. 

Shalom is the Old Testament Hebrew word for peace. It can refer to the absence of conflict. It also carries the idea of “wholeness” or “completeness” or “well-being. 

He (Joseph) asked them how they were, and then he said, “How is your aged father you told me about. Is he still living?” They replied, “Your servant our father is still alive and well.” 

-Genesis 43:27-28 

THE GOD OF PEACE 

Now may the God of peace . . .  

-Hebrews 13:20 

PEACE WITH GOD 

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

-Romans 5:1 

PEACE OF CHRIST 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

-Isaiah 9:6 

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. 

-Luke 2:14 

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 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. 

-Colossians 3:15 

PEACEMAKERS 

“Blessed are the peacemakers” is, I suppose, for another world. In this world they are frequently cursed. 

-Ben Franklin 

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 

-Ephesians 4:2-3 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 

-2 Corinthians 5:17-20 

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel . . . 

-Philippians 4:2-3 

Peacemakers take risks, take the first step, seek the best, remain humble, trust the results to God, give God the glory, and . . . pray! 

Photo: Peace Bridge, Londonderry, Ireland 

CHILDREN OF GOD 

Peacemakers bear the family resemblance to our Heavenly Father as we reflect His character. 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy. 

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 

Amen.