<Missed the 2014 Peacemaker Conference? Get summaries of the 2014 Peacemaker Conference Speakers here!>
Dr. Gary Hoag gave the second plenary session at the 2014 Peacemaker Conference. In his message, he explained that peace was now attainable through Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, peace was something that came from the Lord and peacemaking was tied to personal compliance with Old Testament law. But that is no longer the case. Peace can now be found in Jesus Christ, because of his death and resurrection.
Dr. Hoag’s four main points were the following:
1. Peace is only found in Jesus and it is better than anything the world has to offer. John 14:27.
2. Peacemaking is bringing division, because either you embrace the peace of Christ or you don’t. Matthew 10:34; Luke 12:51. Jesus came to bring a sword! “The way to peace is not the way of avoidance of conflict.” – Dr. Hoag quoting another author. What we do with Jesus determines our eternal destiny. Coming out of seminary, Dr. Hoag thought it was his job to save people. But now he understands that he can only sow the word and people may reject it.
3. Peace is more than a greeting; it’s a gift from God in a world filled with troubles. – John 16:33.
4. Peacemaking is the ministry the Father sent Jesus to accomplish and what Jesus sends us to do. It is our legacy from Christ. John 20:21.
Dr. Gary Hoag encouraged us with what Peter, Paul, and Gary (himself) would have to say to us.
- Peter: Choose the way of peace only found in Christ and engage in the world of peacemaking. “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Peter 3:11, 2 Peter 1:2, Mark 9:50.
- Paul: Through faith in Jesus, we have peace with God through out Lord Jesus Christ, so make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 5:1, 14:19. To be a peacemaker requires the posture of a servant. Ready yourself in Ephesians. Put on the full armor of God so that we can stand firm.
- What does Gary say? As he reads his NT, he sees grace and peace all over the place. Gary encouraged us to dig into God’s word. We can’t give away what we don’t possess. When we read the word of God, we will find Christ and find the peace that passes all understanding.
