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Our Church
Welcome to FBC
FBC Stillwater is a loving community whose desire is to see individuals come to know the saving power of Christ Jesus.
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 8:00am -4:00PM
Find Us
First Baptist Church
701 S Duncan St.
Stillwater, OK
405.372.5212
fbc.mail@brightok.net
Service Times
JOIN US ON SUNDAYS
Sunday School & Adult Bible Study
9:30am
Traditional In Person Service
11:00AM
Pastor Matt Weekly Newsletter
Fourth Week of Advent: Peace
Scripture Readings: Psalm 23, Isaiah 9:1-7, Romans 12:14-21, John 14:23-27
In 1938, the British government led by Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain had brokered an agreement called the “Munich Agreement” with Nazi Germany. The Munich Agreement allowed Germany to annex a region of Czechoslovakia called the Sudetenland. With the land came three million people that suddenly found themselves under the rule of Nazism. The outcome for the UK was not another war with Germany. Back in the UK, newspapers quoted Prime Minister Chamberlain saying this deal had delivered “Peace for our time.” We know the next year, 1939 would begin the Second World War. Peace for our time came with about a year’s expiration date.
Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. In our readings for this week of Christmas we see Peace as influenced by the following: the presence and guidance of the Lord (in the Psalms and Isaiah reading); the gift given by Christ and coupled with the Holy Spirit (John 14); and even a part that we as Christ followers have to play (Romans). Peace requires intentionality for the Christ follower to live according to the gift of Jesus’ peace and seek His presence.
Paul writes “as much as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone.” The Bible does not leave peace as an action of not raising our fists. It takes work to live at peace. In a culture of tit-for-tat and common desire to see others put down in order that we may be raised up, to actively pursue peace is not limited to turning a blind eye to offense and prejudice. Paul continues his thought in quoting the Proverbs (ch.25) that by giving our adversaries compassion and mercy, we get our victory.
Christmas is a time to reflect on the peace Jesus gives. He did not merely turn a blind eye to the condition of the world or even the hearts of those who hated him. To the Pharisees, He debated and overturned their tables: yes; but he also spoke truth in love and compassion to the Pharisee Nicodemas. Jesus even interacted with folks caught in adultery, those who were hurting and sick. Jesus healed the Roman soldier who came to arrest him. In his last moments, he prayed God would forgive those who had crucified him.
May we follow the example of Jesus this Christmas and seek peace in a world of conflict.
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