April 14, 2024 • 15 mins
Welcome to another Christmas episode of The Heartbeat of Faith Podcast with Dr. Andrew Farley. In this special episode, we explore the profound theme of peace, particularly the peace that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings into our lives. We begin with the powerful prophecy from Isaiah 9, which foretold the arrival of a child who would carry these divine titles: Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. We delve into the significance of this prophecy and the celestial announcement of Jesus' birth, heralding peace on earth.
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This episode explores the multi-layered concept of peace – beginning with peace with God, as described in Romans 5. The idea that this peace was achieved through divine warfare sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the Prince of Peace, who triumphs over what divides us. Moving from eternal peace with God, we delve into the internal peace described in Colossians 3, emphasizing the role of prayer and God's Word in calming the anxieties of our hearts. Finally, we learn that peace with others can be achieved through acts of mercy and peacemaking, as exemplified by the biblical story of David's kindness towards Saul. Christmas reminds us that despite the challenges and contentions of the season, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, reigns over us, offering a profound and lasting sense of peace that transcends worldly difficulties.
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For more encouragement in God's grace visit AndrewFarley.org.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Let us pray. I have told you these things that
in me you may have peace. In the world. You
have trouble, but cheer up. I have overcome the world.
John chapter sixteen, verse thirty three. Heavenly Father, you are
the author of perfect peace. Though the world may rage
(00:23):
in chaos around me, you remain steady and unmoving. I
know I can rely on you amid uncertainty. I pray
that you had ground me in your peace, shod my
feet with the shoes of the Gospel of Peace, so
I may confidently walk. May the peace you give me
be infectious, affecting the lives of everyone around me. I
(00:47):
don't want people to be more on edge because of me.
I would much rather be a source of comfort for others.
Steady me, Lord, open my eyes to your great love
so I can thrive under pressure. In Jesus's mighty name,
I pray, Amen, thank you for praying with me today.
(01:10):
Now discover the profound intricacies of the heartbeat of faith
with doctor Andrew Farley.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
This peace was accomplished through warfare. God pursued and defeated
the evil that was keeping us separated from him. Jesus
is the Prince of peace, because He rules over that
which divides us and casts it away into darkness.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
For unto us, a child is born, unto us, a
son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called Wonderful counselor the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase
of his government and peace, there shall be no end
(02:04):
upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to
order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice.
From henceforth ever forever, the zeal of the Lord of
Hosts will perform this Isaiah nine six through seven.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Hi, I'm doctor Andrew Farley, and welcome to another Christmas
episode of the Heartbeat of Faith podcast. The prophecy in
Isaiah nine has been on the forefront of our minds
for the past few days. From the ashes of destruction
and chaos, Isaiah nine brought the people of Israel a
(02:45):
promise of a redeemer. God promised that a child would
be born one day and he would be called Wonderful
counselor Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Today
we conclude our journey through these names by highlighting the
(03:05):
name Prince of Peace. When Jesus was born, angels visited
a group of shepherds and proclaimed his coming. Their voices
echoed from the heavens and declared the peace that God
would bring the world through this promised child.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Then the light radiated even brighter, and the angel was
surrounded by a choir of more angels, singing glory to
God in the highest peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind.
And like a vapor in the wind, they vanished.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Peace on earth. What an idea. With so much war, division,
and tension in the world, it's hard to imagine their
ever being true peace. But the Bible doesn't define the
peace of Jesus in the same way that the world
defines peace. While the world may envision a utopia without conflict, poverty,
(04:09):
or strife, the Bible teaches us that peace is available
amidst all these things. Listen to Jesus's words as he
encourages his disciples about the struggles ahead.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Jesus answered them, do you now believe? Behold, the time
is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will
be scattered everyone to his own place, and you will
leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the
Father is with me. I have told you these things
that in me you may have peace in the world.
(04:47):
You have trouble, but cheer up. I have overcome the world.
John sixteen thirty one through thirty three.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Jesus he told us that the world might be chaotic,
but we can have peace in the chaos. God wants
you and me to enjoy a peace that surpasses all
our understanding, a peace that exists even when the madness
of life entangles us. The disciples displayed this type of
(05:20):
supernatural peace under intense persecution. Although Paul was beaten several times,
he continued his mission.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Hours had passed and Paul was just beginning to regain
feeling in his limbs. As he did his best to
prop himself up against the wall, he saw some of
the believers running up to him. They took him in
and nursed his wounds back to health. Paul rested all
day and then was back to preaching the next day.
He would not allow broken bones and torn skin to
(05:55):
prevent him from preaching the gospel. A whipped back did
not prevent Jesus. He carried his cross forward with intent
to put an end to shame and sin. Paul would
do the same. No amount of pain would keep him
from following Christ.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
The Bible teaches us that peace is first eternal, then internal,
and finally external. First we must have eternal peace, which
is peace with God. Paul describes this type of peace
in several of his letters.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Being therefore justified by faith. We have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have
our access by faith into this grace in which we stand.
We rejoice in hope of the glory of God Romans
five one through two.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
This peace was accomplished by Jesus Christ himself. Through the
cross and resurrection. God pursued the evil that was keeping
us separated from him. Jesus is the prince of peace
because he rules over that which divides us and casts
it away into darkness.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Darkness had now enveloped the skies completely, as if preparing
for what was about to occur. Nine hours had passed
on the cross, and Jesus looked up to Heaven. Helloi, Helloi,
lemma sabatani, he cried, which means, my God, my God,
(07:34):
why have you forsaken me? For in that moment, the
eternal bond between the Father and the son was severed,
and the sins of all mankind were thrust onto Jesus
as a tsunami does to the shore. Then Jesus yelled
out one more time, Father, I give you my life.
It is now finished. Then he gave his spirit to
(07:58):
the Lord. The one who with the word spoke light
and life into existence, spoke his final word. The same
lungs that breathed life into mankind in the garden of
Eden exhaled their final breath.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Peace eternally with God comes first. From that comes peace
with ourselves and internal peace. In Colossians, Paul says, this
piece rules in our hearts like a sovereign would prevail
over his kingdom. Jesus is our prince of peace, ruling
from our hearts where he dwells forever.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Above all these things, Walk in love, which is the
bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule
in your hearts, to which also you were called in
one body, and be thankful Collajans three fourteen through fifteen.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Are strong and perman connection with Christ, who dwells in
our new hearts forever, is what gives us stability and peace.
Paul described this peace in Philippians as something that surpasses
all our understanding.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
In nothing, be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and
petition with thanksgiving. Lets your requests be made known to God,
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. Will
God your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus Philippians
four six through seven.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
Having peace with God and internal peace allows us to
seek peace with other people. When we have a solid
foundation in the Gospel, we can be peacemakers. Jesus said,
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children
of God. David blade this type of peacemaking when he
(10:02):
showed mercy to Saul despite Saul's evil intentions toward him.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
David's men whispered to him, saying, now is your chance.
God has given Saul to you on a silver platter.
David approached Saul quietly. Saul was dozing off, an easy target.
It would be nothing for David to cut his throat
and be done with the madness. David stood over Saul
in the darkness of the cave for a few moments. Quietly.
(10:33):
David drew his blade and crouched down next to Saul.
He grabbed a part of his robe, raised the blade
and cut off a small sliver of his robe. Then
David left quietly and did not disturb Saul any further.
David walked back into the cave where his men were
waiting for him. Illuminated by the fire, small tears could
(10:55):
be seen on David's cheeks. David looked at them and said,
I shall not put my head against God's anointed. I
should not have laid even a finger on him, So
David persuaded his men to not harm Saul.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
The Bible teaches us that peace with other people doesn't
come from dominating them with our opinions or ideologies. Instead,
through displaying the fruit of God's spirit, we win people,
just like David eventually did with Saul.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
David then lifted up the peace of his robe he
tore off and said, I was standing above you in
the cave. I could have taken your life, but I
dared not lay a hand on you. I have not
sinned against you. I have been nothing but faithful. My
life has been yours, and now you seek to end it.
David stood to his feet, threw his sword onto the floor,
(11:52):
and spread his arms. May God judge between you and
me he may punish you, but I will not. Saul
stood there in silence. He looked at David, now grizzled
and dirty for months of battle and exile. He was
then reminded of the young boy who once tried on
his armor. He remembered the young boy who would play
(12:14):
music to calm his soul. Saul's hardened heart began to
melt under the warm mercy of David. Saul dismounted his
horse and walked towards David, trembling. His lips were quivering,
and his eyes began to water. The dark clouds over
Saul's mind began to part, and he began to weep.
(12:34):
Is that you, my son, David? Saul whispered, and the
two of them embraced as Saul wept.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Christmas can be a season of contention. Family strife, pressure
at work, and financial stress become exaggerated during this time.
During Christmas, we celebrate the Prince of Peace, ruling and
reigning in our hearts despite our difficulties. Jesus, the Prince
(13:03):
of Peace, offers us a kind of peace that surpasses
all our understanding. It's a peace that flows from the
total forgiveness we have in Christ, the freedom from the
law that we now enjoy, and the unbreakable union we
have with Him. This peace is not dependent on our
(13:24):
circumstances or any external factors, but on our deepening understanding
of the Gospel and the finished work of Christ. As
we grasp the truth that we are completely forgiven and
accepted by God, we can rest in His love and grace.
(13:44):
This peace enables us to bear the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, gentleness,
and more, which can only come from an attitude of
internal peace. So, dear friend, I incur you to dive
deeper into the Gospel, to meditate on the truth of
(14:04):
your identity in Christ, and to allow His peace to
permeate every area of your life. Trust in His perfect
love and rest in the assurance that you are secure
in Him. May His Peace be your constant companion, guiding
and comforting you in all circumstances this Christmas. May you
(14:30):
be reminded each day that Jesus himself is your peace.
Thank you for listening to today's episode of the Heartbeat
of Faith podcast. Follow the podcast so you can learn
the Bible in this entertaining and inspiring way. Download theprey
dot Com app and For more encouragement in God's grace,
(14:53):
visit Andrewfarley dot org. That's Andrewfarley dot org.
Let us pray. I have told you these things that
in me you may have peace. In the world. You
have trouble, but cheer up. I have overcome the world.
John chapter sixteen, verse thirty three. Heavenly Father, you are
the author of perfect peace. Though the world may rage
(00:23):
in chaos around me, you remain steady and unmoving. I
know I can rely on you amid uncertainty. I pray
that you had ground me in your peace, shod my
feet with the shoes of the Gospel of Peace, so
I may confidently walk. May the peace you give me
be infectious, affecting the lives of everyone around me. I
(00:47):
don't want people to be more on edge because of me.
I would much rather be a source of comfort for others.
Steady me, Lord, open my eyes to your great love
so I can thrive under pressure. In Jesus's mighty name,
I pray, Amen, thank you for praying with me today.
(01:10):
Now discover the profound intricacies of the heartbeat of faith
with doctor Andrew Farley.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
This peace was accomplished through warfare. God pursued and defeated
the evil that was keeping us separated from him. Jesus
is the Prince of peace, because He rules over that
which divides us and casts it away into darkness.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
For unto us, a child is born, unto us, a
son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called Wonderful counselor the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase
of his government and peace, there shall be no end
(02:04):
upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to
order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice.
From henceforth ever forever, the zeal of the Lord of
Hosts will perform this Isaiah nine six through seven.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Hi, I'm doctor Andrew Farley, and welcome to another Christmas
episode of the Heartbeat of Faith podcast. The prophecy in
Isaiah nine has been on the forefront of our minds
for the past few days. From the ashes of destruction
and chaos, Isaiah nine brought the people of Israel a
(02:45):
promise of a redeemer. God promised that a child would
be born one day and he would be called Wonderful
counselor Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Today
we conclude our journey through these names by highlighting the
(03:05):
name Prince of Peace. When Jesus was born, angels visited
a group of shepherds and proclaimed his coming. Their voices
echoed from the heavens and declared the peace that God
would bring the world through this promised child.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Then the light radiated even brighter, and the angel was
surrounded by a choir of more angels, singing glory to
God in the highest peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind.
And like a vapor in the wind, they vanished.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Peace on earth. What an idea. With so much war, division,
and tension in the world, it's hard to imagine their
ever being true peace. But the Bible doesn't define the
peace of Jesus in the same way that the world
defines peace. While the world may envision a utopia without conflict, poverty,
(04:09):
or strife, the Bible teaches us that peace is available
amidst all these things. Listen to Jesus's words as he
encourages his disciples about the struggles ahead.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Jesus answered them, do you now believe? Behold, the time
is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will
be scattered everyone to his own place, and you will
leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the
Father is with me. I have told you these things
that in me you may have peace in the world.
(04:47):
You have trouble, but cheer up. I have overcome the world.
John sixteen thirty one through thirty three.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Jesus he told us that the world might be chaotic,
but we can have peace in the chaos. God wants
you and me to enjoy a peace that surpasses all
our understanding, a peace that exists even when the madness
of life entangles us. The disciples displayed this type of
(05:20):
supernatural peace under intense persecution. Although Paul was beaten several times,
he continued his mission.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Hours had passed and Paul was just beginning to regain
feeling in his limbs. As he did his best to
prop himself up against the wall, he saw some of
the believers running up to him. They took him in
and nursed his wounds back to health. Paul rested all
day and then was back to preaching the next day.
He would not allow broken bones and torn skin to
(05:55):
prevent him from preaching the gospel. A whipped back did
not prevent Jesus. He carried his cross forward with intent
to put an end to shame and sin. Paul would
do the same. No amount of pain would keep him
from following Christ.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
The Bible teaches us that peace is first eternal, then internal,
and finally external. First we must have eternal peace, which
is peace with God. Paul describes this type of peace
in several of his letters.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Being therefore justified by faith. We have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have
our access by faith into this grace in which we stand.
We rejoice in hope of the glory of God Romans
five one through two.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
This peace was accomplished by Jesus Christ himself. Through the
cross and resurrection. God pursued the evil that was keeping
us separated from him. Jesus is the prince of peace
because he rules over that which divides us and casts
it away into darkness.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Darkness had now enveloped the skies completely, as if preparing
for what was about to occur. Nine hours had passed
on the cross, and Jesus looked up to Heaven. Helloi, Helloi,
lemma sabatani, he cried, which means, my God, my God,
(07:34):
why have you forsaken me? For in that moment, the
eternal bond between the Father and the son was severed,
and the sins of all mankind were thrust onto Jesus
as a tsunami does to the shore. Then Jesus yelled
out one more time, Father, I give you my life.
It is now finished. Then he gave his spirit to
(07:58):
the Lord. The one who with the word spoke light
and life into existence, spoke his final word. The same
lungs that breathed life into mankind in the garden of
Eden exhaled their final breath.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Peace eternally with God comes first. From that comes peace
with ourselves and internal peace. In Colossians, Paul says, this
piece rules in our hearts like a sovereign would prevail
over his kingdom. Jesus is our prince of peace, ruling
from our hearts where he dwells forever.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Above all these things, Walk in love, which is the
bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule
in your hearts, to which also you were called in
one body, and be thankful Collajans three fourteen through fifteen.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Are strong and perman connection with Christ, who dwells in
our new hearts forever, is what gives us stability and peace.
Paul described this peace in Philippians as something that surpasses
all our understanding.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
In nothing, be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and
petition with thanksgiving. Lets your requests be made known to God,
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. Will
God your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus Philippians
four six through seven.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
Having peace with God and internal peace allows us to
seek peace with other people. When we have a solid
foundation in the Gospel, we can be peacemakers. Jesus said,
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children
of God. David blade this type of peacemaking when he
(10:02):
showed mercy to Saul despite Saul's evil intentions toward him.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
David's men whispered to him, saying, now is your chance.
God has given Saul to you on a silver platter.
David approached Saul quietly. Saul was dozing off, an easy target.
It would be nothing for David to cut his throat
and be done with the madness. David stood over Saul
in the darkness of the cave for a few moments. Quietly.
(10:33):
David drew his blade and crouched down next to Saul.
He grabbed a part of his robe, raised the blade
and cut off a small sliver of his robe. Then
David left quietly and did not disturb Saul any further.
David walked back into the cave where his men were
waiting for him. Illuminated by the fire, small tears could
(10:55):
be seen on David's cheeks. David looked at them and said,
I shall not put my head against God's anointed. I
should not have laid even a finger on him, So
David persuaded his men to not harm Saul.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
The Bible teaches us that peace with other people doesn't
come from dominating them with our opinions or ideologies. Instead,
through displaying the fruit of God's spirit, we win people,
just like David eventually did with Saul.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
David then lifted up the peace of his robe he
tore off and said, I was standing above you in
the cave. I could have taken your life, but I
dared not lay a hand on you. I have not
sinned against you. I have been nothing but faithful. My
life has been yours, and now you seek to end it.
David stood to his feet, threw his sword onto the floor,
(11:52):
and spread his arms. May God judge between you and
me he may punish you, but I will not. Saul
stood there in silence. He looked at David, now grizzled
and dirty for months of battle and exile. He was
then reminded of the young boy who once tried on
his armor. He remembered the young boy who would play
(12:14):
music to calm his soul. Saul's hardened heart began to
melt under the warm mercy of David. Saul dismounted his
horse and walked towards David, trembling. His lips were quivering,
and his eyes began to water. The dark clouds over
Saul's mind began to part, and he began to weep.
(12:34):
Is that you, my son, David? Saul whispered, and the
two of them embraced as Saul wept.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Christmas can be a season of contention. Family strife, pressure
at work, and financial stress become exaggerated during this time.
During Christmas, we celebrate the Prince of Peace, ruling and
reigning in our hearts despite our difficulties. Jesus, the Prince
(13:03):
of Peace, offers us a kind of peace that surpasses
all our understanding. It's a peace that flows from the
total forgiveness we have in Christ, the freedom from the
law that we now enjoy, and the unbreakable union we
have with Him. This peace is not dependent on our
(13:24):
circumstances or any external factors, but on our deepening understanding
of the Gospel and the finished work of Christ. As
we grasp the truth that we are completely forgiven and
accepted by God, we can rest in His love and grace.
(13:44):
This peace enables us to bear the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, gentleness,
and more, which can only come from an attitude of
internal peace. So, dear friend, I incur you to dive
deeper into the Gospel, to meditate on the truth of
(14:04):
your identity in Christ, and to allow His peace to
permeate every area of your life. Trust in His perfect
love and rest in the assurance that you are secure
in Him. May His Peace be your constant companion, guiding
and comforting you in all circumstances this Christmas. May you
(14:30):
be reminded each day that Jesus himself is your peace.
Thank you for listening to today's episode of the Heartbeat
of Faith podcast. Follow the podcast so you can learn
the Bible in this entertaining and inspiring way. Download theprey
dot Com app and For more encouragement in God's grace,
(14:53):
visit Andrewfarley dot org. That's Andrewfarley dot org.
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