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ISAIAH 26: 3, 4

"GOD'S PEACE"

Intro: When Jesus was born, the angels heralded "Peace on earth." The "Prince of
       Peace" is one of the names by which He was to be called, and in His final
       talks with His disciples before the cross He said, "Peace I leave with let not
       your heart be troubled."

I. "PERFECT PEACE" (COMPLETE) WHAT IS IT?
        A. The world is so far from real peace that we have came to define peace as
           a cessation of hostilities.
                1. Thus, we say that Kissinger has brought peace to the Middle East.
                        a. Yet both sides are arming themselves.
                        b. There are threats and counter-threats.
                        c. Deep and bitter hatred.
                2. There is no real peace until there is love.
        B. No inner conflicts.
                1. No fretting or anxiety.

II. IS SUCH A PEACE POSSIBLE?
        A. Look at the days we are living in.
                1. Pressures of a complex society.
                2. Universal unrest.
                3. Moral collapse from the humanistic philosophy prevailing in our
                   educational systems.
                4. Confusion has become a way of life.
        B. Look at the world in the times of Christ.
                1. Or any other time in history.
                2. The world has been in rebellion against God since Adam.
        C. We must begin with our own relationship with God.
                1. "Peace with God."
                        a. You cannot have peace with yourself until you have..."
                        b. The ungodly like the chaff which the wind driveth."
                2. A world at war with God at war with itself.
                3. A man at war with God at war with himself.
                4. Peace with God only possible on His terms.
                        a. Absolute surrender.
                        b. Involves forgiveness.
                5. "Peace of God" results from peace with God.

III. HOW CAN I FIND PERFECT PEACE?
        A. "Whose mind is stayed on Thee."
                1. We must bring every thought into captivity.
                        a. Stressful thoughts are going to come.
                                1. Don't dwell on them.
                        b. Angry thoughts will arise, dismiss them.
                2. Refuse to think about your problem, how hard or impossible.
                3. Think on God's power not your weakness.
                4. Think on God's victory, not your defeat.
        B. "Because he trusteth in thee."
                1. "Trust in Jehovah."
                        a. Consider the alternative.