PREACHING PEACE BY JESUS CHRIST.

 
DECEMBER 24.
 

Preaching peace by Jesus Christ.
Acts 10:36

 
BY nature we are at war with God, and are enemies to God.
 
When seeing through the medium of his law,
  all his attributes appears against us, and
  nothing but wrath and curse can be expected by us.
 
But in the gospel we see God making a covenant of peace,
  laying a foundation for peace, and
  then proclaiming peace to us by his beloved son.
 
He has received satisfaction for sins.
 
He is willing to receive and pardon us.
 
He desires to see us reconciled and happy.
 
He sends to us by Jesus.
 
He beseeches us to be reconciled.
 
He informs us that he has made a feast
  to commemorate our reconciliation,
  and assures us that all things are ready, and
   that he wishes us to come.
 
In the gospel there is peace for the sinner,
  for the greatest offenders,
  for the vilest transgressors;
  and the moment we believe the testimony,
  look to the peace-making blood of Jesus, and
  cry heartily unto God,
  peace flows into our souls,
  reconciliation is effected,
    and we are happy.
 
But are we at peace with God ?
 
Peace is proclaimed,
  but do we believe it ?
 
Do we enjoy it ?
 

Take me, my Saviour, as thine own,

And with thy Father plead my cause ;

Be thou my portion, Lord, alone,

And bend me to obey thy laws;

And with thy gracious presence blest,

Give me to find the promis’d rest.

 
James Smith 1849