ABOUT

 The Public Peace Initiative is pursuing the health, well-being, prosperity, and presence of Jesus in our communities. 

WHY

The pursuit of peace in our communities means working toward flourishing communities.
We are being invited to follow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to stand in the gap of disparity – To reclaim what has been stolen, reconcile what has been divided, and restore what has been broken to the wholeness and fullness of the Kingdom of God.
From our churches to our governments to our businesses and acts of philanthropy – we are purposed to move toward peace!

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

– Matthew 5:9 –

HOW

We are developing campaigns that connect people to peacemaking opportunities through acts of love, justice, and generosity.

What Is Biblical Peace?

“Jesus says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ (John 14:27). When Jesus meets his disciples after the resurrection, he continually says to them, “Peace” (John 20:19,21,26). Under these circumstances it is obvious that the term “peace” is extraordinarily full of meaning. What is this peace Jesus gives us? In order to understand Jesus’ words, we must reflect on the many facets of the crucial Hebrew term shalom, which lies behind the English word “peace.”

“Shalom is one of the key words and images for salvation in the Bible. The Hebrew word refers most commonly to a person being uninjured and safe, whole and sound. In the New Testament, shalom is revealed as the reconciliation of all things to God through the work of Christ: “God was pleased . . . through [Christ] to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through [Christ’s] blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19–20).

“Shalom experienced is multidimensional, complete well-being — physical, psychological, social, and spiritual; it flows from all of one’s relationships being put right — with God, with(in) oneself, and with others.”

 

Referenced from the NIV Bible Blog and the article Shalom by Timothy Keller in the NIV Biblical Theology Bible.

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