And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
~Romans 10:15~
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
~Isaiah 52:7~
~Isaiah 52:7~
When speaking with people in this world wrought with postmodernism, one often hears a sense of distrust in organized religion. To many, the church does not bring a message of love and peace, but a message of judgment and fear.
University United Methodist Church of Las Cruces, NM is a church with a mission. Our congregation is committed to serving others so that they may know Christ, grow in Him, and show His love to others. We know that as Christians we are called to share the Good News; we are sent to publish peace.
Peace is a word that gets thrown around a lot, especially during times of war. But what should we understand peace to be? Is it merely the absence of war? Or, is it something deeper than an escape from violence?
Shalowm, the Hebrew word translated as "peace" in Isaiah 52:7, is used to describe a completeness or soundness that comes with being in a covenant relationship with God. Eirene, the Greek word translated as "peace" in Romans 10:15, illustrates the tranquil state of a soul that is assured of its salvation.
So, the peace we read of in Scripture is more than the absence of conflict; peace is a state of balance that comes with knowing God and finding identity in Him. The Good News is that God's promises are available to all, not just those who fit neatly into church pews, but everyone. The Good News is that all are saved from their sins, that all have hope for the future, and that all are beloved by the Lord.
Those who bring the Good News of Jesus to others may not end wars (though they may influence reconciliation and resolution), however, they do bring peace--peace to mind, body, and spirit.
University United Methodist Church of Las Cruces, NM is a church with a mission. Our congregation is committed to serving others so that they may know Christ, grow in Him, and show His love to others. We know that as Christians we are called to share the Good News; we are sent to publish peace.
Peace is a word that gets thrown around a lot, especially during times of war. But what should we understand peace to be? Is it merely the absence of war? Or, is it something deeper than an escape from violence?
Shalowm, the Hebrew word translated as "peace" in Isaiah 52:7, is used to describe a completeness or soundness that comes with being in a covenant relationship with God. Eirene, the Greek word translated as "peace" in Romans 10:15, illustrates the tranquil state of a soul that is assured of its salvation.
So, the peace we read of in Scripture is more than the absence of conflict; peace is a state of balance that comes with knowing God and finding identity in Him. The Good News is that God's promises are available to all, not just those who fit neatly into church pews, but everyone. The Good News is that all are saved from their sins, that all have hope for the future, and that all are beloved by the Lord.
Those who bring the Good News of Jesus to others may not end wars (though they may influence reconciliation and resolution), however, they do bring peace--peace to mind, body, and spirit.
This new blog will highlight the work of UUMC and it's many ministries and outreach programs. The goal is not to have everyone look to see how wonderful we are, but to look and see that God has many hands working in our lives, and to read and be inspired to "Go therefore and publish peace!" (Matt. 28:19; Isaiah 52:7--writer's paraphrase).
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