3:49
Shalom / Peace
Peace is a very common word in English, and it means different things to different people. It's also a very important word in the Bible that refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of something else. In this video, we'll explore the core meaning of biblical peace, or shalom, and see how it all leads to Jesus.
Reflect
The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of a future king who would make a covenant of shalom (peace, well-being) with his people. This king would set the world right and heal all that has been harmed. Read Isaiah 9:6-7 aloud together. What specific words or phrases stand out to you as you observe this passage and why?
The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of the Prince of Peace, whose reign would lead to eternal shalom. Jesus’ arrival fulfilled Isaiah’s words. Read and reflect on Luke 2:9-15 as a group. Why do you think God announced the King’s arrival to no-name shepherds? What does this tell you about the nature of God and his Kingdom?
The biblical story shows how humanity often chooses a way of life apart from God and suffers as a result. According to Colossians 1:19-23, what did God want to do to remedy this pain, and how did he accomplish his desire through Jesus?
Jesus offers his peace to all people as a gift. Read Ephesians 2:11-16. How did Jesus make peace between two sharply divided people groups (Jews and Gentiles), and why did he do it (see Ephesians 2:16)?
Now, let’s carefully read Ephesians 4:1-3. How can humility, gentleness, patience, and love help maintain the unity Jesus calls his followers to? What happens to unity when one of these virtues is missing?
Learn More
Why Do We Focus on the Topic of Peace During Advent?
Downloads
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Next Episode
4:32
Episode 3
Chara / Joy
Explore the unique type of joy to which God’s people are called. It’s more than happy mood. It's a choice to trust that God will fulfill his promises, and it's a joy that is long-lasting and life-giving. Learn more in this video from our Advent series.
Advent
4:34
Episode 1
Yakhal / Hope
Biblical hope is not optimism. In fact, the most hopeful people in the Bible often had very few reasons to believe that things would get better for them any time soon. But biblical hope is based not in circumstances but in the unchanging character of God. Learn more in this video from our Advent series.
3:49
Episode 2
Shalom / Peace
Peace is a very common word in English, and it means different things to different people. It's also a very important word in the Bible that refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of something else. In this video, we'll explore the core meaning of biblical peace, or shalom, and see how it all leads to Jesus.
4:32
Episode 3
Chara / Joy
Explore the unique type of joy to which God’s people are called. It’s more than happy mood. It's a choice to trust that God will fulfill his promises, and it's a joy that is long-lasting and life-giving. Learn more in this video from our Advent series.
4:49
Episode 4
Agape / Love
The word “love” is one of the sloppiest words in our language, as it primarily refers to a feeling that happens to a person. But in the New Testament, “love,” or “agape,” refers to a way of treating people that was defined by Jesus himself. It means to seek the well-being of others regardless of their response.