9. Conflict/culture wars. In the Old Testament, salvation is described by that wonderful and rich Hebrew word for systemic peace, shalotn. In the New Testament, Jesus the Messiah and Prince of Peace comes to establish peace between tribes, races, and peoples (see Eph. 2:14). Paul draws a beautiful picture of God’s peace that is wonderfully experiential: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). It’s part of God’s amazing grace.
How dreadfully ironic that for centuries Christians have declared wars of various kinds in the name of the Prince of Peace. How alienating that in our time some of God’s people have declared war on our culture in the name of God. It is time to cease fire! Grace, mercy, and love, which make up the central character of the gospel, must also mark the character of God’s church. Peace-making churches are the need of the hour. When pastors who know what time it is lead their congregations toward God’s shalom and God’s people find resolution for their own inner and outer conflicts, the world will sit up and take notice.