This was the angelic announcement made at the time of Christ’s birth.
But this was the announcement Christ Himself made later on…
Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division…
Of course, neither the Word of God written, nor the Word of God living can contradict themselves. The angelic announcement at Christ’s birth had to do with Christ’s ultimate ministry of bringing peace during and after the final battle at the end of the Millennium when Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire forever. The statement in Luke 12:51 deals with the intervening time up to the present and beyond. (Jesus will not be coming back “meek and mild” on a “colt the foal of an ass” as He did on Palm Sunday, but rather on a White Charger with all believers riding with Him. (Are you practicing your horseback riding skills?) Of course it will not be a traditional battle or war, because the Savior, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords” will destroy His enemies (and ours) with the breath of His mouth (His Word) alone! NO MORE WARFARE EVER!
Dear Praying Friends,
Greetings in His matchless Name! I trust you will have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year 2024! The good news for every believer is that Christ’s cradle, cross and crypt are no longer occupied! He has been and is victorious! And His victory assures victory for every believer, ultimately. My dear wife, Shirley has already made her journey into the Glory Land (almost 5 years ago, and I miss her every day!), and I will no doubt be following her in the not-too-distant future. My health issues are increasing. I have balance problems and also, breathing issues. I am going to rehab a couple of days each week. Last year they helped me greatly with a serious vertigo issue. I would appreciate your prayers in my behalf. I am more than ready to join Shirley, but I don’t want to become a burden to anyone before I leave.
Now the good news is that I am still preaching and teaching (at age 89). Last Lord’s Day I taught a Sunday School lesson entitled “ISRAEL AT WAR – AGAIN!” at Grace Ind. B.C. where the Lord is really blessing under Pastor Dennis Higgins and his great family’s ministry . The church is on fire. I also preached the morning message there entitled “WHY PROPHECY?”. This message was a detailed walk through of what God’s Word says will take place from now into eternity. One dear lady raised her hand for salvation and was thoroughly dealt with by Pastor Aaron McCullough’s wife, Rebekah. (The McCullough family has retired from Calvary Bible Baptist Church of Willingboro, NJ where my wife and I were members for about 6 years after my 31 year tenure at Faith Baptist in Fairless Hills, PA. The McCullough family is now engaged in a new outreach ministry in Africa and other countries that can utilize brother McCullough’s expertise in building and preaching.) On Wed. night I again taught the “ISRAEL AT WAR – AGAIN!” lesson at my home church, Straightway Baptist in Lawrence, NJ., where Pastor Louis Guarneri is the pastor. (I always try to use PowerPoint with every lesson and message. I was taught in Seminary that people remember more of what they hear and see, than what they hear alone. Our Savior often used visuals in his preaching and teaching: “Behold the lilies of the field…” etc., and of course every miracle He performed was a stunning visual as well, that undergirded His lessons and messages.)
I trust you are doing well and experiencing God’s promised blessings on all believers. Of course, this does not mean a trouble or trial free existence, but simply that the Lord is in control and the outcome will be ultimately glorious.
I am presently packing for a trip to Pensacola, Fl. My daughter and one of my grandsons have paid for my airfare and I will be with my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I am excited. It may be my last visit with them on earth. But the good news is that except for the youngest, they too are all saved, so I will see them again in Heaven one day. One granddaughter is autistic, and I would welcome your prayers for 8 year old Kenzie. She is making progress, but it is slow. I will see you all (y’all) here, there, or in-the-air!
Sincerely in the Savior,
Pastor (e) Paul C. Fedena