HOW TO HAVE PEACE
Written in 2010
by Tony Alamo
aka Bernie Hoffman
King David wrote, “Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in GOD. Selah. But THOU, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head” (Psalm 3:2-3). “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my GOD: for THOU hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; THOU hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: THY blessing is upon THY people. Selah” (Psalm 3:6-8). “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for THOU, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
John chapter two says, “JESUS went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when HE had made a scourge of small cords, HE drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not MY FATHER’S house an house of merchandise” (John 2:13-16). Then the Jewish religious leaders told JESUS, the LORD, to show them a sign to prove that HE had authority to do such things, to which HE replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). They assumed HE was speaking of the Jewish temple, “but HE was speaking of the temple of HIS body” (John 2:21).
When we are in the will of GOD, we are also the temples of GOD, which JESUS truly rebuilt without hands.1 This is only possible when we have turned from our sins and become spiritually born again. Then JESUS with the FATHER by the HOLY SPIRIT will live in us, and never depart from us.2 Then we have the power to be holy and perfect and not do anything that GOD’S WORD condemns.3 We are able to have peace, lay ourselves down in peace, no matter where we are, and sleep, for our LORD JESUS CHRIST makes us dwell in safety.4
JESUS said, “Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
The book of Acts states, “Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed [murdered] James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after [the Passover] Easter [now the celebration of the resurrection of JESUS] to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto GOD for him.
“And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping [sleeping peacefully, as though nothing of great importance was happening] between two soldiers [guards], bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the LORD came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
“And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent HIS angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews” (Acts 12:1-11). There is such peace when the LORD is on your side. You are able to sleep in sweet peace, even in these tumultuous end days before JESUS returns to earth.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). The entire personality of a Christian needs to be focused on walking in holiness, being set apart for GOD’S work.5 This is the precise work of JESUS; HE is the author of sanctification.6 Holiness produces wholeness, completeness, in the redeemed former sinner.7 This is a very real out-working of a full surrender to JESUS, the sanctifier. Sanctification is a true separation from sin and self.8 “And the very GOD of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Faithful is HE that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
GOD sent HIS angel to free Peter because he was consecrated to the LORD, and whether he lived or died, he was the LORD’S. Peter had “the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding,” the peace which keeps our hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS (Philippians 4:7).
The doctrine and the fulfillment of the prophecies of the soon second coming of JESUS, are signs of the times.9 You may have observed the tremendous opposition to the gospel by following my church and seeing the opposition this subject has received. The world does not want to hear it. They want to sin; they reject the LORD and HIS doctrines.10 What a pity! What foolishness!
However, even the world senses we are in the last days and that the judgment and wrath of GOD are soon to come. In their ignorance, they are doing their best outwardly to prepare for it—but in vain. The true people of GOD are reaching out for a higher, deeper, more productive life in HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT is warning Christians to get ready, and to do it quickly!11
The term “the GOD of peace” tells us that it is useless to seek sanctification until we have first been reconciled to GOD by laying down our old sinful life, repenting, and accepting the atoning blood sacrifice of JESUS.12 Only then can we know HIM personally as our GOD of peace.
We are to have a justification thoroughly accepted, one which banishes all doubt and fear, and brings us into a close relationship with GOD, “the very GOD of peace” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This is mandatory, indispensable to any real and lasting experience of sanctification. This will no longer be the secret cause of our failure in reaching the higher experience which we long for.
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). If there are broken parts and loose stones falling away in the foundation of our spiritual life, what must we do? We need to lay again for ourselves the solid groundwork of faith in the pure and easy-to- understand WORD of GOD and the finished work of redemption, and we need to do it immediately. In the complete assurance of faith, we must accept without question the easy-to-understand promises, “He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life” (John 3:36), and “him that cometh to ME I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). Take your stand on the Rock of Ages, then begin to build the temple of holiness.
The verse, “the very GOD of peace” tells us separation from sin and walking in holiness is the pathway to a deeper, lasting peace. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever” (Isaiah 32:17). Justification by accepting the blood JESUS shed for our sins gives us forgiveness of all past sins so we may start a new life of peace with GOD as HIS child.13 JESUS assures us, “Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
The cause of all of our unrest is sin! “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my GOD, to the wicked” (Isaiah 57:20-21). However, the direct opposite is, “Great peace have they which love THY law: and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165). GOD is disappointed with HIS people’s disobedience and states, “O that thou hadst hearkened to MY commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea” (Isaiah 48:18).
Sanctification brings the soul in harmony with GOD and the laws of its own being. Then there is peace, even if you’re in prison, chained with two or more chains between two soldiers. Peace cannot be experienced in any other way. Sanctification brings into our spirit the indwelling presence of the very GOD of peace HIMSELF, and our peace then is nothing less than the deep, Godly tranquility of HIS own eternal calm.
The deeper meaning of Isaiah 48:18 is that sanctification is the work of GOD HIMSELF. The original Greek translates First Thessalonians 5:23 this way: “The GOD of peace HIMSELF sanctify you wholly.” The word “HIMSELF” emphatically expresses GOD’S own direct personality as the author of our sanctification. It is not our work or by our means or by our hard labor.14 This is GOD’S own prerogative. It is the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT, the fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT, the grace of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. It is the inheritance that has been prepared for all who desire to enter in, the great goal and gift for our faith, not our works. It is divine holiness, not of human self-improvement or perfection. It is the inflowing into mankind’s being of the life and purity of the infinite, eternal, and holy ONE, bringing HIS own perfection and working out in us HIS own will. Daily prayer time with the LORD and reading the WORD of GOD will build up your spirit and draw you into a closer walk with GOD.15
Peter had given up until he saw the manifestation of JESUS having been resurrected from the dead.16 After witnessing HIS resurrection, physically seeing that JESUS was risen and alive, he was converted and could sleep peacefully on the eve of what he thought would be his execution (Acts 12:1-11). Later, he willingly suffered martyrdom, peacefully knowing that he would, in a moment, be in eternal bliss. It was the complete work of GOD. The Psalmist David, King of Israel, having endured much trouble and wars, died in his own bed.17 This also was the work of GOD who kept David through it all!
“But HE [JESUS] was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6).
JESUS took our place. HE bore our sins on the cross and took the punishment we deserved so we could be saved and have true peace. “For HE is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).
“Without faith it is impossible to please [GOD]” (Hebrews 11:6). Peter and all other followers of JESUS have found lasting peace. You can also have the peace that passes all understanding if you surrender all to GOD and turn to JESUS.18 Start now by saying this prayer:
Prayer
My LORD and my GOD, have mercy upon my soul, a sinner. 1 I believe that JESUS CHRIST is the SON of the living GOD. 2 I believe that HE died on the cross and shed HIS precious blood for the forgiveness of all my former sins. 3 I believe that GOD raised JESUS from the dead by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT 4 and that HE sits on the right hand of GOD at this moment, hearing my confession of sin and this prayer. 5 I open up the door of my heart, and I invite YOU into my heart, LORD JESUS. 6 Wash all of my filthy sins away in the precious blood that YOU shed in my place on the cross at Calvary. 7 YOU will not turn me away, LORD JESUS; YOU will forgive my sins and save my soul. I know because YOUR WORD, the Bible, says so. 8 YOUR WORD says that YOU will turn no one away, and that includes me. 9 Therefore, I know that YOU have heard me, and I know that YOU have answered me, and I know that I am saved. 10 And I thank YOU, LORD JESUS, for saving my soul, and I will show my thankfulness by doing as YOU command and sin no more.11
After salvation, JESUS said to be baptized, fully submerged in water, in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY SPIRIT.12 Then study the King James Version Bible, and, for your benefit and the benefit of others, do what it says.13
CHRIST and GOD the FATHER now live in you through the HOLY SPIRIT. There is a way you can receive a fuller portion of the divine nature of GOD in you. The more the divine nature of GOD lives in you, the more you will be able to stand against the temptations that have so easily moved so many millions of Christians away from salvation. Pray for the baptism in the HOLY SPIRIT.14 For instructions on how to receive the baptism in the HOLY SPIRIT and to receive more of GOD’S holy nature, ask for our literature or call. For without holiness, no man shall see GOD (Hebrews 12:14).
The LORD wants you to tell others of your salvation (Mark 16:15). You can become a distributor of Pastor Tony Alamo’s Gospel literature. We’ll send you literature free of charge. Call or email us for more information. Share this message with someone else.
If you want the world saved, as JESUS commands, then don’t rob GOD of HIS tithes and offerings. GOD said, “Will a man rob GOD? Yet ye have robbed ME. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed THEE? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed ME, even this whole nation [and this whole world]. Bring ye all the tithes [a ‘tithe’ is 10% of your gross income] into the storehouse, that there may be meat [Spiritual food] in MINE house [souls saved], and prove ME now herewith, saith the LORD of HOSTS, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of HOSTS. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of HOSTS” (Malachi 3:8-12).
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footnotes:
1. John 14:15-18, 23, 15:10, 1 Cor. 3:9, 16-17, 6:19-20, 2 Cor. 6:16-18, Eph. 2:18-22, 1 John 3:24, 2 John 9, Rev. 3:19-20 return
2. Isa. 41:10, Matt. 28:18-20, John 14:6, 15:5, 16:7, 17:21-23, 26, Gal. 2:20, Heb. 13:5, 1 John 2:20, 27 return
3. Matt. 5:48, Acts 1:8, Rom. 8:1-4, 12:2, 2 Cor. 7:1, 13:4, Gal. 2:20, Eph. 4:11-13, Phlp. 4:13, Col. 1:27-29, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 13:20-21, James 1:4, 1 Pet. 1:15-16, 2 Pet. 3:13-14, 1 John 2:14, 3:6-10, 4:4, Rev. 14:4 return
4. 2 Sam. 22:3, Psa. 3:5-6, 4:8, 23:4, 27:3-5, 46:1-3, 2 Tim. 4:18 return
5. Ezek. 36:25-27, Matt. 18:3, John 1:11-13, 3:3-8, 5:24, 14:12, Acts 26:18, Rom. 6:3-13, 8:1-10, 12:1-2, 13:14, 2 Cor. 3:18, 6:14-18, Titus 2:14, 1 Pet. 1:15-16, 2:9-12 return
6. John 8:10-12, 9:5, Rom. 6:16-23, Eph. 4:22-24, 1 Thes. 4:7, Heb. 12:5-14, James 1:16-18 return
7. Rom. 6:22, 2 Cor. 5:17-21, 7:10-11, Eph. 4:21-24, 5:25-27, Col. 2:9-13 return
8. Luke 12:35-37, 1 Cor. 3:16-17, 6:15-20, 10:21, 2 Cor. 6:14-18, 7:1, Phlp. 3:7-11, 1 Tim. 6:11-14, James 4:4, 1 Pet. 1:14-16, 2:24, 4:1-2, 2 Pet. 3:14, 1 John 1:6-7, 2:15-16, 3:3-10, 5:18, 2 John 4, 3 John 11, Rev. 14:2-5, 19:7-8 return
9. Dan. chap. 7, Matt. 24:3-25, 2 Thes. 2:1-12, Rev. 6:12-17, 12:15-17 return
10. Isa. 30:8-10, Matt. 11:20, John 3:19-20, 8:24, 2 Tim. 3:1-7, 4:3-4, Rev. 2:20-21, 9:20-21, 16:10-11 return
11. Matt. 24:42-44, Mark 13:32-37, Luke 12:34-48, 1 Thes. 5:1-10, 2 Pet. 3:10-14, Rev. 2:7, 3:11, 22:7, 12-15 return
12. Prov. 8:17, Isa. 1:18, 59:2, 64:6, John 3:3-8, 16-18, 15:14, Rom. 3:22-26, 5:1, 6:1-11, 8:1-10, 10:9-13, 15:33, 2 Cor. 5:17-21, Eph. 2:11-22, Phlp. 3:7-11, 1 Pet. 3:11-12 return
13. Rom. 5:1-2, 8-11, 14:17-19, Eph. 2:13-19, Col. 1:20-23 return
14. Gal. 2:16, 3:1-6, Eph. 2:8-10, 2 Tim. 1:8-10, Tit. 3:4-7 return
15. Josh. 1:8, Matt. 4:4, John 8:31-32, Eph. 6:11-18, Col. 3:16, 2 Thes. 2:15, 2 Tim. 2:15, 3:14-17, James 1:21, 1 Pet. 2:2 return
16. Luke 22:54-62, 24:1-51 return
17. 1 Kings 2:10-11, 1 Chron. 29:26-28 return
18. Isa. 26:3, Matt. 11:28-30, John 14:27, Acts 26:20, 1 Cor. 14:33, Phlp. 4:6-7 return
Prayer footnotes:
1. Psa. 51:5, Rom. 3:10-12, 23 return
2. Matt. 26:63-64, 27:54, Luke 1:30-33, John 9:35-37, Rom. 1:3-4 return
3. Acts 4:12, 20:28, Rom. 3:25, I John 1:7, Rev. 5:9 return
4. Psa. 16:9-10, Matt. 28:5-7, Mark 16:9, 12, 14, John 2:19, 21, 10:17-18, 11:25, Acts 2:24, 3:15, Rom. 8:11, I Cor. 15:3-7 return
5. Luke 22:69, Acts 2:25-36, Heb. 10:12-13 return
6. I Cor. 3:16, Rev. 3:20 return
7. Eph. 2:13-22, Heb. 9:22, 13:12, 20-21, I John 1:7, Rev. 1:5, 7:14 return
8. Matt. 26:28, Acts 2:21, 4:12, Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:14 return
9. Matt. 21:22, John 6:35, 37-40, Rom. 10:13 return
10. Heb. 11:6 return
11. John 5:14, 8:11, Rom. 6:4, I Cor. 15:10, Rev. 7:14, 22:14 return
12. Matt. 28:18-20, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, 19:3-5 return
13. Deut. 4:29, 13:4, 26:16, Josh. 1:8, 22:5, 2 Tim. 2:15, 3:14-17, James 1:22-25, Rev. 3:18 return
14. Isa. 28:11-12, Joel 2:28-29, Luke 3:16, 11:9-13, John 1:29-34, 7:37-39, 14:15-29, 15:26, 16:7-14, Acts 1:1-8, 2:1-18, 32-39, 5:29-32, 19:1-7, Rom. 5:3-5, 15:13 return