Sometime in the period between A.D. 31-32, a crowd of spiritually hungry people were listening to a spiritual peacemaker as He spoke the words that would later become known as the Sermon on the Mount. In that sermon, He presented eight Beatitudes that start with the word “Blessed.” Those eight statements are famous and have been quoted by millions of people and by many authors. The speaker of the eight spiritual truths was Jesus Christ.

This week we look at the seventh spiritual truth—’Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God’ (Matthew 5:9).

It’s true to say that almost everyone in the world wants peace, isn’t that true? In war-torn countries, in broken marriages, in families where there’s strife and contention, in all sorts of relationships and nations, people long for peace. It’s also interesting that most people all over the world want to be called ‘the children of God’. Isn’t that true? If they believe there is a God, if they believe in a deity, in an Almighty God whom they worship – they want to call themselves children of God.

So, this is perhaps the least contentious Beatitude—It is the one with universal appeal, that almost everybody wants peace and almost everybody wants to be called a child of God. The word “make” within the term “peacemakers” comes from the Greek verb that means “to do”. It is a word bursting with energy. It mandates action and initiative. So, what did Jesus mean by peacemaker? Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as we look to the scriptures for answers and Rev. Fred Mast continues an 8-week sermon series on the Beatitudes in a message entitled “Actions Speak Louder Than Words!”.

Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay after worship and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere

Sedona UMC is offering a six-week Lenten study entitled “Witness at the Cross” by Amy-Jill Levine Tuesday’s 3/8-4/12 at 10:00am in our Fellowship Hall. Come and join us as we are introduced to those at the Cross of Jesus and the distinctive role each played in the life of Jesus Christ.  All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

We offer so many great missions, ministries, and fellowship opportunities at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org  and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you! Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780.  We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!