Only in Jesus Can We Find Real, Lasting Peace

Danabeth Cowles explores the contrast between fleeting worldly peace and the lasting rest found in God through the Holy Spirit, the Word, and communion with Him.

There is a rest that we can sometimes find in our lives that is peaceful and refreshing, but it is usually not a lasting rest or peace. Sitting quietly, listening to a mountain river flow; a steady, gentle breeze blowing through the trees; or a bird flitting about, singing a song – all of these things may cause the mind and body to pause, relax, and reflect on the wonders of our world, on simple things, and on simpler times. Maybe this kind of peace and relaxation comes to some when they’re sitting on a porch watching the sun set over the mountains or a sunrise over a lake. 

Wherever and however we find these moments of quiet rest and peace, they refresh us. Sometimes they even awaken us to things we’ve never felt before; feelings of awe and reverence that well up in us the first time we experience the vast beauty and sounds of the ocean or the first time we see a great mountain reaching up to the sky. These are beautiful and wondrous things to behold.  They touch our very core and bring a burst of joy to our hearts and a desire to express the way we feel in that moment! 

Our God created this wonderful world with all of its beauty, glory, and majesty, then He said, ”It is good.” Then He rested. He ceased His creating and enjoyed with pleasure that which He created. This wonderful God, who created all these wondrous things, did it for His pleasure, yet we are privileged to enjoy them also because in an act of profound love, He created us and placed us in the middle of them.

Now, just as the body and mind need rest, so does the spirit. Our spirits are constantly bombarded with the enemy’s darts. His voice often speaks to us about negative, destructive, and hateful things. His lies poison our souls if we allow his words to take root in our hearts. We may never have an enemy in the flesh, but our spirits are continually warred upon by the god of this world (John 12:31, 2 Corinthians 2:4. Ephesians 2:2), so we wonder, how we can ever have rest and peace.

Only through the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the touch of the hand of Jesus, can we find these things:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4-9)

The Lord Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, is always calling us to Him. He’s calling us to come to talk and commune with Him and let His touch, His voice, and His peace wash over us and refresh us! Only when we give up struggling with how to solve our problems and how to accomplish all that must be done and wrap ourselves in the garment of praise can we find the rest, peace, and assurance that only God can give.  

His Spirit refreshes us. His voice comforts us. His hand guides us to places inside and around us of reflection, inspiration, growth, strength, and praise. Rest in the Lord! Discover the awakening of your spirit when you see through His eyes all the beauty of Holiness! Let Him reveal to you all the creative power in His hands!  Let His touch bring new strength and new vision so that you might continue to passionately pursue God’s will in His good pleasure!

If you know someone who could use this encouragement, please share this article with them.

Danabeth Cowles
Minister, Music and Missions

Similar Posts

Get Saved

The "Roman Road" is a collection of Bible verses from the Book of Romans that outlines the path to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 

1. Recognize your need for salvation

We are all sinners and fall short of God's standard of holiness.

  • “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23

2. Understand the consequences of sin

The penalty for sin is spiritual death and eternal separation from God.

  • “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

3. Know that God loves you and provided a way

God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins.

  • “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

4. Receive salvation through faith in Jesus

Salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned; it is received through faith in Jesus Christ.

  • “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” – Romans 10:9-10

5. Assurance of salvation

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

  • “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13

6. Live a new life in Christ

Once saved, we are called to live for Christ and walk in obedience to Him.

  • “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1

If you have additional questions about how to become a Christian through the gift of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, please click here.

This will close in 0 seconds

Why Jesus

Jesus Christ is the central figure in history and the foundation of the Christian faith. To answer "Why Jesus?" we must belief explore His historicity, His purpose, and why accepting Him as Lord and Savior transforms lives and will have eternal consequences for you.

1. The Historicity of Jesus

Historians across religious and secular disciplines agree on the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. Ancient non-Christian sources, such as Roman historians Tacitus and Suetonius, and the Jewish historian Josephus, mention Jesus and His followers. The New Testament offers corroborated eyewitness accounts that align with historical findings.

Key Historical Points:

  • Jesus lived in 1st-century Judea, taught with authority, and gained a following.
  • He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, as recorded by Tacitus (Annals 15:44).
  • Early Christians proclaimed His resurrection, despite persecution.

Biblical Support:

  • “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” – 2 Peter 1:16
  • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory).” – John 1:1, 142. 

2. Why Did Jesus Come?

Jesus came to reconcile humanity with God. Sin separates us from God, but Jesus bridged that gap through His death and resurrection, offering forgiveness and eternal life.

Jesus’ Purpose:

  • To reveal God’s love: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
  • To save sinners: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” – 1 Timothy 1:15
  • To bring eternal life: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10

3. Why Accept Jesus?

Accepting Jesus Christ is the only way to be reconciled with God and to experience peace, purpose, and eternal life.

Reasons to Believe in Jesus:

  • He is the Way, Truth, and Life: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6
  • He offers forgiveness of sins: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
  • He conquered death and offers eternal life: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” – John 11:25

pastedGraphic.png

4. Evidence of His Transformative Power

Millions of lives have been transformed by the grace of Jesus. From the apostles who boldly proclaimed His resurrection to modern testimonies of faith, Jesus continues to change hearts and bring hope.

Biblical Testimony of Transformation:

  • Paul’s Conversion: “And immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” – Acts 9:20
  • New Creation: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

5. How to Accept Jesus (For more information, click here!)

Admit: Recognize your need for forgiveness and that you are a sinner in need of grace (Romans 3:23).
Believe: Trust in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again (Romans 10:9).
Confess: Declare your faith and commit to following Him as your Savior and Lord (Romans 10:10).

Prayer of Salvation:
"Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe You are the Son of God, who died for my sins and rose again. I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Transform my heart and guide my life. Amen."

pastedGraphic.png

By accepting Jesus, you take the first step in a journey of faith, hope, and love, securing an eternal relationship with God. For more information or guidance, click here, contact us, or explore the resources on this website.

This will close in 0 seconds

Living Your Faith

LIVING YOUR FAITH

Here are 20 key Bible passages that serve as a great guide to living an abundant, content, and consequential life as a follower of Christ:

1. Matthew 22:37-39

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Explanation: The greatest commandment is to love God with all our being, and the second is to love others as ourselves. True Christian living starts with love—toward God and others.

2. John 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Explanation: Love is the identifying mark of a true disciple. Our love for others should reflect the sacrificial love Jesus demonstrated for us.

3. Romans 12:1-2

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Explanation: Christian living involves offering our whole lives to God and resisting the pressures of worldly values, allowing our minds to be renewed by Him.

4. Matthew 5:14-16

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Explanation: Christians are called to live in a way that visibly reflects God’s goodness, drawing others to Him through our actions.

5. Philippians 4:6-7

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Explanation: Christians are to live with prayerful trust, bringing all concerns to God and receiving His peace in return.

6. Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Explanation: A Christian’s life should be characterized by the Holy Spirit’s work in us, producing virtues that reflect Christ’s character.

7. Ephesians 4:1-3

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Explanation: We are called to live humbly, patiently, and in unity with fellow believers, keeping the peace through love.

8. 1 Peter 1:15-16

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Explanation: As God’s people, we are called to live holy lives, reflecting God’s purity in everything we do.

9. Luke 6:31

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

Explanation: The Golden Rule reminds us to treat others with the same kindness, respect, and fairness we desire from them.

10. Romans 13:8-10

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

Explanation: Love is the fulfillment of all the law, as it leads us to honor and care for others in practical ways.

11. James 1:22

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

Explanation: Christianity is not just about knowing Scripture but actively living it out. Genuine faith is seen in our actions.

12. Matthew 7:24-27

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."

This will close in 0 seconds

Christianity FAQs

If you do not find the answer to a question you have about Christianity below, please click here to submit your question or contact us directly.

  • What is Christianity?

Christianity is a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, not merely a religion or set of rules. It centers on God’s love for humanity, the forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life.

Scriptural Support:

  • “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
  • “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10
  • Who is Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose from the dead, offering salvation to all who believe in Him.

Scriptural Support:

  • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1
  • “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
  • What do Christians believe about God?

Christians believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is loving, holy, and just, and desires a personal relationship with each person.

Scriptural Support:

  • “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” – Matthew 28:19
  • “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” – 1 John 4:7
  • What is sin, and why does it matter?

Sin is any thought, word, or action that goes against God’s will. It separates us from God, but through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and restored.

Scriptural Support:

  • “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
  • “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
  • How can I become a Christian?

To become a Christian, you must:

  1. Admit you are a sinner (Romans 3:23).
  2. Believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior (John 3:16).
  3. Confess and commit to following Him (Romans 10:9-10).

Scriptural Support:

  • “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” – Romans 10:9

Click here for more details!

  • Is Christianity about following rules?

No. Christianity is about grace, not legalism. While Christians follow God’s commands, salvation is a gift from God, not earned by works.

Scriptural Support:

  • “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” – Galatians 5:1
  • “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8

Contact us if you’d like to discuss how becoming a Christian offers someone much more freedom in their life NOT LESS!

  • Why is the Bible important?

The Bible is God’s Word, providing guidance, wisdom, and truth for living. It reveals God’s character, His plan for humanity, and His promises.

Scriptural Support:

  • “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
  • “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” – Psalm 119:105
  • Why do Christians go to church?

Church is a community where believers worship God, grow spiritually, encourage one another, and serve others. Church should never be about “have to”, but about being part of a loving community of believers in whose company you feel enthusiastically welcomed, unconditionally accepted, wonderfully cared for, and among people you can count on through thick and thin, 24/7, 365 days a year!

Scriptural Support:

  • “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another.” – Hebrews 10:25
  • “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” – Acts 2:42
  • Are all Christians perfect?

Absolutely not. Christians are forgiven but still imperfect. They are on a journey of spiritual growth, striving to become more like Christ through the help of the Holy Spirit. We have all needed grace and will continue to need it until the day we go to be with the Lord. (And if you think there are a lot of hypocrites in church . . . you are correct. Just keep these things in mind: 1) there are a lot of hypocrites everywhere you go, and 2) are you going to let those folks deny you the wonderful blessings the right church body can provide you?)

Scriptural Support:

  • “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” – 1 John 1:8
  • “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
  • Is Christianity the only way to God?

Yes. Jesus declared that He is the only way to God. Salvation comes through faith in Him alone.

Scriptural Support:

  • “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6
  • “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

This will close in 0 seconds