The Old Testament Ancient Hebrew word for peace, ‘shalom,’ and the corresponding New Testament Greek word, ‘eirene,’ both convey the idea of wholeness. This wholeness is a key element which was lost, tragically, in the Fall. It encompassed full integration with God, furnishing relationship, community, purpose, fulfillment. It also furnished total absence of fear, of anxiety, of shame. The tearing apart of this original integration led to dis-integration with its now all-too-familiar, attendant miseries. The serene, noise-free unity designed by God was shattered and a cacophony of striving and chaos and self-doubt have plagued mankind ever since.

Psalm 23:1-3a; Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:11-18

   Psalm 23:1-3a – Led back to peace by ________________________________

   Isaiah 9:6 – Led back to peace by ____________________________________

   Ephesians 2:11-18 – Led back to peace by ____________________________