Kingdom Character: PEACE (Week 4)

Preacher: Pedro Erasmus

Worship:
Start by listening to “Be Still” or “It Is Well.”
As the song plays, reflect quietly:

• Is it well with your soul today?
• Where do you need God’s peace to meet you?

Check-in:
This Sunday, Pedro preached on peace – a fruit that grows in us through the Holy Spirit. What stood out to you from the message? Is there a part of the sermon that felt especially personal or meaningful?

Synopsis of message:
Pedro reminded us that peace is not the absence of trouble. It’s the presence of Jesus in the middle of it. Peace doesn’t mean everything is easy or sorted. It means God is holding us together even when life feels scattered.

We heard about four common barriers to peace:

• Our past – carrying wounds and baggage that haven’t been healed
• Our identity – believing false narratives about who we are
• Denial – avoiding pain or pretending things are fine
• Our humanity – trying to live in our own strength without accepting our limitations

God’s peace meets us in these places. It’s a peace that binds the broken pieces and steadies us in the storm. It’s not from the world – it’s a gift Jesus gives to His people. Pedro also shared his personal journey with cancer, showing how God’s peace sustained him not because things were easy, but because God was with him every step.

Scripture Focus:

• Galatians 5:22–23
• John 14:27
• John 16:33
• Hebrews 12:1
• Ephesians 2:10
• Matthew 11:28
• Isaiah 26:3
• 1 Peter 4:12
• 1 John 3:8
• Mark 6:45–51
• Isaiah 9:6

Discussion Questions (Leader to select from the following):

1. What’s Stealing Your Peace? Read Hebrews 12:1 and Ephesians 2:10
   • Pedro spoke about the baggage we carry from the past and how we often believe lies about ourselves.
   • Is there something you’re carrying that’s weighing you down?
   • What would it look like to let that go and trust what God says about you?
2. Peace in the Storm Read John 16:33 and Mark 6:45–51
   • What do you notice about how Jesus responds to the disciples in the storm?
   • Pedro said: “peace is found in the presence of Jesus.”
   • Where do you need to be reminded today that Jesus is with you?
3. Receiving the Gift of Peace Read John 14:27 and Isaiah 26:3
   • Jesus said He gives us His peace as a gift. What stops you from receiving that?
   • What helps you stay focused on Him when things feel uncertain?
   • Have you ever experienced peace that didn’t make sense? What was that like?

Prayer Moment:
Start in silence. Open your hands as a sign of surrender and ask:
“Holy Spirit, what am I holding that I need to hand over to You?”

Then pray together:

• For hearts that are tired, anxious, or discouraged
• For healing from past pain or false identity
• For peace to be formed in us — not just relief, but real, steady peace
• That we would learn to live aware of God’s presence in every moment

Next Step:
Write down this verse:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
Each day this week, pause and pray:
“Jesus, I cast this care on You. Hold me together. Be my peace.”