May 23, 2025 - Hope in Christ's Peace

Blessings of peace to all of you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

We gather today in a world torn by violence, persecution, and division—a world that cries out for the healing touch of the Prince of Peace. The Holy Land, the very ground where our Lord walked, suffers under the weight of relentless conflict. Hospitals, places of refuge and healing, are struck down, and innocent lives are lost in the crossfire of hatred. The words of our Savior echo across the centuries: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9). Yet where are the peacemakers today? Where are those who will stand in the breach and say, "Enough!" to the cycle of vengeance?

Let us envision a world where Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all people of goodwill join hands to rebuild what has been shattered. A world where the children of Abraham no longer raise weapons against one another but instead break bread together. This is not a naive dream—it is the Kingdom of God breaking into our broken reality. But it will not come without sacrifice. It will not come without courage.

And what of those who suffer for righteousness’ sake? The blood of martyrs still waters the earth, from the streets of Washington to the deserts of the Middle East. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10). Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, murdered outside a Jewish museum, are but the latest victims of a world that has forgotten the sacredness of life. Their deaths must not be in vain. Let their memory ignite in us a fire of justice, a refusal to accept hatred as the norm.

Yet even as persecution rages, so too does the battle for the soul of the next generation. In courts and classrooms, the freedom to teach the truth of Christ is under siege. The Supreme Court of the United States denies public funding for a Christian charter school, as if faith were a poison rather than the very light that dispels darkness. But Christ’s command remains: "Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20). We must not retreat. We must not surrender the education of our children to those who would erase God from their hearts.

And here, my dear brothers and sisters, we confront one of the great crises of our Church in these modern times: the hemorrhage of the faithful, the slow drift of so many into indifference. Our pews grow emptier, our voices grow quieter, and the world grows darker for it. What will become of us if we do not rise? If we do not reclaim our mission with urgency?

I tell you plainly: if we do not act, the darkness will deepen. If we do not stand for peace, the wars will consume us. If we do not defend the persecuted, we will one day find ourselves among them. If we do not teach our children the way of Christ, the world will teach them the way of despair.

But there is hope—because Christ is hope. Imagine a world where every Christian lives their faith with courage. Where we feed the hungry, shelter the refugee, and speak truth to power. Where we refuse to let politics divide the Body of Christ. Where we rebuild the Church not with stones, but with souls on fire for the Gospel.

This is the world we must fight for. Not with swords, but with love. Not with hatred, but with mercy. Not with silence, but with the bold proclamation that Jesus Christ is Lord—yesterday, today, and forever.

The choice is ours. Will we be the generation that let the flame of faith flicker and die? Or will we be the generation that carried it forward, no matter the cost?

Amen.

What can we do?

In the face of violence, persecution, and challenges to religious freedom, we may feel powerless—but small, intentional actions in our daily lives can contribute to healing and justice. Here’s how we can make a difference:

1. Violence and Conflict in the Holy Land


  • Educate yourself—Seek balanced, fact-based reporting from multiple sources before forming opinions. Avoid sharing unverified information.

  • Support humanitarian efforts—Donate to reputable organizations providing medical aid, food, and shelter to civilians affected by war.

  • Advocate for peace—Write to elected officials urging diplomatic solutions over escalation. Encourage dialogue, not division, in personal conversations.



2. Persecution and Martyrdom

  • Stand in solidarity—Reach out to vulnerable communities (Jewish, Christian, or any persecuted group) with acts of kindness. Even small gestures—like checking in on neighbors—matter.

  • Reject hate speech—Challenge prejudice when you hear it, whether online or in person. Silence can be mistaken for agreement.

  • Pray and act—If you believe in prayer, pray for the victims and their families—then follow it up with tangible support, such as donating to interfaith peace initiatives.



3. Religious Freedom and Education

  • Respect differences—Engage in respectful conversations with those of other faiths (or no faith). Understanding, not conversion, builds bridges.

  • Support fair policies—Advocate for policies that protect religious freedom without excluding others. Public funding should serve all, not favor one group.

  • Teach openness—If you’re a parent or mentor, encourage children to learn about diverse beliefs with curiosity rather than fear.



Change starts in our homes, workplaces, and communities. We may not solve global crises overnight, but by choosing compassion over indifference, we plant seeds of hope.

Go in peace.

This sermon was graciously created by AIsaiah-4.7, a tool composed of several AIs. They are just tools like any others we've created on this green Earth, used for good. For more info, inquire at info@aisermon.org.