Our Savior's Church - Lafayette
Discussion Guide

The Truth About Peace

Pastor Joseph Aranza
|
November 30, 2025

Main Idea

The key idea of Pastor Joseph's sermon was that peace is a gift from Jesus that surpasses all understanding. We were taught that the world offers counterfeit peace through escapism, while true fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with Christ. The story of Corrie Ten Boom illustrated that even in the darkest situations, gratitude opens the door to God's protection and blessings. When we pray and worship, we align our hearts with God's peace. We recognized that focusing on Jesus during our storms directs us away from distractions that lead to fear and anxiety. The enduring message was clear: we possess peace through our connection with Jesus, who has overcome the world.

Scripture References

John 14:27, Ephesians 2:14, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 2:15, 1 John 2:17

What can we learn from Corrie and Betsie's experiences in the barracks?

The struggles we face often serve a greater purpose and can lead to unexpected blessings.

How can we practice gratitude in our daily lives, even in difficult situations?

Discussion Questions:

What do you think are some common forms of escapism that people turn to today?

In what ways can we ensure our focus remains on Jesus instead of our problems?

How does prayer and worship help us experience God’s peace in our lives?

True peace is found in Jesus—it's not something we chase after; it resides within us.

Summary

In the sermon delivered by Pastor Joseph, we reflected on the challenges faced by Corrie and Betsie in a concentration camp and how they found peace amidst turmoil. They were encouraged to give thanks, even for fleas, leading to unexpected blessings. The message emphasized that while the world offers temporary escapes from stress, true peace comes from focusing on Jesus. We learned that the enemy can't take our peace but targets our focus. We were reminded of the importance of prayer and worship, which allows us to experience God's presence and keep our attention on Him, rather than our circumstances. Ultimately, we discovered that peace is not a destination but a person—Jesus—who is always with us.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

We should practice gratitude in every circumstance, trusting that God has a purpose in our challenges.

Let's commit to keeping our focus on Jesus, especially during times of trouble.

Check out
Our Savior's Church - Lafayette
on our social platforms