Category: Pursue Peace

Building Christ’s Peaceable Kingdom

1/1/2026

Author

Elder Jim Fairchild

Seeking God’s will on earth as it is in heaven is to try to make God’s kingdom tangible among us, in this life. Zion (Christ’s Peaceable Kingdom) is a world safe for the endangered and vulnerable, a place where the lamb and the lion shall lie down together without any anger.

"The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them."
Isaiah 11:6 NRSV

Early in the history of the Restoration movement, the call to share the fullness of the gospel throughout the world and to “seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion”, attracted many disciples, and accounts for their willingness to make so many sacrifices.

With faith in Christ, we face the future in hopeful longing, and with the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray: “Thy kingdom come! Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This is another familiar scripture that has become too common, and as a result has lost much of its meaning. The Lord’s Prayer expresses our commitment to herald God’s Peaceable Kingdom on Earth, the Zion of our hopes. Not at some future date, but NOW; in this time and in this place!

“God calls whomever God calls from among committed disciples, according to their gifts, to serve and reach all humankind.”
D&C 165:4a

As Christian disciples, we are called to spread the Gospel, sharing the love and hope of Christ with the world (Matthew 28:19-20). This isn't a task we have to undertake alone. In fact, friendship is a powerful tool in fulfilling the Great Commission.

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20 NRSV

Building Christ’s Peaceable Kingdom involves generously and compassionately offering witness, ministry, sacraments, and community life that reconciles and restores people to right or righteous relationships with God, themselves and others.

The gospel of Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of community in creating a space of love and care that is essential for the well-being of all individuals.

We need all the help we can get. It takes a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to creating a world that is free from hatred, violence, and discrimination.

“You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.”
D&C 151:9

As we journey through life, we encounter different people who have diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Meeting new friends who share our values and beliefs is a blessing that we should always be grateful for. These friends can help us grow in faith, support us in times of need, and inspire us to follow Christ in Mission!

Dear Lord, thank you for new friends who can help you and me build your Peaceable Kingdom. Amen

In conclusion, the blessing of friendship, especially those rooted in shared faith, is a gift we should cherish. These relationships provide support, encouragement, and inspiration to grow in our faith and to participate in the Great Commission. Let's be grateful for the friends who walk alongside us, helping us become better versions of ourselves and empowering us to share Christ's love with the world. Nurturing these friendships is an investment in our spiritual growth and a testament to the power of community in spreading God's message.

He said, “Freely, freely, you have received: freely, freely give. Go in my name, and because you believe, others will know that I live.”
Community of Christ Sings Hymn #62

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No God No Peace, Know God Know Peace

1/8/2025

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Author
Elder Jim Fairchild

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the phrase "No God No Peace, Know God Know Peace" serves as a profound reminder of what our faith journey can bring to our lives. This statement encapsulates a truth that resonates deeply within the journey of discipleship, guiding us toward a more fulfilling and peaceful existence.

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10 NRSV

First believers continued Christ’s mission by proclaiming the Living Christ, inviting all people into community, valuing the worth of each person, generously and compassionately meeting their needs, and pursuing justice and peace for everyone.

Seeking God’s will on earth as it is in heaven is to try to make God’s kingdom tangible among us, in this life. Zion is a world safe for the endangered and vulnerable, a place where the lamb and the lion shall lie down together without any anger. This is what we mean in our mission statement about promoting communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.

Understanding the Blog Statement

At first glance, the phrase might seem simplistic, yet it carries a powerful message. The first part, "No God No Peace," suggests that without a relationship with God, true peace is elusive. The absence of spiritual connection often leaves individuals feeling restless and searching for meaning in temporary or superficial pursuits. This lack of peace can manifest in various forms, such as anxiety, discontent, or a sense of emptiness.

The second part, "Know God Know Peace," speaks to the profound serenity that comes from knowing and experiencing God's presence in our lives. God yearns to establish a lasting covenant of peace with humankind and with all of creation. It emphasizes that engaging in a relationship with God allows one to find inner peace, regardless of external circumstances. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep-seated sense of assurance and calm that anchors us amidst life's challenges.

“Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.”
D&C 163:2a

Applying the Statement to Our Discipleship Journey

Discipleship is a journey of learning, growth, and transformation. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects His teachings and love. The statement "Know God Know Peace" is particularly relevant to this journey, as it underscores the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God to stay focused on the mission.

Living the peace of Jesus Christ involves generously and compassionately offering witness, ministry, sacraments, and community life that reconciles and restores people to right or righteous relationships with God, themselves, others, and creation. This holistic approach to proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel is faithful to our best understanding of God’s will. This approach is the fullest meaning of restoration.

Embracing Community
Discipleship also involves engaging with a community of believers. The gospel of Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of community and its role in the spiritual development of individuals. We are called to create communities of Christ’s peace in our families and congregations and across villages, tribes, nations, and throughout creation. In community we experience God's presence through the love and kindness of sharing with others, reinforcing the peace that comes from knowing Him.

“Heed the urgent call to become a global family united in the name of the Christ, committed in love to one another, seeking the kingdom for which you yearn and to which you have always been summoned. That kingdom shall be a peaceable one and it shall be known as Zion.”
D&C 161:6b

A disciple pondering all of the world’s problems knelt before God in fervent prayer, his heart breaking from all of the pain, suffering and injustice he has witnessed in the world.

"Dear God," he prayed, "look at all the injustice, poverty, pain and suffering in Your world! Why don't You send help?"

God responded, "I did send help. I sent you."

The peace of Jesus Christ encompasses all the promises, hopes, and blessings of the gospel as revealed by God through Christ, and affirmed by the Holy Spirit, God’s promised presence within our midst.

The statement "No God No Peace, Know God Know Peace" beautifully encapsulates the essence of our discipleship journey. We share the peace of Jesus Christ by caring for one another, for all people, and for the earth itself, and invite others to come, be transformed, and then go forth to serve others.

So where do we begin? I believe the following scripture is a good place to start.

“Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.”
D&C 163:3b

Visit the Pursue Peace page on this website to learn more. We invite you to join us!

Pursue Peace

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Building Christ’s Peaceable Kingdom

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No God No Peace, Know God Know Peace

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