Category: A Christian Perspective

A Christian Perspective

God’s Economy

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 NLT – Whatever you give is acceptable if you – Bible Gateway

“As the Scriptures say, ‘Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.’” 2 Corinthians 8:15 NLT

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There are those who read today’s text from 2 Corinthians 8 and see it as ‘socialism’ advocating for this in the structure of governments across the world from a Christian perspective. The fact is that this has nothing to do with government affairs, but everything to do with Christians and the Christian church.

The apostle Paul was instructing and explaining to the church in Corinth God’s method in giving to those in need. The church had started a ‘fund drive,’ as we would call it today, for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He was encouraging them to complete it. Their good motives must now be brought to completion for what was pledged. Paul was saying one should give according to their means, what they have and not what they do not have. One should never pledge an amount they cannot afford to pay.

The instruction was not to make life easier for others at their own expense, but there should be fairness or equality. This is where some people jump on the ‘socialism train.’ But this is not what Paul is teaching. He is not saying all Christians should have equal possessions, but equal proportion in their giving according to their means to help others. When following these instructions everyone’s needs are met. Paul refers to the example of God’s provisions to Israel in the wilderness with the supply of manna. “So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.” (Ex.16:17-18 nlt)

A Christian Perspective

Jerusalem: the city of God

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 87 NLT – Psalm 87 – A song. A psalm of the – Bible Gateway

“I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me—also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!” Psalm 87:4 NLT

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The city of Jerusalem is a much-disputed city today in 2025. It is the holy city of the three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each claim a historic site within the city. The western wall known as the Temple Mount is the remains of the second temple built after the exile under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The church of the Holy Sepulchre, is believed by Christians as the site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Islam notes that The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque is where Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. 

The city not only has territorial disputes, but disputes based on religion which tie into the territorial disputes. All three of these major religions have a belief in God, but again there is a dispute among them as to their interpretation of God, and His plan of salvation, and His plans for the world. To add to this, many nations across the world have a deep hatred for Israel and the Jewish people. They also have the same hatred towards Christians who name the name of Christ as the only way of salvation.

One thing that might be worth mentioning is there are no disputes over Jerusalem with God, because Jerusalem is the city of God. “On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the LORD. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!” (Ps.87:1-3 nlt) It is the Lord’s city. It is where He chose to place His name. And one day Jesus Christ, God the Son, will rule the world from the city of Jerusalem.

Psalm 87 is a celebration of Jerusalem, the city of God, and it forecasts the millennial kingdom when Christ will rule on the earth. There may be disputes today over Jerusalem, but it is God’s city and always has been. One day all people in every nation will come to realize that when the Lord Jesus returns to rule on the earth. That day may be sooner than we think. Although Jerusalem is a divided city today, it will not be in the future as it will serve as the capital of the world under Jesus Christ.

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A Christian Perspective

Turn us again to yourself, O God       

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 80:3-7 NLT – Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make – Bible Gateway

“Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” Psalm 80:3 NLT

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As I write this on Thanksgiving day, the United States has yet faced another tragedy on the day before this holiday of thanks. Two of our brave National Guard are fighting for their very lives as they were targeted and shot on the streets of our nation’s capital for doing their job to protect American citizens. There should be such an outcry that it is heard in every corner of the world. I say every corner of the world because it affects every nation and every person in wherever country they live.

That outcry needs to be what the psalmist wrote when pleading for restoration after Israel was plummeted by a foreign power. “Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” (Ps.80:3 nlt) Israel had repeatedly sinned against God being warned countless times they continued to turn their back on God, therefore their destruction. The United States has turned its back on God, and we continue to do so. There have been recent attempts to right the ship and I pray they will continue to move forward, but what is needed is a total commitment to return to the country’s founding Judea-Christian principles found only in the Word of God.

There is a sense that God’s hand of judgment is on America. If you think not, take time to read through the history of fallen nations and empires examining the culture and practices of their day and compare them to America in 2025. I think you will see a remarkable resemblance. I do not believe that all is lost, but we are on the verge of losing it all if we do not turn ourselves back to God so He will turn us again back to Himself.

A Christian Perspective

Beating the Air     

Loring Schultz

“I do not box as one beating the air.” 1 Corinthians 9:26 ESV

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As an avid sports fan I must admit boxing has been left behind, and shame on me. My younger years saw the hype of major prize fights as Ali-Frazier, Ali-Foreman, Foreman-Frazier, among others during the 1970’s. Being captivated I watched and participated in them always looking for an upset and being shocked when there was one. Somewhere along the line my interest started to fade, paying attention only to the headlines. No excuse. I guess my sports interests got a little crowded.

I say this to say my interest may have faded, but the sport has not faded. Its popularity is still strong with 400 million regular viewers worldwide. It is estimated that there are around 1.2 billion fans today. So, I guess it’s safe to say, they haven’t missed me. But my guess is, I must be missing something. Boxing is a sport dating back to the third millennium B.C. in Egypt. It first appeared as an Olympic event at the 23rd Olympiad in 688 B.C… And in the first century boxing was one the competitive contests of the Isthmian games held in Greece. The apostle Paul was well acquainted with these games as they were held in Corinth before returning to Isthmus. Paul also had knowledge of boxing as a sport in these games.

Paul often used illustrations from life events to get a spiritual point across. He wrote to the church in Corinth, “I do not box as one beating the air.” (1Cor.9:26 esv) Corinth residents would have been familiar with boxing as an event in the Isthmian games. Boxing by nature is a contact sport. One beating the air doesn’t get very far. Paul was noting his zeal in telling others about Christ and the training involved. One must give it all they got when contacting others with the truth of the gospel for it to have any effect. Paul was saying he was not like a boxer who waves his arms around with no results.

Although I left boxing behind as a sport there are valuable lessons to learn. Be sure to make solid contact in presenting the gospel with others and always give your best in training with the Lord, never beating the air.

A Christian Perspective

The Church is Open

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 25:31-46 NLT – The Final Judgment – “But when the – Bible Gateway

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36 NLT

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The United States just ended the longest government shutdown in its history. There has been a lot of criticism going back and forth as to who is responsible for it. Each side digs in their heels and waits for the opposition to fold which did happen finally opening the government. Most of the services that were shut down only had a slight impact on people with some exceptions. What turned the tide in this shutdown, not counting the elections being over, were two major concerns: air traffic safety and the SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) being paused until after the shutdown. There is not much any of us can do about air traffic safety, but we can all do something about the food supply.

I have often said, ‘if the church does its job, there is no need for government assistance.’ The church is always open, it never closes. What I had found to be the bigger the story was not where 42 million SNAP recipients would get assistance, but why does the richest nation in the world have 42 million people on a food assistance program in the first place. The church can help lower that number and even eliminate it in the future. News reports over the past few weeks have noted the number of churches and faith-based organizations that have stepped up in helping those in need of food assistance. It happens every time. God’s people respond in a time of crisis.

But we should be in a constant mode of stepping up and helping those in need, the very ones Jesus calls ‘the least of these my brothers and sisters.’ We as Christ’s church, individuals, local churches, denominational churches, and the universal church all have the responsibility to care for all those who need assistance of any kind. The government can help supplement it, but it’s not their job. It’s the churches job and responsibility, and we’re always open, not like the government.

A Christian Perspective

Be a Humble Follower

Loring Schultz

“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.’” Matthew 11:25, 26 NIV

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The value of a good education cannot be understated in the world today. We see the results of this by the examples of under developed countries and societies where education is not a priority or possible due to economic restraints. The opposite is noticeable by countries and societies which place a great emphasis on educating their young people. It is also a noticeable concern on the value placed on an ever-changing curriculum to satisfy the demands of the many social issues of our day diminishing necessary hours devoted to the basics of education. In the end, those countries and societies that have a balanced educational system will prepare the next generation to succeed both individually and for society at large.

While secular education and advanced knowledge are essential to our way of life here on earth, religious education doesn’t prepare us for life beyond this life. Sometimes religious education, even ‘Christian’ education, can get in the way of the truth of the gospel. Religious schools and universities are not immune to the pressures from outside their walls of education. Those places of higher learning will soon fall to the temptation for inclusion and financial support if not maintaining the simple childlike faith of the gospel. Jesus said in Matthew 11:25, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” The ‘wise and learned’ in Jesus’ day were the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. They were the professors in the religious schools of higher learning. Their many years of study had blinded them and overshadowed the basic truth of the Word of God. They were filling their minds, but not their hearts. They were pursing book knowledge but not the author of the book.

Our Lord is not impressed by our educational pursuits in the secular field, religious field or both. He is not impressed by our standing in the community or the boards of education we sit on. And He is not impressed in the position we hold in the church, although all these accomplishments can be used to serve Him, and in that He is well pleased.

Jesus said His Father was pleased to reveal the things of His mission to little children, humble followers of Christ. As important as education is in our day, the gathering of information and acquiring of knowledge, do not let it keep you from becoming a ‘humble follower.’

A Christian Perspective

The Greatest Love Story Ever Written

Loring Schultz

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV

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A new children’s story Bible was released in September of this year by children’s book publisher, Beaming Books. Titled ‘The Just Love Story Bible’ it is a collection of 52 stories, 26 from the Old Testament and 26 from the New Testament. The idea is one story for each week of the year for children to read. The authors are Rev. Jacqui Lewis, a New York City pastor, and the Rev. Shannon Daley-Harris. Their goal is to reach children ‘with a colorful Bible focused on justice and love.’ (1)

The headline announcing the release of the book from the Religious News Service is, “’New children’s Bible aims to capture diverse, nonpatriarchal, ‘theology of love and justice.’” Sadly, the authors are moving away from the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture to promote a progressive and contemporary agenda. The book is geared toward the 4–10-year-old age group. Rev. Daley-Harris states, “It’s OK to actually tell kids from the get-go: Some of these stories are about true people and things that really happen, and some of them are made-up stories, but they’re in there because they can still teach us true things about God.” (1)

Rev. Lewis says, “Our agenda is teach young people a theology of love and justice that we don’t have to unlearn because they understand from the beginning what this faith is really about.” I find it hard to comprehend Rev. Lewis’ explanation of teaching a theology of love and justice so we don’t have to unlearn it when her very teaching does just that, teaching what will need to be unlearned. On the resurrection of Jesus, Rev. Lewis says, “And when we got to resurrection, I went all the way philosophical, ‘some people like Plato think…’ and ‘some people like Aristotle think… ,’ to just introduce our faith also includes doubt and the possibility of having a hermeneutic of suspicion. Did that happen? For me, it matters more that children know that love never dies, so that’s where I landed.” (1)

In questioning the resurrection of Jesus, their premise that ‘love never dies’ is flawed. If Jesus did not rise from the dead then His entire purpose for coming into this world to die for our sins defeating death by His resurrection because of His love for us is not complete. We have no assurance of eternal life; our hope is still in the grave with a love that has not been resurrected. That’s where I land.

The good news is Jesus did rise from the dead completing all that is necessary for our salvation as we put our trust in Him. It did happen. It is dangerous to prevaricate certain portions the Bible especially to children. Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Mt.18:6 niv)

Where ‘The Just Love Story Bible’ and its authors get it wrong is at the very beginning with the title of the book. They failed to acknowledge the greatest love story ever written is the Bible, even for children. It is all about Jesus. It is all about God’s plan of salvation for each one of us, and it is all about love. It is the original just love story Bible. No need to unlearn it, but a great need to learn from it.

(1) https://religionnews.com/2025/10/16/new-childrens-bible-aims-to-capture-diverse-nonpatriarchal-theology-of-love-and-justice/

A Christian Perspective

‘A Betting’ Family: Sportsbooks, Professional Sports, Collegian Sports, The Major Networks, and even Disney 

Loring Schultz

In light of the recent arrests of major sports figures concerning sports gambling ‘A repost from 2023 is in order.’

Betting on sporting events has been around as long as there has been competition between individuals touting their favorite team, or their choice of the victor in the neighborhood playground brawl. The method of sports betting up until a few years ago consisted mostly of money exchanging hands between friends, co-workers, and an organized pool of a greater extent. Gambling even at this small level is considered illegal in most states but has not been on law enforcement’s top list of crimes to enforce. For the causal sports fan betting on their favorite team, the Super Bowl, or filling out a NCAA March madness bracket (which I confess to doing and enjoy), seems to the average person as ‘no harm no foul.’ But that all began to change in the year 2018.

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The Supreme Court, in 2018, stuck down the case Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. The courtruled a Federal ban that prohibited commercial sports betting in the United States was unconstitutional. Las Vegas, Nevada was the only legal avenue to wagering on sporting events. Now through 33 states and the District of Columbia, 146 million people have the opportunity to bet legally on sporting events. Lifting the Federal ban on sports betting has proven lucrative for the betting operators and Casinos across the country and for the coffers of state governments, but an ensuing problem of addiction, debt, and broken relationships have escalated.  

“The Hill” addressed this growing concern in an article posted by on February 10, 2023 titled “Sports betting has risen tenfold in three years. Addiction experts fear the next opioid crisis” Quoting Timothy Fong, a clinical professor of psychiatry, The Hill writes, “We have a movement toward expanding what was once considered a sin, what was once considered a vice, and embedding it at every level of American culture, down to kindergarten. ‘Sports gambling market.’ ten years ago, those words didn’t exist, what you have is this massive, exponential expansion of gambling into homes, faster than we can study or monitor it.” (1)

CNN noted the ‘Council of Compulsive Gambling of N.J.’ reported a 60% increase on their hotline since 2018. “Newsweek” reported the main target of sports betting companies are young men. In an interview with Pew Research last year, Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling said, “We believe that the risks for gambling addiction overall have grown 30 percent from 2018 to 2021, with the risk concentrated among young males 18 to 24 who are sports bettors,”(2)

The attractiveness of sports betting is enhanced by the many celebrity sports figures promoting it, along with the major networks televising the games noting the betting lines and the odds of winning before, during, and even near the end of the game. It’s non-stop betting. The networks do this in partnership with the top betting on-line sportsbooks and the blessings of the professional sports leagues and the colleges and universities.

More from “The Hill’ article; “Teams and league owners love sports betting because they ‘have found that engagement is off the charts among people who are placing bets on games,’ said Daniel Barbarisi, author of ‘Dueling with Kings: High Stakes, Killer Sharks, and the Get-Rich Promise of Daily Fantasy Sports.’ People who bet on games ‘are not just tuning out if it’s a blowout,’ Barbarisi said, because they bet on more than the final score. Fans can place wagers on the margin of victory, the combined point total from both teams and other metrics — such as whether Aaron Judge will hit a home run or Max Scherzer will ring up double-digit strikeouts.” (1)

In 2021 sportsbooks generated approximately $4.3 billion in revenue. That’s just a little too much for some top executives to pass up despite the addictive nature of it, including Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney. In 2019, Disney was skittish of engaging in sports betting in fear of tarnishing their family friendly entertainment image. But that fear has now dissolved into the opportunity to make millions of dollars. “Livemint.com” posted on October 13 of this year(2023), “In August, the company struck a 10-year deal with sports-betting company Penn Entertainment to bring gambling to Disney’s ESPN sports network. Sports fans will be able to wager on games on their phones through a new app called ESPN Bet that accepts bets through Penn’s sportsbook.” (3) Iger changed his mind on sports betting as he observed his two sons involved with it. “Livemint.com” reports, “Iger, who saw his two adult sons glued to gambling apps on their smartphones, the chance to engage a younger male audience, and the money, were eventually too good to pass up. Penn will pay Disney $1.5 billion in cash while ESPN will receive warrants worth about $500 million to purchase shares in the gambling company. Penn will operate the app and Disney will help market it.” (3)

It is not too difficult to see how and why sports betting with easy access is so alluring and can be addictive. The acceptance by the American people has also increased due to the constant exposure during games being televised and access through their smart phones. A recent poll conducted by the ‘The Washington Post’ and ‘The University of Maryland’ noted 55 % of Americans approved of legal sports betting in 2017 before the Supreme Court decision, today 66% approve. (4) The troubling fact is that most people engaging in sports betting and supporting it are blinded to the side effects on those who are subject to addition, even themselves if not controlled. In writing for the “Gospel Coalition” Joe Carter expressed his concern, “A frequent concern expressed about sports betting is that it encourages predatory gambling and leads to increases in problem gambling. Predatory gambling is the practice of using gambling to prey on human weakness for profit……….. the casino industry, a major source of predatory gambling within the US, attracts a disproportionate share of low-income workers, retirees, minorities, and people with disabilities. The poor are often the targets of predatory gambling in all forms—and the most susceptible to it.” (5)

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Christians need to be aware and deeply concerned about this growing vice, and it is a vice. A little bet placed on your phone may seem harmless, especially with all the incentives and perks offered by the sportsbooks (how can I lose), but once started the lure of excitement and winning may be too much to handle. Soon we find ourselves in deep despair.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” (NLT) Looking for excitement and joy in your life, it is found in the Lord, a guaranteed winner.

We are to be good stewards of our money, such as caring for poor. “If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD—and he will repay you!” (Prov. 19:17 NLT) Sounds like another guaranteed winner.

And the apostle Paul gives us a stern warning about the love of money in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, “But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (NLT)

Sports betting has now become a legal accepted part of the sports culture. If you are an avid sports fan or a casual fan, take note it is now impossible not to avoid the enticing ads placed by the sportsbooks in every sporting event. I’m afraid they are here to stay. How should we as Christians respond? May we become a ‘Praying Family’ being wise stewards of our money, along with helping, encouraging, and praying for those who have experienced addiction, debt, and a broken relationship as a result of legalized sports betting.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/faqs-sports-betting/#:~:text=commits%20God%2Dgiven%20resources%20to,God’s%20provisional%20plan%20for%20humans.

https://thehill.com/business/3851713-sports-betting-has-risen-tenfold-in-three-years-addiction-experts-fear-the-next-opioid-crisis/ 

https://www.newsweek.com/2023/04/07/sports-betting-boom-linked-rising-gambling-addiction-anxiety-suicide-1789055.html

https://www.livemint.com/news/disney-agonized-about-sports-betting-now-it-s-going-all-in-11697140295777.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/07/08/legal-sports-betting-support-americans/

A Christian Perspective

Praying for the Salvation of our Leaders

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 NLT – Instructions about Worship – I urge – Bible Gateway

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT

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In the book of 1 Timothy the apostle Paul is giving instructions to young Timothy, a pastor in the ancient city of Ephesus. Chapter 2 begins Paul’s teaching on church worship. He starts with prayer, urging Timothy as the pastor to set the example of praying for the salvation of all people, It is the duty of an evangelistic church to pray for the lost among us and that includes those who rule over us. Paul says to pray for all people interceding on their behalf for this pleases God who desires all to be saved and understand the truth of the gospel message.

Christians often fall short in prayer for our leaders by taking 1Timothy 2:2 as a prayer for an orderly and peaceful life only. That is certainly a part of it, but more important is the salvation of each leader in the world today. That indeed is needed most. Then they need wisdom to govern in a godly manner and in dignity.

What better place to start praying for our leaders than in our churches on a Sunday morning. Praying for our local leaders, state governments, and all those on the federal and national level of every country in the world is our responsibility. Christians are to pray for their salvation and wisdom in governing. This is what the apostle is instructing us to do. Let us not fall short of what God desires for us, for ‘this is good and pleases God our Savior.’

A Christian Perspective

Temporary Peace  

Loring Schultz

“I will give peace and quietness unto Israel.” 1 Chronicles 22:9 KJV

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Let me first say I thank the Lord God and praise Him for the ceasefire that has been achieved as part of the ‘20-point Israel-Gaza Peace Plan.’ This war has been in effect since Hamas attacked and murdered innocent Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, along with taking 251 people hostage. The remaining hostages are to be released in a few short days, another praise to almighty God. Once the hostages are released negotiations on the next phase will begin. So, while we rejoice in the ceasefire and the soon release of the hostages, the world is very cautious not to get too overjoyed as things can turn around quickly.  

Case in point, the plan will be implemented in phases with on-going negotiations. Phase 1 is the ceasefire and the release of hostages along with Israel releasing several hundred Palestinian prisoners. Other phases include Hamas disarmament, Gaza’s governance, Israeli withdrawal, and long-term security among other items as humanitarian aid. The problem is, although a good plan that was accepted by all the neighboring countries, it does contain 20 points which are all valid, but somewhere down this long road the unexpected could pop up and stop everything.

For all intents and purposes, even if this plan is implemented in every detail of every phase, this is only a temporary peace. The evil in the world will continue to prevail as controlled by Satan. The Jewish race is hated by Satan because they were the vehicle in which Jesus, the Messiah, came to redeem mankind and destroy Satan. Satan’s influence on those who hate the Jews will only increase prompting them to once again engage in violence. I pray this peace will hold for an extended period of time until the Lord returns. When Jesus returns He will save the Jews who put their faith in Him during the tribulation for they will be attacked once again during that period. So, even if this peace lasts until then, it is only a temporary peace.

Christians today have a responsibly to keep praying for peace in the Middle East.

We are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for humanitarian needs, pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ will be preach, for Jesus is the only source and hope of peace we have on earth until He comes back to rule the world. So, we pray to that end, because this is a temporary peace.