Summary of "Jesus the Healer w/ Nancy Dufresne Audio Podcast" - Episode 020 | Practicing Peace
Release Date: July 29, 2022
In episode 020 titled "Practicing Peace" of the "Jesus the Healer" podcast hosted by Dufresne Ministries, Kenneth Copeland delivers a profound teaching focused on the significance of renewing the mind and practicing peace as essential components of a transformed Christian life. Drawing extensively from biblical scripture, Copeland emphasizes how embracing these principles can lead to spiritual growth, inner calm, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
1. The Power of the Mind in Shaping Life
[00:10] Kenneth Copeland: Kenneth begins his discourse by highlighting the critical role the mind plays in determining the direction of one's life. He asserts that our thought life is a direct reflection of our lived experiences, stating:
"Our lives are a picture of our thought lives. We can look at our life and know what's going on in our thought life."
—Kenneth Copeland [00:10]
He emphasizes that transforming one's life begins with renewing the mind, referencing Romans 12:2:
"Romans chapter 12, verse 2 says, 'Don't be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind.'"
—Kenneth Copeland [01:50]
2. Embracing a Sound and Disciplined Mind
[02:14] Kenneth Copeland: Expanding on the concept of a renewed mind, Copeland cites 2 Timothy 1:7 to discuss the attributes of a sound mind:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
—Kenneth Copeland [02:14]
He elaborates that a sound mind is characterized by calmness, balance, discipline, and self-control, contrasting it with an undisciplined mind that leads to turmoil.
"A renewed mind is a calm mind, a well-balanced mind, a disciplined thought life."
—Kenneth Copeland [02:45]
3. Deepening Understanding Through Scripture
[03:24] Kenneth Copeland: Kenneth encourages listeners to engage actively with the Bible, advocating for note-taking and personal reflection to internalize God's truths.
"I want you to grab your Bible... follow along with us, write notes down."
—Kenneth Copeland [03:24]
He directs attention to John 14:27, where Jesus imparts His peace to believers:
"Peace, I leave with you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you."
—Kenneth Copeland [04:15]
Copeland underscores that this divine peace is the same peace Jesus exemplified throughout His ministry and is now accessible to believers.
4. Jesus’ Example of Peace Amidst Crisis
[05:01] Kenneth Copeland: Delving into biblical narratives, Copeland recounts the story of Jesus and Lazarus to illustrate unwavering peace amid adversity.
"Jesus said, 'This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.'"
—Kenneth Copeland [05:32]
He highlights Jesus' reaction to Lazarus's death, emphasizing that Jesus remained undisturbed by the crisis:
"The emergency of an unexpected death did not push him around. He stayed there another two days because he was being governed by peace."
—Kenneth Copeland [06:10]
5. The Practice of Peace in Daily Life
[15:27] Kenneth Copeland: Copying a personal testimony, Copeland shares how practicing peace prepared him to handle his husband's unexpected passing with serenity:
"All I want you doing is practicing peace."
—Kenneth Copeland [15:27]
He explains that peace is a skill that must be cultivated through daily practice, much like any other talent or grace.
"You have to practice staying in peace. Let me read to you out of the amplified translation of that same verse."
—Kenneth Copeland [18:57]
Copeland stresses the importance of rejecting troubling thoughts and maintaining control over one's thought life to preserve inner peace.
6. Scriptural Reinforcement of Peace
[20:21] Kenneth Copeland: Reinforcing his teachings with additional scripture, Copeland references Psalms 119:165 and 2 Peter 1:2 to affirm that loving and adhering to God's Word leads to great peace.
"Great peace have they which love Thy law, and nothing shall offend them."
—Kenneth Copeland [20:21]
He explains that this great peace acts as a protective measure, preventing anything from causing believers to stumble.
7. Invitation to Embrace Peace Through Faith
[26:19] Kenneth Copeland: Towards the episode's conclusion, Kenneth extends an invitation to listeners to receive God's peace by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He leads a prayer, encapsulating the essence of the teaching:
"Father, I receive that life that you offer me. I believe that Jesus paid the price for my sin and I received Jesus as my Savior. I call him my Lord. Therefore I'm a child of God."
—Kenneth Copeland [26:19]
Key Takeaways
- Renewing the Mind: Transformation begins with changing our thought patterns in alignment with God's Word.
- Practicing Peace: Peace is not passive but an active practice that requires discipline and intentionality.
- Scriptural Foundation: Biblical references provide a solid foundation for understanding and implementing peace in daily life.
- Personal Testimony: Copeland's personal experiences underscore the practical application of maintaining peace amidst trials.
- Invitation to Faith: Embracing faith in Jesus is presented as the pathway to experiencing and practicing divine peace.
Notable Quotes
-
On Renewing the Mind:
"Our lives are a picture of our thought lives. We can look at our life and know what's going on in our thought life."
—Kenneth Copeland [00:10] -
On a Sound Mind:
"A renewed mind is a calm mind, a well-balanced mind. It's a disciplined thought life."
—Kenneth Copeland [02:45] -
On Jesus’ Peace:
"Peace, I leave with you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you."
—Kenneth Copeland [04:15] -
On Practicing Peace:
"All I want you doing is practicing peace."
—Kenneth Copeland [15:27] -
On Great Peace:
"Great peace have they which love Thy law, and nothing shall offend them."
—Kenneth Copeland [20:21]
Conclusion
In this enlightening episode, Kenneth Copeland skillfully intertwines biblical teachings with practical advice on cultivating a peaceful and disciplined mind. By encouraging the renewal of thought and the intentional practice of peace, he provides listeners with the spiritual tools necessary to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. The episode serves as a reminder that true peace is attainable through faith, disciplined thought, and adherence to God's Word.
Note: The podcast includes audience affirmations such as "Amen" throughout, reflecting the congregation's agreement and support of the teachings presented.