3 Implicationsin Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new

creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

20Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Introduction

• When I was asked about participation in this meeting:– I was anxious to help bring this church back to

a more active role in the brotherhood– The word that I heard used about the purpose of

this meeting was – Reconciliation

• Last night – Unity – tonight - Reconciliation

3 Parts - Reconciliation

• I did a word study on this word

• There are 3 parts to this word– Exchange / balance– Restore– Renew

• This sermon is not fancy – just a study of an important Biblical concept.

Exchange / Balance

• Bring the books into balance

• Reconcile a checkbook– Bank says I have X– I say I have X– We are in balance – books reconciled

• Grateful for the calculator - computer

• Trade things of equal value

Exchange / Balance• Application

• Each congregation is autonomous – self-governed

• Athens cannot control decisions of other churches

• BUT – we can cooperate– Work together – share information, plan, goals– Help each other grow, reach the lost

Exchange / Balance• Amos 3:3 - Can two walk together, unless

they are agreed?

• We can work together when there is unity, agreement, cooperation

• Just as you and the bank must be in agreement to balance a checkbook;

• Churches must be in agreement – united – to work together

Restore• We = result of Restoration Movement

• Seek to restore NT church

• Restoration – not a one time action– Must be repeated– Hebrews 2:1 - Therefore we must give the

more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

– Ill – like driving a car, keep making corrections to keep the car going straight

Restore• Not an easy task

• You can’t undo the past

• No “Do Overs”

• You can’t unchurn the butter

• You can take a different course from now on – a new direction – learn from it

Renew• Most common definition – make friends again, renew friendship• Remember the way it used to be?• Revelation 2:4-5 - 4Nevertheless I have this against you, that

you have left your first love. 5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

• IT CAN BE THAT WAY AGAIN!• Don’t try to place blame

– There is plenty to go around on all parts– Who is at fault – solves nothing

Renew• Past is past• Philippians 3:12-14 - 12Not that I have already

attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Renew• There is much work to do

• Challenges to meet – head on

• Opportunities to take advantage of

• There is a world headed for hell

• Many in this town need salvation

Conclusion - Application• Congregational Reconciliation

– Balance – Get the books back in balance– Restore what you had– Renew – zeal, excitement, joy, enthusiasm

• Reconciliation to God– Balance – Do you balance with God’s record?– Restore – Get back to your 1st love– Renew – Wandered away – Come back