The Greek word for reconciliation is καταλλάσσω and it means to reestablish proper friendly interpersonal relations after these have been disrupted or broken. It also means “to bring together again.” Christ’s work on the Cross makes reconciliation with God possible but also a duty to become an ambassador and gent of vertical and horizontal reconciliation. (2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21)
Sermon OutlinE
Introduction
The Greek word for reconciliation is καταλλάσσω and it means to reestablish proper friendly interpersonal relations after these have been disrupted or broken. It also means “to bring together again.” Christ’s work on the Cross makes reconciliation with God possible but also a duty to become an ambassador and gent of vertical and horizontal reconciliation.
I. The Necessity for Reconciliation: Sin and Separation -“In Christ” or “Out of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:12-16)
II. The Means of Reconciliation: Forgiveness brought by the Cross of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18,19)
III. The Purpose of Reconciliation: A New Creation, a New Person/Family (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:14-18)
IV. The Agents of Ongoing Work of Reconciliation: Reconciled Believers/ Ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)
Conclusion: How then shall we live?
Jesus Christ died to make reconciliation between races, tribes, and ethnos (nations) possible. You and I must live to make the message of reconciliation personal because God has given us the message and the ministry of reconciliation. We are His ambassadors of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our families and communities.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Open Up:
- Before today, how did you see reconciliation as it related to your personal faith, and how we live out our faith?
- What is a time you saw someone live out reconciliation, and what did it teach you about Christ’s ministry of reconciliation?
- In a season that feels very divided in our country, what do you think is our role as ministers of reconciliation?
Remember
- The first step of reconciliation is to remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and to be reconciled ourselves to God. Share your story of how you first came to faith in Jesus.
- Read J’s story of his journey to remembering Christ’s sacrifice, and pick up a copy in the lobby.
Return
- While we can journey with God through life, there are times we can drift away from God, or become so busy doing things for Him that we neglect being with Him. Do you feel you are in a season of closeness to God, or a season of being distant? What steps can you take to return to God this week?
- Read Sujith & Sunitha’s story of returning to a deep relationship with God following a busy season of ministry, and pick up a copy in the lobby.
Live
- We live in a hurting, divided, and lost world. How have you participated in living out the ministry of reconciliation in your family, community, or workplace? What new ways can you do so?
- Read Ben Kayumba’s story of living out reconciliation following the Rwanda genocide. Visit the museum display in the lobby to read more.
Share
- We are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation as Christ’s ambassadors. How do you feel about what Christians call “sharing your faith” or “evangelizing”? Is it something you feel equipped to do? What is your view of being Christ’s ambassadors?
- Read Abdi & Kawser’s story of reaching out to their fellow Somalis through online and in-person outreach. Pick up a copy of their story in the lobby, or online in our recent annual report.
DIg Deeper
- Visit the Main Lobby and participate in the activities at the Missions Spot to dig deeper into the four categories above
- Read Dr. Célestin Musekura’s book: Forgiving As We’ve Been Forgiven: Community Practices for Making Peace
- Pray for our city and world in the midst of a divided time. Pray for God’s peace to reign, and for us to be sent out as His ambassadors for His ministry of reconciliation.