Intro: We hear a lot about the need for reconciliation.
Believers should re-visit this matter, and being
believers, we should practice this at home, at the
workplace, in our neighborhoods, in our churches
and anywhere we are placed in this world. God began
the matter of reconciliation.
Let us examine:
I. The MEANING OF RECONCILIATION
"To destroy emnity, to make friendly again"
"To bring together"
*Our sin caused us to be at emnity with God
and with each other. We have a need to
be reconciled to God and to one another.
II.The MOTIVE FOR RECONCILIATION
A. Man’s need for God
B. God’s love for Man
*Romans 5:8
*John 3:16
III.The METHOD OF RECONCILIATION
*GOD was IN CHRIST...RECONCILING THE WORLD
UNTO HIMSELF.
*HE IS THE "just" and the "justifier"
*HE SATISFIED JUSTICE AND MERCY BY TAKING
THE PUNISHMENT AND PAYING THE PRICE IN ONE
MIGHTY ACT ON THE CROSS.
*CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS, WAS BURIED, AND ROSE
AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES
IV. The MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
*Since God has taken such drastic steps
to reconcile us to himself, he has given to
all who receive Him the task of being
reconcilers.
*Thus, there should be no infighting within
believer fellowships, between denominations,
etc. We should make every attempt to be
reconcilers instead of building barriers.
Conclusion:
God began the work of reconciliation because
of His great Love for us...and of our great
need for Him. The method was costly...but the
price has been paid. Will you be reconciled to Him
and commit yourself to a Ministry of reconciliation?
The world certainly needs it!!!
