3 Implications in Reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that 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: Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For 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: Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember 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: Not 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. 13 Brethren, 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, 14 I 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 1 st love –Renew – Wandered away – Come back