1. “…Walk the talk (of reconciliation)…:
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Speaker: Pastor Keith Truscott
Place: Bentley Baptist Church
Date: 25/5/2014

2. Summary:
Introduction: The theme for Reconciliation Week (26th May to 3rd June) is Walk the talk. How should we then walk the talk of reconciliation? Three voices of reconciliation to choose from.
The public square (historic and today)
The Bible (2 Cor 5:16-21 and “3 reckons” )
The church (Follow the “3 reckons”)
Conclusion: Let us walk the talk of the reconciliation in the Bible (= the 3 reckons) by prayer, praise and proclamation.

3. 1. (a) Reconciliation in the public square
Historic Context:
26th May 1997: Stolen Generation Report tabled. Forced removals revealed.
27th May 1967: Referendum (i) Removed discrimination from Australian Constitution (ii) Comm. Govt. given power to administrate Aboriginal affairs.
3rd June 1992: Mabo decision. Native Title granted

4. National Reconciliation Week 2014: Walk the talk
David Unaipon
Stolen Generations
Eddie Mabo
27/5/1967 A pastor, inventor and writer. Died a week before counted in Australian population
13/2/2008 National Apology in Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra: 3 ladies comforting each other
3/6/1992 Took 10 years for Native Title to be determined by High Court of Australia. Died 5 mths before decision.

5. 1. (b) Reconciliation in the public square
Today’s context:
DAA: = about mutual respect, a willingness to listen and learn from each other e.g. Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP); Cultural Awareness Training (CAT).
Reconciliation Australia: = building better relationships between wider Australian community & ATSI peoples for benefit of all Australians e.g. workshops, resources for schools, stories

6. 2. Reconciliation in the Bible
2 Cor 5:16-21
Paul’s pleas for “3 reckons” about Christ’s act of salvation
What believers “reckon” now…vv14-17
The love of Christ controls us v14… In Christ, a new creation, old things have passed away, the new has come v17
What God “reckons”…vv18,19,21
All this is from God v18… In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself v 19
What believers “reckon” in the future…vv18,20
(He) gave us the ministry of reconciliation v18…we are ambassadors of Christ… we implore you on behalf of Christ be reconciled to Christ v20

7. “3 Reckons” of a Christian
I reckon now…
God reckons…
I reckon in the future…
Jesus died and was raised…I am a new creation…old things have passed away, the new has come
God was in Christ…God through Christ who reconciled us to himself
I have a ministry of reconciliation…ambassad ors for Christ…plead on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God

8. 3. Reconciliation in the church
I personally and corporately agree…to walk the talk of reconciliation (= Jesus’ great act of salvation)?
I reckon (today)… I am in Christ, a new creation…old things have passed away, the new has come
God reckons… God was in Christ… God through Christ who reconciled us to himself
I reckon (in future)…we have a ministry of reconciliation…are ambassadors for Christ…we plead with people on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

9. Conclusion
Let us walk the talk of the reconciliation in the Bible (= the “3 reckons” of Christ’s act of salvation) by …
Prayer: in everything by prayer… (Philip 4:6- 9)
Praise: Bless the Lord O my soul… (Ps 103:1- 22)
Proclamation: Go you into all the world… (Matt 28:19-20
Follow, follow I will follow Jesus…