Reconciled

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Introduction

1.      Continuing the theme that we began last week of discussing God’s mercy, how He saves us from the folly of our sins and gives us a new life in Christ

2.      While God hates sin, He loves to forgive and provided Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins

3.      Through Jesus we can be reconciled to God  

Discussion

1.      Reconciled to God

a.       Reconciled:  To make right what was before at odds; The restoration of a relationship that has been broken by sin  

b.      The importance of being reconciled to God cannot be understood without an understanding of God  

c.       There is perhaps nothing that is more misunderstood by people than the nature of God  

d.       Luke 12:4-9  

e.       Rev 21:5-8  

f.       To be reconciled means our trespasses are no longer counted against us (see 1 John 1:5)  

2.      Reconciled through Christ

a.       Acts 20:28  

b.      Gal 3:26; 4:4-5  

c.       Eph 2:13  

d.      Col 1:19-20-22  

e.       1 Tim 2:3-6  

f.       Heb 7:25  

3.      A ministry of reconciliation

a.       As people who have been reconciled we are able to help others to be reconciled as well  

b.      As forgiven people we can forgive  

c.       As people who are sinners we can accept others who are sinners as well  

d.      We are the people through whom God intends to bring change to the world  

Conclusion

1.       First of all, we need to be reconciled to God

2.      Second, we need to understand what that means

3.      Third, we need to be active in helping others to be reconciled to God

4.      Fourth, we need to be involved in reconciling people to one another