Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:6-21

Last week we learned from Carl (in II Corinthians 5:1-5):

For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.--II Corinthians 5:1-5

(Note this is not "the force" in Star Wars or Eywa in Avatar.) This week we are going to continue on with verses 6-21.

Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight— we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.--II Corinthians 5:6-10

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.--II Corinthians 5:11

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.--II Corinthians 5:14-21

Job Requirements for an Ambassador for Christ:

1. Be able to represent the affairs of the Kingdom with all dignity, honor and grace.

2. Be able to bring terms of Reconciliation to the world in a language that it can easily be understood.

3. Be ready and able to preach the Word in season and out of season.

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!”--Romans 10: 14-15

No one in the time of Jesus had beautiful feet. Both city and country people either went barefoot or wore sandals. Country roads were rocky and dusty, and city streets were downright filthy - they didn't have street cleaners like we do today. Most people walked almost everywhere. They had little to no foot protection. Their feet took a lot of abuse and were the ugliest parts of their bodies.

When people entered a house, they left took off their sandals at the door and washed their feet before going in.

This verse (Romans 10:15) says that the good news about Jesus is so good, that even the feet of the person who brings the Good News are beautiful.

Here's how I would share the Good News with a young child:

Here's what I would share with one who is a little older:

Eventually, this is where we will all end (unless Jesus returns for us first):

Here's how a lot of people feel about God:

But the truth is that the same God whom they are questioning did this for them:

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."--John 15:1-11

What can I do to bear more fruit?

1. Read or listen to the Word more (with a spirit to obey it)

2. Share the Gospel more (start by practicing on your Christian friends and family. Buildup your confidence to the point that you can share with your unsaved friends, neighbors and co-workers). Get a partner (two are better than one for there is more return for their labor)

3. Pray everyday for divine opportunities for that day.

Let’s pray.