Ministry of reconciliation

 2nd Corinthians 5:18-19

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.

Continuing yesterday's message, we come to these two verses. This is directly following "we are new creations in Christ Jesus". As we've already read in previous messages, sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:1-3). That was why a mediator was needed. Someone to bridge the gap. Someone to reconcile us to the living God. That is what Jesus did. 

This is the gospel. Jesus, born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, free from sin, died on the cross to pay for our sins, and rose from the dead on the third day as He said He would. If you have received that free gift of salvation, you also have a ministry of reconciliation. To speak of all of the Lord has done. As Paul says, "I am not ashamed......"

Romans 1:16 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Have you noticed in the public eye, the media allows people to talk about God? But once you mention the name of Jesus, you get cut off? Have you noticed that? I first really noticed that shortly after September 11th, 2001. 

In the replays of live TV, where sports figures (players) give honor and glory to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the name of Jesus is removed. If you see it live, you hear them mention Jesus' name. But in the replays, they remove Jesus' name. The fact of the matter is Satan does not want you to be reconciled to God! He doesn't want anybody to be reconciled to God. This whole world is searching for answers. They see every thing and every one around them is fake. Maybe they've never heard the gospel? Maybe they've heard people talk about following Jesus but they don't know what that means. It is incumbent upon you and me to share Jesus with those around us. To not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To live our lives in such a way that folks wanna know why we are different. Why do we have joy in the storm that they know we're going through? How can we forgive those who have done us wrong? Maybe they've even seen the wrong done to us and they don't understand how we could ever forgive them. And that's important. But we must also be available to speak the name of Jesus in the public forum. To share the gospel with those around us. In person and in everything we do. Social media and wherever we are. 

We have been forgiven and reconciled to God. We have an intimate, personal relationship with our Father God. God did not anoint an appoint angels to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has appointed and anointed you. And me. Stand for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen? All right, then, y'all have a great rest of your day, and God bless you and yours. James