Called to Reconciliation: Living Redemptively in Salvation
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of understanding our role as reconcilers and the power of salvation. I highlighted that each one of us is called to bring reconciliation to the people and places we are connected to. I also stressed the importance of fulfilling our mission and how we are doing at it. I reminded everyone that God has given us unique personalities and mindsets, and that we are placed in our specific circumstances for a purpose. I also discussed the concept of salvation, not as an escape from this world, but as the power to live redemptively within it. I concluded by encouraging everyone to make a daily decision to trust in Jesus and to be reconcilers to their neighbors.
Key Takeaways:
- We are all called to be reconcilers and to bring reconciliation to the people and places we are connected to. ( [45:05])
- God has given us unique personalities and mindsets, and we are placed in our specific circumstances for a purpose. ( [01:11:27])
- Salvation is not an escape from this world, but the power to live redemptively within it. ( [01:03:00])
- We should make a daily decision to trust in Jesus and to be reconcilers to our neighbors. ( [01:16:55])
- The greatest miracle is the salvation of a soul. ( [01:04:47])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 #!!01:11:27!!#
2. Matthew 20:26-28 #!!01:03:37!!#
3. Ephesians 2:8-9 #!!01:04:47!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 tell us about our role as Christians in the world?
2. How does Matthew 20:26-28 redefine greatness and power in the kingdom of God?
3. What does Ephesians 2:8-9 reveal about the nature of salvation?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 apply to our daily interactions with others?
2. How can we apply the principles of servanthood and humility in Matthew 20:26-28 in our personal lives?
3. How does the understanding of salvation as a gift in Ephesians 2:8-9 shape our perspective on faith and works?
Application Questions:
1. Who are the specific people in your life that God has called you to reconcile with? How can you take steps towards reconciliation this week?
2. In what specific ways can you demonstrate servanthood and humility in your workplace, home, or community this week?
3. How does understanding salvation as a gift impact your daily walk with God? Can you identify a specific area in your life where you are relying on your works rather than God's grace? How can you shift your perspective in this area?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Daily Decisions
Every day is an opportunity to reaffirm our faith and trust in Jesus. This is not a one-time decision, but a continuous journey of choosing to surrender our lives to God. This daily decision is a testament to our salvation and our ongoing transformation in Christ. [01:16:55]
1 Corinthians 15:31 - "I die every day—I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection: How can you consciously make the decision to trust in Jesus in your daily activities?
Day 2: The Importance of Community
Belonging to a community of believers is crucial in our faith journey. This community supports us, challenges us, and walks with us as we grow in our faith. It's important to find a church or a group where we can truly belong and grow. [01:16:28]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you actively participate and contribute to your faith community?
Day 3: The Call to Reconciliation
As believers, we are called to be reconcilers. God has placed us strategically in our communities, workplaces, and homes to bridge the gap between Him and others. We are His ambassadors, tasked with the mission of bringing reconciliation. [01:14:28]
2 Corinthians 5:18 - "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reflection: Who has God placed in your life that you can help reconcile to Him?
Day 4: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool in our faith journey. It's not just about asking for things, but also about aligning our hearts with God's. Through prayer, we partner with God in His work in people's lives. [01:13:49]
James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer more intentionally in your daily life?
Day 5: Fulfilling Our Mission
God has given each of us a unique mission. He has equipped us with specific gifts, talents, and opportunities to serve and love others. Our lives are a gospel presentation, and we are called to live out our faith in our day-to-day interactions. [01:11:27]
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and opportunities to fulfill your God-given mission?
Quotes
1. "We're in the series of unlocking a code, talking about the things we believe. There is a code of belief and for many of us in the room, we probably subscribe to 'I believe in these things' but do we even really know why we believe them? That's what we're trying to unlock through this series of unlocking the code. We want to know why we believe them because there's power in the why and then there's a blessing in all of these things." - 47:08
2. "Each and every day is a decision. Yes, Jesus, here I am. I believe in you. I trust in you. But make that decision again on Monday morning. That is saved. I am saved. I am being saved and I one day will be fully saved." - 01:16:55
3. "Who has God called you to in the place he's placed you to bring reconciliation to the people in that place? How are you doing at fulfilling your mission? God has given you a personality, he's given you a mindset, he's made you so unique from other people that the people that you're called to reach might not be reachable by other people. He's placed you in that place for purpose." - 01:12:04
4. "You're a new creation. You have new habits that begin to develop. You no longer wage war Through Your Own Strength, you no longer fight to overcome by your own power but it is the Holy Spirit who changes your spirit and empowers you to do so." - 01:06:41
5. "If you've said yes to Jesus but then you still do the same things that you do then you have to question have you given your life to the Lord because he changes our priority. Our Focus looks different. What becomes important looks different. Where I spend my money looks different. How I spend my time looks different. How I'm extending my efforts and where I'm paying prices for looks different." - 01:07:27
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