Embracing Reconciliation: Unity in Christ's Love
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of reconciliation through the lens of the early church's experiences as recorded in the book of Acts. We began by reflecting on the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, who held onto the hope of a coming Messiah. Jesus revealed Himself to her, bridging the divide between Jews and Samaritans. This theme of reconciliation continued as we examined the spread of the gospel to Samaria, where persecution inadvertently propelled the early believers to fulfill Jesus' command to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
The narrative in Acts 8 presents a unique situation where the Samaritans believed and were baptized, yet received the Holy Spirit only after the apostles laid hands on them. This deviation from the usual pattern highlights God's creative ways of working and His desire to unify His people. We delved into Ezekiel 37, where God promises to unite the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, symbolizing the reconciliation of all believers under one King, Jesus.
This reconciliation is not just vertical, between us and God, but also horizontal, among believers. The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was healed through Christ, demonstrating that in Him, all divisions are abolished. We are called to live out this reconciliation, being ministers of reconciliation ourselves, as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 5. This ministry involves calling others to be reconciled to God and to one another, reflecting the unity we have in Christ.
As we partake in the ordinances of baptism and communion, we remember and affirm our reconciliation with God and each other. Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death and resurrection, while communion reminds us of our participation in the body and blood of Christ. These practices reinforce our identity as one body, united in faith and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of the Samaritan woman and the spread of the gospel to Samaria illustrate God's desire to reconcile all people to Himself through Jesus. This reconciliation transcends cultural and historical divisions, uniting us under one King. [21:08]
- The unique outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Samaria, delayed until the apostles' arrival, underscores God's intention to prevent division within the early church. It emphasizes that there is one Spirit and one church, not separate entities for different groups. [36:17]
- Ezekiel 37's prophecy of uniting the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah foreshadows the reconciliation of all believers in Christ. This unity is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. [34:56]
- Our reconciliation with God through Christ compels us to be reconciled with others. The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was healed through Jesus, demonstrating that in Him, all divisions are abolished. We are called to live out this reconciliation in our relationships. [41:35]
- As ministers of reconciliation, we are tasked with calling others to be reconciled to God and to one another. This ministry is a natural outflow of our faith, reflecting the unity and peace we have in Christ. [45:08]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[21:08] - Hope of the Samaritan Woman
[22:31] - Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel
[23:51] - Philip in Samaria
[24:59] - Apostles and the Holy Spirit
[26:27] - Understanding the Holy Spirit's Timing
[28:00] - God's Creative Ways
[29:02] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
[31:07] - Ezekiel's Vision of Dry Bones
[32:20] - Prophecy of Reconciliation
[34:56] - Uniting the Kingdoms
[36:17] - One Spirit, One Church
[38:59] - Reconciliation with God
[41:35] - Reconciliation with Others
[45:08] - Ministry of Reconciliation
[49:30] - Baptism and Communion
[52:11] - Invitation to Reconciliation
[54:43] - Prayer for Reconciliation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 4:1-26 - The story of the Samaritan woman at the well.
2. Acts 8:4-17 - The spread of the gospel to Samaria and the unique outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
3. Ezekiel 37:15-28 - The prophecy of uniting the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Jesus revealing Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well? [21:08]
2. How did persecution contribute to the spread of the gospel to Samaria according to Acts 8? [22:31]
3. What was unique about the way the Holy Spirit was given to the Samaritans in Acts 8, and why might this have been significant? [24:59]
4. How does Ezekiel 37 describe the unification of Israel and Judah, and what does this symbolize in the context of the sermon? [34:56]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God have chosen to delay the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Samaritans until the apostles arrived? What does this tell us about God's intentions for unity in the early church? [36:17]
2. How does the reconciliation between Jews and Samaritans in the sermon reflect the broader theme of reconciliation in the New Testament? [41:35]
3. In what ways does the prophecy in Ezekiel 37 foreshadow the reconciliation of all believers in Christ? How is this relevant to the early church's mission? [34:56]
4. How does the ministry of reconciliation described in 2 Corinthians 5 relate to the call for believers to be reconciled with one another and with God? [45:08]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a relationship in your life where there is division or animosity. How can you take steps towards reconciliation, inspired by the story of the Samaritan woman and Jesus? [21:08]
2. Persecution led to the spread of the gospel in Acts 8. How can you view challenges in your life as opportunities to share your faith? [22:31]
3. The sermon emphasizes that there is one Spirit and one church. How can you contribute to unity within your church community, especially when differences arise? [36:17]
4. Consider the prophecy in Ezekiel 37 about uniting divided kingdoms. How can this vision inspire you to work towards unity in your family or community? [34:56]
5. As ministers of reconciliation, we are called to invite others to be reconciled to God. Identify one person in your life who needs this message. How can you share it with them this week? [45:08]
6. Baptism and communion are reminders of our reconciliation with God and each other. How can participating in these ordinances deepen your understanding and practice of reconciliation? [49:30]
7. Reflect on the barriers that might prevent you from living out the ministry of reconciliation. What steps can you take to overcome these barriers and live more fully in the unity and peace of Christ? [45:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Reconciliation Across Cultural Divides
The story of the Samaritan woman at the well is a powerful illustration of God's desire to reconcile all people to Himself through Jesus. This encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman broke through deep-seated cultural and historical divisions, demonstrating that the love and salvation offered by Christ transcends all barriers. The early church's spread of the gospel to Samaria, propelled by persecution, further exemplifies this theme. It shows how God uses even difficult circumstances to fulfill His purpose of uniting people under one King, Jesus. This reconciliation is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, which calls us to embrace and love those who are different from us. [21:08]
John 4:39-42 (ESV): "Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, 'He told me all that I ever did.' So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, 'It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.'"
Reflection: Think of a cultural or social barrier you encounter in your life. How can you actively work to bridge that divide with the love of Christ today?
Day 2: Unity Through the Spirit
The unique outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Samaria, which occurred only after the apostles laid hands on the new believers, underscores God's intention to prevent division within the early church. This event highlights that there is one Spirit and one church, not separate entities for different groups. By delaying the reception of the Holy Spirit until the apostles' arrival, God emphasized the importance of unity and the interconnectedness of all believers. This moment in church history serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is the unifying force that binds us together as one body in Christ, transcending all human-made divisions. [36:17]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the unity of your church community, ensuring that the Spirit's work is not hindered by division or discord?
Day 3: God's Promise of Reconciliation
Ezekiel 37's prophecy of uniting the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah foreshadows the reconciliation of all believers in Christ. This vision of dry bones coming to life and the unification of the two kingdoms is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It symbolizes the hope and restoration that come through Jesus, who reconciles us not only to God but also to one another. This prophetic imagery reminds us that God's plan is to bring together all who are divided, creating a new community of believers who are united in purpose and love under the lordship of Christ. [34:56]
Ezekiel 37:21-23 (ESV): "Then say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from all around, and bring them to their own land. And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. And one king shall be king over them all, and they shall no longer be two nations, and no longer divided into two kingdoms."
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. How can you take a step towards healing and unity in that relationship today?
Day 4: Living Out Reconciliation
Our reconciliation with God through Christ compels us to be reconciled with others. The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was healed through Jesus, demonstrating that in Him, all divisions are abolished. As believers, we are called to live out this reconciliation in our relationships, embodying the love and unity that Christ has established. This involves actively seeking peace, forgiveness, and understanding with those around us, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in our daily interactions. By doing so, we become living testimonies of the reconciliation that Christ has accomplished, inviting others to experience the same healing and unity. [41:35]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Identify a person with whom you have unresolved conflict. What practical steps can you take this week to pursue reconciliation and demonstrate Christ's love to them?
Day 5: The Ministry of Reconciliation
As ministers of reconciliation, we are tasked with calling others to be reconciled to God and to one another. This ministry is a natural outflow of our faith, reflecting the unity and peace we have in Christ. It involves sharing the message of the gospel, which brings healing and restoration to broken relationships and communities. By embracing this calling, we participate in God's redemptive work, inviting others to experience the transformative power of His love and grace. This ministry is not just a duty but a privilege, as we become ambassadors of Christ, representing His kingdom and His heart for reconciliation in a divided world. [45:08]
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Consider how you can actively engage in the ministry of reconciliation in your community. What specific actions can you take to share the message of Christ's reconciliation with those around you?
Quotes
And he also interacted with a Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. And this woman said that she knew that there was a Messiah who was coming, who was going to explain all things. And so this Samaritan woman had hung on to this thread of hope through this mixed up, distorted faith that she had. This thread of hope remained that there was a Messiah who was coming. [00:21:08] (25 seconds)
And so after his death and resurrection, when Jesus sent out his disciples to tell people about him, he said to them, he said, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and in Samaria and to the end of the earth. And so the apostles began in Jerusalem right after Pentecost, telling people about Jesus, working many signs and wonders. And people believed. [00:22:31] (26 seconds)
But this persecution that was intended to cause them to stop talking about Jesus only made them to believe in Jesus. And this is something that we will see time and time again. That when the powers of this world attempt to stomp out the good news about Jesus, it most often results in the exact opposite happening. [00:22:52] (25 seconds)
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, that's two of the apostles, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. [00:25:03] (25 seconds)
And it also gives us insight into the patterns that God uses as he grows his kingdom. Now, does that necessarily mean that it's the same every single time? I, that's not, that's not, that's not what we see. Instead, we see that God is infinitely creative and he works in lots of different ways. Some of which make perfect sense to us and others we cannot even begin to comprehend. [00:27:21] (28 seconds)
So what God promises through Ezekiel here is the split of Israel healed, the reunification of what was broken hundreds of years beforehand, not saving the northern kingdom as a separate entity, and also not forcing them to rejoin as slaves of the southern kingdom, but taking these two broken peoples and uniting them together among under one forever king. [00:34:56] (31 seconds)
And the apostles being present for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in this instance revealed that what God is doing here is not something just for Jews with something separate for Samaritans, but there is one church. One Spirit and one Savior. [00:36:47] (18 seconds)
In Jesus, God is taking all of the things that sin has separated, all of the relationships that sin has broken, and he is reunifying them. He is making them whole again. Jews and Samaritans. And in the next few weeks, we'll see Jews and Gentiles. And ultimately, all of creation will be reconciled to him. [00:37:28] (24 seconds)
And the way that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Samaritans, it was poured out on the Gentiles. It was poured out on the Gentiles. It was poured out on the Gentiles. It was poured out on the Gentiles. And the way that it happened before and the way that it happened after, so that it would be made clear that God was fulfilling the promises that he had made to reconcile the Jews and Samaritans, the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom together under one King, under their Messiah, Jesus. [00:37:50] (27 seconds)
And this reconciliation, this joining together, has some pretty profound impacts on our lives today. The first thing that happens when we share in that reconciliation is that we are reconciled with God. In Christ, you are now reconciled to God. In Colossians 1. [00:38:59] (27 seconds)
You are now reconciled with others in Christ. See, the rift that existed here between the Jews and the Samaritans was absolutely enormous. It was religious. It was cultural. It just was a complete across -the -board split. These are two different people who do not care for one another, who hate one another. But now, in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, that rift had been healed and they had been made one new people. [00:41:35] (32 seconds)
You have been reconciled with God in Christ. You have been reconciled with others in Christ, and then you are also tasked with reconciling others with Christ. Do you see the love God, the love others, the make disciples here? That thread, it's here. [00:44:23] (21 seconds)
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