It has been a little over a decade since I came to the revelation that God has never been the voice of condemnation. I can’t begin to tell you how everything changed because instead of seeing God as angry with me, I realized He loved me. It wasn't until I received the word of my pardon because of what Christ had done that I could receive His love, knowing it was freely given, not based on conditions. I fell in love with the profound testimony of His grace, which is the Gospel.
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So, the heart of my message today is reconciliation. We are ministers of the reconciliation, definite article, partnering with the Lord Jesus as He brings humanity back to Himself. Here’s the thing: does God point out our sins, or does God offer us His forgiveness?
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It seems tricky because how can you receive forgiveness without addressing the sin that caused it? However, when we look back in the Book of Acts, we see the testimony of Jesus Christ and how His death and resurrection have brought the forgiveness of sins, and this is when people were cut to the heart not by the speaker but by the Spirit.
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“To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.” Acts 10:43-45.
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We are living in the last days, and time is running out. We have been given this monumental once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be vessels of His grace and display His glory. Though there is a lot of really dark stuff going on, it doesn’t change the message of the Gospel. It should give us a zeal to share the Gospel with boldness and the word of God with accuracy so that more people heed the call of salvation.
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However, what we often see are people pointing out people’s sins. The question is whether this is the ministry of reconciliation. Well, it depends on the audience. If you are restoring a brother or sister in Christ to the faith, then possibly yes. But if we are talking to the unsaved, no.
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I want to be clear: reconciliation with God is not the same as discipleship in the church and amongst God’s people. There are clear directives in the word of God on reconciliation within the church and how to deal with sin among believers. And I think this is where we often get things confused.
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Because we have platforms, let this be a gentle reminder to ensure that when we talk about sin, not to present it as a slogan but qualify our statements to whom we are addressing and why. I say this because if we are not careful, the world will hear only what we are against and never see nor experience Who we are for. Jesus is greater than our sin, and we know this because we are the testimony of His grace. Let’s never forget where He found us and how gently and with what immense compassion He dealt with us. This will ensure we also are moved by and in compassion for the lost.
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Let’s remember the beautiful message of the Gospel, “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.”2 Corinthians 5:19. I love this verse because it says that Christ was not counting their sins against them. Wow, God wasn't counting our sins against us when He found us; why would we count people’s sins against them? My point: Jesus’ message was not turn or burn, y’all. It just wasn't. Let's reflect Him, not religion.
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His strongest statements were given to those who judged others' thinking they were above reproach (the Pharisees). His strongest words were for those who hung a heavy burden on people desperately seeking and needing liberation. We can think we are so different from them, yet we commit the same injustice each time we miss-handle the Gospel.
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I also want to mention that Jesus’ stern words for the self-righteous were not to condemn or shame them. That is not His heart, instead to convict them out of love. Yes, He gave a strong word out of love to remove the veneer they hid behind so they, too, would be saved. He did it to save them, not to hurt them.
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Let’s remember👉🏾 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:17 and 👉🏾“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”Romans 5:6.
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Friends, Christ died for the ungodly, not the righteous. This is one of my most favorite verses. When the enemy comes with his voice of condemnation, I remember Romans 5:6. Jesus came for the sick, injured, lost, least, marginalized, even the self-righteous; He came for sinners! And He dealt with all of it, by His Blood.
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God’s unmerited favor and forgiveness are something we’ve received, and it caused us to turn towards God (repentance) and receive salvation. The message of God’s forgiveness, His goodness, brought you and me home and allows us to experience the warmth and tenderness of His embrace. This same message will continue to bring the lost into the Kingdom.
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Since we have been extended this generous gift, how could we not extend it to others, unqualified—that is without conditions?
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We live in glorious union with Christ. We get to embrace the incredible New Covenant truths as our reality: “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”Hebrews 8:12 “then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”Hebrews 10:17. How can we not share the Good News, so those who live in darkness can walk in His marvelous light?
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It is what we are called to do. We are called ministers of the reconciliation and are to point people to Jesus, allowing Him to transform them. Their journey is not ours to critique. Our responsibility is to use what we've been given, this moment and the Gospel. Now is the time; today is the day of salvation. In the ordinary aspects of our lives, let’s extend the grace of our Lord Jesus to others. Let’s do it! Let’s not focus on what people “must do” but magnify what Jesus has done. Let’s tell the world God is not counting their trespasses against them and that He loves them and allow His grace and peace to transform them. Amen🙏🏾
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. May we never forget it is and always has been the kindness of God that leads us into repentance.
Biblical Journal Prompts for your journey in the month of June.
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Reflect on Forgiveness:
How does God’s forgiveness challenge or affirm your current understanding of reconciliation? This month, consider taking time to journal about Christ’s forgiveness and your journey in Him. Consider how your experience can help you intentionally give the message of His grace to others.
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Understanding Grace:
Meditate on Ephesians 2:8-9. What does grace mean to you personally? How are you allowing God's grace to pave the way in your present season?
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Conviction Vs Condemnation:
How do you distinguish between the conviction of the Holy Spirit and condemnation of the enemy?
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God’s Love in Action:
How are you experiencing God's love daily? In what ways can you better reflect His love in the world around you?
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Reconciliation with God:
Study 2 Corinthians 5:18-20. What does being a minister of the reconciliation mean to you? How can you actively participate in this ministry in your everyday life?
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Jesus’ Approach to Sinners:
Read John 8:1-11. How did Jesus handle the situation with the woman caught in adultery? What can you learn from His approach to apply in your interactions with others?
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Transformation through the Gospel:
How has the Gospel transformed your thinking and behavior? Identify and journal areas in your life where you still need renewal, healing, and transformation.
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The Power of Repentance:
How has the goodness of God led you to repentance? Journal about this time, your experiences and what you gleaned. How can you use what you learned about Jesus as a testimony to others?
As always, endeavor to live loved as you sow seeds of truth in your heart each day!
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