Reconciliation
In this message, Stephen emphasizes the importance of reconciliation, both with God and with fellow believers. He reminds us that God took the first step in reconciling us to Himself through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. As recipients of this undeserved grace, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, extending the same forgiveness and love to others.
Stephen highlights the seriousness of offenses and emphasizes the need to settle any controversies with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ. He stresses the importance of forgiveness, urging us to forgive as God has forgiven us. He reminds us that unforgiveness hinders our fellowship with God and with one another.
Drawing from James 5, Stephen encourages confession and prayer for one another, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. He concludes by urging us to examine our hearts and ensure that there are no controversies or enmity within the family of God, but rather a spirit of love, forgiveness, and unity.
Outline:
- God's Initiative in Reconciliation
- Our Call to be Ambassadors of Reconciliation
- The Seriousness of Offenses
- The Importance of Forgiveness
- Confession and Prayer for One Another
- Maintaining Unity and Fellowship in the Body of Christ
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
