RECONCILED TO GOD AND TO MANKIND

Ministers of Reconciliation

What are we called to do? We are all called to be ministers of reconciliation.

But you will be named the priests of Jehovah; it will be said of you, Ministers of our God; you will eat the riches of the nations, and you will revel in their glory.

(Isa 61:6)

If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

(2Ch 7:14)

And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

(2Co 5:18)

..that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.

(Joh 17:21)

What does it mean to be reconciled?

“reconciled,” katallasso means “to change, exchange, reestablish, restore relationships, make things right, move an enmity. Five times the word refers to God’s reconciling us to Himself through the life, death and Resurrection of His Son Jesus (Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:18). Whether speaking of God and man or husband and wife, katallasso describe the reestablishing of a proper loving relationship, which has been broken or disrupted.”

In examining the word reconciled, we gain a rich understanding of what real ministry is all about. In your own words, explain how the following terms relate to the quality of ministry that Jesus Christ wants us to have.

Change

Reestablish relationships

Restore relationships

Make things right

Remove enmity

Steps to being:

1. Believe the Promise of restoration—(2 Chron. 7:14 and 15)

The beginning point is to decide that the power of prayer is potentially effective to bring a saving turnaround, and that such prayer is underwritten by the Almighty Himself.

2. Love the Body (Rom. 12:3)

Mutual respect and acceptance among all God’s redeemed is essential. But this requires an end to suspicion, criticism, judgmentalism, and separatism.

3. Bless Your Enemies (Matt. 5:44)

The stance toward those opposed to our best interest as a people must be changed from one of snobbish and condescending anger to a posture of releasing, intercessory blessing.

4. Pursue Peace (Ps. 34:14; 1 Pet. 3:11)

The embracing of every ethnic group is required by the mandate of the Creator, who “has made from one blood every nation of men.” Transethnic reconciliation is God’s order.

5. Live in Purity (Phil. 2:14–15)

The Word of God, lived out by the early church, showed that the way to assert moral superiority in a corrupt culture is to shine by example, not shoot as an adversary.

6. Value Life (Prov. 31:8)

The issues of abortion and euthanasia are not political ones, but morally decisive ones. Our commitment to life is born of a respect for the Creator’s world.

7. Invade Violence (Matt. 11:12)

The living church is not an institution, but an incarnation of Jesus Christ— a seat of government in the world but not of it. The Body of Christ is called to enter Hell’s terrain, not run from its intrusions, reaching with life and love.

8. Serve the Needy (Matt. 5:16)

The ministry of the gospel involves compassion for the social need of humankind, as well as man’s spiritual need. Good works create a platform for truth to be listened to.

9. Preserve Liberty (Rom. 13:1–7; 1 Tim. 2:1–4)

Responsible exercise of our privilege as free citizens and faithful attention to our responsibilities as believing intercessors are tools to employ.

10. Demonstrate, Declare, and Dispense the Gospel of the Kingdom. (Rom. 5:20)

PRESSING INTO YOUR DESTINY

Pressing Into Your Destiny

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11).

For we are his workmanship, CREATED IN Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath BEFORE ORDAINED that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10).

For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among MANY brethren. More-over whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also GLORIFIED (Rom. 8:29-30).

The Bible further declares our destiny or destination to be the end of this race, "the end of our faith, even the salvation of your souls" (I Pet. 1:9).To press into our destiny is to press into the high calling, to press toward the mark for the prize.( Phil. 3:14)

The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of the RUNNER in the games who reaches the goal and wins the prize (1 Cor. 9:24; Phil. 3:13-14; Heb. 12:1). Moreover, the GOAL or DESTINATION of this race-our DESTINY-

THE GOAL, THE END OF THE RACE IS A PERSON! The "high (upward) calling" of Philippians 3:14 and the "heavenly calling" of Hebrews 3:1 is that each of us has been summoned forward to be like Jesus, to be conformed to His image and likeness! The Bible further declares our destiny or destination to be the END of this race-the "end" is a Person! Our INDIVIDUAL GOAL is to BECOME LIKE JESUS (see Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 2:10-11; 1 Jn. 4:17). Our CORPORATE GOAL is "THE UNITY OF THE FAITH" (Eph. 4:13 with Jn. 17:20-23), UNTIL CHRIST IS FULLY FORMED IN A PEOPLE (Col. 1:27 with 1 Cor. 12:12; Gal. 4:19; Rev. 14:1-5).

Mark 4:35-41. Jesus has commanded us to go to the other side, the realm of the SPIRIT. The MULTITUDES had to be sent away. They took Him as He WAS. There were other LITTLE SHIPS (other beliefs), but we need to stay with the one that Jesus is on! There must be STORMS and tribulation, but this ship cannot go down, through it is "full" of water. In Mark 5, we make it to the other side, and encounter the demoniac; the Woman, the bleeding Church lacking divine government; and Jairus' daughter.

OUR DESTINY IS OUR DESTINATION/ OUR DESTINY IS A PERSON (JESUS CHRIST)

DESTINY- PREDESTINED FOR WHAT?

1. DOMINION ON THE EARTH- AUTHORITY OVER CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE POWER OF THE ENEMY. GEN. 1:26

2. TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST/ MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS/ DAUGHTERS OF GOD ON THE EARTH. EPH. 1:4-5

3. ORDAINED TO DO GOOD WORKS. EPH. 2:10

4. ORDAINED IN YOUR TALENTS/SKILLS, PURPOSE/S,CALLING/S (GIFTS) JER. 1:5, 2 TIM. 8:9-10

5. TO HAVE A HOPEFUL FUTURE. JER. 29:11

6. TO FULFILL YOU DAYS ON THE EARTH. PS. 139:16

7. TO DO GOD’S WILL. HEB. 10:7, PS. 40:6-8, PROV. 16:9

8. TO MAKE YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS AND HAVE GOOD SUCCESS. JOSHUA 1:8

9. WHOLENESS IN SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY 1 THESS. 5:23

10. WALK WORTHY OF YOUR CALLING IN GOD. COL 1:10, EPH. 4:1

11. RIGHTEOUSNESS (RIGHT REALTIONSHIP), PEACE ( WHOLENESS AND SECURITY) AND JOY IN THE HOLY GHOST (FLOWING IN THE RIVER OF GOD)

12. GLORIFY GOD AND WORSHIP HIM FOREVER.

OVERCOMERS

OVERCOMERS

The word overcomer in the Greek is Nike- just do it!!

John 16:33“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

1 John 5:4For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Rev. 12:11“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

8 promises to Overcomers:

1. SALVATION

Revelation 2:7“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”

2. ETERNAL LIFE

Revelation 2:11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’

3. PROVISION, DESTINY

Revelation 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’

The overcomers who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion have "His Father's name" (the same kind of relationship that Jesus had with the Father) in their forehead. (Rev. 14:1-5; 22:4; compare 1 Cor. 1:10)!

White Stone: "To Him who overcomes... I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it."

JESUS reached into the heart of the Father and brought forth a white stone which decreed us to be innocent through His sacrifice. Upon this stone was a new name (nature) which cannot be known by any man (carnality).

4. NEW REALMS OF AUTHORITY

Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

5. RIGHTEOUSNESS, HOLINESS, FULFILLING DESTINY, AFFIRMING YOU

Revelation 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

6. IMMOVABLE, NEW NAME, BRIDE OF CHRIST

Revelation 3:12 “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

Isaiah 62:2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the Lord will name.

The New Name God Gives to Us

The Lord gives us a new name--a new identity. Our total identity is wrapped up in our association with Him. As His children, we receive this new name. In walking in the new name, we are confident and strong, knowing who we are in Him. It is about the name that He has given to us (Revelation 3:12).

We can choose to walk in our "old name" or walk in the new that God has given. It is a picture of choosing to yield to the old man or the new man created in true righteousness in holiness (Ephesians 4:24). We are partakers of the divine nature through His promises (2 Peter 1:4).

Just as Saul received a new name from the Lord, the demons recognized him by his new name, the new divine nature--not the old. This is because Paul walked in the new name and life that God had given to him.

7. A THRONE - a royal position and authority (Matt. 28:19-20). RULING AND REIGNING

Revelation 3:21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Revelation 3:21, KJV To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My THRONE (thronos - place or stately throne seat of authority, with a footstool), even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His THRONE.

Ephesians 1:20-23, KJV Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,21 FAR ABOVE ALL (rulership) principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:22 And has put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church,23 Which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all.

8. MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD

Revelation 21:7 “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

Overcomers are true sons of God and the Bride of Christ.

OPEN HEAVEN

OPEN HEAVEN

Do you know that we live in an OPEN HEAVEN? I was reading again today that when Jesus was baptized, the HEAVENS OPENED and God spoke. After this, there is no record of the heavens closing! Rather -- we see a progressive opening.

If we really understood that, all our prayers would change. All our business and churchy activities would cease. There would be no more beggarly pleading or faithless doubt. Our ideas about Spiritual Warfare would change radically.

Let the truth of an open heaven apprehend you and you into new realm of the Spirit.

Mark 7:33-35 tells us an interesting aspect of openness: "He (Jesus) took the man off by himself, put his fingers in the man's ears and some spit on the man's tongue. Then Jesus looked up in prayer, groaned mightily, and commanded, "Ephphatha! - OPEN UP!" And it happened. The man's hearing was clear and his speech plain - just like that" (MSG).

We see here that Jesus "looked up" into that already OPEN HEAVEN. He comprehended the reality of that Truth. Then, He commanded the deaf man's hearing to be likewise OPENED! Jesus called out what is in heaven upon the earth.

Beloved, let the veil be rent from our eyes that we might comprehend the nearness and nowness of the Lord and His already open heaven.

OUR CALL TO MINISTRY- A MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

WHAT IS YOUR MINISTRY? IT 'S A MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

2 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.

Hebrews 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

The Ministry of reconciliation is a more excellent ministry. It is:

1. A ministry without condemnation

(Heb 5:1-2)For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: who can bear gently with the ignorant and erring, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity;

(Compassion on the ignorant)

For Christ also once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, indeed being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit;(1Pe 3:18)

2. A ministry without prejudice

There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.(Gal 3:28)

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.(Eph 4:4-6)

3. A ministry without retaliation

Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven .Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.(Mat 5:10-12)

4. A ministry without walls

Go into all the world and preach the gospel and make disciples.

5. A ministry without profanity

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: (Isa 50:4)

SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE

6. A ministry without idolatry

Don’t be double minded

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

(2Ch 7:14)

The initiative in reconciliation was taken by God—while we were still sinners and “enemies,” Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8, 10; Col. 1:21).

Reconciliation is thus God’s own completed act, something that takes place before human actions such as confession, repentance, and restitution. God Himself “has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 5:18).

Paul regarded the gospel as “the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19). And knowing “the terror of the Lord,” Paul pleaded, implored, and persuaded people to be “reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).

Is. 61:6 But you will be named the priests of Jehovah; it will be said of you, Ministers of our God; you will eat the riches of the nations, and you will revel in their glory.

2 Chron. 7:14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Cor. 5:18 And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

John 17:24 Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me, that they may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me, for You have loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Col. 1:20 and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.

and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

(Eph 2:16)

“Reconciled,” means “to change, exchange, reestablish, restore relationships, make things right, move an enmity. Five times the word refers to God’s reconciling us to Himself through the life, death and Resurrection of His Son Jesus (Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:18). In examining the word reconciled, we gain a rich understanding of what real ministry is all about. In your own words, explain how the following terms relate to the quality of ministry that Jesus Christ wants us to have.

1. Change, mature, grow up

2. Reestablish relationships

3. Restore relationships

4. Make things right

5. Remove enmity

Be a peacemaker, be a minister of reconciliation.

WISDOM AND DISCRETION

Wisdom and Discretion - Controlling Our Tongues

Pro 24:3 through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established

Pro 9:1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars

The house of God is built by ruling, reigning and practicing wise judgment in every instance.

We find discretion mentioned in Proverbs 24:3 quoted above – ‘understanding’. This Hebrew word is also translated ‘discretion, skillfulness, prudence’. These words refer to the exercise of good judgment and common sense. Discretion involves considering the repercussions of the outcome of one’s decision and practicing caution, knowing when to speak and when to keep silent, knowing that one’s actions will bring about consequences. Discretion suggests wise self-restraint, as in resisting a rash impulse. It is a hallmark of maturity.

Wisdom and discretion were qualities which were essential to the man being released to rule. Why was discretion so important?

Pro 2:11 Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you.

Here we see that discretion provides protection. Once again in Proverbs 3 we see wisdom and discretion mentioned together:

Pro 3:21-23 My son, let not them depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life to your soul, and grace to your neck. Then shall you walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble.

Pro 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Pro 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Pro 19:11 The discretion of a man defers his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Holy Spirit wants us to learn not to speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword. He cannot trust us with authority in the spiritual realm is we are unable to control our tongues and rein them in. This is just as important when sharing revelation. A word spoken at the right moment is so good and achieves the purpose for which God gave it to you. However, if you just share revelation without discretion, you cannot be trusted with the secret things of God.

James 3 tells us that a person who can control their tongue is a ‘perfect’ man. The Greek word used here means ‘complete, of full age, mature manhood’. We have to submit to the bit being put in our mouth by the Word if we desire to be useful to Him.

FINALLY SEEING

The early church was often able to SEE and incredibly discern. Think about how they could receive revelation from Paul, even though he had murdered many Christians before his conversion. Yet, those previously potential victims were later able to give great love and affection to him.

In this way, the arising church must rightly discern the Body (1 Cor. 11:29) and connect with those whom God has sent. Their past may seem strange. But, in spite of who they might have been, God sends them now. Even this very moment, we can experience a deeper drawing from the Spirit that allows us to SEE others with "Kingdom Eyes." (Col. 1:27, 3:16, Eph. 3:17, Acts 2:4, 1 Jn. 2:27, Jn. 14:17).

THE BLIND:

Jesus gave His very first talk in the temple. Among other things, He said the "Spirit of the Lord is upon Me... to give sight to the blind." Numerous Biblical stories tell about the blind receiving sight - and going from darkness (symbol of lack of energy) into seeing variegated refractions of light. These are not just cute little Bible stories for the flannel board presentations, but they reveal accurate modes of operation and mentalities which the Lord desires for us to comprehend.

New mentalities redefine the framework of our lives.We move past private goals and selfish ambitions.

Jesus walked past this poor Gentile beggar who had been born blind and had never seen the light of day. The beggar sat near the pool of Siloam (which meant "sent," and represents the Apostolic ministry that soon awaited him).

Assuming (wrongly) that there was a direct correlation between sin and suffering, the neighbors asked Jesus: "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" (9:2) They were probably considering the common Jewish superstitions of reincarnation or the popular Pythagorean notion that concerned the transmigration of pre-existing souls from one body to another.

Notice how Jesus refused to debate their limited doctrines. He also didn't tell them how that sickness was from God to help that beggar develop his character and learn a specific lesson. He didn't teach that sickness makes people grow closer to God! He didn't suggest that God was punishing this man for an inappropriate life-style, or that the hidden meaning of his city cultivated a particular demon. NO. This beggar wasn't born blind to develop a character trait like God. Instead, Jesus dismissed their religious ideas and stopped their empty speculation. Disease, sickness, and blindness are conflicting realities with the Kingdom of LIGHT.

God works in the LIGHT.

Jesus told them it is NOW time to work (our task) the works (the labor) of God (miracles and POWER) while it is daylight (light) and not be religious. Jesus (the LIGHT of the WORLD" - Jn. 9:5) explained how the healing of this particular blindness would enable the "work of God to be revealed in his life" (9:3-5 NIV). The One who is Light spat on the dust in order to heal the beggar who had lived in continual darkness (9:6- 7).

Remember also that the name Adam meant "ground, or dirt." And notice the parallel here, how the Adamic nature is immediately transformed and able to SEE! ("Redeemed dirt" became filled with the indwelling LIFE contained in His saliva.) Blindness opposes, resists, or disagrees with the crucial ways & timing of the Kingdom.

This healing would have the momentum and spiritual force to blast the once-blind man beyond traditional mindsets and leave him mentality awakened to the irresistible possibility of unlimited sight.

(9:8-12) The second stated purpose for this healing was so that it would be a "witness to this land and people." We read how the incredulous neighbors couldn't "believe their eyes" (9:8-9). This miracle provided an observable purpose-driven advance of the Kingdom into their midst.

Most miracles of Jesus were accomplished on the Sabbath (which is the 7th day from Adam (3rd day from the cross).

(9:13-27) Immediately, the fault-finding religious leaders asked how this healing could have happened on the Sabbath (when Jews were forbidden to "work")? (Type of seventh day/third day healing.) The Pharisees tried to get the now-seeing man to denounce Jesus (9:24). But instead, he infuriated them with his first-hand testimony, "One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I SEE!" (9:25). Then... he ironically asked them if they also wanted to be Jesus' disciples (9:26-27)!

(9:28-29) Suddenly, the once-blind man became the religious instructor of the Pharisees! He fearlessly declared that they must be blind not to SEE the truth (9:30-33). With that, the Pharisees angrily excommunicated him (9:34). This man was excluded from his past routines because he no longer saw (viewed) things like he did before. There was a total separation from the previous religious system.

Warning! Finding your new in-SIGHT will also exclude you from most of your previous relationships. (9:35-41) Notice how right after Jesus explained that He was the Son of Man (9:38), there was a continued process of greater clarity of vision. Jesus explained how the light from God blinds the eyes of those who rejected it (9:39). The Pharisees were shocked: "What? Are we blind too?" (9:40). Jesus answered that because they claimed NOT to be blind, their sin (and darkness) remained (9:41).

The beggar was both physically and spiritually healed, while the physically sighted "spiritual leaders" plunged deeper and deeper into the darkness of being wise in their own eyes. This story points out that EVERYONE HAS THE potential ABILITY TO SEE INTO THE ETERNAL REALMS. But because these Pharisees were spiritually blind, they failed to discern (SEE) who Jesus really was. The eyes of their hearts (faith) were closed.

Then the eyes of THOSE WHO SEE will no longer be closed... (Is. 32:3 NIV)