“Reconciled to God in Christ: What was God Doing on Easter?” (Billy Russell, 04/12/20)

“Reconciled to God in Christ: What was God Doing on Easter?”

                                      (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

 

“...God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself...” (2 Cor. 5:19, NAS)

 

He is risen! This is the good news of Easter. In these pandemic days our hope is found in the life-changing truth of Jesus! The resurrection of Jesus reveals the extent of the life-giving love of God for everyone!

 

Easter is... the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus!

     *literal   *bodily   *physical   *rising from the dead to life  *glorified body!

 

Resurrection evidence (5 E’s): (1 Cor. 15:4-8)

    *eyewitnesses- (reliability) dependable, consistent reports (500+ people!)

    *empty tomb- (validity) constant, authentic, conclusive witness.

    *early testimony- (veracity) trustworthy, honorable, accurate testimonies.

    *exchange- transformed lives! Jesus changes us, never to be the same!

    *empowerment- power to be and do great things for God’s Kingdom.

 

                              What was God Doing on Easter?

Easter reveals:

     1) the mind of God- mystery on display (providence)- (5:18-19, 21)

 

     2) the heart of God- reconciliation by mediation (pathos)- (5:14-15)

    

     3) the plan of God- mission strategy (praxis)- (5:18-20)

 

               Resurrection makes reconciliation possible.

               Reconciliation makes relationship possible.

               Relationship makes the ministry of reconciliation possible.

 

The power of Jesus resurrection... (5:19-20) empowers us to participate

 in the ministry of reconciliation (people encountering God’s design for life).

 

What does your life say about Easter?

     Are you reconciled with God? Be reconciled with God today!

     How you live reveals what you believe about the resurrection.

     How are you engaged in the ministry of reconciliation?

     Who needs to hear your Easter story? How will you share it?