Paul reminds us that Jesus has secured our home in heaven, as such we should reconcile the world to Him.
2 Corinthians 5: Our Heavenly Dwelling
1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,
3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.
4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened---not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;
15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 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.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Things to think about…
1. Clothing is a good thing right! But people often forget that the worst kind of nakedness is being naked spiritually in this world. Christ has given us clothing, but Paul says we are still in a tent and that we will be further clothed, so that this mortal life is overtaken by eternal life, 2 Cor 5:4. We feel vulnerable at times even though we are Christians. Those outside of Christ do not even have the most basic covering spiritually – they are as John says, “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked”, Rev 3:17
2. Would you rather be in heaven right now? I know we answer ‘yes’, but in our heart of hearts is this the truth? The lack of desire to be there is because this world has too much attraction for us. 2 Cor 5:10 gives the right context if our perspective needs some adjustment. Judgement is coming upon all of us. Better the judgement rests upon Christ on our behalf.
3. What do you brag about? As Christians we tend not to brag about anything, but Paul says the Corinthians should boast about the Apostles, 2Cor 5:12. This may seem vain on Paul’s part. But if we see something that is truly amazing in other Christians, let’s brag about it. As the Pastor of CBC I lift our congregation up all the time to others outside the church. We have a fairly incredible congregation – that’s the truth and I freely tell folks who are missing out.
4. There is so much theology in 2 Cor 5:16-21. The main point of it is that we have reconciliation back to God through Christ. We now have the righteousness of God, vs 21. A mind-blowing concept! As we have been reconciled back to God through Christ we are also now in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, 2 Cor 5:17-20. As such we are His ambassadors and are called to spread this message and reconcile the world to God, vs 20. This is why our unity should be clear and observable to all. Unity in the church must be from the heart and as such our communication needs to honour Christ while displaying the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22, 23.
5. You may think that 1 Cor 5:19 points to universalism where everyone goes to heaven. The Lord has indeed reconciled the world to Himself, but the context is they are only reconciled to God on behalf of Christ, vs 20.
6. What a wonderful exchange that has taken place on our behalf, “he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”, 1 Cor 5:21. We now have the most incredible freedom and boldness. We can come right into the Father’s presence and know that we are perfectly accepted because we are clothed with the right clothes, cf Mt 22:11, the righteousness of God.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. Ric Benson will be looking at the life of Christ in the church.
Pastor Jay has started the young adult’s life group after Sunday mornings café time. Open discussion around difficult topics and defending our faith is the focus.
Prayer Points
1. Those who are considering baptism.
2. Church finances to cover all expenses.
3. Pray for of Kids@Church, Life groups and church community days.
4. The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. Praise for the peace of Jesus to reign.
5. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday afternoons. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
6. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Many seemed helped by the message on temptation. May Christ be our example as we have freedom in Him.
2. Encouraging ministry at the combined Baptist churches at Beacon on Sunday night.
3. Tad is recovering well. Continue to pray for Glenys as she gains use in her left arm.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Life Groups Wednesday night at Church – 6:30pm. New Christians and Young Adults – Sunday after church.
2. Members meeting this Sunday after the service – 25th Feb 2024.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for February...
Q. 17. Of what were our first parents made? A. God made the body of Adam out of the ground. He formed Eve from the body of Adam.
