A Bible-based family church in Elizabeth, South Australia

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In this transformative sermon, we delve into one of the most profound themes of the Gospel: Reconciliation. Rooted in God’s love and grace, reconciliation restores harmony in relationships damaged by sin, conflict, or misunderstanding. As believers, we are called to reflect this divine grace both vertically with God and horizontally with one another.

The Foundation of Reconciliation
The Bible teaches us that reconciliation begins with God. Through His love, He took the initiative to mend the broken relationship between humanity and Himself by sending Christ.

Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

God’s act of reconciliation was an act of pure grace.

This powerful example teaches us to take the first step toward mending broken relationships in our lives, even when it feels undeserved or unreciprocated. Just as the father welcomed the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, we are called to extend grace and seek restoration with others.

Forgiveness: The Pathway to Peace
At the heart of reconciliation lies forgiveness. Without it, relationships remain fractured and hearts stay burdened with bitterness.

Ephesians 4:32, “forgive one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Forgiveness isn’t about excusing wrongs; it’s about releasing resentment and finding freedom. It requires humility and courage, as when Corrie ten Boom forgave a Nazi guard after enduring the horrors of a concentration camp.

Are there people in your life you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? Reflect on Jesus’ words from the cross: “Father, forgive them...” (Luke 23:34).

Forbearance: Love in Action
Reconciliation also calls for forbearance—a Christ-like patience in dealing with others’ imperfections.

Colossians 3:13 “forbear one another, and forgive one another, if any man have a quarrel against any.”

Forbearance means overlooking minor offenses, practicing patience, and giving others the grace to grow. Instead of reacting in frustration, pause and consider God’s immense patience with us. Let His example inspire us to choose love over annoyance.

The Call to Be Peacemakers
As children of God, we are called to actively foster peace in our relationships, communities, and churches.

Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Peacemaking requires us to bridge gaps, resolve conflicts, and promote harmony. Consider how Abigail intervened in 1 Samuel 25, between David and Nabal through humility and tact.

What steps can you take to be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or church?

Brotherly Love: The Fruit of Reconciliation
True reconciliation produces brotherly love, creating unity and healing in the body of Christ.

Hebrews 13:1, “Let brotherly love continue.”

This love is a powerful testimony to the world of God’s transformative grace.

John 13:35, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8) and fosters forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation. How can you practice acts of kindness to build bridges and strengthen relationships today?

Reconciliation Reflects the Gospel
Reconciliation is more than a personal calling—it’s a reflection of the Gospel itself. Through Christ, God reconciled the world to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

This divine act is a witness to the world; the transformative power of grace.

Practical Steps Toward Reconciliation
Identify the Issue: Reflect on your role in conflicts and ask God to reveal areas where you need to seek forgiveness or offer it.

Seek Peace Proactively: Approach others with humility and a desire to mend
relationships.

Pray for Wisdom: First seek God’s guidance for the right words and attitude.

Forgive Intentionally: Release offenses to God and resist dwelling on past hurts.

Commit to Love: Regularly practice acts of kindness, patience, and understanding to prevent future conflicts.

A Prayer for Reconciliation
Heavenly Father, thank You for reconciling us to Yourself through Jesus Christ. Teach us to forgive as You forgive, to love as You love, and to be peacemakers in a world filled with conflict. Help us to reflect Your grace and pursue unity in all our relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

📖 Key Scriptures

2 Corinthians 5:18-20: Be ambassadors of reconciliation.
Romans 5:8-10: God’s initiative in reconciling us through Christ.
Matthew 5:9: The blessing of peacemakers.
Colossians 3:13: Forbearance and forgiveness.
Hebrews 13:1: Let brotherly love continue.

Join the Conversation
Have you experienced the power of reconciliation in your life? How has God’s grace helped you forgive or mend a broken relationship? Share your thoughts and testimonies in the comments below.

🙏 Let’s commit to being ambassadors of reconciliation, reflecting God’s love in all we do. Subscribe for more messages of hope and restoration.

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A challenge from the Book of Jonah from visiting preacher, Montaz. Nineveh was spared... Jonah 4:1  But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. 2  And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

The story of Jonah is not just about a man swallowed by a great fish; it’s a powerful narrative of grace, mercy, and the call to obedience. Jonah, a prophet of God, disobeyed his divine mission to warn the people of Nineveh of their impending doom. When Jonah told the sailors to throw him overboard during the storm, he wasn’t merely asking for salvation; he was resigning to what he believed was God’s judgment—death. Jonah knew he was guilty and accepted what he thought was the end of his story.

But God had other plans. In a dramatic turn, Jonah was swallowed by a great fish. Whether Jonah physically died or was preserved in the fish’s belly, this extraordinary act symbolises resurrection and redemption. Jesus Himself likened Jonah’s three days in the fish to His own death and resurrection, emphasising the power of God’s grace and the promise of new life.

When Jonah was spat out and given a second chance, he reluctantly fulfilled his mission, delivering the shortest, most uninspired sermon: "Forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown."

Despite Jonah’s half-hearted effort, God used his words to spark one of the greatest revivals in history. The entire city of Nineveh repented. This underscores a crucial truth: the power of God’s message doesn’t rely on the messenger’s skill but on God’s Spirit and purpose.

Jonah’s reluctance wasn’t rooted in fear but in hatred. He didn’t want the Ninevites to receive God’s grace because they were enemies of Israel, guilty of heinous acts. Yet, God’s heart is full of mercy, even for those we consider undeserving. Jonah’s story challenges us to reflect on our attitudes towards those we dislike or deem unworthy.

As Christians, we are called to extend Jesus’s grace and mercy to everyone. Just as Jesus loved and forgave sinners, we are to share His love with our communities, no matter how broken they seem. Our mission isn’t to condemn but to lead others to repentance and faith.

This story also reminds us that salvation is entirely God’s work. Faith, repentance, and redemption are gifts from God. When we stand before Him, it won’t be our deeds or merit but His grace that saves us.

Jonah’s journey shows us the depth of God’s love—not just for us but for all humanity. It’s a call to humble ourselves, extend grace to others, and rejoice in the redemption of even the least deserving. May our lives reflect the love and mercy of Jesus Christ, who came to save us all.

Let us remember: if not for God’s grace, we would be lost too.

Explore the transformative power of Jesus' humility and service in this inspiring video. Discover how Jesus, the friend of sinners, models wholehearted service and challenges us to wash the feet of others. Experience the joy of serving and find your purpose today! #Jesus #Humility #Service #Inspiration #ChristianFaith #SinnersFriend #JoyInServing #FootWashing #WholeheartedService #FaithJourney

Experience the profound teachings of Jesus in this heartfelt video. Witness the transformative power of humble service as He washes His disciples' feet, inviting you into a journey of cleansing and renewal. Discover how His love and grace can lead to true transformation. #Jesus #HumbleService #Transformation #Cleansing #BiblicalTeaching #ActsOfService #LoveAndGrace #Discipleship #FaithJourney #ChristianInspiration

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