Sermon Synopsis for March 7, 2010

“Carry Your Cross Challenge: We Reconcile with God at the Cross”
Colossians 1:15-23

Wow! Have you heard the news? They’re talking about reconciliation in Washington D.C.!
Oops! Unfortunately they’re talking about a political procedure that forces, contrives and imposes. Most of all, it’s the complete opposite of true reconciliation, deep division.

In the Bible, another word for reconciliation is “peacemaking process”

This is Jesus’ specialty – reconciliation.

THE PROBLEM
People who don’t know Jesus have a problem.
Today’s scripture (v.21) says they are people like you and I, who know Jesus, used to be:

Alienated from God = made into an alien (foreigner, outsider). Think how difficult it is for a new person in your school, community, work, or even church, to feel they are a part of things.

Enemies of God (in your way of thinking) because of bad things you do. You think that God must not like you because of the bad things you do. (Some guys think – “she could never like me because … I’m such a jerk, I’m so ugly, etc.”) That’s the way many people think about God. God could never like me … I do such bad things; my life isn’t worthy, etc.

Jesus can solve this problem, specifically through his death (v.22) and blood, shed on the cross (v.20). The cross brings reconciliation with God. Because of Jesus’ cross, we are reconciled with God.

WHO IS JESUS? The world is still trying to figure out Jesus.
Who is this guy who asked his disciples to carry their cross?
Who is this guy who carried a cross himself?
Who is this guy?

We aren’t the first to ask this question.
Disciples in boat: Who is this, he commands the wind and the waves to obey him? (Mk 4:41)
Pharisees & teachers of the law: “Who is this who speaks blasphemy? Only God can forgive sin.” (Luke 5:21)
Jesus entered Jerusalem: the whole city asked, “Who is this?” (Mt. 21:10)
Pilate: “Who are you Jesus?” (John 18)

Jesus allowed people to figure out for themselves who he was.
And once they “got it” nothing could change their mind.

JESUS RESUME (see this blog entry) What if our associate pastor search committee received this?
Here’s the “kicker,” he works for free! But it costs everything you have.

Look at verses 15-18 – this is an impressive resume
1. “image of God” – true creation (in Genesis humans were created in the image of God)
2. “firstborn / lord over all creation” – as a firstborn son, Jesus has the authority
3. Head of the body / the church

In verse 20 – Jesus’ job = reconcile / make peace  for “all things” “all creation”

LET US UNDERSTAND THIS TYPE OF RECONCILIATION
It is Reconciliation between powerful (God) and weak (us). How would you reconcile differences between USA and the country of Grenada (Caribbean country 133 sq. mi. and 90k residents)? It should be easy to reconcile the differences between these two. The USA tells them how it should be and Grenada agrees to obey.

The same with God reconciling with you and me?
It would be easier for God not to seek to reconcile – God could simply dominate and order us to obey, and we would have little recourse except to do what God says.

The scripture says that God reconciled himself with us / made peace with us – through Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross. God sent Jesus. (Phil 2: 6-8) God let go of his power to meet us as equals – people whose life also leads to death. And in doing so, God brings us true reconciliation with him. God made the first step - Jesus died on the cross for our sins / we respond by asking forgiveness.

APPLICATION
What does this have to do with us?
We are part of “all things” and “all creation”
Go back and read verses 15 to 22. Replace the phrase “all things” and “all creation” you’re your name. That’s the relationship God wants with you.