Scriptures to Read and Ponder
Main Teaching Passage
Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV)
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.”
Other Key Scriptures from the Sermon
• Psalm 24:7-10 – Lift up your heads, O gates! The King of Glory enters!
• John 8:31-32 – The truth will set you free.
• Romans 8:7 – The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God.
• Philippians 4:7 – The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds.
• Leviticus 1:3 – The sacrifice must be without blemish.
• Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
• Romans 8:33 – Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?
• John 1:29 – Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
• Mark 16:15 – Go into all the world and preach the gospel.
Sermon Recap
1. Recognizing Past Alienation
• Before Christ, we were alienated from God (Col. 1:21).
• Greek word: ἀπαλλοτριόω (apallotrioō) – to be estranged, excluded, foreign.
• Life before salvation is like being locked outside our own home—distant, lost.
• Paul reminds us: “Once you were…” – every believer has a BC (Before Christ).
• Personal Testimony: Pastor John’s story of discovering truth in a Gideon’s Bible.
2. Understanding Our Reconciliation
• Through Christ’s physical death, we have been reconciled (Col. 1:22).
• The word reconcile means: to restore harmony—like repairing a broken relationship.
• Results of Reconciliation:
• Holy in His sight – Set apart for God’s purposes.
• Without blemish – Spotless, like an Old Testament sacrifice.
• Free from accusation – No condemnation! (Rom. 8:33)
• Illustration: The courtroom scene—Christ’s blood stamped “PAID IN FULL” on our record.
3. Remaining Steadfast in Hope
• Colossians 1:23 – The key phrase: “If you continue in your faith…”
• The Gospel is not just a one-time experience; we are called to remain grounded.
• Illustration: Adoption – A child immediately belongs to a family but grows into the identity.
• Call to Action: Don’t drift from hope—stay rooted in Christ.
Memorable Quotes
“Every believer has a BC (Before Christ) and an AD (After Christ).”
“Your life is stamped ‘PAID IN FULL’ by the blood of Jesus!”
“Reconciliation is not just God bringing us close—it’s Him making us new.”
“To be holy is to be set apart for special use, just like fine china on a special occasion.”
“We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners.” – H.A. Ironside
Questions for Discussion
Personal Reflection
1. Can you identify your own “Before Christ” (BC) and “After Christ” (AD) moments?
2. How has understanding reconciliation changed the way you see yourself?
Group Discussion
3. Alienation from God – Why do people feel disconnected from God even when He is near?
4. Holiness and Purity – What does it mean to be “without blemish” before God?
5. Steadfast in Faith – How do we remain unwavering when life gets difficult?
Practical Application
6. What are some ways we can demonstrate reconciliation in our relationships with others?
7. How can you remind yourself daily that you are free from accusation in Christ?
📚 Further Reading
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – We are new creations in Christ; ambassadors of reconciliation.
• Ephesians 2:12-16 – Christ broke the wall of hostility and made us one.
• Hebrews 10:19-23 – We can approach God with full assurance because of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Romans 5:8-11 – While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
• N.T. Wright – Colossians for Everyone (Book Recommendation).
🙏 Prayer Points
1. Gratitude for Reconciliation – Thank God for reconciling us through Christ.
2. Living Holy and Blameless – Ask for strength to walk in purity and purpose.
3. Freedom from Accusation – Declare victory over condemnation and guilt.
4. Remaining Steadfast – Pray for endurance in faith and trust in God’s promises.
5. A Heart for the Lost – Ask God to give you opportunities to share the message of reconciliation.
Final Encouragement
Church, let’s live in the power of reconciliation! Your past is covered, your present is transformed, and your future is secured in Christ. Stay grounded, remain steadfast, and proclaim the Gospel!