Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
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.
PONDER
Consider: What motivates, compels, and controls your everyday thoughts, actions, and interactions? Is it the love of Christ?
Jesus said to His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). If you believe in Jesus, how should you live as one sent as His ambassador, given the ministry of reconciliation?
PRAY
- Father, thank you for the gospel, the good news that our sins have been forgiven and we have been reconciled to you.
- Father, we confess that in you, we are new creations. The old self is dead, crucified with Christ, and our lives are found in you.
- Father, give us a zeal and fervor to be faithful to the ministry of reconcilation that you have called us to.
- Father, help us to be obedient to take the gospel to those who don’t know you, both in our neighborhoods and throughout the nations.
- Father, prepare me to gather with my church and worship you. You are worthy! To you be the glory!
PRactice
Gather! 9:30 or 11:00am. Purpose to read, sing, pray, and give to worship our Savior and build up your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Neighbors and Nations mobilizes our church to make Jesus known beginning next door and reaching around the globe. What opportunities are in front of you to pray, give, and go for the end of gospel advancement? What people does God have in your life right now who you can pursue a gospel conversation with? View this week’s Workout along with more resources and opportunities at tcbchurch.org/neighborsandnations.
5 Practices for Gathering Well:
- Be Present – The first step to gathering well: Gather!
- Be Early – Prioritize the gathering with your time. Don’t be late. The practical discipleship of this priority can be profound for you and your family.
- Be Prepared – Ponder, pray, sing, fast, and praise are all good ways to prepare.
- Be Uncomfortable – Sit with different people. Sing loud. Challenge routines. Gather on mission.
- Be Responsive – Don’t just be hearers of the Word, be doers. Pray. Ponder. Practice. Too often we gather to affirm what we already hold, rather than be taught, rebuked, corrected, or trained in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Gather to be transformed.
- Get help and accountability in Prepare Sundays at either 9:30 or 11:00 downstairs in the adult hall. Prepare is a Go Study Group aimed to help us grow as doers of the Word by working through the next steps required to faithfully apply the biblical text we’re reading and preaching through at TCBC.