Free Your Foundation in Christ (Victory Series Book #3): Live By the Power of the Spirit by Neil T. Anderson Page B

against them, because what they do is just symptomatic of the real problem: their separation from God.
    The message of reconciliation always begins with God, but it encompasses the relationships we have with others. It begins with God because any attempt to unite members of the fallen human race on any basis other than Christ has always failed. When we are reconciled to God, we become brothers and sisters in Christ, and that is the basis for our unity. The Body of Christ will remain fragmented as long as we associate purely on the basis of human reason, race, and religion.
    The basis for Christian unity is our common heritage in Christ. That is why Paul exhorts us, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:2–6).
    The possibility of being reconciled to God and others originates with Him, not humanity. We must personally choose to be reconciled to God by faith, but it is universally inclusive. We must voluntarily receive reconciliationas a gift and voluntarily share it as a ministry. The message has been entrusted to humankind to be delivered to all, but it is owned and accredited by God. It achieves what otherwise is impossible and is gratefully experienced by all those who have received it. It is the greatest gift that one can receive, yet it is meant to be given away.
    How are the three offerings mentioned in Leviticus 3:1–17 fulfilled under the New Covenant?
        
    Why must reconciliation begin with God before we can be reconciled to others?
        
    What is the basis for Christian unity? What hinders that unity from being realized in churches and denominations?
        
    How have you been personally reconciled to God?
        
    On what basis can you now be reconciled to others?
        

    Can you see how great God’s love is for us? Who was the offended party? He was. Who took the first steps toward reconciliation? He did. Some will say that He sent the Son in His place, but this is a misunderstanding. Christ did not come apart from the Father who sent Him. They were both involved together in the work of reconciliation.
    John Chrysostom (AD 347–407)

2 Be at Peace With Each Other
    Mark 9:42–50
    Key Point
    Reconciliation occurs when repentance and forgiveness removes the enmity that exists between two parties.
    Key Verse
    If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
    Romans 12:18
    W hen Jesus finished His work on earth, He went to be with the Father. The eternal purpose of God is now being worked out through the Church empowered by the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 3:10–11). As children of God, we are the salt and light of the world (see Matthew 5:13–16). We have no light in and of ourselves, but we have the life of Christ within us (see John 1:4). Light does not produce life; rather, the eternal life of God produces light.
    Our purpose is to glorify God in our bodies. The glory of God is a manifestation of His presence. Therefore, we glorify God when we manifest, or make known, to others the life of Christ within us. Bringing light into a dark world is what makes life meaningful. It doesn’t matter what size our light is, because there is not enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one small candle. The truth spoken in love always shines through the darkness.
    It has been said that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. That may be true, but you can create a powerful thirst by putting salt in their oats. Salt enhances the flavor of life. When unbelievers see the children of God living a liberated life in Christ, they can’t help but want what they have. Salt also acts as a preservative against the evil forces that