MONTHLY NEWSLETTER With Rev. Dr. C. A. Onitiri (November 2023 Edition)

NOVEMBER THEME: “EMBRACING RECONCILIATION “

SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 5V16-21.

Dearly Beloved,

I welcome you all to the eleventh month of the year, the month of November. Our Scripture for the month is taken from 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.

2 Corinthians 5v16-21 reads;

“16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (KJV)

In the Bible passage above, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to view the world through a transformed perspective. He emphasizes that in Christ, old things have passed away, and all things have become new.

Through the reconciling work of Jesus, God has brought us back to Himself, not count our sins against us but imputing His righteousness to us.

EXAMPLES IN THE BIBLE

Abraham : Just as God reconciled with Abraham and counted his faith as righteousness (Romans 4:3), we too are reconciled through faith.

The Prodigal Son: The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) reflects the Father’s loving reconciliation with a wayward child.

LESSONS FOR CHRISTIANS:

In a nation as diverse and multifaceted as Nigeria, Christians find themselves navigating a myriad of challenges and complexities.

From ethnic diversity to social, economic, and religious disparities, our beloved country is a tapestry of contrasting elements.

As Christians in Nigeria, we can reflect the lessons and wisdom in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 despite our circumstances.

A Transformed Perspective. v16 :
The opening verse of this passage calls for a transformed perspective. In a nation with numerous ethnic groups, it encourages us to see beyond differences and view one another through the lens of God’s grace. We are called to recognize that, regardless of our backgrounds, in Christ, we are one family.

The Ministry of Reconciliation. vs17-18
Nigeria is a nation marked by divisions, both social and economic. These verses remind us of the vital “ministry of reconciliation.” Christians are called to exemplify this ministry in a society that often experiences conflict along these lines. Our duty is not only to reconcile ourselves to God but also to extend reconciliation to our fellow citizens.

Ambassadors for Christ. Vs 19-20
In a country with varying religious beliefs, Christians are Christ’s ambassadors, representing Him to a diverse populace. We should reflect His love and forgiveness, urging others to be reconciled to God. It’s a message of unity that can transcend religious differences and bring about understanding and harmony.

The Atonement of Christ. v21
Nigeria grapples with economic disparities and challenges. In a nation where many are marginalized, the atonement of Christ is a message of hope. It offers the promise of forgiveness, grace, and righteousness, regardless of one’s economic or social status. This message can inspire Christians to address economic injustices and help those in need.

As Christians in Nigeria, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 is a guide for our response to the complexities of our nation. It reminds us of our calling to be agents of reconciliation, unity, and hope.

We are tasked with bridging ethnic, social, and economic gaps and demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s atonement.

In the midst of Nigeria’s challenges, let us draw inspiration from these verses to foster understanding, forgiveness, and unity. As we engage with diverse communities and circumstances, may the message of reconciliation found in these verses become a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in our nation.

SUMMARY

In this new month, let us remember that God’s love and grace have reconciled us to Himself. As we influence our nation Nigeria and the world, may we reflect His love and forgiveness, leading others to experience the same transformation.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for Your abounding grace and the reconciliation made possible through Christ Jesus.

Lord, as we navigate this month, we ask for wisdom and strength to fulfill our role as Children of reconciliation, sharing the message of hope. We pray for Your healing and a New Beginning for our nation Nigeria

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Shalom!