Start with Love

Colossians 1:21–23 NKJV

21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

2 Corinthians 5:18–21 NKJV

18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

reconciliation (act) katallage; n. — the act of reestablishing of friendly relations after disagreement or enmity.

impute: logizomai; to credit v. — to attribute or reckon as an asset in someone’s (financial) account.

Colossians 2:13–14 NKJV

13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Why does the gospel offer so much hope?

the very thing that keeps people from God, their own sin, is the thing dealt with by the gospel. God doesn’t impute sins to those who are in Christ.

The question is: are you in Christ. Not do you like God, not do you go to church, are you in Christ?

What outsiders need to understand is not God’s anger. Every manmade religion has that. The thing that’s so unique is God’s plan of reconciliation. He doesn’t impute them our own sins, that we committed, to us.

What outsiders need is to be reconcilied. All they need to undestand is: who does God reconcile to Himself? Is everyone reconciled?

He doesn’t call us to be perfect, He calls us to be in Christ.

There’s such a big difference between liking God, wanting heaven, or going to church, and being “in Christ.” Is your life in Christ? or are you ignoring Him? Can you ignore Him and be in Him? Can you reject His teachings and be in Him? Can you not have a personal relationship with Him and be in Him?

God is more concerned with a relationship with you, than He is fulfilling a list of requirements.

The relationship takes care of the rest.

With God, you start with Love. You learn about Him, that produces love, and love produces obedience. Starting with obedience will kill your walk with Him, will make you feel unworthy all the time.

What is the relationship God is after?

To answer, we look at, why did God send His son?

Galatians 4:3–7 NKJV

3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

God is not simply after a “relationship.” You can call what you have with the people in your office that you walk by their desk everyday and you know nothing but their name a relationship. You can say you have a relationship with your classmates that you never talk to.

God wants to adopt you. That’s what He’s after. He wants to be your father. And He’s not a deadbeat dad. He’s not an absentee father. He’s an ever-present, good Father. He delights in imparting wisdom and lessons to you. He delights in talking to you, getting to know you, and making Himself available to be known by you.

For everyone who refuses to humble themselves and acknowledge they need to know God more:

John 14:15 NKJV

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.