Ministers of Connection Where there is the production of specific items, there are many different roles that make that production possible. From design, to fabrication, assembly, maintenance, repair, human resources, sales, etc – every person associated with the company is in some way directly responsible for getting that product to the ones who will use it. Though each one has a different function, they are collectively responsible for the quality and quantity of whatever it is. There is this new massive structure right next to the turnpike and just north of the airport. The last time I passed that location I couldn’t help noticing its size and wondering what it could possibly be, until I saw the exit sign for “Tesla Rd”. It’s the new plant where electric cars will be designed, assembled and placed on the road. Each of the thousands employed there will have the same goal and purpose – the production of electric cars. Though widely divergent in their roles, each will function with the same vision and focus, and be able to claim that they “build electric cars”. As we discover and receive new life in Christ, there is this incredible forming of a new creation that is no longer disjointed and separate from its original purpose. Connecting to the heart of God, we join together with His body in fulfilling His vision and passion. Though it will look somewhat unique in each of us, our purpose is united in sharing this same opportunity to a world that is disconnected and lost. New Life in Christ is the production focus that connects each of us together. The resource for producing this right standing with our perfect and uncompromising God is far from the condemnation and separation that some might expect. It is His empowered goodness that is utilized by each of us to draw people to accept this life and become a sharer of it as well. As a part of His body we can each claim to be a “Minister of Connection”, making a way for unity with the Father by sharing of His goodness and mercy. Notes Jesus’ passion - unity John 17:23 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Ministers of Connection 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 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. Go preach good news Mark 16:15 15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Hearts are drawn to goodness Psalms 27:13 13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Psalms 31:19 19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! Psalms 65:11 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance. Psalms 107:8-9 8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness. Good news John 3:16-17 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Goodness over judgment Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Overcoming power of goodness Romans 12:21 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Repentance through goodness Romans 2:4 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Good news – connection; severity for choice of separation Romans 11:22 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. Gospel – salvation power Romans 1:16 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Ministers of Connection/Goodness/Power/Salvation 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Overview: Jesus’ passion is for our unity showing the Father to the world. In Christ we’ve been reconciled to God and given the ministry of reconciliation/connection. Our greatest resource to effectively go is the good news – saved from perishing. It’s the goodness of God that draws people to repentance. There is power in His goodness for full salvation in every aspect of life. Prayer: I am so very grateful for Your goodness that has drawn me out of the world and into unity with You and Your body. I present myself now to be obedient to Your calling of me as a minister of connection. Equip me by Your Spirit to share the power of Your goodness to a world in darkness. Declarations: I am loved and cared for by the goodness and mercy of my God. In Him I now live and move, connected to the heart of God and separated from any condemnation. The goodness of God empowers salvation in all areas of my life. I am called and enabled as a minister of God’s goodness to bring them into connection with Him.