The Ministry of Reconciliation
The Ministry of Reconciliation
Pastor Huffman
2 Corinthians 5:18-21
Discussion Questions with Suggested Answers*
I. God is the Author of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18a, 19a, 21)
1. What does it mean that “all things are of God” in the context of reconciliation?
o Suggested Answer: It means that God is the source and initiator of reconciliation. The plan to restore humanity to Himself didn’t start with us—it began with God. He acted first, through Christ, to repair the broken relationship.
2. How does the story of Joe Avila and the Wall family illustrate biblical reconciliation?
o Suggested Answer: Joe, who caused great harm, was shown undeserved forgiveness and love. This mirrors how God extends forgiveness to us, even though we are the ones who sinned against Him. Just as the Wall family pursued reconciliation with Joe, God pursues us.
3. What does verse 21 mean when it says Christ was “made to be sin for us”?
o Suggested Answer: Jesus, though sinless, bore the punishment for our sins as our substitute. This “Great Exchange” means He took our guilt, and in return, we receive His righteousness before God.
4. How is reconciliation with God different from human efforts in other religions or worldviews?
o Suggested Answer: In most religions, people strive to appease their deity. Christianity teaches the opposite: God initiates reconciliation by sacrificing His Son. It is grace, not human effort, that restores the relationship.
II. Christians Are Ambassadors of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18b–20)
5. What does it mean to be an “ambassador for Christ”?
o Suggested Answer: It means we are representatives of Jesus to the world. Like political ambassadors represent their country’s interests abroad, Christians represent Christ’s message and character wherever they go.
6. What is the “word of reconciliation” that believers are entrusted with?
o Suggested Answer: It is the message of the gospel—that through Jesus, people can be reconciled to God. We are to share the truth that forgiveness, restoration, and righteousness are found in Christ alone.
7. How should being an ambassador influence your daily interactions at work, school, or home?
o Suggested Answer: It should lead us to live with integrity, show grace, and be intentional about pointing people to Jesus through our words and actions. We should be aware that how we live reflects on Christ.
8. What does verse 20 mean when Paul says, “we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God”?
o Suggested Answer: Paul is appealing to people as if Christ Himself were pleading through him. It shows the urgency and importance of responding to the gospel and being restored to God.
III. Christians Act in the Ministry of Reconciliation (B.L.E.S.S. Framework)
B – Begin with Prayer
9. Why is prayer foundational in the ministry of reconciliation?
o Suggested Answer: Prayer invites God to work in hearts and opens doors for gospel conversations. We depend on God’s power, not just our efforts, to change lives.
L – Listen with Care
10. How does listening show Christ-like love to others?
o Suggested Answer: Listening communicates that we value people. Jesus often listened and asked questions, showing compassion and drawing people into deeper relationship.
E – Eat Together
11. Why is sharing a meal such a powerful act of gospel ministry?
o Suggested Answer: Meals create a relaxed, relational environment where people open up. Jesus used meals to connect with sinners and build relationships that led to transformation.
S – Serve with Love
12. How does serving others reflect the heart of reconciliation?
o Suggested Answer: Jesus came to serve and give His life for us. When we serve, we imitate Him and show His love in tangible ways, breaking down barriers and opening hearts.
S – Share Your Story
13. How has God reconciled you to Himself personally?
o Suggested Answer: (Allow group members to share testimonies. Encourage them to reflect on their salvation story, when they came to faith, and how God has changed their lives.)
14. Who in your life might need to hear the message of reconciliation this week?
o Suggested Answer: Encourage participants to name someone specific—family member, coworker, friend—and commit to praying for them and looking for an opportunity to share.
Personal Application
15. Which part of the B.L.E.S.S. strategy do you find most challenging—and how can you grow in that area?
o Suggested Answer: This answer will vary. Help members encourage each other and offer practical ideas for taking the next step, such as setting a prayer reminder, inviting someone to coffee, or volunteering together.
*Slightly edited version of discussion questions and answers provided by ChatGPT based on Pastor Huffman’s sermon text. Accessed 05/16/25.
