THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 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. 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. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.
You see, God has given all Christians the ministry of reconciliation; and he has given us the word of reconciliation which is the gospel of Christ. We are also Christ's Ambassadors. We are to tell the world about Jesus, our wonderful Savior. We are to continue the work of Christ throughout the world until He returns.
I do not own this ministry. If you are a new creature in Christ, you are already a partner in this wonderful ministry. Tell everybody you see about Jesus.
God has given us a wonderful gift of the internet. My messages have already been heard around the world. yours can be heard too. The fact that we are speaking in this manner is proof of the powerful reach of the internet. Go tell it on the mountain, shout it from the rooftops. Start where you are. There are people everywhere that need to hear about Jesus. God has promised He will be with us.

WATER BAPTISM EXPLAINED, JESUS WAS OUR PROXY
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4.
How many of us understand the true meaning of the rite of baptism? Baptism is symbolic of death, burial and resurrection; more correctly, death to an old way of living in sin, burial by submersion in water, and born again to a new life of holiness. Baptism does not save us; but it is an outward sign of an inward change of heart, after we have believed and been saved. In other words, baptism is the illustration of being born again as Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:5-6.
 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Being born of water is the natural birth in the flesh. Being born of the Spirit is the spiritual rebirth without which Jesus said no man could enter the kingdom of God.
Jesus’ own baptism signified that he was going to die for the sins of all men and his resurrection from the dead signified that all who believed in him would also be raised from the dead. He was our proxy; or the one who took our place on the cross.
Baptism is also a demonstration of the new birth. A person must demonstrate his baptism and his new birth by living a new life of faith and holiness before others. Our lives must show proof that we are born again.
The apostle Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.


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HOW ARE WE USING OUR TALENT
Jesus said, “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” Matthew 25:14-15.
It must be understood that a talent here is a God-given investment in us; it is not any special natural talent that we can contribute ourselves. Whatever talent we may have, it is a gift from God and we are to use it for the glory of God; and not for personal glory or worldly gain. Even our natural talents, be they music, acting, or sports, we can use them for the glory of God; and for the benefit of people other than ourselves.
In Luke’s version of this parable, Jesus added, “Occupy till I come.” We are to work or occupy by using our talent until the Lord returns. He gave to every man according to his several ability. Several ability means according to a person’s own ability, or separate or private ability. It is obvious, from the parable, that God knows that all men have varying abilities; and God knows every man’s abilities.
I believe also that God knows our abilities as His servants; and I believe that was the reason He gave one servant five and another two and another one. Please notice that we contribute nothing to our assignment but our own ability to use whatever is given us.
Jesus said, “Occupy till I come.” We have to work or labor till he comes. We are not to quit because He delays his coming. We are to work at our assignment as if he were watching our every move, because He is.
The Bible says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29. That term, without repentance, as used here, means irrevocable, or not to be repented of or changed. Once we have received the gifts or the calling of God, we have them for the rest of our life. When Isaiah received the call to be a prophet, he asked the Lord for how long.
Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate. Isaiah 6:9. In other words, Isaiah was to preach until there was no one left to preach to. God is not prone to changing His mind.
The variation in the number of talents given to each servant made no difference in the responsibilities expected of each servant. The one that had received one talent was to be just as responsible as the others. Each was expected to put his talent to use in the right way so the Lord would get a return on His investment. As the number of talents given to each servant varied, likewise the returns would also vary. The variation in the number of talents may also be applied to the type of talents given to each servant. God doesn’t give everybody the same talents or gifts.
1 Corinthians chapter 12 tells us, But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27-30
Every Christian should find himself or herself somewhere in that list. Everybody in the church, the Body of Christ, is somewhere in that list. If you are not found in that list, you may not be a member of the Body of Christ; and you need to repent and seek God’s forgiveness. Then He will give you a talent or gift to use for Him. Every Christian has a duty to perform other than just warming a church pew. We are to let our light shine so it may give light to all. We are to go and tell others about Christ for Christians are His ambassadors.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.
If we are a Christian, we are a new creation in Christ; and our life is all about God now and about Christ. He has given unto us the ministry of reconciliation; and that is our one talent, or gift that is everybody’s duty. Let us not be wicked and slothful and cast into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.
​This is one talent or gift that is given to every Christian. Use it!!!