Christ Brought Peace, Unity, and Reconciliation Through the Cross

Celebrating Good Friday today. We had our first "Fath in the Workplace" with SALT network yesterday, lots of great testimonies and sharing. Jesus did not die merely to save isolated individuals. He died to reconcile enemies to God and to one another, creating one new people through His blood.

The cross:

• brought peace with God
• destroyed hostility between people
• formed one body
• and calls us to live in that peace

Christ Himself is our peace. Through His body on the cross, He reconciled us to God, broke down the walls that divided us, and formed one new people who now live under the rule of His peace.

• “For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.”
• Ephesians 2:14 (NLT)
• “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

At the cross, Jesus did far more than forgive individual sin. He created a new humanity. He removed the barriers of alienation between God and man, and between people and one another. The cross is not only the place of pardon. It is the place of peace, reconciliation, and unity.

1) Christ Himself is our peace

Paul does not merely say Jesus gives peace. He says Christ Himself is our peace. Peace is found in a Person before it is experienced as a feeling.

• Isaiah 9:6 – “And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
• John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”
• Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This means biblical peace is not just the absence of conflict. It is restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Before peace can rule in our hearts, it must first be purchased by His blood.

2) The cross reconciled us to God

Humanity’s deepest problem was not social division first. It was separation from God because of sin. Jesus solved that at the cross.

• Colossians 1:19–20 – “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things... by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ... that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.”
• Romans 5:10 – “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son...”
• 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.”

The cross ended the hostility between holy God and sinful man for all who believe. Peace with one another begins with peace with God.

3) Jesus broke down the wall of hostility between people

Paul’s language in Ephesians 2 is especially powerful because he is talking about one of the deepest divisions in the ancient world: Jew and Gentile. In Christ, that hostility was dismantled.

• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.”
• Acts 10:34–35 – “God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”
• James 2:1 – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The gospel does not erase human distinction, but it does destroy human superiority. At the foot of the cross, pride dies, boasting dies, and division loses its right to rule.

4) Jesus created one new people in Himself

Christ did not merely make peace between two hostile groups. He created something entirely new: one body, one family, one household of God.

• Ephesians 2:15–16 – “He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.”
• 1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, Jews or Greeks, slaves or free.”
• Colossians 3:11 – “Here there is not Greek and Jew... but Christ is all, and in all.”
• Romans 12:5 – “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

The church is not a collection of like-minded individuals. It is a supernatural people formed by the blood of Jesus and filled by the Holy Spirit.

5) The blood of the cross is the basis of our unity

Christian unity is not built on personality, culture, politics, or preference. It is built on the finished work of Christ.

• Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
• Hebrews 13:12 – “So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.”
• Revelation 5:9 – “For you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
• 1 John 1:7 – “The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

What race, class, tribe, language, and history could never accomplish, the blood of Jesus did. He brought near those who were far off and made them one.

6) Christ’s peace is meant to rule in the Church

The peace Jesus purchased is not just a doctrine to admire. It is a reality meant to govern our relationships.

• Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body.”
• Romans 12:18 – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
• Hebrews 12:14 – “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
• Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

“Rule” in Colossians carries the idea of an umpire or deciding authority. Christ’s peace should settle disputes, restrain fleshly division, and shape how believers relate to one another.

7) Unity is both a gift and a calling

The cross created unity, but believers are also commanded to preserve it.

• Ephesians 4:1–3 – “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling... eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
• John 17:20–23 – Jesus prayed “that they may all be one... so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
• Philippians 2:1–4 – “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
• Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

Unity is not maintained by ignoring truth. It is maintained by submitting together to Christ, walking in humility, and loving one another sacrificially.

8) The Church becomes a living witness of the cross

When hostile people become one family in Christ, the gospel becomes visible.

• John 13:34–35 – “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
• Acts 2:42–47 – The early church displayed shared life, generosity, worship, and favor before others.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:13 – “Be at peace among yourselves.”
• 2 Corinthians 13:11 – “Aim for restoration, comfort one another... live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

A divided church contradicts the message of the cross. A reconciled church displays its power.

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Christ’s Ambassadors Behind Enemy Lines

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. Ephesians 6:19–20

Paul describes himself as an ambassador in chains. This is diplomatic language set inside spiritual warfare. Ambassadors do not choose the territory. They are sent. They carry authority that is not their own. They speak on behalf of a King while standing in contested ground. 

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Representing Christ in Hostile Territory

Believers are not tourists in the world. We are envoys stationed where allegiance to Christ is resisted.

• Jesus prays not for removal, but for protection and faithfulness in the world

  I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:15–18

• The Church advances in a kingdom that collides with darkness

  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5

  Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:16-20

• Our citizenship is elsewhere, yet our assignment is here

  But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:20
  So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:20

This reframes suffering. Resistance does not mean failure. It often confirms placement.

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Speaking with Boldness and Wisdom

Paul asks for prayer not for safety, but for clarity and courage. Boldness is not volume, it's faithfulness under pressure.

• The Spirit supplies words when opposition rises

  “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” Luke 12:11–12

• Boldness flows from intimacy, not personality

  And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

  After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29–31

• Wisdom governs timing, tone, and method

  Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5–6
  

  A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.Proverbs 15:1

Ambassadors speak truth without compromise and love without fear.

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The Mission Never Pauses During Conflict

Chains did not suspend Paul’s calling. Prison became a pulpit. Conflict often becomes the platform.

• The gospel advances through adversity

  And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:12–14

• Warfare clarifies purpose rather than cancels it

  Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them...Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 

  Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 2 Timothy 2:3–4,7-9

• Faithfulness is measured in endurance, not ease

  It has come at last, salvation and power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.

  For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth the one who accuses them before our God day and night.

  And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.

  And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.

  Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!

  But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.Revelation 12:10-12

  But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13

God does not wait for peace to act. He reveals His power in the middle of the battle.

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Core Truth

Christ’s ambassadors do not retreat when opposition increases.
They stand, speak, and advance.
Not because conditions are favorable.
But because the King has already won.

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Jesus explains his body and why communion matters

 John 13:7,19,34-35,14:15-17;14:29;Luke 24:13-24;24:25-35;1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 10:1-22;11:23-32;12:12-13:3;John 2:13-25;

Jesus' explanation is LOVE one another. If you don't understand what love is, neither did his disciples. Jesus demonstrated his love for them and the command is love one another as I have loved you (John 13:7,19,34-35). 

• Jesus turns water into wine, says his resurrection is the authority (John 2)
• Crowds don't understand Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:22-40)
• Jesus the Bread from Heaven, offered to all offensive to most (John 6:41-71)

Jesus doesn't leave his followers in ignorance (Luke 24:13-24,25-35). The lives of people in the Torah and Prophets shed light on Jesus' new commandment to agape love one another.

• Abram demonstrates living by faith, Lot and Sodom a lifestyle of disaster (Gen 13-14)
• Calling on the name of the Lord is central to our faith (Gen 4:26, Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21)
• Wisdom is understanding the will of the Lord and sacrifice (altar) are linked (Eph 5:15-17, Romans 12:1-2) leading us to honest humility (Romans 12:3)
• Wisdom and grace from calling on the name of the Lord (James 1:5, 3:17; Proverbs 3:13-18)
• Principle: God’s grace in us blesses others. God’s grace equips us for spiritual victory in our lives and in the lives of others. 
• Jesus our eternal high priest, order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 4:14-5:10) - I believe Hebrews was written by one of the men on road to Emmaus.

Love, Belief and Works are hallmarks of disciples of Jesus (John 13:31-14:14)

Jesus teaches love precedes obedience and the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31)

• “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth..." - John 14:15-17
•  "I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe." - John 14:29

Paul brings clarity that we should all apply to our lives today. God's purpose in Jesus Christ is salvation from sin. Corrective, redemptive, restoring, healing, empowering, life-changing, life-giving, honoring, holistic, pure, worthy, righteous, strong, firm, imperishable, everlasting salvation from sin. 

• Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with ... malice and wickedness, but with ...sincerity and truth. - 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
• The old yeast was handed down from grandmother to mother to daughter. What family tradition do I hold onto that needs to go away? What new family tradition do I need to start, that enables us to leave malice and wickedness behind and walk-in sincerity and truth? 

1 Corinthians 10:1-22 (Paul warns about going through the motions of faith without sincerity and truth)

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry (lively and noisy festivities, especially when these involve drinking a large amount of alcohol.).” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.

Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

1 Corinthians 11:23-32 (Paul received insight in the way those on Road to Emmaus did: Scripture, fellowship, personal experience)

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13:3 (God's plan for unity in diversity)

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

... parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. .... If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

I heard an illustration that was helpful. If we are playing a basketball game and invite Lebron James onto our team. It's no longer our team, we are actually on his team. The same applies when we invite Jesus into our lives. It becomes his life. 

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Present and Future Redemption for everyone who is in Christ (Eph 1:7-10, Heb 9:15)

Eph 1:7-10, Heb 9:15, Eph 1:13-14,4:30, Luke 21:28, 1 Peter 1:18-19

Redemption means Freed by Ransom, or Released by payment

 - We are redeemed presently (freed from guilt and shame, received forgiveness of trespasses Eph 1:7)

 - True because we have believed the good news of Jesus Christ, and been sealed by the Holy Spirit (Spirit) for a future redemption that will be complete (Body and Soul).  - (Eph 1:13-14)

 - Yet our souls is impacted now by the Holy Spirit living within us (Eph 4:30, Luke 21:28). 

 - We have been ransomed from the futile ways of our ancestors. 

 - The Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). The only sin is not believing God's only Son (John 16:9) as evidenced by our attitudes and actions

 - If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. John 15:22

 - If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. John 15:24

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