God in Us: The Ministry of Reconciliation

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’ For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 5:19–21

Reconciliation is at the heart of the gospel. As followers of Jesus, we should work to bring reconciliation to our world, and the church should lead the way in His name. In this passage, the Apostle Paul points us to the foundation of that work: reconciliation between humanity and God. Through Christ’s work on the cross, we can be made right with God. This is the Good News!

A few weeks ago, after preaching at Redlands The Ark Church, I invited anyone who wanted prayer to come forward. Several people came for prayer and encouragement. Gina, a member of the worship team, stepped off the stage and went back to bring her friend Shira to the front.

There were many important needs that day, but Gina shared something especially meaningful: this was Shira’s first visit to The Ark, and she wanted to accept Jesus. As we talked, I learned that Shira had walked through many difficult days and was now ready to follow Him. We prayed together, and Shira received Jesus, accepting His grace and surrendering her life to His Lordship. It was one of the most significant moments I have ever had the privilege of being part of.

In that moment, Paul’s words came to life. Gina was an ambassador for Christ, bringing her friend to Jesus. Shira received God’s grace and was reconciled to Him because of what Jesus has done. And I had the privilege of extending His invitation: “Come back to God!” There is no better report I could give you about what is happening on the Southern California Nazarene District.

I know with all my heart that moments like this are happening in many of our SoCal churches. I want us to continue focusing on what matters most. Our mission statement says it clearly: Lost and Broken People Matter to God. Lost and Broken People Matter to Us.

This year, we are highlighting moments that reflect “God in Us”—times when His presence and work are evident in our churches and in the lives of our people. I have already heard many stories of God moving in services and everyday situations, bringing honor to Christ. At recent men’s retreats, men received salvation through His power and grace. These are beautiful examples of “God in Us.”

We are praying for every church, pastor, leader, and congregation across our district. Our prayer is that we will continue proclaiming the message of reconciliation: through faith in Christ, our sins no longer count against us. Because of Him, we can truly be free!

Over the next few months, we hope to launch the Fruitful Church Initiative, coming alongside churches and pastors as we continue calling people to God. We look forward to sharing more information and updates in the months ahead.

As I write, we are preparing to gather with about 100 pastors and spouses for our annual Pastors and Spouses Retreat. Thank you for praying for our time together. We are also praying for those who are unable to attend and want you to know that you are deeply valued.

Paul’s words in Philippians 1:3–5 express my gratitude for you: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Thank you for your faithful and fruitful service in the name of our Lord Jesus. As I look across our district, I see “God in Us”!

Blessings,

Shawn Siegfreid

District Superintendent

Southern California District Church of the Nazarene