A Zone Layers 3
THE A-ZONE LAYERS OF THE ATONEMENT SPHERE: AFFIRMATION
Affirmation is our next A-zone layer.
ATONEMENT SPHERE LINK.
The Biblical root words for atonement are synonymous with “Reconciliation” - you can find all the Biblical usage details HERE
Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.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. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 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.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. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. - 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
We have been given the ministry of reconciliation:
Reconciliation = restoration, the reunion - the bringing back together, mending of a relationship or thing to wholeness. When a bone breaks - if the right things are done and it’s set right, it will reconcile itself and grow back stronger!
As we all know - here at Megamorphic we are about TRANSFORMATION - ever growing, every strengthening, ever transforming. To affirm means “to make strong” - Affirmation is vital to our ministry of reconciliation!
THE AFFIRMATION ZONE
If you want to go deep into what this really means (and I suggest you'd be nuts if you didn't want to), we have a really GREAT resource called "Create to Relate Bible Foundations". Session 1 sets up this premise brilliantly.
Relationship, relationship, relationship
WE NEED TO AFFIRM OURSELVES
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord - Ephesians 5:19
WE NEED TO AFFIRM ONE ANOTHER
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. - Colossians 3:16
WE NEED TO AFFIRM GOD
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. - Isaiah 43:7
Worship God with Gladness, know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture - Psalm 100:2-3
Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation - Psalm 111:1
THREE KEYS TO GREAT AFFIRMATION
1. WORDS ARE IMPORTANT
A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. - Proverbs 18:20-21
But beware of flattery!
A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. - Proverbs 26:28
For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. - Ezekiel 12:24
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness - 1 Thessalonians 2:5
2. LIFESTYLE IS MORE IMPORTANT
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. - James 1:22-23
But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. - Matthew 21:28-32
3. GOD'S WORD AND TESTIMONY ARE MOST IMPORTANT
and are a key to the optimum affirmation lifestyle.
WORD
So then faith comes be hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - Romans 10:17
If we don't have a word from God about any given matter, what are we putting our faith in?
The Word of God is our sustenance!
Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.
- Jeremiah 15:16-18
Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope - Psalm 119:116
The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness;
You will sustain him on his sickbed. - Psalm 41:3
TESTIMONY
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. - Revelation 12:11
And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. - Revelation 19:10
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God - 1 Corinthians 1:18