Slices
Prepare
Remember those who had a role in your journey to faith. Perhaps send a message to them, thanking them for sharing the gospel with you.
Bible passage
The ministry of reconciliation
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are ‘out of our mind,’ as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
6 As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,
‘In the time of my favour I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.’
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.
Explore
Reconciled to God after meeting the risen Jesus, Paul was then appointed as an agent of that reconciliation (vs 18,19b). Intending to please the Lord (v 11; 5:9,10), Paul will offer it to everyone. He’s nothing less than Christ’s mouthpiece, the minister through whom God’s chosen to appeal (v 20). We can all be Christ’s mouthpiece in our contexts – what does that look like for you?
Christ’s sacrifice (v 21) means that God intends no longer to count our sins against us. Taken with the resurrection, this is the dawning of a new creation (v 17), which all are invited to (vs 18,19).
But as real as the new creation is – no less real and present than the resurrection – reconciliation still has to be received. Gospel ministry is the way people are invited to say ‘Yes’ to God. So, compelled by Christ’s love (v 14), Paul begs the Corinthians on Christ’s behalf not to turn their backs on the righteousness given to them through grace (vs 20b,21). Listening to the false teachers would mean effectively refusing the message of reconciliation, meaning they’d accepted the gospel to no purpose. This, Paul begs them not to do (6:1). How are we agents of reconciliation?
Respond
Prayerfully reflect on the people around you who don’t know Jesus. Pray for them to receive the gospel. Ask the Spirit how you could be Christ’s ambassador to them.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Nehemiah 3,4; Luke 6
Pray for Scripture Union
So, What Next? is a resource for children and young people who have made decisions to follow Jesus. Pray that the three different age-related publications (from age five to teenage) will help readers develop a growing relationship with Jesus.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
Starting secondary school is more than new classrooms and new friends. It’s a season of growth, challenge and discovery. For some children, it’s exciting. For many, it’s overwhelming. And for all, it’s a defining moment.
That’s why It’s Your Move exists – to help children step into this new chapter with faith, courage and confidence.
For over 25 years, this trusted guide has supported more than 2.5 million children, offering practical advice, emotional guidance and encouragement rooted in Christian values.
Practical guidance you can trust.
Inside this 80-page guide, children will find:
✅ Real stories from pupils who’ve trusted God and themselves during the transition
✅ Guidance on friendships, confidence, homework and facing fears like bullying
✅ Space to reflect, pray and process emotions
✅ Encouragement and hope rooted in scripture
This isn’t just a book – it’s reassurance in their backpack.
Plus, every purchase includes instant access to:
✅ Student experience videos
✅ Assembly & lesson plans
✅ Creative tools to help children process the move
Secondary school is coming whether children feel ready or not. Let’s make sure they step forward grounded in faith, guided by hope and prepared with practical wisdom.
Get your copy here.
