[NewBeginnings2]

New Beginnings Worship Center of Pennsuaken. NJ will host a Reconciliation Conference from August 30 to September 1. Corporate prayer will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the services will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. each evening. The conference will be led by Dr. Elvin S. Ezekiel.
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The purpose of this three-day conference is to teach the power and significance of reconciliation and restoration in relationships as guided by the Holy Spirit. This is intended to be a time of brokenness and reunification. While the restoration of relationships between family members, friends and loved ones is the goal of this event, there will be no personal confrontations, or throwing off from the pulpit. There will be no brow beating or accusatory remarks. Furthermore, this service is not for fund-raising or entertainment. This is an event of love and healing for all of God’s people.

During nearly 30 years of ministry there have been many milestones to mark the years. I thank God for the many positive and rewarding events in my life. But unfortunately there were other times that were not my proudest moments. Not only did I fail God during these turbulent times, but I am also painfully aware that I was the cause of hurt and pain in many people. As a believer committed to the principles set forth in the Scriptures, I take every opportunity to repair the breech. According to the recovery paradigm, we are responsible for our actions and thus we must make amends to the people we have mistreated or offended.

With regard to the hurt we have caused others, we must recognize that the mere utterance of “I am sorry” is not enough; those words were not created from Biblical principles. Rather the Biblical paradigm requires godly sorrow followed by repentance for our wrongdoing. The words “I am sorry” are simply a phrase of convenience developed by humans to help them feel better about their actions. By not naming their specific transgressions they are not taking full responsibility for how they have hurt others. Brokenness and contriteness are prerequisites for reconciliation. However, our ability to attain this attitude directly hinges on our intentional willingness to specifically identify and confess our actions and behaviors.

I hope this posting presents a challenge that will enable you to travel on the road to reconciliation. Restoration in all your relationships, especially those in which you were chiefly responsible for the injury, is essential. Be very careful that in your efforts to reconcile you are not looking for the cheap seats. To be confronted and to seek the forgiveness of others is far more pleasing to God than choosing the path that costs us nothing.

E.S. Ezekiel
esezekiel@aol.com
New Beginnings Worship Center