Ambassadors for Christ: Embracing an Unshakable Kingdom

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound calling to be ambassadors for Christ, emphasizing the importance of representing the unshakable kingdom of God in a world that often feels unstable and uncertain. Reflecting on Hebrews 12:28, we are reminded that our hope should not rest in earthly leaders or nations, but in the eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken. This perspective challenges us to shift our focus from worldly concerns to our divine calling as representatives of Christ.

We delved into the historical context of empires like Babylon, Assyria, and Rome, which once seemed invincible but are now mere footnotes in history. This serves as a powerful reminder that earthly powers are temporary, while God's kingdom endures forever. As ambassadors, our allegiance is to heaven, and our mission is to embody the values of our heavenly kingdom in our daily lives.

To effectively represent Christ, we must cultivate three key attributes: thankfulness, strength, and unshakability. Being thankful is a conscious choice that transforms our perspective and aligns us with God's will. It is not merely about expressing gratitude for material blessings but recognizing God's presence and provision in every circumstance. Strength, on the other hand, is not about relying on our own abilities but drawing from the power of Christ. In a world that often feels overwhelming, we are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's strength to sustain us.

Finally, being unshakable means having a steadfast faith that remains firm despite life's challenges. It is about trusting in God's sovereignty and finding peace in His promises. This unshakable faith is not about achieving perfection but about being anchored in God's truth, allowing us to be a calm presence in the midst of life's storms.

As we strive to be faithful ambassadors, we are reminded that our lives are a testimony to the world. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the hope and peace found in Christ, drawing others to Him. Let us embrace this calling with gratitude, strength, and an unshakable faith, knowing that we represent a kingdom that will never be shaken.

Key Takeaways:

- Eternal Perspective: Earthly kingdoms and leaders are temporary, but God's kingdom is eternal. Our hope should be anchored in the unshakable kingdom of God, not in the transient powers of this world. This perspective helps us navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and peace. [02:55]

- Thankfulness as a Choice: Being thankful is a deliberate choice that transforms our outlook and aligns us with God's will. It is not dependent on circumstances but is a reflection of our trust in God's provision and faithfulness. This attitude of gratitude sets us apart as ambassadors of Christ. [08:59]

- Strength in Christ: True strength comes from relying on Christ, not our own abilities. In a world that often feels overwhelming, we are called to stand firm in our faith, drawing from the power of God to sustain us. This strength is attractive and draws others to the hope we have in Christ. [16:42]

- Unshakable Faith: An unshakable faith is rooted in trust in God's sovereignty and promises. It allows us to remain steadfast in the face of life's challenges, providing a calm presence in the midst of storms. This faith is not about perfection but about being anchored in God's truth. [24:31]

- Ambassadors of Hope: As ambassadors for Christ, our lives are a testimony to the world. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the hope and peace found in Christ, drawing others to Him. We are called to represent Christ well, embodying the values of His kingdom in our daily lives. [36:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:53] - Introduction and Purpose
- [02:14] - Misplaced Hope in Earthly Leaders
- [02:55] - Historical Empires and Eternal Kingdom
- [04:22] - Our Role as Ambassadors
- [05:24] - Representing Christ in Daily Life
- [07:07] - The Nature of Jesus
- [07:48] - Tools for Representation
- [08:59] - The Power of Thankfulness
- [10:31] - Thanksgiving in All Circumstances
- [12:27] - Trusting in an Unshakable Kingdom
- [13:39] - Sacrifice of Praise
- [16:42] - Strength in Christ
- [19:19] - Building on the Rock
- [24:31] - Unshakable Faith
- [36:40] - Closing and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ambassadors for Christ

#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:28 - "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:20 - "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us."
3. Psalm 46:1-2 - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 12:28 say about the nature of the kingdom we are receiving? How does this relate to the concept of being unshakable? [00:53]
2. According to the sermon, what historical empires were mentioned as examples of temporary earthly powers? [02:55]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of an ambassador for Christ? What are some specific places mentioned where we can act as ambassadors? [05:24]
4. What are the three key attributes mentioned in the sermon that we must cultivate to effectively represent Christ? [07:48]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of an unshakable kingdom challenge the way we view current world events and leaders? [02:14]
2. In what ways does thankfulness transform our perspective and align us with God's will, according to the sermon? [08:59]
3. How does the sermon suggest we find strength in Christ, and why is this strength attractive to others? [16:42]
4. What does it mean to have an unshakable faith, and how can this faith provide peace during life's challenges? [24:31]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current focus. Are there areas where you are placing too much hope in earthly leaders or systems? How can you shift your focus to the eternal kingdom of God? [02:14]
2. Think about a recent situation where you struggled to be thankful. How can you choose thankfulness in similar situations moving forward? [08:59]
3. Identify a personal challenge you are facing. How can you draw strength from Christ to stand firm in your faith during this time? [16:42]
4. Consider a time when your faith was shaken. What steps can you take to anchor yourself more deeply in God's truth and promises? [24:31]
5. As an ambassador for Christ, what specific actions can you take this week to reflect the hope and peace found in Christ to those around you? [05:24]
6. How can you cultivate a calm presence in the midst of life's storms, and who in your life might benefit from witnessing this unshakable faith? [07:07]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s closing question: If you were the only Christian someone ever met, would they want to meet Christ? What changes might you need to make to better represent Christ? [36:40]

Devotional

Day 1: Anchoring Hope in the Eternal Kingdom
In a world where earthly powers and leaders often seem dominant, it is crucial to remember that these are temporary. The kingdoms of Babylon, Assyria, and Rome once appeared invincible, yet they are now historical footnotes. This serves as a reminder that our true hope should be anchored in the eternal kingdom of God, which cannot be shaken. By focusing on this unshakable kingdom, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and peace, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to a kingdom that endures forever. [02:55]

Hebrews 12:28 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are placing too much hope in earthly things? How can you shift your focus to God's eternal kingdom today?

Day 2: Choosing Thankfulness in All Circumstances
Thankfulness is a deliberate choice that transforms our outlook and aligns us with God's will. It is not dependent on our circumstances but is a reflection of our trust in God's provision and faithfulness. By choosing to be thankful, we set ourselves apart as ambassadors of Christ, demonstrating a perspective that transcends worldly concerns. This attitude of gratitude is a powerful testimony to those around us, showing that our hope and joy are rooted in something greater than the temporary challenges we face. [08:59]

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you express gratitude in this situation, trusting in God's provision and faithfulness?

Day 3: Drawing Strength from Christ
True strength is not about relying on our own abilities but drawing from the power of Christ. In a world that often feels overwhelming, we are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's strength to sustain us. This strength is not only for our benefit but also serves as a beacon of hope to others, drawing them to the peace and assurance we have in Christ. By relying on His strength, we can face life's challenges with courage and resilience, knowing that we are not alone. [16:42]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel overwhelmed? How can you actively rely on Christ's strength to sustain you today?

Day 4: Cultivating Unshakable Faith
An unshakable faith is rooted in trust in God's sovereignty and promises. It allows us to remain steadfast in the face of life's challenges, providing a calm presence in the midst of storms. This faith is not about achieving perfection but about being anchored in God's truth, allowing us to be a source of peace and stability for others. By cultivating this unshakable faith, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence, knowing that God's promises are sure and His presence is constant. [24:31]

Psalm 62:6 (ESV): "He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken."

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to hold onto more firmly? How can you remind yourself of this promise throughout your day?

Day 5: Living as Ambassadors of Hope
As ambassadors for Christ, our lives are a testimony to the world. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the hope and peace found in Christ, drawing others to Him. We are called to represent Christ well, embodying the values of His kingdom in our daily lives. By living as ambassadors of hope, we can influence those around us, showing them the transformative power of a life rooted in Christ. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, reminding us that our lives have a greater purpose in God's eternal plan. [36:40]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the hope and peace of Christ through you? What specific action can you take today to be an ambassador of hope to them?

Quotes

"Today, we're going to be talking about how to be an ambassador for Christ. How to be an ambassador for Christ. And can you just go two slides? Yep, one more. I want you to say this verse with me, because this is going to be our key verse. You might remember this. Say it with me. Hebrews 12, 28. Therefore, Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." [00:01:10] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And so, friends, I want us to think this morning that the Babylonians and the Romans are gone, but we have a kingdom that's unshakable. We have a kingdom that's never going to end. And we need to be putting our faith, our hope, not in who's sitting in the White House, but in a God who never fails." [00:04:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Ambassadors must behave respectfully to the people who are receiving their message. We need to know that we're being watched. We need to understand that our first allegiance is God. And we need to stand firm in the faith. We have the privilege of representing Christ to others. And we need to represent him well." [00:06:09] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Being thankful is not natural to my soul, but I can learn to be thankful, and in so doing, find true joy. Colossians 2, 6 -7 says this, As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so think about as you received who he is and what he is, so walk in him, so represent him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith as you've been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." [00:09:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"More than the problems of this world. More than the concerns of governments. Governments. We are overcomers because we are part of God's kingdom. But again, this isn't about your reserves. It's not about your strength. It's about His. Look at this. Isaiah 41 .10 says this. So do not fear, for I am with you. Did you hear that? Do not fear, for I, the Lord, I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you. With my righteous right hand." [00:17:42] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Jesus said it this way. He said, everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock." [00:19:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Honor God by showing your trust in his strength and make you a faithful ambassador of Christ to others. And that brings us to our last tool. So we had, right, be thankful, be strong, and now be unshakable. Be unshakable. Me? Unshakable? Is it possible? It sounds so... It's so hard for us, but I believe that if we give God thanks and grow in strength, we will start to become unshakable. Not unshakable in myself or my abilities, but my unshakable faith in an unshakable God." [00:23:20] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Psalm 1 said, Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Have you ever seen a big tree in a storm? Man, we had a tornado by our house. Once in the trees, great big trees, you know, 40 foot high in this, and they're just twisting with the storm, and they twisted and flexed, and yeah, some branches broke off, but you know what? Those trees made it through that storm." [00:25:14] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Elisha answered do not fear for those who are with us are more than those who are with them and elisha prayed and said lord i pray open his eyes that he may see then the lord opened the eyes of the young man and he saw and behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around elisha all that god would tear away the curtain from our eyes that we could see the reality you not of this world but of that kingdom of horses and chariots of fire that are here fighting for his kingdom now this isn't just old testament stuff guys this is for us today to face the doubts and uncertainties of this crazy world with an unshakable belief in the power of god it can be done but it's going to take an act of will in our part being unshakable will give you peace of heart strengthen your trust in god and make you a faithful ambassador of christ to others" [00:29:43] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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