Called to Be Ambassadors for Christ's Kingdom

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of being ambassadors for Christ, a calling that each believer is entrusted with. As Christians, we are not merely followers of Christ but representatives of His kingdom here on earth. This role of ambassadorship is not a special gift for a select few but a responsibility for all who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We are called to live in a way that reflects the values and truths of God's kingdom, even when it sets us apart from the world.

The world we live in is filled with darkness, conflict, and spiritual blindness. Yet, as ambassadors, we are called out of this darkness into the marvelous light of Christ. This calling requires us to live differently, to be set apart, and to engage with the world in a way that brings healing and truth. Our mission is to share the message of the cross, the hope of salvation, and the love of God with those around us. This is not just through words but through our actions and the way we live our lives.

Being an ambassador means understanding that we are exiles in this world, called to stand out and make a difference. It involves a commitment to live under the lordship of Christ, allowing His light to shine through us. It also means being wise in how we communicate the truth, ensuring that our words and actions bring healing rather than division. We are not called to judge or convict; that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we are to present the truth in love, allowing God to work in the hearts of those we encounter.

In a world that often values individualism and tribalism, we are called to depend solely on God. Our lives should reflect His love, forgiveness, and purpose. As ambassadors, we have the opportunity to bring a message of hope and healing to a world in need. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ambassadors for Christ: As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing His kingdom in a world filled with darkness and spiritual blindness. This role is not optional but a responsibility for all who have been redeemed. We are to live in a way that reflects the values and truths of God's kingdom, bringing healing and truth to those around us. [01:35:43]

2. Called Out of Darkness: Our calling as ambassadors involves being called out of the darkness into the light of Christ. This means living differently, being set apart, and engaging with the world in a way that brings healing and truth. We are to share the message of the cross and the hope of salvation with those around us, not just through words but through our actions and the way we live our lives. [01:30:01]

3. Living Under Christ's Lordship: Being an ambassador requires a commitment to live under the lordship of Christ, allowing His light to shine through us. It involves submitting to His authority in every aspect of our lives and allowing Him to work in and through us. This is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. [01:33:16]

4. Wise Communication: As ambassadors, we must be wise in how we communicate the truth, ensuring that our words and actions bring healing rather than division. We are not called to judge or convict; that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we are to present the truth in love, allowing God to work in the hearts of those we encounter. [01:55:55]

5. Dependence on God: In a world that often values individualism and tribalism, we are called to depend solely on God. Our lives should reflect His love, forgiveness, and purpose. As ambassadors, we have the opportunity to bring a message of hope and healing to a world in need, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. [01:45:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [49:31] - Love for God Above All
- [50:38] - The Last Supper's Significance
- [51:33] - Invitation to Observe Communion
- [52:20] - Confession and Forgiveness
- [53:22] - Remembering Christ's Sacrifice
- [58:45] - New Covenant in His Blood
- [01:06:01] - Prayer for Healing
- [01:17:44] - Diplomatic Immunity Explained
- [01:22:15] - Spiritual Blindness in the World
- [01:24:34] - Called Out of the World
- [01:30:01] - Responsibilities of the Called
- [01:35:43] - Ambassadors for Christ
- [01:45:34] - Dependence on God Alone
- [01:55:55] - Wise Ambassadorship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ambassadors for Christ

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 5:20 - "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
2. 1 Peter 2:9-11 - "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
3. John 15:19 - "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:20? How does this role differ from simply being a follower of Christ? [01:35:43]
2. In 1 Peter 2:9-11, what are the characteristics of those who are called out of darkness? How are these characteristics meant to influence their behavior in the world? [01:25:14]
3. How does John 15:19 describe the relationship between believers and the world? What implications does this have for how believers should live? [01:24:34]
4. According to the sermon, what are some specific ways believers can reflect the values and truths of God's kingdom in their daily lives? [01:36:51]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being an ambassador for Christ challenge the idea of individualism and tribalism prevalent in today's society? [01:44:02]
2. What does it mean to live under the lordship of Christ, and how does this affect a believer's role as an ambassador? [01:33:16]
3. How can believers ensure that their communication of truth brings healing rather than division, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:55:55]
4. In what ways does dependence on God empower believers to fulfill their mission as ambassadors in a world that often values self-reliance? [01:45:34]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. In what ways are you living as an ambassador for Christ, and where might you need to make changes to better reflect His kingdom? [01:35:43]
2. Consider a situation where you felt like an exile in the world. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently now with the understanding of your role as an ambassador? [01:25:14]
3. Think of a recent conversation where you had the opportunity to share your faith. How did you approach it, and how might you apply the principle of wise communication to future interactions? [01:55:55]
4. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to depend solely on God. What steps can you take this week to shift your reliance from yourself or others to God? [01:45:34]
5. How can you actively engage with those around you to share the message of the cross and the hope of salvation, not just through words but through your actions? [01:30:01]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit empowering you to act as an ambassador. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of the Spirit's presence and guidance in your daily life? [01:41:26]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to live under the lordship of Christ, allowing His light to shine through you in your community or workplace? [01:33:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Representing Christ in a Dark World
As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing His kingdom in a world filled with darkness and spiritual blindness. This role is not optional but a responsibility for all who have been redeemed. We are to live in a way that reflects the values and truths of God's kingdom, bringing healing and truth to those around us. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of Christ, shining His light in the darkest places. This calling challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the world in a way that is both bold and compassionate. [01:35:43]

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the light of Christ through your actions today? How can you intentionally represent His kingdom in your interactions with them?

Day 2: Called to Live Differently
Our calling as ambassadors involves being called out of the darkness into the light of Christ. This means living differently, being set apart, and engaging with the world in a way that brings healing and truth. We are to share the message of the cross and the hope of salvation with those around us, not just through words but through our actions and the way we live our lives. This requires a conscious effort to align our lives with the teachings of Christ, allowing His love and truth to guide our every decision. [01:30:01]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you feel called to live differently? How can you begin to make changes in that area today to reflect the light of Christ?

Day 3: Submitting to Christ's Authority
Being an ambassador requires a commitment to live under the lordship of Christ, allowing His light to shine through us. It involves submitting to His authority in every aspect of our lives and allowing Him to work in and through us. This is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation, where we continually seek to align our will with His. By submitting to Christ's authority, we open ourselves to His guidance and wisdom, trusting that His plans for us are good and perfect. [01:33:16]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to submit to Christ's authority? What steps can you take today to surrender that area to Him?

Day 4: Communicating Truth with Love
As ambassadors, we must be wise in how we communicate the truth, ensuring that our words and actions bring healing rather than division. We are not called to judge or convict; that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we are to present the truth in love, allowing God to work in the hearts of those we encounter. This requires discernment and sensitivity, as we seek to share the message of Christ in a way that is both truthful and compassionate. [01:55:55]

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you struggled to communicate truth with love. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future to ensure your words bring healing?

Day 5: Total Dependence on God
In a world that often values individualism and tribalism, we are called to depend solely on God. Our lives should reflect His love, forgiveness, and purpose. As ambassadors, we have the opportunity to bring a message of hope and healing to a world in need, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. This dependence on God requires us to trust in His provision and guidance, knowing that He is faithful to equip us for the work He has called us to do. [01:45:34]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than depending on God? How can you begin to trust Him more fully in that area today?

Quotes

1) "For us as Christians, and for those visiting, I just want to say a few words just to explain what we're going to be doing. But on the night before Jesus was crucified, He spent time with His disciples. And at that time, He broke bread and He passed wine just as the Passover meal was being celebrated. And He was saying to us today, mean, He was 2,000 years ago doing this, but us today, that this is something that we need to memorialize, I should say, in everything we do. And what we mean by that is that we need to come together on a regular basis. And this is a very serious moment for us. And if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, this is not something for you to take, but something to observe with us. You're here, and you can see what we are doing and why we are doing it. And perhaps this will touch you to understand that we love the Lord and what He did for us." [51:33] (115 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "You see, you and I, we come from a different place. We were bought by His blood. We come from a different place. And when you live in this world the way that God has called you to live, it won't always be rosy. In fact, John 15, 19 says, if you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world. But I chose you out. Out. Did you see that? The word out. He chose you and out of this world. Therefore the world hates you. The world doesn't like our message. It doesn't. Why? Why doesn't it like our message? But you have been called out of this world. You have been called out." [01:25:14] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "And you know what the Bible says? The Bible says that you are exiles. You have been called out to stand out. You have been called out to make a difference. You have been called out, and you've heard me say this many times, to be the weirdo. You have been called out because you're different. I mean, when I became a Christian, I gave up a lot of things. And I had lots of friends. Lots of friends. I could party every night if I wanted to. And then God took hold of my heart. And I had no more desire for drugs and alcohol. And so when they would call me, I'd say, where are you guys going? That's the first question I'd ask. And I have to say no most of the time." [01:26:17] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "And so for me, that makes you three things. That makes you a warrior, that makes you a lamb, a sheep. You are all sheep. So you're warriors and sheep. And thirdly, it makes you ambassadors. And I want to talk about all three. But today, I'm going to focus on ambassador. Ambassadors. You are all warriors, sheep, and ambassadors. That's what you are. In this world, that's what they see. You see, 2 Corinthians 5 says, therefore, we are ambassadors of who? For who? Christ. Does it say, a select few? Is being an ambassador a gift? On your long list of gifts that we have, and Corinthians, and all the other books and epistles, is ambassador one of them? That's right. It is not a gift. It is what you are called to do. All of us." [01:36:18] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "And ambassadors don't sit inside their embassy and don't come out. Ambassadors don't hide. Ambassadors make sure that they're the country that they're in, the foreign country they're in, knows who they are, make sure that what they represent, everyone else understands, because they have a mission. And Christ's mission is what? To bring salvation to every person. And we know that that's not going to happen to every person, because not all of us will choose, but the message of salvation needs to go out to the whole world because he loves the whole world. He does. He loves everyone. And yes, not everyone is going to listen. But you also have a message, and that is the message of the cross as we talked about today. He died for your sins. He died for your sins. He is in heaven right now. And he's calling out everyone to join him. Everyone. And you're the messenger." [01:40:09] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "And so while everybody in this world is eating the manna of individualism and tribalism, we're eating the manna that comes from Jesus Christ. And that's going to make us different. Here's another example of what's happening in this world. Our concept of forgiveness versus theirs. Their concept of forgiveness is reciprocity. Okay, you did something wrong. You did something wrong to me. You got to make it up. What are you going to give me? What do I get? You owe me. I sometimes get that from people. I did this for you. Now you owe me. Huh? I don't owe you anything. Forgiveness, doing somebody a favor does not mean that you owe somebody something. Because if it's good, you should do it anyway. Not because you owe them something. You should just do it because that's the right thing to do. And if it's the wrong thing to do, you tell them, I'm not doing that. I don't care what you've done for me. Because for us, forgiveness is about reconciliation. Forgiveness is about the cross. And when you're forgiven, you're forgiven. And then we reconcile and we move on. There's no expectation from me, but there is an expectation with God because we depend on God." [01:47:01] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "And so this boy, his name is Brandon. Parents, Christian, loved him. How would they behave as ambassadors? I don't want to hear that kind of talk in this house. Is that being a good ambassador? And a lot of times it's cultural, right? I grew up, you know, I'm what they say, pork and cheese. You know, Portuguese. We like pork and cheese. Although I'm told it's no longer good to say that. Oh my goodness, when I was growing up, on the day that we got married, I had a picture with those friends that stuck around, you know, and were willing to stick around with me. And it took Helen and I two, three years to figure out what was wrong with this picture. There was nothing wrong with it. It's every single person, there were 20 people, were coming from a different place around the world. And we had nicknames for each one of them. I remember when I used to work at a big bank downtown Toronto. And used to have these, you know, I know it's diversity, equity, inclusion, but even back then, they were worried about, you know, everything that was going on. And they would say, you know, we shouldn't do this, we shouldn't do that. Everything should be vanilla so everybody feels good. You know, like, you know, this isn't anything new. It's just taking on a different title. I did the exact opposite. Even with people who weren't Christian. I said, you're Hindu? You're celebrating Diwali? Feel free to express yourself." [02:03:13] (97 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And so the professor said, okay, thanks. You just killed Beethoven. That was an ambassador trying to show people that life is precious and that God sees life in a very different way. And we can all be ambassadors. All of us can be ambassadors. Because God says, once you were not a people, but now you are God's people. And he has given you power and authority, not by your ability, but by his. work of the cross gave us the spirit of God inside of us. All we have to do is be open to being ambassadors and not allowing our natural selves, our cultural selves to come forth. Because even Paul understood that. You remember when Paul would say, why do I do the things I don't want to do? We need to recognize that." [02:11:19] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "And so, I want to leave you today with that thought. In everything we do, we are called to be envoys who bring healing. You are diplomats who have received immunity from our King. Now go out into this world and be diplomats that represent who he is with his truth, living a life that he has given you for a purpose. Amen? Let us bow our heads. Father, I thank you. I thank you for everything that you have done in our lives. We didn't deserve this, Lord. We didn't deserve to be saved, to be healed, but you did it anyway because you loved us. And Lord, today, we have read your word that has called us to be your ambassadors, to be your envoys that bring healing. Lord, teach us how to do that." [02:15:32] (79 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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