Called to Be Christ's Ambassadors: A Divine Responsibility
Summary
This morning, we gathered in the presence of God, opening our hearts in worship and prayer, seeking His touch and His Spirit to fill us anew. We reflected on the profound truth that we are called to be Christ’s ambassadors—His representatives in our homes, workplaces, and cities. God has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation, urging the world to come back to Him through the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This is not just a title, but a task and a privilege: to carry His authority and to speak His words with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Looking to the Scriptures, we saw how God has always worked through His ambassadors. Elijah, a prophet in the Old Testament, stood before kings and nations, delivering God’s word even when it was unpopular or dangerous. He faced opposition, loneliness, and threats, yet God provided for him and used him to turn a nation back to Himself. In the New Testament, John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah, preparing the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance. Both faced fierce resistance from the spirit of Jezebel—a symbol of opposition to God’s truth—but they remained faithful to their calling.
Today, the same Holy Spirit that empowered Elijah and John the Baptist is upon the church. We are living in days when God is pouring out His Spirit, raising up sons and daughters to prophesy, to speak truth, and to call people back to God. Yet, this calling is not easy. It means confronting darkness, both outside and inside the church. We must address compromise, false prophecy, and the loss of holiness within our own communities, so that we can carry a pure and powerful message to the world.
Our nation and our cities are in desperate need of this message. Many know about Jesus, but their lives do not reflect true relationship with Him. God is longing to make His appeal through us—not with condemnation, but with love, truth, and the power of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be different, to be holy, and to prepare the way for the second coming of Christ. This is our task: to proclaim the gospel, to call people back to God, and to let His presence transform us and those around us.
Key Takeaways
- Ambassadors with Authority and Responsibility
Being Christ’s ambassador is not just a title, but a divine responsibility. We are entrusted with God’s message of reconciliation, carrying His authority to speak and act on His behalf. This means our words and actions should reflect His heart, calling people back to Him with both truth and love. [44:56]
- The Cost and Courage of True Prophetic Ministry
Elijah and John the Baptist show us that carrying God’s word often brings opposition, loneliness, and even danger. True prophetic ministry is not about comfort or popularity, but about faithfulness to God’s call, even when it means standing alone or facing hostility. Yet, God’s provision and presence are always with those who obey Him. [01:01:44]
- The Spirit of Jezebel: Opposition to God’s Truth
Throughout history, the spirit of Jezebel has sought to silence God’s messengers and corrupt His people, both in the world and within the church. This spirit represents compromise, false prophecy, and resistance to holiness. We must be vigilant, discerning, and willing to confront these influences, so that the church remains a pure vessel for God’s message. [01:07:12]
- The Need for Holiness and Authenticity in the Church
Before we can effectively reach the world, we must address the lack of holiness and authenticity within our own communities. God desires a church that is set apart, where His presence dwells and His truth is lived out. Only then can we carry a message that has the power to transform lives and bring true revival. [01:17:05]
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit for the Last Days
God has promised to pour out His Spirit in the last days, raising up sons and daughters to prophesy and prepare the way for Christ’s return. This calling is not easy, but it is the most fulfilling life we can live. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He will give us the words, the courage, and the power to fulfill our purpose and see lives changed for eternity. [01:20:51]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Worship and Prayer
[03:10] - The Call to Be Christ’s Ambassadors
[07:30] - What It Means to Represent Christ
[10:55] - God’s Message of Reconciliation
[14:20] - The Example of Elijah: Speaking Truth to Power
[22:40] - The Cost of Prophetic Ministry
[28:15] - John the Baptist: Preparing the Way
[34:00] - The Spirit of Jezebel and Opposition
[39:30] - The Church’s Role in the Last Days
[44:56] - Our Task: Bringing the Message to Our City
[53:10] - The Need for Holiness in the Church
[01:07:12] - The Power of the Holy Spirit Today
[01:17:05] - Confronting Compromise and False Prophecy
[01:20:51] - Prayer for Empowerment and Revival
[01:23:27] - Closing Blessing and Sending
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Christ’s Ambassadors
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### Bible Reading
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV)
> All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
1 Kings 17:1-6 (ESV)
> Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” And the word of the LORD came to him: “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
Acts 2:17-18 (ESV)
> “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.’”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, what specific task has God given to those who follow Christ?
2. In the story of Elijah (1 Kings 17), what was the message Elijah delivered to King Ahab, and what was the immediate consequence for Elijah after delivering that message? [44:56]
3. What does Acts 2:17-18 say will happen in the last days regarding the Holy Spirit and God’s people?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of how the “spirit of Jezebel” opposed God’s messengers, both in Elijah’s time and in the New Testament? [01:07:12]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be an “ambassador for Christ” in practical terms, based on both the passage and the sermon? How is this more than just a title? [44:56]
2. Why do you think God often sends His ambassadors (like Elijah and John the Baptist) into situations where they face opposition or danger? What does this reveal about God’s priorities and methods? [01:01:44]
3. The sermon mentioned the “spirit of Jezebel” as a symbol of opposition, compromise, and false prophecy. Why is it important for the church to recognize and confront these influences today? [01:07:12]
4. According to the sermon, why must the church address issues of holiness and authenticity within itself before it can effectively reach the world? [01:17:05]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said being Christ’s ambassador is a responsibility, not just a title. In your daily life (home, work, city), what is one specific way you can represent Christ this week? [44:56]
2. Elijah and John the Baptist both faced loneliness and danger for speaking God’s truth. Have you ever felt alone or faced pushback for standing up for your faith? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? [01:01:44]
3. The “spirit of Jezebel” was described as bringing compromise and false prophecy, even within the church. Are there areas in your own life or in our church community where you see compromise or a lack of holiness? What steps can you take to address this? [01:07:12]
4. The sermon challenged us to confront darkness both outside and inside the church. Is there a difficult conversation or situation you’ve been avoiding because it might be unpopular or uncomfortable? What would it look like to address it with both truth and love? [01:17:05]
5. The pastor shared about seeing brokenness in the city and feeling unsure what to say or do. Is there a person or group in your life who needs to hear God’s message of reconciliation? What is one practical step you can take to reach out to them this week? [01:08:57]
6. The sermon emphasized the need for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. What is one area where you need the Holy Spirit’s courage or wisdom to fulfill your calling as Christ’s ambassador? How can the group pray for you in this? [01:20:51]
7. The pastor asked, “Am I ready to be His prophet?” What fears or hesitations do you have about living boldly for Christ? How can you take a step of faith this month to move past those fears? [01:20:04]
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Devotional
Day 1: We Are Christ’s Ambassadors—Carrying God’s Message of Reconciliation
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be His ambassadors, representing Him in our homes, workplaces, and communities. This means we are entrusted with the message of reconciliation, urging people to come back to God, who no longer counts their sins against them because of Christ. God makes His appeal through us, and we speak for Christ when we invite others to experience His love and forgiveness. No matter how busy or uncertain you feel about your purpose, you have a divine task: to help others return to the Father. [44:56]
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV)
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 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 hear the message of reconciliation today, and how can you intentionally reach out to them as Christ’s ambassador?
Day 2: The Spirit and Power of Elijah—Boldness in God’s Calling
God anoints His messengers with the Holy Spirit, just as He did with Elijah, empowering them to speak truth even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Elijah stood before kings, confronted sin, and trusted God’s provision in times of loneliness and opposition. Being God’s ambassador may mean facing resistance or isolation, but God’s presence and provision are always with those who obey His call. [01:01:44]
1 Kings 17:1-6 (ESV)
“Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.’ And the word of the LORD came to him: ‘Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.’ So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.”
Reflection: Is there a situation where you need to speak God’s truth with boldness, even if it means standing alone? What would it look like to trust God’s provision in that moment?
Day 3: The Anointing for This Generation—Preparing the Way for Christ
Just as John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit and the power of Elijah to prepare people for Jesus’ first coming, God is raising up His church today to prepare the way for Christ’s return. This calling is not just for a few, but for all believers who are willing to be filled with the Spirit and proclaim repentance, truth, and hope to a world in need. The same Spirit that empowered the prophets is available to the church now, equipping us to fulfill our purpose in these last days. [01:07:12]
Luke 1:15-17 (ESV)
“For he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
Reflection: In what ways can you prepare your heart and your community for the coming of Jesus, following the example of John the Baptist?
Day 4: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit—Prophecy and Holiness in the Last Days
God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people in the last days, empowering sons and daughters to prophesy and carry His message with authenticity and power. This outpouring is not just for personal blessing, but for the transformation of the church and the world. Holiness and the presence of God must return to the church, so that we can go out with a pure message and see lives changed by the real power of God. [01:15:41]
Acts 2:17-18 (ESV)
“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.’”
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh today, so that your life and words reflect God’s holiness and prophetic purpose?
Day 5: Returning to Holiness—Restoring God’s Image in the Church
The church is called to be set apart, reflecting the holiness and image of Christ to the world. When compromise and false teaching creep in, God calls His people to repentance and order, removing anything that distorts His message. As we return to holiness and the presence of God, we become effective messengers of reconciliation, able to reach those who have forgotten their true identity in Him. [01:17:55]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
Reflection: What is one area of your life or your church community that needs to be brought back into alignment with God’s holiness, and how can you take a step toward that today?
Quotes
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