Embracing Transformation: Our Call as Ambassadors for Christ

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth of God's supernatural nature and the infallibility of His Word. Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how, 50 years ago, I could never have imagined being in church, yet here I am, a testament to God's transformative power. We delved into the essence of being reborn in Christ, emphasizing that this new life is not merely a reformation but a complete transformation. This rebirth is a gift from God, not of human will, but of divine origin, as highlighted in John 1:10-13.

We also discussed the responsibility of each generation to pass on the gospel, a task that is both personal and communal. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-21 reminds us that we are never alone in this mission, for Christ is always with us. This assurance should embolden us to share our faith with confidence, knowing that we are in God and He is in us.

The sermon also touched on the Proto-Evangelium in Genesis 3:15, the first mention of the gospel, which points to the ultimate victory of Christ over Satan. This prophetic promise has been faithfully passed down through generations, a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His creation. We are part of a lineage that spans over 100 generations, entrusted with the message of reconciliation.

In closing, I urged everyone to embrace the call to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the original good news with all. This involves a personal surrender to God, allowing Him full access to our lives. As we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him, and in doing so, we fulfill our role in His divine plan.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Infallibility of God's Word: The Bible is not just a good book; it is the infallible Word of God, perfect and complete. It contains the truth of eternal life and is a supernatural guide for our lives. We must hold firm to this belief and let it shape our understanding and actions. [01:00:28]

2. Rebirth, Not Reformation: Being reborn in Christ is a complete transformation, not just a reformation. This new life is a divine gift, not of human origin, and it signifies a brand new beginning. We are called to live out this new identity, reflecting the change that God has wrought in us. [01:02:43]

3. Generational Responsibility: Each generation has the responsibility to pass on the gospel, adapting the message to reach the next generation effectively. This task is personal and communal, and we are assured of Christ's presence with us as we fulfill this mission. [01:05:58]

4. The Proto-Evangelium: The first mention of the gospel in Genesis 3:15 is a prophetic promise of Christ's victory over Satan. This message has been faithfully passed down through generations, demonstrating God's commitment to His creation and His plan for salvation. [01:11:41]

5. Surrender and Seek God: True transformation and fulfillment of our divine calling require complete surrender to God. We must seek Him with all our hearts, allowing Him full access to our lives. In doing so, we align ourselves with His will and become effective ambassadors for Christ. [01:44:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [58:37] - Opening Prayer and Reflection
- [59:25] - Personal Testimony of Transformation
- [01:00:28] - The Infallibility of God's Word
- [01:01:42] - Understanding Rebirth in Christ
- [01:02:43] - The Power of Being Reborn
- [01:04:21] - Generational Responsibility
- [01:05:58] - The Great Commission
- [01:07:31] - Living in God’s Presence
- [01:09:55] - The Original Good News
- [01:10:53] - The Proto-Evangelium Explained
- [01:12:53] - Prophecy and Fulfillment
- [01:18:04] - The Unique Story of Jesus
- [01:25:15] - New Creation in Christ
- [01:28:16] - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
- [01:32:06] - Empowered for Reconciliation
- [01:36:06] - Ambassadors for Christ
- [01:44:50] - Call to Surrender and Seek God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:10-13
2. Matthew 28:19-21
3. Genesis 3:15

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Observation Questions:

1. According to John 1:10-13, what is the significance of being "born of God" rather than of natural descent or human decision? How does this relate to the concept of being reborn in Christ? [01:01:42]

2. In Matthew 28:19-21, what specific tasks are given to believers in the Great Commission? How does this passage assure us of Christ's presence in our mission? [01:05:58]

3. Genesis 3:15 is referred to as the Proto-Evangelium. What does this passage reveal about the future victory of Christ over Satan? How is this promise significant in the context of the entire Bible? [01:11:41]

4. The sermon mentioned the responsibility of each generation to pass on the gospel. How does the speaker describe this task as both personal and communal? [01:04:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being "reborn" in John 1:10-13 differ from merely reforming one's behavior? What implications does this have for a believer's identity and life transformation? [01:02:43]

2. In what ways does the assurance of Christ's presence in Matthew 28:19-21 empower believers to share their faith with confidence? How might this assurance impact one's approach to evangelism? [01:07:31]

3. The Proto-Evangelium in Genesis 3:15 is seen as the first mention of the gospel. How does this prophetic promise connect to the overarching narrative of redemption throughout the Bible? [01:12:53]

4. The sermon emphasizes the infallibility of God's Word. How does this belief shape a Christian's understanding of Scripture and its role in their life? [01:00:28]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. How have you experienced the transformative power of being reborn in Christ? Are there areas in your life where you still seek transformation? [01:02:43]

2. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Identify one person in your life who you feel called to share the gospel with. What steps can you take this week to engage them in a spiritual conversation? [01:05:58]

3. The sermon highlights the importance of passing on the gospel to the next generation. How can you actively participate in this mission within your family or community? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them? [01:04:21]

4. Consider the prophetic promise in Genesis 3:15. How does understanding this promise deepen your appreciation for the continuity of God's plan for salvation? How can this knowledge strengthen your faith? [01:11:41]

5. The speaker urged a personal surrender to God. Is there an area in your life where you feel resistant to surrender? What practical steps can you take to allow God full access to that part of your life? [01:44:50]

6. How does the belief in the infallibility of God's Word influence your daily decisions and actions? Are there specific areas where you struggle to trust Scripture fully? How can you address these doubts? [01:00:28]

7. The sermon encourages believers to seek God with all their hearts. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with God? How can you ensure that you are seeking Him wholeheartedly? [01:44:50]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unchanging Truth of God's Word
The Bible is not just a collection of stories or moral teachings; it is the infallible Word of God, perfect and complete. It serves as a supernatural guide for our lives, offering the truth of eternal life. This truth is not subject to human error or cultural shifts; it remains steadfast and reliable. As believers, we are called to hold firm to this belief, allowing it to shape our understanding and actions. The Word of God is a foundation upon which we can build our lives, providing wisdom, direction, and comfort in times of uncertainty. [01:00:28]

"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you allow the truth of God's Word to guide your decisions and actions today?


Day 2: Transformation Through Rebirth in Christ
Being reborn in Christ is not merely a reformation of our old selves but a complete transformation into a new creation. This new life is a divine gift, not of human origin, signifying a brand new beginning. As we embrace this new identity, we are called to live out the change that God has wrought in us, reflecting His love and grace to the world. This transformation is ongoing, requiring us to continually surrender our old ways and embrace the new life that Christ offers. [01:02:43]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What old habits or mindsets do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new identity in Christ?


Day 3: Passing the Torch of Faith
Each generation has the responsibility to pass on the gospel, adapting the message to reach the next generation effectively. This task is both personal and communal, requiring us to share our faith with those around us. The Great Commission assures us that we are never alone in this mission, for Christ is always with us. This assurance should embolden us to share our faith with confidence, knowing that we are part of a larger story that God is writing through history. [01:05:58]

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally share your faith with this week, and how can you do so in a way that resonates with them?


Day 4: The Promise of Victory
The Proto-Evangelium in Genesis 3:15 is the first mention of the gospel, a prophetic promise of Christ's victory over Satan. This message has been faithfully passed down through generations, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His creation and His plan for salvation. As part of this lineage, we are entrusted with the message of reconciliation, called to share the original good news with all. This promise of victory is a source of hope and encouragement, reminding us that God's plan will ultimately prevail. [01:11:41]

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." (Romans 16:20, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's victory over evil influence your perspective on the challenges you face today?


Day 5: Surrendering to God's Will
True transformation and fulfillment of our divine calling require complete surrender to God. We must seek Him with all our hearts, allowing Him full access to our lives. In doing so, we align ourselves with His will and become effective ambassadors for Christ. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to trust God with every aspect of our lives. As we seek Him, we will find Him, and in doing so, we fulfill our role in His divine plan. [01:44:50]

"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God, and what steps can you take today to trust Him more fully in that area?

Quotes

"We have a supernatural word. And I know today it might not be fashionable and some may not believe it, but I believe with absolute certainty that the word of God, the Bible, is infallible. It's perfect. It's exactly what God wanted us to hear and know. There's no mistakes. You can't add to it. You can't take from it. And what it contains, contains life eternal." [01:00:49] (27 seconds)



"Yet to all who received him, you heard this already, right? To those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Everybody on the earth that's human is not a child of God. We're all creations of God. But we're all not children of God. A child born not of natural descent, nor of a human decision, or of a husband's will, but born of God." [01:01:57] (36 seconds)



"Because reforms can be reformed again. Reborn is a brand new life. And that's what I received in November of 1973. And that's what I wanna talk about today. That brand new life. That brand new life and what springs forth from it through the years of the rest of your life. Amen? Amen?" [01:03:03] (23 seconds)



"Matthew records that assignment for us in chapter 28. And I'm sure you all know this scripture, verse 19 through 21. He says, therefore, go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I've commanded you. And surely, I am with you. I am with you always, to the very end of the age." [01:06:59] (24 seconds)



"The gospel was preached in the garden in the form of a prophetic promise. I call it the OGN, the original good news. Or you could call it the OG, the original gospel. You know, I want you to remember what I'm saying here because, again, I want to remind you that as we walk through life and we fulfill the assignment God has given us to reach another generation, he said he would not leave us." [01:10:06] (33 seconds)



"This prophetic word is promise is pointing directly to the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ and to the ultimate and permanent defeat of Satan in its seed form. Now, I don't know if you've ever heard this before, but when you're in the Old Testament, if you're looking for God, you're looking into the future. And if you keep looking, you'll come to a hill called Golgotha and on it there's a cross." [01:11:57] (31 seconds)



"God has successfully passed down from Adam to us for 104 generations the gospel. If for some reason you don't want to believe the oral argument, that we have that was written down by Moses, then believe Moses. And he was here on the earth when he wrote the book of Genesis 80 generations ago. So at the minimum, at least 80 generations, the gospel has been passed down because he wrote Genesis." [01:15:09] (36 seconds)



"104 generations have heard and responded to the good news, starting with the OG, the Proto -Evangelium. No, sir, we are certainly not alone. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5, 17 through 20, and that's what I want to talk about for a few minutes. First, he says, therefore, if anyone is in Christ, I'm going to use the, I think it's the King James. I have it written in the NIV. He is a new creature." [01:25:15] (31 seconds)



"Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new. I tell you, I want to do it in the King James because when I first got saved, this was the scripture that defined what had happened to me. And let me show you how I used to say it and still do. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. But this is the part I like. Behold. Behold." [01:25:23] (25 seconds)



"That's the ministry of reconciliation. We need to go and find somebody and tell them need to tell them that their death's been cancelled. That they have a way out. That there is a choice they can make that they didn't have before Jesus hung on the cross. Amen? Or because Jesus hung on the cross. Because I believe all the way back in the Old Testament the people that were looking to that promise are saved." [01:34:48] (23 seconds)



"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. All your heart. If you're having trouble finding God, seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Maybe you're just not throwing it all out there. Maybe you're just holding something back. And believe me, church, I know it's not easy. Sometimes things that happen in life. It can be so traumatic." [01:44:50] (43 seconds)



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Transcript
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