Transformative Encounters: Living as Ambassadors of Christ

Summary

Authentic Christianity is not about outward appearances or religious activity, but about a genuine encounter with God that leads to real transformation. This journey begins with an encounter—seeing God in a new way, often through a crisis that shakes us out of complacency. That encounter leads to conversion, a shift from the world’s wisdom to God’s wisdom, which the world may see as foolish. As our thinking changes, so does our behavior, and over time, God forms in us a character that is marked by joy, purpose, and meaning even in the midst of adversity.

Life can feel like trying to row a canoe alone in choppy waters—no matter how hard we try, we end up going in circles. But just as I needed someone to get in the boat with me and show me how to row straight, so too do we need others to guide us, and we are called to do the same for those around us. God’s great mission is to enter into our world, to guide us back to Himself, and He does this through ambassadors—first and foremost Jesus, but also each of us who follow Him. We are called to be light bearers, to share the good we have received, and to help others find their way.

Gratitude is essential. Even when life is hard, God’s goodness is evident if we choose to see it. There are moments of protection and provision that we might overlook if we focus only on what’s missing or what’s gone wrong. Giving God glory for these things is the first mark of a true ambassador. The second is living with Christ’s joy—a joy that is not dependent on circumstances, but is a state of being that can transform our outlook and even our environment. This joy is connected to giving God glory and to sharing the gifts He has given us, which brings healing to ourselves and others.

Finally, Jesus prays not that we would be taken out of the world, but that we would be protected in it. Our calling is not to escape the world’s troubles, but to be agents of change within them, confident in God’s protection. Fear is the great limiter, but faith in God’s presence and protection empowers us to step out, to be light in dark places, and to draw others toward the hope and direction that only God can give.

Key Takeaways

- Authentic faith begins with a real encounter with God, often catalyzed by crisis, leading to a deep transformation of mind and behavior. This transformation is not about religious performance, but about a shift from worldly wisdom to God’s wisdom, which reorients our entire life. The world may not understand this change, but it is the foundation of genuine Christian living. [20:49]

- We are not meant to journey alone; just as I needed guidance to row my canoe, we all need others to help us navigate life’s challenges. God calls us to be both learners and teachers—receiving help from those ahead of us and offering guidance to those who are struggling. This is how the mission of God moves forward, one person helping another find their way. [28:41]

- Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that shifts our focus from what is lacking to what God has provided. Even in the midst of loss or hardship, recognizing God’s protection and provision opens our eyes to His goodness. This perspective not only honors God but also strengthens our faith and resilience. [33:53]

- Giving God glory is the starting point for being a true ambassador of Christ. Humility recognizes that every good thing we accomplish is by God’s grace, not our own merit. When we point others to God rather than ourselves, we become conduits of His light and draw others to Him. [36:23]

- Christian joy is not a fleeting feeling based on circumstances, but a deep, sustaining state that transcends what is happening around us. This joy is both a gift and a discipline, cultivated by giving God glory and sharing our God-given gifts with others. It is in the act of giving—whether thanks, testimony, or service—that we ourselves are healed and strengthened, and through which God’s protection and presence are made manifest. [41:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:49] - What is Authentic Christianity?
[22:21] - Encounter, Conversion, and Character
[25:45] - The Canoe Story: Lessons in Guidance
[27:36] - Learning Through Struggle
[28:41] - Helping Others Find Their Way
[29:55] - The Mission of God and Ambassadorship
[31:28] - Recognizing God’s Goodness
[32:43] - God’s Protection in Crisis
[33:53] - Choosing Gratitude Over Complaint
[35:02] - Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples
[36:23] - Giving God the Glory
[38:04] - The Work of Joy
[39:55] - Healing Through Sharing Our Gifts
[41:08] - Joy That Transcends Circumstances
[44:43] - Overcoming Fear and Being Light in the World
[46:00] - Closing Encouragement

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Authentic Christianity – Encounter, Transformation, and Ambassadorship

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### Bible Reading

John 17:9-19
(This is the passage Jesus prays for his disciples, asking for their protection, joy, and that they would give God glory as they remain in the world.)

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### Observation Questions

1. In John 17:9-19, what are the three main things Jesus prays for his disciples? ([35:02])
2. According to the sermon, what usually triggers a genuine encounter with God? ([20:49])
3. What was the lesson learned from the canoe story, and how does it relate to the Christian life? ([25:45])
4. What does the pastor say is the first mark of being a true ambassador for Christ? ([36:23])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus pray that his followers would remain in the world rather than be taken out of it? What does this say about the Christian’s role in the world? ([41:08])
2. The sermon describes a shift from “the world’s wisdom” to “God’s wisdom.” What might this shift look like in someone’s daily life? ([22:21])
3. The pastor connects giving God glory with experiencing Christ’s joy. Why do you think gratitude and humility are so closely tied to joy in the Christian life? ([38:04])
4. The canoe story illustrates the need for guidance. How does this story help us understand our need for community and mentorship in faith? ([28:41])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says authentic faith often begins with a crisis that shakes us out of complacency. Can you recall a time when a difficult situation led you to see God in a new way? How did it change you? ([20:49])
2. The pastor shared about “rowing in circles” until someone got in the boat to help. Is there an area of your life where you feel stuck or alone? Who could you invite to “get in the boat” with you, or who might need your help right now? ([25:45])
3. Jesus prays for his followers to be protected, not removed, from the world’s troubles. What fears hold you back from being a light in your community? What is one step you could take this week to move forward in faith despite those fears? ([41:08])
4. The sermon highlights the importance of gratitude, even in hard times. What is one specific way you can practice gratitude this week, especially if things aren’t going your way? ([33:53])
5. Giving God glory is described as the starting point for being an ambassador. Think of a recent success or good thing in your life—how can you point others to God instead of taking the credit for yourself? ([36:23])
6. The pastor says that sharing your gifts with others brings healing to yourself and those around you. What is one gift or talent you have that you could use to serve someone this week? ([39:55])
7. The sermon mentions that Christian joy is not based on circumstances. When was the last time you experienced joy in a difficult situation? What helped you find that joy? ([41:08])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group encounter Him in a fresh way, to give them courage to be light-bearers, and to fill them with gratitude and joy no matter what they face this week.

Devotional

Day 1: Authentic Christianity Begins with an Encounter with God
Authentic Christianity starts with a genuine encounter with God, which leads to a transformation of the heart and mind, shifting from worldly wisdom to God’s wisdom. This encounter is often sparked by a crisis or challenge that causes us to see God in a new way, resulting in a conversion that changes our thinking and ultimately our behavior. As we move from what the world calls wise to what God calls wise, our lives begin to reflect a new character—one marked by joy, purpose, and meaning even in the midst of adversity. This is the foundation of being a real Christian: not just outward actions, but an inward relationship and transformation that sets us on a new course. [22:21]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: What is one area of your thinking that needs to shift from worldly wisdom to God’s wisdom today, and how can you invite God to begin that transformation?


Day 2: Give God the Glory in All Things
A true ambassador for Christ lives with humility, recognizing that every good thing accomplished is only possible because of God’s grace and provision. Giving God the glory means pointing to Him, not ourselves, in every success and every moment of protection or blessing. When we acknowledge that our abilities, safety, and opportunities come from God, we inspire others to look to Him as well. This humility is the beginning of being a genuine light bearer, as it shifts the focus from self to the One who truly deserves all praise. [36:23]

John 17:4 (ESV)
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

Reflection: Think of a recent success or blessing in your life—how can you intentionally give God the glory for it in a conversation or action today?


Day 3: Embrace the Joy of Christ, Not Just Happiness
Christian joy is a deep, abiding state that transcends circumstances, unlike happiness which depends on what is happening around us. This joy is a gift from God, received as we give Him glory and choose to be a positive influence in the world. Even in difficult times, this joy can transform our outlook and even our circumstances, as it is rooted in God’s presence and promises rather than fleeting events. When we use the gifts God has given us to bless others, we find ourselves healed and uplifted in the process, experiencing the fullness of His joy. [41:08]

John 17:13 (ESV)
But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

Reflection: What is one way you can use your God-given gifts to bring joy to someone else today, and how might that also bring joy to your own heart?


Day 4: Trust God’s Protection as You Live Out Your Mission
Jesus does not pray for us to be removed from the world’s troubles, but for us to be protected in the midst of them, so that we can be light bearers and agents of change. God’s protection enables us to move forward in faith, not fear, knowing that He is with us as we engage with the world around us. Our calling is not to escape adversity, but to trust that God will keep us as we participate in His mission, bringing light and hope to those still searching for direction. [41:08]

John 17:15 (ESV)
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

Reflection: Where do you feel fear or hesitation about stepping out in faith? How can you trust God’s protection and take one step forward in your calling today?


Day 5: Be a Light Bearer and Ambassador to Others
We are called to be light bearers and ambassadors for Christ, helping others find their way through life’s challenges by sharing what we have learned and experienced. Just as a guide in a canoe can help someone move forward instead of going in circles, we are to come alongside others, offering encouragement, teaching, and inspiration. This mission is not limited by background or circumstance; the light of God draws all people who need truth and direction. By sharing the good we have received and inviting others into God’s story, we participate in His great mission to bring the world from darkness into light. [44:43]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life who may be “going in circles” and needs encouragement or guidance? How can you intentionally come alongside them and share God’s light this week?

Quotes

That is formed in the cauldron of that crisis this strange character strange to the world where you can have joy in the midst of sorrow and peril of others around you where you can see purpose where others see hopelessness where you can can find meaning in life where others are searching for meaning you have this life that God has promised us to have in the midst of circumstances that might be adverse to it. [00:23:10] (00:00:39 seconds) Edit Clip

We have to have the humility to give God the glory and make sure that we point to him. You know, I'm not the greatest driver. Ken's a lot better driver than me. All right. So I'm sure it was Ken's talent that rescued him. You know, but my daughter said, Daddy, I feel so safe with you because I don't know how you navigated that. You know, the first thing out of my mouth is that was God. You see, you know, I couldn't have in that split moment to have done that. So the more we give God the glory, the more others look to God. And that's the whole reason we do what we do. [00:36:57] (00:00:46 seconds) Edit Clip

But you see, God has put something in all of us. And when we give what we have out of us, we heal ourselves as well as inspire those who might be an ear or eye or feel shot of whatever gift you're sharing. [00:40:25] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

But what joy does is joy is a state of being that transcends what's happening around you to the point where it can actually transform what's going on around you and it's not just your perception it can actually do it it's the power of prayer. [00:42:00] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

There is no color to that light. That light is the light of God that draws all people who need the truth, who need the direction, who need the help on how to roar, how to, how to row their oars in their boats in life. [00:45:03] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

So my beloved, we are called to be light bearers and ambassadors that give God glory, that have his joy, and they'll go forward in faith with, with his protection, knowing that he will be with us and before us in all that we do. [00:45:20] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip