127. YOU ARE CHRIST’S AMBASSADOR 2 Corinthians 5:20

Your job in the Kingdom of God is that of an ‘Ambassador’ It’s a privilege and a responsibility! So let’s look at some of the qualities required to be an Ambassador. He/she must be a citizen of the country you represent, and (Philippians 3:20) says ’We are citizens of Heaven’ When John was exiled on the island of Patmos he wrote the last book of the Bible “Revelation” In this book God reviled His Holiness, His power and His Glory to John. I believe He gave John an insight into the Heavenly Kingdom. Also His requirements from us, via the seven churches (Revelation 1: 9-10) “On the Lord’s day I was in the spirit. “That is telling us that he was representing us before God He “John” was in the Spirit. Physically on earth, but Spiritually in heaven, the place of his citizenship. Receiving orders, information and instructions from God; which he was to pass on to the seven churches, to the rest of the Disciples and also to the world at large. That is you and I, John knew that it wasn’t where he was that mattered, but whose he was. He was our representative to God, Just as he was God’s representative to us. As Ambassadors we are all required to understand the necessity of knowing Who, why and how we represent our Leader, Our King and our God. Your witness, your speech and your life might be the only Bible many people will ever read. From your lips they will receive the only Gospel they may ever hear. And your attitude may do more to win them than all your arguments, knowledge and sermons.\ Before He was crucified, Jesus prayed this prayer for His Disciples; (John 17:15-18) “I do not pray that you should take them out of this world, But that you should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by your truth. Your Word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” We really need to personalise that prayer, The Son of God was praying to His Father for you to be His personal representative. Doesn’t that tell you something about Christ’s eagerness to have a special relationship with you? It blows my mind to think about it!! Before an Ambassador is appointed, he/she goes through the most intense scrutiny and screening imaginable Their moral integrity, their financial interactions their family life, and work records, their every word and action comes under the microscope. Shouldn’t it be more so for the Ambassadors of the King of Kings? Never forget whose side you are on. Never forget what Kingdom you belong to and Never forget who you represent. You are Christ’s Ambassador. About 15 years ago, people’s ideas about being Ambassadors were radically altered when the United States Ambassador to Libya was murdered by terrorists. It takes a special person to be an Ambassador in a combat zone. And that’s exactly what we are in. Paul writes in (Ephesians 6:10-18. “Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armour of God so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armour that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, You will still be standing firm Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist and let God’s justice protect your heart like armour around your chest. Your desire to tell the Good News about peace should be like running shoes on your feet. Let your Faith be like a shield of protection, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let god’s saving power be like your Helmet, or mindset and for a sward use God’s Word, His message that comes from the Holy Spirit. Never stop praying, especially for others who are under attack. Pray by the power of the Spirit, stay awake and alert.” As an Ambassador of Christ, your first loyalty must be to Him in ALL your dealings. You may say “That’s a High standard.” Yes, it’s a high calling. See (Philippians 3:14) But it’s the most rewarding life you can ever hope to live. So let’s recap. As an Ambassador, you must have the following qualifications and characteristics; (1) Be a citizen of the country you represent. (Philippians 3:20), Our citizenship is in Heaven. (2) That your character and conduct must reflect the highest values of your country. That Our God may make you worthy of His calling (2Thesolonians 1:11). (3)You must be equipped for the job. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit gives them” “1 Corinthians 12;4) (4) You must be loyal to your country. There are two more qualifications. (5) An Ambassador must be an effective communicator; The best Ambassadors are bilingual: They speak and understand the language of those around them? Can you do that? In order to have the right answer, you must understand... the question, the questioner and where they are coming from. The Bible says, in (1peter 3;15-16) “If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” Note the words “always be ready.” (6) An Ambassador must be a good diplomat. Ambassadors are most effective when they are appealing as they go about their work. You wouldn’t want someone representing your country who was arrogant and abrasive in dealing with others. Jesus said in (John 13:35) “By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you love one another.”So what is our message? The Gospel: And our Strategy is love! We are therefore Christ”s Ambassadors as though God were making His appeal through us via (2 Corinthians 5:20) “We implore you on Christ’s behalf be reconciled to God.” And wasn’t that Peter’s response after the Disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the people asked them ”What shall we do? Peter replied “Repent and be Baptised.”….. Read (Acts 2:38-40). Thank you for reading how to be an Ambassador for God’s Kingdom. Take advantage of it, it carries many blessings. God Bless Phaline.