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Please open your Bible and read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

When Paul says that “we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20a, NLT), that’s a scary thought, isn’t it? I don’t want people looking at ME! Can’t we just point to Jesus and leave me out of this?

One of my professors remarked that he once received an “Alumni of the Year” award from his alma mater. On one hand he was happy to receive such a prestigious award, but on the other hand, he couldn’t help but think: “Me? They think I’m a great guy? Maybe they should talk to my wife, she’d let them know that maybe I’m not as great as they think!”

Thankfully, the beauty of God’s grace is that we DON’T always get what we deserve!

Paul continues in his letter by saying “We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!”” (2 Corinthians 5:20b, NLT). Many people have never opened a Bible, know almost nothing about Jesus, and have never heard the Gospel. All they know about Christianity is what they observe about us Christians. Therefore, we must become effective ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is an authorized representative, and we are called to be Christ’s representatives on Earth.

To be effective witnesses, and proper ambassadors for Christ, we must possess three qualities (among others): knowledge, wisdom and character. Knowledge is WHAT we know, wisdom is HOW to present that knowledge in a winsome fashion, and character is the way we live our lives. Let’s recommit today to work towards becoming effective ambassadors for God; a tall order, but one we will achieve with diligence and trust in a God who will accomplish many great things through us if we are open to His great works.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)

Question: What are the three main qualities needed to be God’s ambassador? Which of the three are you being called to focus on today?

by Darren Hewer
Used by Permission

“Be strong and very courageous.” Joshua 1:7

Our God’s tender love for His servants makes Him concerned for our inward feelings. He desires us to be courageous.

Some consider it a trivial matter for a believer’s mind to be confused, swirling with doubts and fears, but God doesn’t think so. Our Master doesn’t want us to be fearful. Instead, he wants us to be without worry, doubt, and cowardice. Our Master doesn’t think as lightly about our unbelief as we do.

When we are in despair, we are suffering from a terrible illness which should be carried at once to the beloved Physician. Doubtfulness and discouragement is a disease, which can become an epidemic, spreading among the Lord’s flock. One downcast believer can influence twenty others, for better or worse.

Christians ought to have a courageous spirit so we will glorify the Lord by enduring trials in a heroic manner. If we are fearful and fainthearted, it will dishonour his God. Our Lord doesn’t want to see us sad. It was a law of Ahasuerus (a biblical king sometimes referred to as Xerxes) that no one could come into the king’s court in clothes of mourning. However this is not the law of the King of kings, because we can come to Him. He will accept us just as we are, and then urge us to take off the chains of grumbling and put on the garment of praise, because there are many reasons to rejoice.

Also, unless your courage is kept up, Satan will see an opportunity to pounce. Let your spirit be joyful in God your Savior. The joy of the Lord will be your strength, and no fiend of hell will advance against you. Labour is light to a person who has a cheerful spirit, and success will come from cheerfulness. Anyone who rejoices in God, believing with all their heart, is guaranteed success because they are doing exactly what God has called them to do. If you sow in hope you will reap in joy. Therefore, dear friend, “Be strong and very courageous.”

Question: Where do you turn when you’re feeling fearful and weak?

by Charles H Spurgeon
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009.
Used by Permission

Ambassadors for Christ

FURTHER READING

Be Strong and Courageous

“Be strong and very courageous.” Joshua 1:7

Question: Where do you turn when you’re feeling fearful and weak?

FURTHER READING

Tag: <span>hope</span>

Ambassadors for Christ

FURTHER READING

Be Strong and Courageous

“Be strong and very courageous.” Joshua 1:7

Question: Where do you turn when you’re feeling fearful and weak?

FURTHER READING