Ambassador

Be An Ambassador - A legacy worth leaving

Introduction:

We are closing out the Legacy series. Haven’t you loved this series. It was been challenging and called us to a higher level. I want to continue with that same way of thinking. We live in a culture where everyone is right and no one is right at the same time. I cannot imaging a more confusing time because everyone has a voice and there are so many views on how to live. Most of the best sellers are self-help books and they all promise that you can live a life of significance. You just have to follow 10 steps or 5 principles. Success, riches, and influence are sure to follow.

There is one thing for sure, that we all have a desire to be significant in whatever sphere you find important. God has built it into us to be part of something greater than ourselves and to leave a legacy greater than we inherited.

Jesus also left a legacy. He had one message and one mission. “Repent because the Kingdom is here.” I have heard it said this way, “The Church Doesn’t have a mission, Jesus’ mission has a church to carry it out.” God sent Jesus into human existence to rescue them, so that they could continually point people back to him.

Kingdom

To understand what God is doing and where we fit, we have to take a step back. Jesus did not come to bring a religion, but a kingdom. A kingdom a collection of tribes or groups that are in one family. Kingdom is used 160 times in the New Testament.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Royal bloodline.

In the garden of Eden, God was extending his kingdom from heaven to Earth by placing his citizens there. When Adam and Even rebelled against God and sinned, they were, in effect, deposed from the throne.

Ambassadors

Ambassadors are placed in a foreign country. Carry the official message of the King to foreign territories. Ambassadors all have the same message, but they use different methods depending on the people around them. Their purpose is to spread the message of the head of state.

Example of the background of an ambassador.

· Example of the background of an ambassador.

I want to make the case today that we need to focus our lives around being an Ambassador for Jesus.

· I want to make the case today that we need to focus our lives around being an Ambassador for Jesus.

Some of you may or may not have experience or understanding with the idea of an ambassador. During my time as a Marine, there were several missions that we supported dealt with protection of U.S. Ambassadors. An ambassador does not have to have noteworthy expertise or be a charismatic likable figure, but he or she is able to influence heads of state.

o Some of you may or may not have experience or understanding with the idea of an ambassador. During my time as a Marine, there were several missions that we supported dealt with protection of U.S. Ambassadors. An ambassador does not have to have noteworthy expertise or be a charismatic likable figure, but he or she is able to influence heads of state.

Undercover Boss show:

· Undercover Boss show:

Two types of people are shown: Outwardly seems effective, then one that works hard to reflect the core values of the CEO.

Not Behavioral modification

· Not Behavioral modification

o People in the show that would try and change their behavior when they thought the boss was looking or they would do things that they new would make them look good.

People in the show that would try and change their behavior when they thought the boss was looking or they would do things that they new would make them look good.

In the New Testament timeframe, Jesus ran into people like this a lot too. Ironically, the people that were the most broken on the inside where the people who just adjusted things of their outward appearance.

o In the New Testament timeframe, Jesus ran into people like this a lot too. Ironically, the people that were the most broken on the inside where the people who just adjusted things of their outward appearance. Jesus wasn’t so “nice” to these people. There is a misconception that Christians are to be a version of “nice” that doesn’t call out, doesn’t confront, and doesn’t hold their ground. This doesn’t mean that Jesus was disrespectful or unloving. Often the most loving thing to do is to lovingly confront.

§ Jesus would say… “you

Jesus would s

NIV “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

o Colossians 2 and 3

God is telling us that the things culture offers will not lead us to our purpose of leaving a legacy.

“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

“21 Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. NIV

“1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. NIV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices NIV

10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. NIV

God has called us to be Ambassadors

· God has called us to be Ambassadors

o

Theme Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 “…we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

Theme Verse: “…we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

1. Realize you are an Ambassador

1. Know you are an Ambassador

o Romans 7:10-11 - “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Replace lies with truth

I think I have ruined my witness (Story)… remember what you witnessed.

NIV - “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Change your thinking about who you are and why you exist

o

o Romans 12:2

- “Do no be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...”

· “Jesus doesn’t say, “Just be the true you,” he says, “You must be born again.” – Greg Morse

“Jesus doesn’t say, “Just be the true you,” he says, “You must be born again.” – Greg Morse

o

2. An Ambassador Reflects and Projects

You are in the Image of God

Reflect - Imago Dei - ESV “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

You must prepare to project

Project - We are in the world but not of the world. We are called to project the official position of our leader and nation, in a respectful way, to a nation where we are foreigners. Have you ever been to a foreign country? You tend to act more respectful.

NIV - “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...”

3. Ambassadors Live with influence

2. Live with influence

Walk into situation and know God has made his influence shine through you.

a. , NIV – “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

, NIV – “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

a. Ephesians 2:10, NIV – “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

English Standard Version Chapter 6

that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

, ESV - “…keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my moth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

i. God opens doors you intend to go through.

God opens doors you intend to go through.

Is your Legacy about you or about Jesus?

Parable of the Rich Fool

b. What if you don’t? Luke 12:16-21 Parable of the Rich Fool

Parable of the Rich Fool

i. 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

ii. 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

iii. 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

iv. 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

My Legacy is about _______________________.

v. My story of God shifting my mind about “retirement”

3. Maximize opportunities

a. You are an investor, it just depends on what you are investing in. If you could invest in something that would maximize your returns, it wouldn’t even be a question. People that get maximized returns, know how to make calculated risks.

b. Jesus said that he will build his church and hell will not overcome it.

b. Jesus said that he will build his church and hell will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18

c. NIV - “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

c. Colossians 4:5 NIV - “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

4. Take opportunities in God’s power

a. The Church at Ephesus : It is with this mindset that we can think about another church planting effort in modern day Turkey. The theme verse is one that was written to the am not going to do a study on the book of Ephesus but rather, I want to give you a glimpse of the context that it was written. Ephesus was a real place, with a real church, full of real people, that came about because of the work of God on a city. Ephesus was a city that was growing economically and the people were comfortable and profitable. Ephesus was not a completely spiritually dead city. The city had some truth but they also had some lies that they acted out in their lifestyles. Interestingly there were two concurrent ministries and there was a time they both seemed equally effective in making an impact.

a. The Church at Ephesus Acts 19: It is with this mindset that we can think about another church planting effort in modern day Turkey. The theme verse is one that was written to the Ephesians. I am not going to do a study on the book of Ephesus but rather, I want to give you a glimpse of the context that it was written. Ephesus was a real place, with a real church, full of real people, that came about because of the work of God on a city. Ephesus was a city that was growing economically and the people were comfortable and profitable. Ephesus was not a completely spiritually dead city. The city had some truth but they also had some lies that they acted out in their lifestyles. Interestingly there were two concurrent ministries and there was a time they both seemed equally effective in making an impact.

b. Human Power:

i. There was apparently a thriving Jewish exorcism ministry going on. These Jews even found success invoking the name of Jesus, although there is no indication they were Christians. They would Say, “In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches, come out” (v13). This Jewish ministry was doing well until one day an evil spirit spoke back. The spirits came out but they didn’t go away. They said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you” (v15)? What happened next, was the world greatest and most humiliating beatdowns. Do you remember Mike Tyson? That guy was a terror. He would verbally and physically dominate and humiliate his opponents. “Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding” (v16)

c. In God’s Power:

i. On the other hand, Paul preached the good news of Jesus and miracles were happening. In other words, it says that “even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (v12)

4. Ambassadors Invite

ii. About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. (v18-20)

iii. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25 He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

iv. It became painfully evident that these two ministries took different paths, but they seemed so similar in form. They both baptized, they both referenced the scriptures, they both mentioned Jesus, they both drew crowds, but one was based on the power of man and the other on the power of God.

5. Find investment partners

o God has put people in your path for a reason. But there is an important mental shift that needs to take place. Maybe think right now. Do you say, the church is doing… something? THEY are going to launch a campus…

o I want to go before what was happening at Ephesus and the church planting effort there. Before that was a turning point in the ministry.

§ Acts 16:6-10 - 7and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; 8and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

§ - 7and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; 8and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

· This section was a turning point in the life of Luke, who wrote Acts. I wonder if there are some of you here that will have the same opportunity. You may not see what happened in this text or understand why I read this to you. In Luke’s writing he spent the first half of the book of Acts explaining how the apostles were doing amazing things by God’s power. He would say, they, them, the apostles. It was at this moment in chapter 16:10 that Luke said, “we sought to go…”

· This section was a turning point in the life of Luke, who wrote wonder if there are some of you here that will have the same opportunity. You may not see what happened in this text or understand why I read this to you. In Luke’s writing he spent the first half of the book of Acts explaining how the apostles were doing amazing things by God’s power. He would say, they, them, the apostles. It was at this moment in chapter 16:10 that Luke said, “we sought to go…”

· Luke took the step form a spectator that investigated the past to a mission-focused Christian who fully joined the team. I think we have the same type of opportunity.

o In closing, it is worth it: Laura saving Zion. When we see how valuable it is that the lost are saved, we will do anything. It is worth it. I promise you, that those who realized Laura’s actions saved Zion’s life would say, why would you jump in that pool? I mean, you didn’t get to enjoy your cake or you got all wet.

§ What about you? What opportunities is God opening for you to advance His Kingdom? God wants what is best for you, which is outwardly focused. There is some gift or dream that God put in you that has the best opportunity to be accomplished through the local church. Maybe you want to get more involved in what God is doing through the Woodbridge campus? Or maybe you are being led to join the join the launch team?

Salvation Message:

Practical ways to invite

1. Pray for yourself

2. Study

2. Use Invite Cards

3. Ask Questions

4. Practice then tell your story

Salvation Message:

· With every head bowed and every eye closed. Some of you came seeking to see if there was some way that you might have an opportunity to turn to God. Maybe you have been trying to get your life right but you see it has been all in your power. God knows that you have done things your own way and not turned to him in the past.

· Ephesians 2:3 says, “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”

· says, “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”

o In our own nature we are deserving of God’s just punishment.

o God is so good that he will not force anyone into his presence in heaven for anyone who was not interested in his presence on Earth.

o We have the opportunity to accept the free gift of salvation.

o At just the right time, God chose to love us. We chose to turn away from God, but God chose to turn to us. Jesus died on the cross, taking all the wrath of God. It was the death we deserved.

· The good news is that says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.”

· The good news is that Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.”

· If you are not following God and you know you are not right with Him. God wants you to make the most of this opportunity. Everyone head is still bowed and this is between you and God. God says that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” If you want to receive the free gift of salvation and a new life in God, raise you hand right now. Thank you for those hands, anyone else?

· Let’s celebrate with them.