Your Most Important Assignment

You Are Christ’s Ambassador

Scripture References

Primary text

• 2 Corinthians 5
• John 15:16
• Philippians 3:20

Other references

• Philippians 1:27
• Colossians 3:17
• 2 Corinthians 10:8

Overview

If you are in Christ, nothing about you is “normal.” The old is gone, the new has come, and God has appointed you as His representative on earth. Pastor Craig shows why every believer is an ambassador of the Most High God, how that identity changes our daily posture, and what it looks like to plead with people to be reconciled to God.

Context

Week 2 of the series “Who Do You Think You Are.” Last week: God’s masterpiece. Next week: salt and light. Today focuses on the title “ambassador” drawn from Paul’s words to the Corinthians.

Main Points

1. Two kinds of Christians?

• Pastor contrasts “bold, Spirit-empowered” believers with the so-called “normal” Christian who keeps faith compartmentalized.
• Jesus rejects lukewarmness; in Christ, “normal” is not an option.

2. What Scripture says you are

• 2 Corinthians 5 calls every believer a new creation and “Christ’s ambassador.”
• Greek word “presbeuō” = a chosen representative of a ruling authority.
• Definition: the highest-ranking diplomat sent from one country to another to promote and protect the interests of the home country.

• “I am an ambassador of Christ, sent by God to show His love on earth as it is in heaven.” (Congregation repeated this line aloud.)

3. Three truths about Christ’s ambassadors

Chosen, not elected

• John 15:16 – Jesus chose and appointed us.
• No human rejection can cancel God’s selection.
• Story: Pastor’s ordination was first denied; later God opened the door to plant Life.Church.

We never represent ourselves

• Philippians 1:27 – Live as citizens of heaven.
• Colossians 3:17 – Whatever you do or say, do it as Christ’s representative.
  Illustration: An old social-media joke about Amy’s 40th birthday showed why every believer, not just pastors, must watch words and actions.
• Kingdom values invert worldly values: put others first, give generously, bless those who persecute you.

We carry the King’s authority

• 2 Corinthians 10:8 – Authority given by the Lord builds others up.
• Difference between power and authority: a police officer’s badge, or a sibling sent with mom’s orders.
• Jesus grants authority over the enemy; believers tell the devil, “Not today.”

4. Ambassadors stay in constant contact with Headquarters

• Daily Word and prayer keep us on assignment.
• Story: Sauna conversation with a stranger—prompted by the Spirit, Pastor urged the man to apologize to his wife; the man recognized God had sent him.
• Everyday openings: changing a tire, listening to a coworker, making a meal, buying a gift card—each can be a Kingdom assignment.

5. Our message: “Come back to God”

• God makes His appeal through us; we plead with people, not merely invite them.
• Gospel summary: God made Christ, who had no sin, to be sin for us so we could become God’s righteousness.

Key Truths

• In Christ, you are the highest-ranking representative of Heaven on earth.
• God’s choice outweighs every human opinion, including your own.
• Ambassadors speak and act for their King, never for themselves.
• Spiritual authority is delegated; we operate under Jesus’ name and backing.
• Our primary task is reconciliation—pleading with people to return to God.

Response

• Start each day in Scripture and prayer, reporting for duty.
• Look for Spirit promptings and act immediately.
• Speak and post only what honors the One you represent.
• Use the authority of Jesus’ name to resist the enemy’s schemes.
• Actively plead with friends, family, and strangers: “Come back to God.”

Closing

Pastor Craig urged every listener to embrace the ambassador identity: chosen by God, carrying Heaven’s authority, and on call to show Christ’s love wherever they go. He pleaded with those far from God to return, reminding them of the forgiveness, grace, and peace found only in Jesus.

“Come back to God.”