Ambassadors for Christ & The Importance of Christ’s Resurrection

 

2 Corinthians 5:20 states: Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us.  We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘be reconciled to God’”

One dictionary defines ambassadors this way:

• An official envoy; especially a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government, or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government, or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment.

• An authorized representative or messenger.

Ambassadors are…

• Prepared.  Ambassadors are knowledgeable about their own country and the one where they’re a guest.  They are alert for opportunities to represent their country.

• Patient.  Ambassadors won’t argue unnecessarily but will listen in order to understand; then with gentleness, they will seek to represent the views of their country.

• Reasonable. Ambassadors have convictions, ask questions, and aggressively seek answers for the good of their country, as well as for those among whom they live.

• Wise.  Ambassadors adapt to each person and situation, maneuvering with wisdom to challenge bad thinking, presenting the views of their country in a compelling way.

• Clear. Ambassadors are careful with language and won’t rely on slang or colloquial speech, so that they can be clearly understood.

• Humble.  Ambassadors are not know-it-alls and are open to standing corrected, especially about things that don’t really matter.

• Honest. Ambassadors are careful with the facts and won’t misrepresent another’s view, overstate their own case, or understate the views of their own country.  Ambassadors don’t manipulate people.

• Fair. Ambassadors are sympathetic and understanding toward others and will acknowledge the merits of contrary views.  Ambassadors really want to help the people they live among.

• Attractive.  Ambassadors will act with grace, kindness, and good manners.  They won’t dishonor their home country by their conduct.

• Dependent.  Ambassadors know that effectiveness in the mission requires joining their best efforts with the full power of their nation.  They know they don’t stand alone.

As an ambassador for Christ to our world how can YOU incorporate the above in your lifestyle?

“Without the resurrection, the cross is meaningless”

– Billy Graham

As Christ’s ambassadors our mission is to share that reconciliation with God is made possible through Christ’s resurrection.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith.  Without the resurrection, there is no Christianity.  The resurrection is referenced more than one hundred times in the New Testament, emphasizing its importance.

The Importance of Christ’s Resurrection…  

CORNERSTONE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH

Paul is preaching to the church at Corinth a very simple yet poignant truth.  Without the resurrection, what the disciples were preaching and teaching was in vain, and so is our faith (1 Corinthians 15:14).  The resurrection of Christ is God’s validation that Jesus’s mission was a completed success.  “It is finished” Jesus said and God’s resurrection of Jesus on the third day validated that Jesus’ mission was indeed completed, and accepted, by God.

CONFIRMS JESUS AS THE SON OF GOD

Pauls letter to the Roman church begins with establishing the identity of Christ by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:1-4).  A “son”, or a “daughter” is an offspring.  While we are all “offspring of God”, God’s validation of Jesus as the Messiah, or Christ, at his resurrection indicates that, as the “first fruits”, we should be following his example with our lives.

AUTHENTICATES CHRIST’S CHARACTER

Christ foretold of his own death, burial, and resurrection many times in New Testament Scripture.  The resurrection authenticates Jesus’ words to be true.  Otherwise, everything he proclaimed about the kingdom of God could be doubted (Matthew 20:17-19)

FOUNDATION OF CHRIST’S MESSAGE

In Paul’s letter the the Church at Corinth, he emphasized the importance of the resurrection of Christ as one of the four pillars of the gospel.  (1 Corinthians 15:3-5) 

FOCAL POINT OF THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING

The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ were the core teachings and preaching of the apostles.  Both Paul and Peter gave b old sermons declaring the resurrection and authority it gave Jesus as savior and Lord (Acts 4:2; 17, 31; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

POWER OVER DEATH 

Jesus Christ’s resurrection displayed God’s power and authority over death and eternal existence (Acts 2:24; Revelation 1:17-18).

FORGIVENESS OF SIN

Man’s belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the basis of Paul’s message regarding the forgiveness of sin (Acts 13:32-39)

NEW AND ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST

Christ himself declares that not only was he resurrected, but he is also “the  resurrection and the life” (v. 25).  his resurrection provides new life to the believer, but also the promise of eternal life (John 11:25-26).