Effective Ambassadors

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 2:5

Paul refers to the Christian's role in evangelism as being an ambassador for Christ. This is an important opportunity for Christians to be grown by God as we actively follow God into the role He has for us. Sometimes we try to plan for all the possibilities that can arise: I don't want to offend anyone; what if I say the wrong thing; or what if they reject Gods' message? It isn't possible to never give offense, because His message offends people who are too proud to admit their need for grace. God wants us to expose the emptiness of life in the world so that people are attracted to the positive lifestyle available to them through Christ.

God's Triumph in Christ

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Have you ever meet someone and you wanted to listen to them and be around them more? This sort of instant connection is described by Paul as an aromatic Christian and there are a few ways we can grow in being a pleasant aroma to those around us. Speaking God's Word, our confidence in God's Word and the power of the Gospel has the power to convict people and bring them to God. Living out our transformed lives shows something different to the watching world. We can all have this kind of impact on others regardless of our limitations.

The Feeding of the 5000

Dennis McCallum

2 Corinthians 5:20

Jesus calls his disciples to meet the needs of people. The ultimate need of all people is to have their relationship with God reconciled through Christ. Through the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus' interaction with his disciples we see how we too can take part in his ministry. Like the disciples, we need to be available to God and what He is already doing. We also need to be committed to becoming equipped and working alongside others.

The Sending of the Twelve

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 10:1-40

God elects to work through humans. In this chapter, Jesus sends his twelve disciples on a special mission. This passage reveals ten principles of Christian ministry: 1) in most cases, God calls us to work together, not alone; 2) we should prioritize ministry; 3) we offer the power of God, not our own power; 4) the Lord's work, done the Lord's way, will receive the Lord's provision; 5) we should find responsive people and focus on them; 6) we should be sensitive and alert, but never compromise; 7) serving God is not popular; 8) truth is divisive and exclusive; 9) those who live their lives for themselves will end up empty and dissatisfied, but those who give their lives to Christ will find a full and satisfying life; and 10) what we are here to do is extremely important.\r\n