CHAPTER 3
THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES
AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST
“...[God’s people or citizens]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).
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Many of God’s people SAY they are ambassadors of Christ, but have NO IDEA what it truly means. “...[God’s people or citizens]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).
Here is a working definition of an “ambassador of Christ.” An ambassador of Christ is a citizen of the Kingdom of God who is employed by God, the Holy Spirit and has been SENT to EARTH on a mission.
The ambassador of Christ represents the KINGDOM of God and its “governing authority.” The ambassadors of Christ also conduct God’s business with the inhabitants of the land
While upon earth “...[God’s people or citizens]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). “...[they are]... citizenship is in heaven. And [his citizen’s]... eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV).
While upon earth Jesus was an ambassador, sent to DO God’s business. “... And [Jesus]... said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?...” (Luke 2:49 KJV). “...He said, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be here, dealing with the things of my Father?...” (Luke 2:49 MSG).
“...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
“...[Jesus said]... the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV).
“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“...the crowds learned about [the Kingdom of God]... and followed [Jesus]. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). Jesus SAID: “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“…The Spirit of the Lord [was] upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him] to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
Signs, wonders, and miracles confirmed that God’s presence, God’s goodness, and his supernatural working POWER was with Jesus, the ambassador. “…God (the Holy Spirit) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).
“...[god, the holy spirit’s].. kingdom [had]...come ...[upon earth through jesus]...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...the kingdom of God [was] within [Jesus, the AMBASSADOR]...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).
Jesus, God’s ambassador, from the KINGDOM, CAME with a MESSAGE from God, the Holy Spirit. “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
Jesus, God’s ambassador, was an exact representation of God, the Holy Spirit, the SOVEREIGN RULER. “The Son (Jesus) is... the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus saith … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER…” (John 14:9 KJV).
God’s people are “ambassadors of Christ” and are SET APART for a DIVINE purpose. “...[Christ’s ambassadors...” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). “...[they are]... citizenship is in heaven...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV).
God’s people, by faith, must SEE themselves as the “NEW CREATIONS” that are, because of the indwelling Holy Spirit within them. “…God’s (Holy) Spirit dwells in [his people]...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB). God says: “… I AM HOLY...” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...old things are passed away...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
“...behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
New Creations are AMBASSADORS of CHRIST and are sent to earth to DO God’s business. One important mission, each ambassador has, is reconciling mankind BACK into a right relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.
Ambassadors of Christ SPEAK and REPRESENT God, the Holy Spirit, and his KINGDOM that has COME to earth through his citizens and will SOON takeover. “...we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us (his ambassadors) this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through [his people or citizens). We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!...” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 NLT).
"...For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it...” (Matthew 7:14 NASB). Many of God’s people SPENT the greater part of their TIME upon EARTH trying to ensure they live right and go to heaven, but NEGLECT others that God sent his SON to die for too!
The CALLING of God’s people to become “ambassadors of Christ” is a CALL to always be about their Father’s business of RECONCILING the lost, sin-sick and spiritually dead souls to God, the Holy Spirit.
It is an HONOR to be CHOSEN by God, the HOLY SPIRIT and SENT to earth to SPEAK and REPRESENT the SOVEREIGN RULER of all rulers, King of all kings, Lord of lords, and God of all gods! “…You did not choose… (God, the Holy Spirit]...” (John 15:16 ASV). “... [God, the Holy Spirit] ...chose ...[you] ...” (Ephesians 1:11 NLT). “…That was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show ...[mankind]... his GRACE through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). "… I have chosen you….” (John 15:16 KJV).
“...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION by the Spirit and faith (trust and dependency) in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB).
“…[God’s people or citizens]... are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that [God’s ambassadors]... should shew forth the praises of him who hath called [them]... out of darkness into his marvellous light…(1 Peter 2:9 KJV).
“...And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us (his ambassadors) this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through [his people or citizens). We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!..” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 NLT).
Every “ambassador of Christ” was chosen. “... God chose ...[the REDEEMED]... in Christ before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4 KJV) "…You did not choose ...[God].... but [god, personally]... chose you….” (John 15:16 ASV). “... [God, the Holy Spirit] ...chose ...[the REDEEMED, citizens, ambassador, etc.,] ... in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan...” (Ephesians 1:11 NLT).
While it’s true that God’s ambassadors have been SENT to a foreign land, they willingly choose to REFLECT the KINGDOM of God in the ROLES and MISSIONS they’ve been given. “… not My will, but Yours be done [God, the Holy Spirit]..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Ambassadors of Christ KNOW that JESUS’ obedience, upon earth, made it possible for their OWN, personally reconciliation with God, the Holy Spirit. “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).
Jesus, God’s ambassador, didn’t LOSE his focuse, but FINISHED the business his HEAVENLY gave him to DO. He said, “…[he came] ... to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “...[AND Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I [laid]... down my life... [FOR the LOST] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “ ... [Jesus, God’s only begotten son, made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]...all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).
“… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).
“...And all of this is a gift from God, who brought [the LOST]... back to himself through Christ. And God has given us (his ambassadors) this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave [his new creations, citizens, ambassadors, etc.) this wonderful message of reconciliation. So [THEY]... are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through [his ambassadors or citizens). [They]... speak for Christ when [they].. plead [to the LOST], “Come back to God!...” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 NLT).
Like Jesus PREACHED the “GOOD NEWS” of the KINGDOM of God, ambassadors of Christ have NOW, also, been entrusted with the GOSPEL. “...[Ambassadors of Christ]... have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who examines our hearts...” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NASB).
God’s ambassadors are REPRESENTATIVES of the KINGDOM of God just like Jesus was when he was upon earth. “...Jesus answered, “...My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm...” (John 18:36 NASB)
Ambassadors of Christ are KINGDOM officials sent to earth on God, the SOVEREIGN RULER’S, business.
Ambassadors of Christ are SENT into the world, but they are not of the world, but they are of the KINGDOM of God. “...They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world...” (John 17:16 NASB).
Ambassadors of Christ are EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit to do God’s KINGDOM WORK. They are CALLED to take the message of reconciliation to the lost.
In order to KEEP their focus, God’s WORD encourages ambassadors of Christ to regularly SEEK the KINGDOM of God and his righteousness. “...But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you...” (Matthew 6:3 KJV). “...Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need...” (Matthew 6:33 NLT).
God’s ambassadors of Christ came to earth to take care of God, the Holy Spirit’s business. “....And [God, the Holy Spirit]... gave [his citizens from Heaven]... this wonderful message of reconciliation. So [they] are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through [his people or citizens). [They]... speak for Christ when [they] plead [for the lost, sin-sick and spiritual dead souls to], “Come back to God!...” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 NLT).
“...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness..” (Matthew 6:3 KJV).
The KINGDOM of God is the SPHERE of God’s RULE over ALL of heaven, earth, and its inhabitants. To SEEK something is to purposefully go look forward it, pursue it, and search it out.
Jesus was the first ambassador of Heaven and when he CAME to earth he preached and spoke about God’s KINGDOM.
He also demonstrated what it was like by going around doing GOOD and HEALING ALL who were oppressed by the DEVIL and his DARKNESS. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“…The Spirit of the Lord [was].. upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him]… to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
Jesus proclaimed that, upon his arrival, the KINGDOM of God or the SOVEREIGN RULE of God, the Holy Spirit had COME upon earth. “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).
Jesus demonstrated God’s RULE had come upon earth through his AUTHORITY over the works of the devil and darkness. “… His name (Jesus Christ) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).
“...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is ...the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “...he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).
“...On his (Jesus’) robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV). “...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords... Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).
“...May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him...” (Psalms 72:11 NIV). “...Give thanks to the Lord of lords...” (Psalms 136:3 NIV). “...Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits...” (Psalms 136:1-3 MSG).
Jesus, through God’s AUTHORITY, set the captives free, preached the good news, delivered, healed, opened human eyes to spiritual truths, and healed minds, emotions, bodies, and hearts oppressed by the devil. “...he hath anointed [him]… to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
Jesus MAINLY and intentionally focused on KINGDOM WORK, which REVEALED his CLOSE, covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. Jesus, the ambassador from the KINGDOM of God said: "...I and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV).
God, the SOVEREIGN RULER endorsed Jesus, his ambassador. “…God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).
God, the SOVEREIGN RULER heard the prayers of Jesus, his ambassador. “…Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always…” (John 11:41-42 KJV).
God, the SOVEREIGN RULER was presence within Jesus, doing the spiritual WORK of the KINGDOM. “…the Father that dwelleth in me (Jesus, his ambassador), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
God, the SOVEREIGN RULER empowered Jesus to DO the physical WORKS of the KINGDOM. “...Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; [Jesus, the ambassador could] do only what he [saw]... his Father doing, because whatever the Father [did] the Son (Jesus) also [did]...” (John 5:19 NIV).
God, the SOVEREIGN RULER created Jesus, the ambassador to REPRESENT his GLORY or his presence, goodness, and working power upon earth. “The Son (Jesus) is... the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus saith … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER…” (John 14:9 KJV).
God, the SOVEREIGN RULER was ALWAYS with Jesus, the ambassador, in EVERYTHING he did upon earth. “… Jesus of Nazareth...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit) WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
Jesus, the ambassador from the KINGDOM of God “SHARED” his relationship with God, the Holy Spirit by preaching the GOOD NEWS and doing the WORK of the KINGDOM. “...[JESUS].... went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings (good news) of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
“...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).
“... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV). “...God’s word [was un]chained...” (1 Timothy 2:9 NIV). “... the word of God [was un]bound...” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).
Jesus wanted others to experience the SAME covenant relationship he had with his Father. “… I and my Father are one…” (John 10:30). Jesus said, “…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).
Jesus SACRIFICED his life, while upon earth, to get others into the KINGDOM of God. “...[Jesus)… [God’s ambassador and]… righteous servant …[made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]...all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).
Jesus was JOYFUL, no matter what he had to endure, to be God’s ambassador for bringing & becoming his GIFT of SALVATION to lost, sin-sick, and spiritually dead souls upon earth. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).
Seeking the KINGDOM of God, for citizens of Heaven and ambassadors of Christ means DOING all they are LEAD, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, to do in order to promote, preach, speak, and demonstrate that God’s KINGDOM has COME!
It doesn’t NEGATE the human experience, nor does it remove trials and tribulations, but “seeking the KINGDOM” helps God’s citizens and ambassadors KEEP their focus on the MISSION regardless of what they are FACING.“…In this world [god’s ambassadors]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...[They are to be] … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).
NONETHELESS, “...In the world [his ambassadors]... shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth [his ambassadors]...will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...[His ambassadors]... must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...[YET]...despite all these things, overwhelming victory [belongs to his ambassdors] ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
Thus, “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises (keep God’s commandments) even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).
Their MOTTO: “… not My will, but Yours be done [God, the Holy Spirit]..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Every ambassador of Christ HOPES to hear the SOVEREIGN RULER said, one day, “WELL DONE!!!” “…The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT).
“...[God’s people or citizens]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).
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