On Sunday we talked about how we each are “ambassadors for Christ.”
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
-Jesus, Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
When you think of the Great Commission, do you think first of our local community or faraway places in the world? Why?
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 NLT
What did Jesus promise His disciples in Acts 1:8? What command did He then give them?
Why was the coming of the Holy Spirit essential to the disciples’ obeying Jesus’ Great Commission? How would the Spirit empower the disciples to carry out Jesus’ mission?
What does this mean? Why is this important for us in our mission today?
Jesus connected the power to accomplish the commission He was giving with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ disciples were to rely upon the power of the Holy Spirit to share the truth of the gospel locally and globally, as they were ambassadors to the world around them. The Spirit enables us to overcome our fears and to fulfill what Jesus has asked us to do.
What is the significance of the places listed by Jesus in Acts 1:8?
From these verses, what did Peter and John believe and how did those beliefs impact their”going”?
What were the various responses from the community when Peter and John witnessed to them about Christ? What does this tell you about “going” in your community?
What is my responsibility as an ambassador? What is not my responsibility?
What was the significance of the question the council asked Peter and John in verse 7? Have you ever felt like you didn’t have the authority to share the gospel because of a lack of education or position?
Some of us push back against being an ambassador. We say “that isn’t my spiritual gift,” or “don’t we pay our pastor to do that?” or “I don’t really know any non-believers.”
Sometimes we resist because “I don’t have time,” or “I don’t want to force my beliefs on others.”
Do you struggle with any of these? I sure have in the past. Why aren’t these valid excuses?
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. 15 So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves.
Acts 4:13-20 NLT
16 “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
These guys were fully obedient ambassadors, weren’t they? What do you think was the source of Peter and John’s courage? What did the crowd notice about Peter and John?
Do you notice a difference in your courage and enthusiasm for the gospel, depending on your location (i.e. on a mission trip vs. being at work; teaching VBS vs. coaching a Little League team)? Do you notice this same difference in Peter and John? Why not? How were they able to demonstrate the same courage and enthusiasm no matter where they went?
What does the fact that the men seemed so “ordinary” communicate about the work of God? In what ways can this encourage us in our relationship with God?
Read verses 18-20 again. Do you think this kind of community reaction is possible today? What do you think our response would be?
Thom Rainer writes, “It is a sin to be silent when we have been commanded to speak. One person in one church can make a difference. One member committed to going can be a spark that ignites a fire. One person. You. It is time for all church members and believers to acclaim these words without hesitation: I will go.”
What do you think of that quote, ambassador?
How can we make our prayer life an instrument toward “going”?
Do your actions reflect the belief that Christ is the only way of salvation? Are you constantly and urgently going and sharing your faith in words and deeds?
Did you know we provide training to help you be an ambassador? Your testimony is the BEST way for you to connect with someone for Christ. BUT, many people haven’t developed their testimony, so when the opportunity arises, they can’t really share it.
The New Life Class has a whole section on developing a NINE-SENTENCE testimony that is easy to work into a conversation. It is too late for Easter this year, but it WILL help you be a better ambassador!
Check out the New Life page, and watch the video to get a leg up and start preparing your story!
Do you have your ambassador lanyard with you? Who’s name did the Holy Spirit prompt you to write on there? Are you keeping it with you at all times as a reminder to pray? What names are we praying for tonight?