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How to Conduct Ourselves as Ambassadors for Christ
Article by David F. MaasAs members of God's church, we recognize that our citizenship is in heaven, making us aliens in the physical countries where we reside. Like ambassadors of a foreign government, we are called to a higher purpose, as the apostle Paul challenges us to be ambassadors for Christ, declaring, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." Our role mirrors that of diplomats who represent their homeland with humility and grace, serving as stewards of the Kingdom of God. As ambassadors, we must be circumspect in our words and actions, careful not to offend or bring disrepute upon our heavenly citizenship, always reflecting the culture of God's Kingdom through hospitality, courtesy, and gracious speech. We are to advance the positions of our true home, submerging personal opinions and being ready to provide answers grounded in His Word. As faithful ambassadors of Christ, we ought to bring health, refreshment, and comfort to those we encounter, representing His way of life with steadfast dedication.
Ambassadors for Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs ambassadors for Christ, we are compelled by His love to represent the Father, Christ, and God's Kingdom. This role requires us to become a new creation, undergoing a spiritual transformation into a brand new man with new values, motivations, and possessions. As ambassadors, we must cultivate this new nature through spiritual decisiveness, growing in Christ with the help of God's Spirit, and not reverting to our former life. Being an ambassador for Christ means being a reconciler, helping others to reconcile with God and with one another. We must be reconciled to God ourselves and act as proper witnesses of God's way of life. The term "ambassador" implies acting as an authorized representative of the Sovereign of the universe, bound to obey His instructions and to do only what He would do if present. As ambassadors, we are sent to make known and enforce the terms on which God is willing to be reconciled to people, without negotiating new terms or following our own plans. All members of God's church are ambassadors for Christ, representing Him as citizens of heaven. Our citizenship in heaven signifies a profound change, marking us as members of God's Family and fellow citizens in His great Kingdom. This privileged position grants us access to God's power to overcome and to act as reconcilers. As ambassadors, we must live in a manner consistent with the laws and customs of God's Kingdom, showing concern for the state and well-being of His Family. Our role as ambassadors is rooted in the assurance of our spiritual birth certificate, given by God through His Spirit. This assurance reminds us daily of our citizenship in heaven and our responsibility to live as reconciling ambassadors for Christ, standing apart from the world's values and focusing on the privileges and glories of membership in God's church.
Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhile it may seem to be the height of patriotism to cast a ballot, Christians are urged to refrain from interfering in the politics of this world.
Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus never inserted Himself into the political process, but instead, He taught His disciples to come out of this world's way of life.
Be Ready for Every Good Work
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul underscores the importance of living as citizens of God's Kingdom by maintaining good works, being obedient, peaceable, and humble in all interactions.
Why We Do Not Vote
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn America, where the political process is hailed as free and democratic, it is considered somehow "un-American" not to vote whenever the polling stations open.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasTrue peacemaking means emulating Christ, which that involves promoting justice and righteousness, not merely avoiding conflict or appeasing by compromising.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasIn a culture which glorifies war heroes and winning at all costs, becoming an ambassador to peace is perhaps the most elusive goal we could ever accomplish.
The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must be involved in proclaiming His message, feeding the flock, living His example, assuming the responsibilities of our awesome commission.
All Nations Before Him Are As Nothing!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod used the unconverted Israelites as His instrument of removal of the Canaanites, but showed them the fruits of war, including captivity for disobedience.
Should a Christian Play Devil's Advocate?
'Ready Answer' by StaffWe frequently use phrases whose origins are unknown to us. What is behind the phrase 'Devil's Advocate'? Should Christians take the wicked one's side?
A Heavenly Homeland (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhen Christ returns, He will establish the Kingdom on earth and all people will be His subjects then. But what does citizenship entail now—before His return?
No Time to Think!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe media attempt to hypnotize the citizenry to hate Donald Trump and love Hillary, pretending to explain complex situations by two second sound-bites.
The Same Mind, Judgment, and Speech (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDespite our differences, Jesus Christ is our commonality. As we pursue His image, we will have greater harmony with those seeking the same thing.
Implications of the Gospel of the Kingdom
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeMark 1:14 describes Jesus' gospel as "the gospel of the kingdom of God." This statement has far-reaching implications for our beliefs and conduct.
Implications of the Gospel of the Kingdom
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod's people must let go of the world's solutions, involving party spirit, revolutions, and power struggles, placing their trust in the sovereignty of God.
Heavenly Citizenship (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe have an obligation to respond to our calling, no longer living on a passport, but having a birth certificate in our heavenly kingdom.
Why We Do Not Vote
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChristians have been called out of this world's politics, voting included. As ambassadors of Christ, we cannot participate in the politics of another country.
The Same Plumb Line
Commentary by David C. GrabbeA former president was sexually immoral, lied with impunity, and misused his position. The same is true of the current one. Will we apply God's standard equally?
Secession (Part One): Is Separation Wrong?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs members of God's family, we are admonished to separate ourselves from the Babylonish system as Noah prepared himself from a hopelessly corrupt world.
Things Pertaining to the Kingdom!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBetween Christ's resurrection and ascension, He appeared to His disciples 10 times within 40 days, instructing them about things pertaining to the Kingdom.
The Kingdom of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God includes a King, territory, citizenry, and laws. The term kingdom (Greek basileia), has a past, present and future application.
The Commandments (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMany biblical examples illustrate that when the leader put his faith in God and submitted himself to God's rule, God supernaturally protected His people.
Judge Not, That You Be Not Judged (Part One)
Sermonette by Ryan McClureIf we are summoned to serve on a jury, how would we respond? Christ has counseled us that we should not condemn lest we be condemned; judgment is His.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe way that one lives provides testimony and witness. To witness and endure life's various trials, we must have faith in who and what we are.