Memorise: Now we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2nd Corinthians 5:20
Read: 1st Corinthians 8:9-13 (KJV)
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Bible in one year: Genesis 35-37, Hymn: Sing hymn 26
MESSAGE:-
An ambassador is an accredited person who represents his/her nation in a foreign country.
When a country chooses a person to serve as an ambassador, it means the fellow has characteristics that reflect who they are and who they want the world to see them as. Many Christians, even Pastors call themselves ambassadors of Christ whereas Christ’s testimony about them is “I know you not” (Matthew 25:12). It is not just about claiming to be Christ’s Ambassador, it is about living the lifestyle of Christ (Matthew 7:21-23).
How do we know those who are true ambassadors of Christ? Jesus said it is by their fruits that we will know them. Is the fruit of the spirit evident in your lifestyle? Do you show love to those around you? Are you patient, meek, full of joy? Are you at peace in your mind and following peace with all men? Are you gentle? Do you have faith in God? If these things don’t describe you correctly, then you are not an ambassador of Christ. Jesus said in John 14:9 that if you have seen Him, then you have seen the Father. That is a true ambassador. Can people look at you and have a good picture of who Christ is?
A powerful Muslim cleric once said that if he can find ten Christians like Adeboye, he would convert to Christianity. This shows how scarce true ambassadors of Christ are. The moment you call yourself a Christian, people begin to watch your lifestyle; what they see in you will determine how they take Christianity. Ephesians 6:20 states:
“For which I am an ambassador in chains, that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly as I ought to.”
While true Christians are saving souls from grasp of the devil, don’t be the one to turn them away from Christ. If you will not live the lifestyle of Christ, don’t go around parading yourself as a Christian. Jesus said He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him (John 10:14). The end is very near; if you do not repent and change your ways, you would soon have to join your real father – the devil. I pray that will never be your story.
Reflection: Are you truly an ambassador of Christ?
Open Heavens Daily Devotional Lessons was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical Churches in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
RCCG Year 2020 Fasting & Prayer Guide For January And February
Friday 24th Jan 2020 DAY 14: PRAYER FOR CHURCH GROWTH, TEXT: Acts 1:8, Psa 86:1, Luke 10:2
The Church of God is a living entity. Where there is no growth, then somebody must have left-the HOLY SPIRIT
1. Praise and worship our God for Who He is. Isa 44:6
2. Praise and worship our God for the creation power of heavens, the earth and everything therein. Psa 148:5
3. Let us praise God for His marvelous works on the earth. Psa 40:5
4. Let us thank God for His mercy and goodness in our life and family. Psa 23:6
5. Let us thank God for His goodness and mercy in His Church Psa 23:6
6. Father, visit all our parishes having growth challenges and revive them in Jesus name.
7. Father, we ask for resuscitation of closed down Parishes in all nations of the world by the power of resurrection of Jesus.
8. When the Apostles dedicated themselves to ministry of prayers and the word, the Church grew, O Lord, let our ministers have this same mind in the pursuit of church growth in Jesus name.
9. Father, we need the power of your Holy Spirit more than the days of Pentecost for effective witnessing. Please send down the power. Acts 1:8
10. Father, raise more labourers for this end time harvest in Jesus name, Luk 10:2
11. Father, give to our church leaders’ guidance and wisdom for effective strategies in handling issues of church planting in Jesus name
12. Father, always answer us every time we look up to You in expectations concerning your church and your people. Acts 1:10, Psa 121:1
13. Father, grant that your ministers the will and grace to work together in love in order to overcome the enemy of the church. Acts 1:14
14. Arise Oh Lord and let the enemies of church growth be scattered in Jesus name. Psa 68:1
15. Father disgrace and frustrate every power that will not allow your Church to fulfill your mandate in Jesus Name. Job 5:12
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