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 (2 Cor. 5:20).
While waiting for the certain end of life, this Wesleyan divine assembled 17 sermons. This one deals with the privileges and the responsibilities of Christ’s ambassadors.
I. An Ambassador Represents His Country in an Alien Land. The ambassador serves as the personal representative of his ruler, and his embassy belongs to the country from which he comes. This is a high office. Are you really an ambassador of Jesus Christ? Is your home an embassy of heaven? Do his rules and customs and laws alone prevail within its walls?
II. An Ambassador Has Direct Access to His Ruler. The problem of the ambassador is ever to hold true to his prime allegiance. How can one keep from being “denationalized”? By being often in the sanctuary, and in the midweek fellowship of prayer. Also, by jealously guarding the periods for daily devotions.
III. An Ambassador Goes on a Special Mission. Do you know the craft of skill in personal evangelism? Can you without embarrassment tell the unbeliever: “I am from God. The King whom I represent wants a reconciliation with you. Whatever the barriers, they are all in you. If you want to be right with him, you can. Accept the Atonement of God’s only-begotten Son. He has pardon for you. Receive his pardon. Be reconciled to God.” Remember, too, that sooner or later—
IV. Every Ambassador is Relieved of His Post. He is called home. God does not intend that the Christian ambassador should dwell forever in an alien land. Some day the call will come. May it find us fulfilling our ambassadorial duties. Will it be like that with you? When he calls you home, can you say: “I have finished the work thou didst give me to do.”
Can I Know God? by W. E. Sangster. Copyright 1960 by Abingdon Press.
Sermons Abridged By Dr. Andrew W. Blackwood
W. E. SANGSTER,Ambassadors for Christ;G. CAMPBELL MORGAN,The Kingdom for Which We Pray; and two of Dr. Blackwood’s own sermons, The Apostle’s Creed for Today and When a Young Man Comes to Church.
