Ambassadors for Christ
by Pastor Paul M. Sadler
"Now then 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).
Such
a glorious message as reconciliation must at all cost be taken without
haste to the unsaved masses. This is precisely what God did when He commissioned us as ambassadors
for Christ. I read some time ago that in the Roman empire there were
two types of provinces-- senatorial and imperial. The senatorial
provinces were peaceful for the most part, and never caused Rome any
problem. This could not be said of the imperial ones, for they were
dangerous and frequently rebelled against the empire. It was to the
imperial provinces that Rome sent ambassadors to help ease tension and
announce the emperor's objectives. They were some of the first diplomats
in the truest sense of the term.
In
the present evil age in which we live, the world is an imperial
province that has nothing but contempt for God. In the midst of this
tumult, God has sent in His ambassadors to offer amnesty the world's
weary warriors of rebellion.
What
an honor it would be to be chosen by the President of the United States
to serve our country as an ambassador in a foreign land. Every
ambassador seems to have three outstanding characteristics. First, they
always look presentable. Secondly, they are dignified, and finally, they are well informed
as to the goals of the commander in chief. If this is true in the
affairs of men, how much more so as we represent Christ in His absence.
Many in the world are dull of hearing and therefore need to hear again
that God loves them and has reconciled them unto Himself. Unlike the
Great Commission given to Israel, our commission does not concern
nations, but individuals within the nations. Begin by committing the
word of reconciliation to your loved ones, and remember that the mission
field extends into foreign lands as well.
What
has happened to the missionary zeal that was cradled in our country?
The fires have seemingly gone out except for a few flickering
AMBASSADORS for CHRIST By Pastor Paul M. Sadler embers that yet glow.
Pray that God will ignite a fire in our hearts for lost souls in other
lands. Permit me to say that far too often our Grace Missionaries
struggle on meager salaries that would probably be below the poverty
level in this country. They have left family and friends and the
security of our homeland to preach Christ to those who are less
fortunate than ourselves. The very least we can do is to encourage them with our financial support and pray
without ceasing for their needs. I suppose the polar caps would melt
before the denominational churches of North America would come to their
assistance, for reasons that are obvious. We must rise to the occasion
on their behalf before the doors of third-world countries are completely
closed.
A Herculean task lies before us to spread the word of reconciliation. And may it ever be before us that "…if one died for all, then were all dead." Can it be truthfully said that all who have been born of the woman are born in sin and therefore spiritually dead? Then as the apostle says, Christ died for all without exception (2 Cor. 5:14,15). Yes, Christ died for you! "Now is the accepted time, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION."
How many would you say have died in the last 24 hours around the world?
Tomorrow death may tap you on the shoulder and say, "Your hour has
come." Time is of the essence; to receive God's wonderful offer of
reconciliation, simply believe that Christ died for your sins personally and rose again the third day for your justification. Do it today, eternity awaits.
— An Excerpt from Exploring the Unsearchable Riches of Christ.
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