Ambassador’s for Christ

“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

Since His ascension, Christ has carried forward His work on the earth by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men and ministers to their need. The great Head of the church superintends His work through the instrumentality of men ordained by God to act as His representatives. The position of those who have been called of God to labour in word and doctrine for the building up of His church, is one of grave responsibility. In Christ’s stead they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God, and they can fulfill their mission only as they receive wisdom and power from above.

Christ’s ministers are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted to their care. Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In ancient times, sentinels were often stationed on the walls of cities, where, from points of vantage, they could overlook important posts to be guarded, and give warning of the approach of an enemy. Upontheir faithfulness depended the safety of all within. At stated intervals they were required to call to one another, to make sure that all were awake and that no harm had befallen any. The cry of good cheer or of warning was borne from one to another, each repeating the call until it echoed round the city.

To every minister the Lord declares, “O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it… thou hast delivered thy soul.” (Ez. 33:7-9} DA 360.361.

“In every period of this earth’s history, God has had His men of opportunity, to whom He has said, “Ye are My witnesses.” In every age there have been devoted men, who gathered up the rays of light as they flashed upon their pathway, and who spoke to the people the words of God. Enoch, Moses, Daniel, and the long roll of patriarchs and prophets,–these were ministers of righteousness. They were not infallible; they were weak, erring men; but the Lord wrought through them as they gave themselves to His service.” GW, p.13.

WHAT GOD EXPECTS OF HIS PEOPLE

“God expects personal service from everyone to whom He has entrusted knowledge of the truth for this time…

“Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary…

“To save souls should be the life work of every one who professes Christ. We are debtors to the world for the grace given us of God, for the light which has shone upon us, and for the discovered beauty and power of the truth…

“Every one who has received the divine illumination, is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the light of life.

“To every one work has been allotted, and no one can be a substitute for another. Each one has a mission of wonderful importance, which he cannot neglect or ignore, as the fulfillment of it involves the weal of some soul, and the neglect of it the woe of one for whom Christ died.” – Review and Herald, December 12, 1893.

“We should all be workers together with God. No idlers are acknowledged as His servants.”Review and Herald, December 15, 1887; Christian Service, p. 9, 10.

“And the spirit and the bride say come. And let him that heareth say come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17).

“Not upon the ordained ministers only, rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission. Every one who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men.” Christian Service, p. 15, 11, 12.

THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU

“The children of God are called to be representatives of Christ, showing forth the goodness and mercy of the Lord. As Jesus has revealed to us the true character of the Father, so we are to reveal Christ to a world that does not know His tender, pitying love.” “As Thou hast sent Me into the world.” I in them, and Thou in Me… that the world may know that Thou hast sent me.” John 17:18, 23. The apostle Paul says to the disciples of Jesus, “Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ.” “Known and read of all men.” 2 Cor. 3: 3, 2. In every one of His children, Jesus sends a letter to the family, the village, the street, where you live. Jesus dwelling in you, desires to speak to the hearts of those who are not acquainted with Him. Perhaps they do not see the love of God or do not hear the voice that speaks to them in its pages; they do not see the love of God through His works. But if you are true representatives of Jesus, it may be that through you they will be led to understand something of His goodness and be won to love and serve Him.

Christians are set as light bearers on the way to heaven. They are to reflect to the world the light shining upon them from Christ. Their life and character should be such that through them others will get a right conception of Christ and of His service.” Sc 115.

NEVER BE SAVED IN INDOLENCE

“Let no one think that he is at liberty to fold his hands and do nothing. That anyone can be saved in indolence and inactivity is an utter impossibility. Think of what Christ accomplished during His earthly ministry.

How earnest, how untiring, were His efforts! He allowed nothing to turn Him aside from the work given Him. Are we following in His footsteps?” CS, p. 83.

“The world needs missionaries, consecrated home missionaries, and no one will be registered in the books of heaven as a Christian who has not a missionary spirit.” R & H, Aug. 23, 1892.

“If the church members do not individually take hold of this work, then they show that they have no living connection with God. Their names are registered as slothful servants.” Test. Vol. 5, p. 462, 463.

“We can never be saved in indolence and inactivity. There is no such thing as a truly converted person living a helpless, useless life. It is not possible for us to drift into heaven. No sluggard can enter there… Those who refuse to cooperate with God on earth would not cooperate with Him in heaven. It would not be safe to take them to heaven.” COL, p. 280.

“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.” Matt. 21: 28, 29. “Thank God we can always change our minds and do what is right.”

CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4.

The years are rapidly passing, bearing away their record for eternity. Wherever you see work to be done, do your very best, after the order of Christ. Place yourselves under the discipline of God. It was God’s plan that those in darkness should see great light; Christ’s work was one of constant progress. In His life He has left us an example of how we are to labour. Constantly He went about doing good.

JUST FOR ONE MAN

“And the angel of the Lord spake unto Phillip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went.” Acts 8:26, 27.

“Notice how much effort was put forth for just one man, an Ethiopian.” DA 293.

“This Ethiopian was a man of good standing and of wide influence. God saw that when converted he would give others the light he had received and would exert a strong influence in favour of the gospel. Angels of God were attending this seeker for light, and he was being drawn to the Saviour. By the ministration of the Holy Spirit the Lord brought him into touch with one who could lead him to the light.

“Phillip was directed to go to the Ethiopian and explain to him the prophecy that he was reading. ?Go near,’ the Spirit said, ?and join thyself to this chariot’… The man’s heart thrilled with interest as the scriptures were explained to him; and when the disciple had finished, he was ready to accept the light given. He did not make his high worldly position an excuse for refusing the gospel…

This Ethiopian represents a large class who need to be taught by such missionaries as Phillip—men who will hear the voice of God and go where he sends them. There are many who are reading the scriptures who cannot understand their true import. All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayersand tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.

“An angel guided Phillip to the one who was seeking for light and who was ready to receive the gospel, and today angels will guide the footsteps of those workers who will allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their tongues and refine and ennoble their hearts.” AA 107-109.

He who sent Phillip to the EthiopianCouncilor, Peter to the roman Centurion, and the little Israelite maiden to the help of Naaman, the Syrian captain, sends you and me today as his representatives to those in need of divine help and guidance. All upon whom God’s blessing has been bestowed are to respond by actual service; every gift is to be employed for the advancement of His kingdom, and the glory of His name. God will use men and women and youth today as He used Timothy, if they will submit to His guidance. It is our privilege to be God’s missionaries. He calls us to work for our companions, to seek out those we know to be in danger; in the love of Christ let us try to help them.
AMEN.

Your brother and co-worker in Christ, Golden Kayawa Hingabantu, Zambia