Sermon Notes
To be the greatest church, we must follow the greatest commandment, from the greatest person for the greatest glory.
The Big Idea
Identify ONE person this year to share your faith experience with through personal conversations.
Review
Jesus spoke with A Bible scholar, A centurion, A tax collector, A disabled person, and A woman who had been married five times.
A Fair Question
Does this neighboring thing work in the real world?
Jesus’ Pledge to Us (Acts 1:8)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus Tells Us
What we will possess (“power”)
Who we are to become (“witnesses”)
Where you are to go (“ends of the earth”)
There is no place on the planet that is off-limits from the Gospel.
And you have the power to participate in this.
Paul uses a First Century, Greco-Roman idea to explain this concept (2 Corinthians 5:11-20).
KEY TERM
Ambassador:
The highest rank of a diplomat (i.e., the Emperor’s Legate) who represents his/her nation of origin in an effort to negotiate peace. Ambassadors not only represent the wishes and commands of the sending nation, but they also possess a personal understanding of laws, language and customs of the receiving nation.
Ambassadors:
Know the will of the king
Understand the culture of the community
Why should we be ambassadors?
—Because we fear Jesus’ who will hold us accountable (2 Cor. 5:9-11)
—Because we are moved by Jesus’ love who died for all (2 Cor. 5:14-15)
—Because people are more than just physical bodies (5:16)
—Because people can be made new (5:17)
—Because Christ has given us this ministry and message of reconciliation (5:18)
If you are not open to the idea of sharing your faith, then it could be that you don’t understand the power of Jesus or the love of Jesus.
KEY TERM reconcile (καταλλαγή)-
In financial terms, exchange of the business of money changers, exchanging equivalent values, adjustment of a difference, reconciliation, and restoration to favor on their behalf.
Application
– Take one box for you
– Take a second box for your one.
Discussion Questions
TALK IT OUT:
1. Pastor Rusty asks us to consider if this neighboring thing works in the real world. He suggests it does because of what we learn in Acts 1:8, which says we have the power to be God’s witnesses wherever we go. How can knowing that the Holy Spirit helps us share God’s love with everyone change our perspective about being God’s witnesses?
2. From Acts 1:8, we learn three facts: 1) we possess God’s power, 2) through His power, we can become God’s witnesses, and 3) this is true wherever we go (to the ends of the earth). Which of these three is most reassuring as you consider sharing your faith with your neighbor?
3. Pastor Rusty explains the implications of understanding these facts, 1) there is no place on the planet that is off limits from the Gospel, and 2) We have God’s power to participate in the Gospel. Explain why understanding these two facts can change our attitude about sharing the Gospel.
4. The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:11-20 explains our role by using the analogy of an ambassador. Ambassadors not only represent the wishes and commands of the nation which sends them, but they also have a personal understanding of the laws, language, and culture of the receiving nation. How can realizing our role as ambassadors & witnesses help us more effectively share our faith with our neighbor?
5. Pastor Rusty suggests five reasons we should be ambassadors. Reflect on the importance of each of the five and consider which reason most motivates you. Why?
—Because we fear Jesus who will hold us accountable (2 Cor. 5:9-11)
—Because we are moved by Jesus’ love who died for all (5:14-15)
—Because people are more than just physical bodies (5:16)
—Because people can be made new (5:17)
—Because Christ has given us a ministry and message of reconciliation (5:18)
LIVE IT OUT
Take an Oikos box for yourself.
Select your “One” to share a box with this year if you haven’t done so already.
Take a second Oikos box for your “One.”
Develop a plan for sharing your Oikos box with your “One.”
Ask God to use you as an ambassador as you share your Oikos box.