2 Corinthians 5:20 (context chapters 4-6)
There are many religious voices today and much controversy. Please hear what I’m about to say to you.
The Bible is full of imperfect vessels who God uses in a perfect way, with it all pointing toward the only perfect one, Jesus Christ. Keep your eyes on the perfect Jesus, not the imperfect vessel. Receive from Jesus. Give all the praise, honor, and glory to Jesus. The vessel you might be looking at is imperfect. That vessel is God’s responsibility. You are responsible for you. You are imperfect. God will judge both you and the vessel you might be judging. That makes you responsible to God. Be careful that you do not sow discord among the brethren. It is an abomination in the sight of God to sow discord among the brethren. Watch your mouth! Proverbs 6:16-19
Ambassadors of Christ Present the Whole Truth
Many have seen John 3:16, but have been blinded to Luke 3:16.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Luke 3:16 “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I is coming…He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is as much a part of the love and plan of God, as the blood sacrifice of Jesus that was given to take our sins away.
“…Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world…the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost…Behold the Lamb of God!” John 1:29,33,36
“Behold the Lamb of God” and be freed from sin. “Behold the Lamb of God” and be filled with the Holy Spirit with supernatural signs following. This is the normal Christian life of following Jesus!
Ambassadors of Christ Don’t Promote Themselves.
Ambassadors promote the one who sent them. Jesus said you will know the false ministry (those who are deviating from the whole truth) from the true ministry (those who are operating in the whole truth) by the fruit. Is there the fruit of life and liberation in Jesus in the lives of the people, or, is there only dry, powerless, religious knowledge and ritual? What is the fruit of the tree? Does it correspond to what Jesus said would be fruit as found in Mark 16:15-20?
“Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature…And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.”
Is the true gospel being preached in all the world through the ministry? Are signs following the preaching of the Word through the ministry? Is the power of God being manifested in supernatural ways in the people’s lives through the ministry? Are people being healed through the ministry? Are lives being transformed so the love and character of Christ are being manifested in the lives of the people?
Does the fruit of the ministry you are in, or that you are looking at, correspond to what Jesus said would be fruit as found in John 14:12-14?
“…He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do…and whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”
Is this believed and being taught in the ministry? Are the works of Jesus happening in the ministry? If not, be aware of this, somebody is selling you short. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundant. It all happens by faith in Jesus that takes action in the power of the Holy Spirit. We see a picture of that abundant life in the life and ministry of Jesus, and we see a picture of that abundant life in the life and ministry of the early church.
Ambassadors of Christ Point You to the Solution
Are you hungry and thirsty for abundant life according to the scriptures? If so, Follow Jesus. Seek Jesus. Yield all your life to Jesus. Jesus is right. Trust Jesus. He will never lead you wrong or leave you deficient in any way. There is supernatural, abundant life in Jesus. It is only through Jesus that we are able to come to and live in the presence of God the Father. Give praise and honor to Jesus, and He will fill you with His Spirit the Bible way. He will lead you into all truth that sets you free, and keep you free in every way, even for all eternity!