November 12, 2024-Pastor Bill’s Reading Plan

November 12     2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5 is a section in Scripture that I have a special affection for because in college this was the chapter I was assigned in preaching class to come up with 4 sermons from in the semester.  It is a wonderful chapter because Paul talks about the Christian life as a win-win scenario.  If I wake up in the morning, I have been given another day on Earth and must see that as gift from God.  That is a win.  If I don't wake up in the morning I am immediately at home with the LORD.  That is an even bigger win.  We must appreciate each day as a gift from God. I know we look forward to Heaven and eternity, but we must never devalue God's plans for us today and must accept with gratitude the gift of seeing another day.

Paul's understanding was that his role was an ambassador for Christ in the world.  His job was to present the message of Jesus to the world.  As an ambassador he didn't write the message or choose the audience- he went where sent and told the truthful message of Jesus as it happened. He didn't need to add to it.  He certainly didn't subtract from it.  He just went were God led and spoke about what he knew about the Gospel message.  In the same way we are called as ambassadors in our workplaces, communities, and homes.  It is not a matter of figuring out where God will send us because I believe God already has you in the places you can serve as ambassador.  The thing we need to focus on is getting that message out.  When you hear people being appointed to be ambassadors from the United States the response is always "What an honor".  Why should we see being called by God as ambassador to the world around us as anything less than an absolute honor?