Sermon for Sunday September 17 2023 Title: “Living as Ambassadors for Christ”

Order of Church Service – Sunday September 17 2023

Order of Church Service – Sunday, September 17, 2023:

1. Prelude: Instrumental music or a choir performance to set the atmosphere for worship.
2. Welcome and Greetings: The church leadership or a designated person welcomes congregants and visitors to the service.
3. Opening Hymn or Song: Congregational singing to praise and worship God.
4. Opening Prayer: A minister or leader leads the congregation in prayer, dedicating the service to God.
5. Announcements: Important church announcements, upcoming events, and updates are shared.
6. Worship in Song: A segment of singing or praise and worship, often led by a music team or choir.
7. Scripture Reading: A designated person reads a passage from the Bible, which may relate to the sermon theme.
8. Children’s Message: A brief message or story for the children present, often followed by children leaving for Sunday School.
9. Special Music: A solo, duet, or choir performance that enhances the worship experience.
10. Sermon: The pastor or preacher delivers a sermon or message based on the Bible. This is the central teaching component of the service.
11. Offering: Congregants have the opportunity to give their tithes and offerings to support the church and its ministries.
12. Prayers of Intercession: A time of prayer where specific needs, both within the church and in the world, are lifted up to God.
13. Closing Hymn or Song: A final song of worship before the benediction.
14. Benediction: The pastor or leader offers a closing blessing and sends the congregation forth with a prayer of encouragement.
15. Postlude: Instrumental music or a choir performance concludes the service.

After the formal service, some churches may have additional activities such as a fellowship time, refreshments, or small group meetings. Please check with your specific church for any unique elements or variations in the order of service.

Sermon Title: “Living as Ambassadors for Christ”

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (ESV)

• 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (ESV): 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Introduction:

• The concept of being ambassadors for Christ.
• The transformation that occurs when we are “in Christ.”
• The ministry of reconciliation entrusted to believers.

I. A New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17):

• Exploring what it means to be a “new creation.”
• Leaving behind the old and embracing the new.
• The significance of personal transformation.

II. The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19):

• Understanding God’s role in reconciling us to Himself.
• Our call to participate in the ministry of reconciliation.
• Sharing the message of reconciliation with the world.

III. Ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20):

• The honor and responsibility of being ambassadors.
• God making His appeal through us.
• Urging others to be reconciled to God through Christ.

IV. The Sacrificial Love of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21):

• Examining Christ’s sacrificial act on our behalf.
• How His sacrifice brings us into God’s righteousness.
• The life-changing impact of Christ’s love.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key points: New creation, ministry of reconciliation, being ambassadors, and Christ’s sacrificial love.
• Encourage the congregation to live as ambassadors for Christ in their daily lives.
• Invite those who have not yet accepted Christ’s message of reconciliation to do so.

Application:

• Challenge the congregation to consider how they can actively serve as ambassadors for Christ in their communities, workplaces, and relationships.
• Encourage personal reflection on the transformative power of being “in Christ” and living out God’s message of reconciliation.

Remember to personalize the sermon and incorporate relevant anecdotes, illustrations, and applications that resonate with your congregation’s needs and context.