2 Corinthians 5:14-21

2. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 • 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. • 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

3. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

4. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 • 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

5. Who are my people? • An ambassador is sent to a foreign country • You are a citizen of heaven strategically placed for maximum impact

6. Sphere of Influence Definition Your natural network of relationships that you have with people in the everyday flow of life OR A sector of society in which you have a deep desire to see the kingdom advance

7. Who are my people? • An ambassador is sent to a foreign country • You are a citizen of heaven strategically placed for maximum impact • You will be most strategic where God has already placed you

8. 2) What are their needs? • An ambassador lives life among the people • Everybody has needs • It’s not a formula so we can lead them to Jesus (we don’t need to earn the right to share) • It’s simply intentionally loving and honoring them in practical ways they will receive it

9. 3) What are their heart needs? An ambassador delivers messages • The effects of sin have impacted every person • Bringing the love of Christ to their heart needs: the gospel message in a way they can receive • Ask questions, listen, love sincerely, bring reconciliation through Christ • There is a harvest in every field

10. 4) How will you connect them? An ambassador connects people • We are not called to just people to Jesus, but to make disciples • Three ways to do this: • Invite them to your lifegroup • Bring them to somebody else’s lifegroup • Start a new group with them

11. Discipleship Process

12. Application • Identify your sphere of influence • Set goals – What are the next steps? • For the next two weeks • Share with your D-group (scribe)

13. Sharing the Gospel • Be yourself and have fun • Let the Holy Spirit lead • Pray for needs as a bridge to spiritual conversation • Sow the seed, let God do the work • Know the power of your story

14. Initiating the Conversation • Just start talking to them • Encourage them • Pray for them • Share a word for them • Ask a question • Pray for the sick • “Have you heard the good news?” • “I am in school and want to share how my life has been transformed. Have you heard about Jesus? • Serve them