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Be Christ’s Disciple: Telling Your Story. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. Structure of 2 Corinthians. Chapters 1 – 7 contain Apostle Paul’s explanation of his conduct and ministry. Chapters 8 & 9 deal with collections/taking up offerings for the saints in Jerusalem.
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Be Christ’s Disciple:Telling Your Story 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Structure of 2 Corinthians • Chapters 1 – 7 contain Apostle Paul’s explanation of his conduct and ministry. • Chapters 8 & 9 deal with collections/taking up offerings for the saints in Jerusalem. • Chapters 10 – 13 Paul argues his case for having true apostolic authority.
Reasons for Telling Your Story 2 Corinthians 5:11-15 • We fear God- Not the judgmental, terrorizing fear. Rather the reverential, awesome fear. • We are proud-Not of who we are or what we have done. Rather of our identity in Christ. • We are a blessing- Christ’s selfless devotion to the Father resulted in His sacrifice for our benefit.
Purpose of Telling Your Story 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 • To show people that we are a new creation. • To show people how they can be reconciled.
What is an Ambassador? • Ambassador- Usually the highest ranking diplomat who represents one state and stationed at the host state. Head of embassy. • Diplomat- A person appointed by one state to conduct diplomacy with another state for the purpose of representing and protecting the interests of the sending state.
What is an Ambassador? • In the United States of America an ambassador: • Nominated by the President • Confirmed by the Senate • Serves at the pleasure of the President (can be dismissed at any time) • Answers to the Secretary of State
Diplomatic Functions • Reporting- collect and report information that could affect national interests. • Advocating- influence and persuade allies and adversaries to achieve goals of home country. • Negotiating- principal role is to foster peaceful relations between states.
Personal Stories in the Bible • Samaritan Woman’s salvation story • John 4:1-42 • Peter’s story about reconciliation • Acts 10:1-11:18 • Paul’s story of his mission • Acts 22: 1-21