As we enter Passion Week, I have been reflecting on what it truly means for us to rediscover our identity in Christ and to live out His new life within us. Over the past few weeks, we have been laying a foundation—understanding who we are because of what Jesus has accomplished.

Raised and Seated

Last week, we talked about being united with Christ. And this truth isn’t just theoretical—it’s transformative.

The apostle Paul writes: “For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6 NLT)

That verse holds deep significance for our daily lives.

Many believers understand the significance of the cross. We know Jesus died for our sins, and many celebrate the resurrection—we rejoice that He is alive. However, far fewer live in the reality of the ascension—that we are seated with Christ right now.

Paul doesn’t just say that we are forgiven; he emphasizes that we are raised and seated.

Being seated with Christ means we are not living below our inheritance. We are learning to live from a place of shared victory. We are not striving to be accepted — we are already accepted. We are not fighting for position — we are enforcing the position Christ has already secured for us.

And when that reality sinks into your heart, it transforms everything—especially your prayer life. Jesus said:

“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:13–14)
“If you abide in Me… you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7)
“Whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” (John 15:16)
“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)

Those are not exaggerations; they are invitations.

Effective prayer flows from identity. When you realize you are fully loved, accepted, and seated with Christ, your way of praying changes. You come confidently before the throne of grace—not as someone trying to earn access, but as a son or daughter who already has it.

I have seen this personally. Once this truth moved from my mind into my heart, my prayer life became deeper than I had ever experienced.

I remember a season when we had just finished building our new sanctuary facility. We had about $3,000 in the bank, payroll was looming, and financial pressure was increasing. But we prayed. We trusted. And God came through—again and again.

By the end of that year, we had not only met every need but also purchased the chairs in the sanctuary and had thousands in the bank account. That’s not just theory—that’s the faithfulness of God.

And that’s what identity does—it fosters confidence.

Identity That Leads to Mission

But here’s the key truth: Christian identity isn’t meant to stay with us. It always expands outward.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians: “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation… Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Cor. 5:18–20)

Observe the sequence: we are reconciled first, and then we take on the role of reconcilers. You are not just saved from something—you are saved for something.

Every believer is a minister of reconciliation. You don’t need a title, ordination, or platform. If you have encountered Christ, you have a message to carry.  You are an ambassador.

An ambassador represents another kingdom in a foreign land. That means your life carries significance. Your words matter. Your character matters. Your conduct matters. And your message matters.

But this mission is not pressure—it is overflow. We don’t witness to prove our faith; we witness because we belong to Christ.

When the church knows who it is, it doesn’t need gimmicks. It lives visibly. It speaks clearly. It loves sacrificially.

You are not an accidental Christian in an inconvenient world. You are God’s representative, placed intentionally where you are.

God’s Heart for the Lost

To be effective ambassadors, we must settle a few truths in our hearts.

First, God desires that all people be saved. “The Lord… is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Second, it is God who draws people. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” (John 6:44) This means you are not responsible for saving anyone—you are responsible for being available.

Third, prayer creates an environment for salvation. Prayer allows the Holy Spirit to start “hovering” over individuals, cities, and nations—softening hearts and opening eyes.

Paul reminds us: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” (1 Timothy 2:1 NLT)

Prayer is not optional—it’s essential. I genuinely believe that if the church rises again in consistent, unified prayer, we will witness a harvest of souls like never before.

What if we truly believed that God wants to save our city? What if we prayed as if we knew this was true?

A Royal Identity With a Purpose

Peter reminds us of who we are: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9–10)

You are chosen.
You are royal.
You are set apart.

Why? So that you may proclaim Him. Identity fuels mission.

When you know who you are, you are no longer hesitant to speak. You are ready to share your testimony, ready to declare His goodness, ready to reflect His light.

Encounter Evangelism: More Than Words

We are called not just to speak about God—but to help people encounter Him.

Jesus commissioned us: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature… And these signs will follow those who believe…” (Mark 16:15–17)

There are different expressions of evangelism:

• Presence evangelism — living as salt and light through love and service
• Presentation evangelism — sharing truth through reason and Scripture
• Power evangelism — demonstrating the Kingdom through healing, prophecy, and the supernatural

Paul writes: “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5)

We need all three — but especially right now, we must rediscover the power of God. The early church didn’t just talk about Jesus — they demonstrated Him through signs of the Holy Spirit. And that same Spirit lives in you. God has never stopped working through His believing followers.

Mission Flows From Intimacy

Let me state this clearly: fruitfulness comes from intimacy. If evangelism feels like pressure, you’re approaching it from the wrong place. But when you’re rooted in a relationship with Jesus—when you know His love and experience His presence—you’ll begin to overflow.

You don’t have to force it. You simply love people. Jesus was called a friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19). And so should we be.

Sometimes the simplest and most powerful thing you can say to someone is: “You are valuable.” Because they truly are.

Then, share the good news of the gospel — how God loves them, sent Jesus to die for our sins, and cares deeply about them. Ask them if they need prayer for anything, and convey the love of God through words and actions.

Identity vs. Personality

Many people hesitate to share their faith because they think, “That’s just not my personality.” But your personality is not your identity. You may be introverted or extroverted. You may be analytical or relational. But none of that defines your calling.

Your identity is this: You are a king and a priest. “He has made us kings and priests to His God and Father.” (Revelation 1:6)

As kings, we carry authority.
As priests, we declare His works.

When you begin to live from your Kingdom identity, evangelism becomes natural.

Jesus in a Canyon

I remember once, while hiking in Sabino Canyon, I had the chance to pray with two young men. I had stopped near an overlook to rest when, a few minutes later, they arrived. The Lord moved me to share about Jesus with them.

It wasn’t planned or scripted. But in that moment, God showed up—and both committed their lives to Christ. I didn’t pressure or push them; I simply shared from my close relationship with Christ and invited them to experience how wonderful He is. They walked away with huge smiles on their faces!

It’s not because I’m special or a pastor — it’s because God is faithful. And He will support you when you step out in faith.

The Power of Prayer and Revival

Here is a powerful historical example. Charles Finney—one of the greatest evangelists in American history during the nineteenth century—was once a hardened skeptic. People were literally betting on whether he would ever get saved!

But believers continued praying.

One day, Finney went into the woods to seek God. There, he had a life-changing experience, describing it as waves of liquid love washing over him. That encounter sparked a movement.

Years later, in Rochester, New York, an entire community underwent transformation. Tens of thousands embraced Christ due to Finney and his dedicated prayer warriors.

Why? Because people prayed. What if we believed God could do that again?

What if Tucson became known not just for its landscape, but for revival?

Call to Action

Jesus said: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38)

We are called to pray. We are called to go. We are called to be available.

This doesn’t mean you have to preach on a street corner. It means you live aware. You listen to the Holy Spirit. You respond when He prompts you.

Ask simple questions:

• “Do you know what it means to be born again?”
• “Is there anything I can pray for you about?”
• “Have you ever experienced the presence of God?”

Then step out in faith.

Final Thoughts

As we close, I want to remind you:

You are an ambassador of Christ.

• You carry His presence.
• You carry His authority.
• You carry His message.

He is with you always.

So let this be our prayer:

“Lord, send us as Your ambassadors—filled with the Spirit, grounded in our identity, Your word, and bold in love.”

Let us commit to praying daily for those who don’t know Christ.

And let us live—not just knowing who we are—but expressing who we are on mission. Be open to the Spirit’s leading.

Because the world doesn’t just need information about God. It needs an encounter with Him. And you are His vessel of love and power!