I. Introduction
A. Plan A
1. Plan A is a designation we might use when alternative plans are necessary.
2. It’s the one we put in place after we’ve considered all the options and determined that this is the best path because of the resources, data, etc., all point to this option.
3. Plan A is the best plan.
4. What if there were no Plan B? That’s what Paul is talking about in our passage today.
B. Background on the Text
1. Often, 2 Corinthians is seen as Paul’s defense of his apostleship due to opponents placing doubts in the minds of the Christians in Corinth.
2. After describing many of the hardships he has experienced in his apostleship, he now reminds them why he is doing it; he is Christ’s representative of the reconciliation that is available for man to God through Christ.
C. Review of Last Week
1. Perspective- do we see people or souls?
2. Politeness- act with kindness
3. Planting & Harvesting- not everyone has the same job, but all jobs are important
4. This week, I want us to understand that we are God’s Plan A.
II. Plan A
A. (5:20)
1. Christians are of Christ.
2. Ambassadors
a. Ambassadors are representatives of their countries.
b. They are not elected; they are appointed.
c. They speak as representatives of their home country.
3. Heavenly Ambassadors
a. We are representatives of a heavenly country. (Hebrews 11:16)
b. We are commissioned by Christ to share the message of .
c. Often, the ambassador of a country is the only impression of their home country.
4. This Saturday, people will decide what they think about our congregation and about Jesus based on how they are treated, whether they are welcomed, and whether someone cares to speak to them.
B. (5:18)
1. here is God’s Plan A.
a. People aren’t converted through flyers and signs; they are brought to Christ through other .
b. The Spirit sent Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch.
c. God sent Peter to Cornelius’ house.
d. Aquilla and Priscilla studied with Apollos.
2. Visitors don’t open up to sermons, buildings, signs, etc., but they do open up to other people.
C. (5:19)
1. People are to God than you think.
a. Illustration: In a September 2025 report published by the Barna Group, researchers found that Gen Z and Millennials are now the most regular churchgoers, even more so than older generations.
b. Warden observes in verses 16-17 that Paul had changed his view of the world because Christ had died for them, whether they acknowledged Him or not. His ministry was now one of helping people reconcile with God through Christ.
2. People who attend events like Spring Celebration are either new to the area or looking for a church with a good children’s program.
3. Be aware that more people than you think are looking for God.
D. Attempts
1. We often put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Evangelism is not always about having the right words to say or knowing exactly where to find every passage to teach the truth.
2. The only way to fail at evangelism is to .
3. Illustration: I really enjoy watching track and field events. One of my favorites is pole vaulting. Like, who wakes up one day as a teenager and says, “I’d like to learn how to catapult myself over a stick several meters in the air using another stick.” It’s crazy! One of the things I like about that event is that you get multiple attempts at each height. Just like in pole vaulting, it usually takes more than one attempt to reach your goal in evangelism, and there will be times we don’t reach the goal. But we will never reach the goal if we never make an attempt.
4. The number one failure in evangelism is not attempting it. It usually takes more than one invitation and conversation.
5. In Luke 14, we have the parable of the wedding feast. The master of the house had prepared the feast, but he sent servants out to invite others in. We are those servants trying to encourage people to come to the master’s feast.
6. Even though some may never accept, we must extend an .
7. This Saturday, you will have multiple attempts to make an impression, serve as an ambassador of Christ, and be God’s Plan A in someone’s life.
III. Conclusion
A. Spring Celebration
1. The success of Spring Celebration will not be measured by attendance; it will be measured by conversations.
2. Everyone will remember one thing—not the inflatables, not the eggs, not the games, not the face paint—they will remember that someone cared enough to notice them.
3. Imagine that you went to an event and no one talked to you—you wouldn’t stay long, would you?
4. People don’t always decide whether they like a church in the auditorium; they decide in the parking lot.
5. Next Saturday, we have a divine appointment in our parking lot.
6. When our visitors come, will they find ambassadors?
7. “…God making His appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
B. Challenge
1. Pray about Spring Celebration this week.
2. Check in with those you invited and pray for them all week.
C. Invitation
1. God’s Plan A involved sending His Son to die for you so that you can live eternally with Him.
2. This morning, He extends the invitation to be His child and become His ambassador.
3. Become a new creation in Christ this morning.