3 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Esther 6-10
Acts 17:1-21

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Acts 17:6 (CSB): “When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too,”

Reflecting on God’s Word

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our walk with Jesus and our church’s spiritual influence could actually affect our communities and beyond? The sad reality is that most churches believe their community needs them, while people in their community don’t even know they exist. The first century church was accused of “turning the world upside down.” The world was feeling the positive affect of Jesus’ Kingdom claiming one soul at a time.

However, the allegation wasn’t accurate. The church wasn’t turning the world upside down. In reality, the church was turning the world right side up. It is because of sin that the world doesn’t operate in the way that God desires. It is because of sin that things generally get (morally) worse, not better.

But the powerful Gospel of Jesus Christ remedies the world’s problem. It turns things around. It helps people to understand who they are in Christ. It enables marriages to see the picture of Jesus’ love for His church and then seek to illustrate that in the marital union. It is the Gospel that helps us see how we should love and serve each other. On and on we could go about how the Gospel turns things around, making things so much better, turning the world right side up.

So, my friend, are you ready and willing to share the powerful, life-changing Gospel should God give you an opportunity to do so?

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you to see the Gospel as the powerful force for good (Romans 1:16) that can change a lost soul and a morally declining community.
  • Ask God to help you be on the lookout for someone you can share the Gospel with, and then actually share the Gospel when given the opportunity.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into how much influence the Bible should/could have on society, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of White Hall Baptist Church in Richmond, Kentucky (whitehallbaptistchurch.org)