7-15-07 World Upsetters "Acts 17:1-9"

Memory Verse: Acts 17:6 ". . . These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.

Paul and Silas were accused of turning the world upside down -- and the accusation was true. However, as Dr. H. A. Ironside has said, ". . . the reason for this was that through sin the world had been turned wrongside up. So when the gospel was preached and men believed it, things were completely reversed." In other words, made as they ought to be.

Through the centuries, God has had many world upsetters: Luther, Wesley, Finney, Moody, to name a few. But there have been many who have shaken their own communities for Jesus who have not made the pages of history. They have turned their world upside down, even though the full extent of their impact for Christ will not be known until the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Most of us will not make the headlines of this world because of our efforts for Jesus. Students of history will probably not read of us and our exploits in the cause of Christ. Young ministers or missionaries may not sigh at the mention of our names and long for such glory. But we can be faithful where God has placed us and in obediently giving out His Word we can upset the devil's program in our own areas.

Not all churches become world shakers. But each church can be aggressive in carrying the Gospel message to its own community and can turn that community upside down.

What is your church doing to upset the devil?
What part are you taking in evangelizing your world for Christ?
What is you reputation among the enemies of the Gospel?

Turn your world right side up for Jesus!

Sorry

I forgot my book when I came down to the apt. I will post this weekend and make sure I bring it down next week.

7-7-07 What Can I Do For My Country? "Proverbs 14

Memory Verse: Proverbs 14:34: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

De Tocqueville of France, over a century ago, visited America. Upon his return home he wrote: "I sought for the greatness of America in her harbors and rivers and fertile fields, and her mines and commerce. It was not there. Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good: and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

But there is a sense in which America cannot be good.

Righteousness is not something that is accepted by a nation as a body. It is not legislated in congress or decided in the halls of justice. Good or bad decisions by a government may affect the conduct of its people in certain areas of life, but righteousness is an individual matter.

"In God We Trust" is a moving motto for our money, yet millions of Americans do not trust in God. Therefore, that official statement of faith is only meaningful for those to whom it has meaning. In whom do you trust?

Neither is it enough to decry conditions in the land. A serious situation does exist. Daily news reports are convincing proof of that. But the solutions lies in personal repentance of sin and faith in Christ.

It is the righteousness of the people that exalts a nation. The sins of the people reproach the land.

As an individual American, what do you intend to do for your country?