Pass It On

Acts: 17:5-9
 "And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, (V.6)

The 1st-century church did not have the technology big worship bands, or social media as we have today. Yet they made an impact on the world. In Acts 17:6 it says "they turned the world upside down". How did they do this? It was faith. This group of believers didn't just believe in Jesus but went out and acted on their faith in Him. This they worshipped in small groups and went out and shared the gospel with others. Lives were being changed, churches were being made. The impact they had on this world is one that we still see today. Jesus has called us not to just believe but to also go out a share the gospel or the good news. In one of my seminary classes, my professor explained that the word 'gospel' was used in biblical times when a messenger of war would send a 'Gospel announcement' back home that it meant good news. This oftentimes meant they won a battle and did not have to fear an attacking army because of their victory. In the same way that is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is to us. It isn't something that we have to be perfect before God accepts us, but it's the announcement that Jesus has won the victory over sin and death. All we have to do is believe it and receive it. After this we share what Jesus has done in our life.  Tim Keller said "It's not primarily about what we must do but what Jesus has done.

It's easy for us to be a Christian whenever we want to be, but when we start to get picked at because it isn't "cool" or go through tough times we begin to go back to our old way of life. This is why we are not turning our world upside down. We can change this by being true followers of Christ! Jesus wants us to step out of the crowd and be a disciple of him. He wants us to be different from the world, and not let the world overcome us. The church as we know it today didn't just happen overnight instead, it started with a small group of believers going out and sharing the 'good news that Jesus gives. This is how they turned the world upside down. They got to pick from time to time, but they were encouraged by other believers. They lived unashamed for Jesus to the point that many in the early church died for what they believed. Don't just make Jesus your savior make him your Lord. Not when you want, but every day.

Pray:
God thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross for me so that we can have victory over sin and death. I pray that you give me the courage to spread the good news that give to those around me.