Acts 17:6b– These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
Paul and Silas had entered into Thessalonica but their reputation had preceded them! They were known for preaching Jesus and winning sinners to Christ. Pagan temples and Jewish synagogues were losing members at record numbers as Christianity was “turning the world upside down”. Their impact can still be seen today which bodes the question; what impact are we making today?
Impacting your World!
Definition: Impact = to affect; change; or influence
*we can influence others by…
1. Certifying! (to prove, affirm, testify)
Acts 1:8– But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Mark 16:15– And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
2. Conforming!
Rom. 12:1-2– I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Matt. 5:13-16– Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
*It has been said that you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink, this is true but put a salt block in the pasture and he’ll come looking for water!!
**Abraham influenced a nation yet Lot couldn’t influence a city! He did however have a negative influence on his family!
3. Caring!
Jude -v. 22– And of some have compassion, making a difference:
I Pet. 4:8– And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
I Cor. 13:4-7– Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
4. Carrying!
Gal. 6:2– Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Rom. 15:1-2– WE then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
5. Cheering!
Rom. 14:19– Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
I Thes. 5:11– Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Gal. 6:10– As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
6. Consistency!
Gal. 5:1– STAND fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Heb. 10:23-24– Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Titus 2:7-8– In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
May we truly influence those around us for Christ! -Pastor Doug Foster
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