Turning the World Upside Down

Paul was no shrinking violet.  Acts tells us that he went to the synagogue in each city of his journey and "was completely engrossed in preaching, earnestly arguing, speaking freely, fearlessly and boldly, and testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ."  As a result, he made a lot of people angry.  In fact, there were antagonists who followed him to other cities just to stir up crowds of people against Paul.  And it worked.  Paul was beaten and imprisoned many times because of his message.

Then Paul & Silas came to Thessalonica.  Paul did the usual and went to the synagogue to teach about Jesus, the Messiah.  Some of the devout Greeks believed his message.  But, it says, the unbelieving Jews were aroused to jealousy and got a mob in an uproar and attacked the home where Paul & Silas were staying.  Unable to find Paul & Silas, they brought the home owner, Jason, and some of the brethren before the city authorities and said, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also."  Wow.

If we want to turn our world upside down, it's not through politics, social media, or rioting.  Just share the good news of Jesus!!  God sent His only Son for this lost world--to redeem them to Himself.  Jesus was born of a virgin--creating a scandal from the very start of his life.  Jesus died a contemptible death and in that moment took all of our sins upon himself.  But he didn't stay dead.  Three days later, he broke through the chains of death and was a victor over its powers.  He's now seated at the right hand of God in heaven.  He's our Savior...our Messiah!

And that, my friends, is a message that will turn our world upside down once again.  Share it fearlessly and boldly!