Our Power For Change
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Series: Citizen Christians
DescriptionCitizen Christians #1 Our Power for Change Rom. 1:16Intro: I am troubled by the Darkness and Decay in our Nation. • Moral free fall; breakdown, redefinition of Marriage/family; spiritual emptiness, apathy • Lack of political courage; Greed; short-sighted leadership • To use a couple of biblical phrases Everyone is doing what is right in his own eyes Romans 1: 28-32 t/s – Citizen Christians = As citizens of two kingdoms, how do we respond? Matthew 5: 13-16 Called to exercise Influence Penetrating, distinctive, present, visible, powerful Preserving the Decay and shining bright against the Darkness! How? How Ought Christians Influence our Nation? • Political Influence • Radical Personal Cultural Influence • Today, ….The Most Important Instrument of Influence Intro – If you could deliver one message as Citizen Christian, What would you say? State Capital; nation wide TV Ad; 5 minutes before the president at state of the Union! Address a Moral Issue; Fiscal Responsibility… t/s – Paul had his face set toward Rome, the Capital of the World, he was prepared the speak Truth to Power… Romans 1: 15-16 To understand the audacity of Paul’s Mission, consider him through the eyes of a Roman… maybe Caesar himself… small, Jew… What Is the Gospel? (1 Cor. 15: 3-4) What the Gospel Is! Power of God unto Salvation for Every! How Paul Felt about IT Confident (not ashamed) Thesis: The Good News of Jesus Christ Packs the Power to Change the course of our Nation, by changing the lives of citizens. • Political activity and influence is honorable, necessary and important (next week)..Thank God for those from QSBC! • Beware…lest our political activity reveal a Lack of confidence in and commitment to the Power of the Gospel! Thesis: The Good News of Jesus Christ Packs the Power to Change the course of our Nation, by changing the lives of citizens. Do You Have the Confidence?! ILL – This week… children at VBS; Teenagers at Falls Creek; Man in 40’s; Man in 20’s…. Born Again! 2 Cor. 5:17 ILL – the First Great Awakening… 1740’s and following… • George Whitefield preaching… (Franklin observing) • Steps of courthouse in Philadelphia to 25,000 (preaching outside the church building was a scandal!) • Say, “Mesopotamia” = bring tears to eyes • Key to Forming the National Consciousness…Shared Values of the Colonies…. Founding of our Nation! (Winthrop Hudson… U of Chicago; UNC) Thesis: The Good News of Jesus Christ Packs the Power to Change the course of our Nation, by changing the lives of citizens. How Ought Christians Influence Our Nation? • Proclaim the Gospel and Pray for a Great Awakening! ILL – David in Saul’s Armor… Small, smooth, stones…. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has the Power to slay the Giants presently plundering our Nation. |