How to start a revolution?
Introduction
We live in the most revolutionary period in human history. Seen more revolutions in the last 100 years than all of history combined.
Had the privilege of visiting Timisoara in Romania - the birthplace of a revolution that overthrew the communist regime in the country. Saw the bullet marks on the walls of the building and heard heroic stories of revolutionaries.
A historian defined revolution as ’Sweeping Dramatic Change’. Reminds me of Acts 2:1-4. The mighty rushing wind of the Holy Spirit, the dramatic reactions of the fearful 120 and the powerful transformation of their lives and sociey.
We see decay all around us. Perhaps we need another Acts 2. We need a revolution!
4 keys to start a revolution - Acts 16 & 17
Acts 17:6
But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.
2 scrawny apostles still bearing fresh wounds from their recent episode in the prison of Philippi walked into Thessalonica and struck fear in the hearts of the government officials. Indeed God will use the base things of the world to put to shame the mighty!
Paul and Silas were known as men ’who have turned the world upside down’ - don’t know about you but I will gladly receive that as a compliment.
1. You must dethrone self and enthrone Jesus (17:7)
There’s a throne in every heart and either self is on the throne or Jesus is enthroned.
Illustration - ’I purchased the whole house and I want all the keys or I don’t want any of them’
If Christ isn’t Lord of all, He isn’t Lord at all!
’The world has yet to see what God will do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him’ - DL Moody heard the challenge and became the man!
’If I had 300 men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin, and determined to know nothing among men but Christ and Him crucified, I would set the world on fire’ - John Wesley found the 300 men and he set the world on fire!
2. Demonstrate a changed life (16:20-24)
Paul is suffering for the cause that he used to persecuted. His life was completely changed by an encounter with God on the road to Damascus.
There must be an outward expression of an inward transformation
- testimonies of some youths and my story
- improved grades in school
- tattoo removed and stop smoking
Only a changed life can change lives.
3. Take persecution for the cause of Christ (16:20-24)
’The Church of Christ has been founded by shedding its own blood, not that of others; by enduring outrage, not by inflicting it. Persecutions have made it growl martyrdoms have crowned it.’ Jerome
’Blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church’ Tertullian
Stephen’s death impacted Saul.
All the apostles with the exception of John were martyred.
Illustration - story of Cassie Bernal
’He is no fool who gave what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose’ - Jim Elliot
Stand up for Jesus
4. Take every opportunity to share Christ
16:27-34
17:1-4
17:10-12
17:22-33
Those who preach the gospel have beautiful feet (Isaiah 52:7)
We are salt and light (Matthew 5:8)
We’re empowered to be witnesses (Acts 1:8)
We’re just nobody telling everybody about Somebody who can save anybody.
The Gospel is not something we come to church to hear; it is something we go from church to tell.
You may not be called to pulpit ministry but we all have a story to tell.
History is full of missed opportunities
- Kublai Khan & Marco Polo
- General MacArthur & Japan
Make your life count!
Conclusion
We can start the fire of revolution in our schools. Against all odds, let’s see the impossible become possible!
