Topsy Turvy
Acts 17:1-9 (TPT)
After passing through the cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia, Paul and Silas arrived at Thessalonica.[a] 2 As they customarily did, they went to the synagogue to speak to the Jews from the Torah scrolls. For three weeks 3 Paul challenged them by explaining the truth and proving to them the reality of the gospel—that the Messiah had to suffer and die, then rise again from among the dead. He made it clear to them, saying, “I come to announce to you that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah!”
4 Some of the Jews were convinced that their message was true, so they joined Paul and Silas, along with quite a few prominent women and a large number of Greeks who worshiped God.[b] 5 But many of the Jews were motivated by bitter jealousy and formed a large mob out of the troublemakers, unsavory characters, and street gangs to incite a riot. They set out to attack Jason’s house, for he had welcomed the apostles into his home.[c] The mob was after Paul and Silas and sought to take them by force and bring them out to the people. 6 When they couldn’t find them, they took Jason instead, along with some of the brothers in his house church,[d] and dragged them before the city council. Along the way they screamed out, “Those troublemakers who have turned the world upside down have come here to our city. 7 And now Jason and these men have welcomed them as guests. They’re traitors to Caesar, teaching that there is another king named Jesus.”
8 Their angry shouts stirred up the crowds and troubled the city and all its officials. 9 So when Paul and Silas came before the leaders of the city, they refused to let them go until Jason and his men posted bail.
Are we turning the world upside down or right side up?
Acts 4:32-35 (TPT)
32 All the believers were one in mind and heart. Selfishness was not a part of their community, for they shared everything they had with one another. 33 The apostles gave powerful testimonies about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great measures of grace rested upon them all. 34–35 Some who owned houses or land sold them and brought the proceeds before the apostles to distribute to those without. Not a single person among them was needy.
Acts 2:42-47 (TPT)
42 Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer. 43 A deep sense of holy awe swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 All the believers were in fellowship as one body, and they shared with one another whatever they had. 45 Out of generosity they even sold their assets to distribute the proceeds to those who were in need among them. 46 Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility. 47 They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to life.
Jesus came to turn our world right side up!
Luke 22:24-26 (NIV)
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.
Matt. 5:4-12 (NLT)
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
Luke 9:55 (TPT)
Jesus rebuked them sharply, saying, “Don’t you realize what comes from your hearts when you say that? For the Son of Man did not come to destroy life, but to bring life to the earth.”
Our first response is often our worst response.
We must:
- Give people the benefit of the doubt.
- Give people grace.
This requires us to:
- Think before we respond.
- Initiate restoration.
- To turn this world right side up!
Three opportunities in the coming months:
- WESTERN WARMUP
- RIVERFEST
- VINTAGE CHRISTMAS
