Manna in the Morning Turn the World Upside Down
E.A. Johnston exhorts believers to embody the fearless, gospel-driven spirit of early Christians who turned the world upside down through vital faith and bold witness.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston reflects on the powerful example of early Christians who 'turned the world upside down' through fearless gospel witness. Drawing from Acts 17 and historic Christian leaders like John Wesley, Johnston challenges believers to embrace a passionate, eternal perspective and boldly proclaim Christ today. The message calls for a revival of vital Christianity that confronts sin and shakes spiritual strongholds.
Full Transcript
Hello, friends, this is Manna in the Morning, and our devotion today is, Turn the World Upside Down. Our scripture passage is found in Acts, chapter seventeen, and in verses five through six, we see in God's word. But the Jews, which, believe not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring him out to the people.
And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. New Testament Christians turned the world upside down, with their brand of vital Christianity. John Wesley said, Give me one hundred men, who fear nothing but God, and hate nothing but sin, and I will shake the gates of hell.
And he went and did just that, turning the world upside down, our text declares. Shake the gates of hell was Wesley's trumpet blast to his generation. We need men today, who are willing to sacrifice all for Christ and the gospel, and go and turn the world upside down, by their vital Christianity.
We need men like the Apostle Paul, Luther, Wesley, Whitefield, Knox, Edwards, Finney, Spurgeon, Moody. Each shared a common denominator, a fire in their belly. They each were so eaten up with the gospel, and thirsty for Christ, they could not stand idly by, while others perished.
They saw nothing but eternity, worshipped a holy God, and served a risen Christ, living not for earth, nor its gains, but living only for heaven and its rewards. When they preached, they linked the devil with sin, and the cross with salvation. They preached hell and its fire, and Christ and him crucified.
Not one of them feared king, queen, or pope, and not one of them sought the compliments of men. O great God, raise up some men like this for our day, who will go out and turn the world upside down. In the strong name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The opposition faced by early Christians in Acts 17
- The phrase 'turned the world upside down' explained
- The significance of vital Christianity in transforming society
-
II
- Examples of historic Christian leaders who shook the world
- The common passion and gospel focus among these men
- Their fearless stand against sin and worldly powers
-
III
- The call for modern believers to emulate this boldness
- Living for eternity rather than earthly rewards
- Praying for a new generation to rise and impact the world
Key Quotes
“New Testament Christians turned the world upside down, with their brand of vital Christianity.” — E.A. Johnston
“Give me one hundred men, who fear nothing but God, and hate nothing but sin, and I will shake the gates of hell.” — E.A. Johnston
“We need men today, who are willing to sacrifice all for Christ and the gospel, and go and turn the world upside down, by their vital Christianity.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Cultivate a passionate love for Christ that compels bold gospel witness.
- Live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing heaven over earthly gain.
- Pray earnestly for God to raise up courageous believers who will impact the world.