The Truth About Turning Your World Upside Down

In a world where narratives shape our values and perceptions, the importance of immersing ourselves in the right stories cannot be overstated. Christianity, seen as the true story, has the power to transform lives and communities. This blog will explore how the story of discipleship can lead to profound change, both personally and collectively.

Stories Create History

Stories have always played a crucial role in shaping history. They define our values and help us understand our identity. The narrative we choose to engage with can influence our direction and actions. When we focus on God’s story, we align ourselves with His purpose, which is transformative. The vital question arises: are we feeding on His story, or are we letting other narratives dictate our lives?

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The heart of the matter is that whoever controls the story controls the world. This principle is echoed in various media, reminding us that our engagement with God’s word is not just about knowledge—it’s about transformation. When we delve into the Scriptures with a hungry heart, seeking to meet Jesus rather than simply to check off a list of religious duties, we open ourselves to His transformative power.

The Power of His Story in Scripture

The Bible is filled with narratives that resonate with our daily experiences. These stories are not only historical accounts but also life lessons that guide us through our struggles and triumphs. They reveal God’s character and His love for humanity. For instance, when we study the lives of the disciples, we see their journey of transformation from ordinary individuals to bold proclaimers of the Gospel.

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Consider the initial call of the disciples: Jesus simply said, “Follow me.” This invitation was not just about physical following but about embracing a new identity. As they followed Him, they learned to fish for men, changing their purpose entirely. This simple yet profound call is the foundation of discipleship—it’s about surrendering our lives to Jesus and allowing Him to shape us into His image.

The Journey of a Disciple

Discipleship is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It involves learning, growing, and sometimes struggling through trials. As we read the Scriptures, we see that the disciples faced numerous challenges, including doubt and fear. For example, during a storm, Jesus was asleep in the boat, and the disciples panicked. Their fear revealed their lack of faith, yet it was in that moment that they learned to trust Him more deeply.

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This process of learning to trust God amidst storms is essential for every believer. It prepares us for the trials we will inevitably face. The disciples’ experiences teach us that our faith must be rooted in relationship, not just knowledge. True discipleship is about intimacy with Christ, allowing His story to permeate our lives and influence our actions.

Facing the Storm

Life’s storms can be daunting. The disciples faced literal storms, but we also encounter metaphorical storms in our lives—challenges that test our faith. Jesus’ calming of the storm illustrates His authority over chaos and His desire to bring peace into our turmoil. When we face difficulties, we can remember that He is with us, even when it seems like He is asleep.

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In those moments of doubt and fear, we must remind ourselves of His promises. He calls us to have faith, to trust that He is working in us and through us, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. This trust is foundational to our journey as disciples.

Characteristics of True Disciples

True disciples are marked by their commitment to follow Christ, no matter the cost. They embody faithfulness, humility, and a desire to serve others. As we study the lives of the early Christians, we see their willingness to endure persecution and hardship for the sake of the Gospel. Their testimony was powerful; they turned the world upside down with their faith.

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In our current context, we are called to reflect the same commitment. This means being willing to step out of our comfort zones and engage with our communities. It’s about living out our faith in ways that challenge the status quo, just as the early disciples did.

The Significance of the New Covenant

The New Covenant established through Christ is central to our understanding of discipleship. It signifies a new way of relating to God, one marked by grace rather than law. This shift empowers us to live boldly for Him, knowing that our identity is secure in Christ. We are no longer bound by our past mistakes but are free to pursue His purpose for our lives.

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This covenant invites us into a deeper relationship with God, one where we can experience His love and grace daily. It’s essential for us to embrace this truth as we navigate our lives as disciples.

Strength in Times of Testing

Testing is an inevitable part of the Christian journey. Just as the disciples faced trials, we too will encounter challenges that test our faith. These moments serve to strengthen our resolve and deepen our dependence on God. The trials we endure can refine us, shaping our character and preparing us for greater purposes.

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When we view our struggles through the lens of God’s story, we can find meaning in them. Our hardships can become testimonies of His faithfulness, showcasing how He brings beauty from ashes.

Importance of These Scriptures

The Scriptures are a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance. They provide us with the narratives that shape our understanding of God and His ways. Engaging with the Bible equips us to navigate life’s complexities, offering clarity and direction. Each time we read, we can discover new insights that speak to our current circumstances.

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As we immerse ourselves in His word, we begin to see the world through God’s eyes. This perspective shift is crucial for discipleship, enabling us to respond to challenges with faith and courage.

Reaching the Next Generation

As disciples, we have a responsibility to pass on the faith to the next generation. This involves not only teaching them about God but also modeling what it means to follow Him. We must create spaces where young people can encounter Christ and experience His love in tangible ways.

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Investing in the next generation ensures that the story of discipleship continues. It’s about encouraging them to seek God for themselves and to follow Him wholeheartedly. This legacy of faith is vital for the church’s future.

Understanding the Wait

Waiting is often a part of the discipleship journey. There are seasons where it feels like God is silent, and we question His timing. However, these waiting periods are not wasted; they are opportunities for growth and deeper intimacy with God.

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During these times, we learn patience and trust. God uses these moments to prepare us for what lies ahead, reminding us that His timing is perfect.

Preparing New Wine Skins

As we prepare for God to move in our lives and communities, we must be willing to embrace change. Jesus spoke of new wine requiring new wine skins, symbolizing the need for transformation in our hearts and lives. We should be open to the ways God wants to reshape us for His purposes.

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This preparation involves letting go of old mindsets and practices that no longer serve us. It’s about being willing to step into the new things God has for us, trusting that He knows what is best.

The Anticipation of the World

In closing, we must recognize the anticipation that exists in the world for a genuine move of God. People are hungry for truth and hope, and we, as disciples, have the privilege of sharing that hope with them. By living out the story of Christ, we can impact our communities and turn the world upside down.

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Let us embark on this journey of discipleship with boldness and faith, trusting that as we follow Him, we will make a difference. May we be the generation that turns the world upside down for Christ!

His Story Creates History

(Sermon Outline)

1. Stories create history, and Christianity is the true story.
   1. How stories shape reality.
   1. The children of this world are more shrewd than the sons of light – the show I saw the other day – control the story control the world – controlling the narrative.
   1. Good books often weave many story lines into a great story – The Bible is full of stories that speak to us in every circumstance, whether it is the big picture or simply how to navigate the challenges of life.
   1. Here is a scripture that captures my imagination (Paul and Silas were ministering for 3 weeks in Thessalonica and a great multitude became disciples):   Acts 17:5–6 (NKJV) — 5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 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.
   1. One of the driving passions of my life is how to restore that testimony to the church.
   1. I believe one element is that we must dare to believe it is possible.
   1. I believe that as we let His story in scripture captivate our hearts and imagination, then it becomes history. Let’s explore an important story line –
2. The Story of Disciples
   1. Matthew 4:18–20 (NKJV) — 18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
   1. Mark 4:35–41 (NKJV) — 35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
   1. John 6:66–69 (NKJV) — 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
   1. Matthew 26:30–35 (NKJV) — 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.
   1. The Great Reversal! A New Story for a New World!
3. Why I chose the scriptures that I chose.
   1. Come Follow Me – from start to finish of our lives.
   1. Preparation for the harvest 
      1. He is the Rabbi we are to imitate and follow.
      1. He is the savior who saves people from their sin on His time in His story.
      1. He is looking for a free-will offering – people must be persuaded not coerced – which is what Paul did in Thessalonica.
      1. People must not be coerced externally to match our expectations – witnesses of God at work who only do what they see the Father is doing.
      1. I believe God is at work in the lives of every single human being throughout history
         1. People are complex and we may need to awaken what is sleeping or fan into flame what is smoldering.
      1. We have access to the author of History who can rewrite it!
   1. New wineskins for new wine
      1. The bible-belt spirituality will not turn the world upside down.
      1. What the church is doing in this generation will not turn the world upside down.
      1. We need to press into God to birth new wineskins for new wine –
         1. Disciples move forward following Jesus – they do not look back
4. MAY A GENERATION OF DISCIPLES APPEAR ON THE SCENE OF HISTORY WHO ONCE AGAIN TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN!!!