This World Is Already Upside Down

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, May 29, 2005, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

 

THIS WORLD IS ALREADY UPSIDE DOWN

By Michael D. O’Neal
Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church
Albany, Georgia

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Scripture Reading: Acts 17:1-7

Text: Acts 17:6

Acts 17:6 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;

Introduction: They claimed that the Christians had turned the world upside down.

I have news for you: the world was ALREADY upside down.

When salvation and revival comes, then the world is turned upside down but actually is then rightside up!

THIS WORLD IS ALREADY UPSIDE DOWN

  I. THIS WORLD IS ALREADY UPSIDE DOWN ABOUT THE HOME

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

     A. The prospects for the home – one man, one woman
        1. Fred and Ethel, not Elaine and Ethel
        2. Fred and Ethel, not Fred and Barney

     B. The prerequisites or proper order for establishing the home
        1. Courtship, engagements, marriage, sex, children

     C. Positions in the home

     D. Permanence of the home

 II. THIS WORLD IS ALREADY UPSIDE DOWN ABOUT HUMILITY AND HONOR

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

     A. Self-esteem is the devil’s scheme

     B. Service is the key to greatness

     C. Smallness is the key to bigness

 III. THIS WORLD IS ALREADY UPSIDE DOWN ABOUT HAPPINESS

Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

Of lasting, real happiness, it may be said that:

     A. It doesn’t come from sin

     B. It doesn’t come from selfishness

     C. It doesn’t come from substance

It comes from salvation, satisfaction (contentment with God’s provision), and service

 IV. THIS WORLD IS ALREADY UPSIDE DOWN ABOUT HEAVEN

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

There is “a” way, but Jesus is “the” way”

The world’s way of salvation is:

     A. Works
        1. God’s way is grace, then works as the result

     B. Water
        1. God’s way is faith, then water baptism to display that faith

     C. Wishful thinking – I’ll do it tomorrow
        1. God’s way is salvation first, then long for souls to be saved and for the Savior to return