God has equipped you to influence the world

Scripture demonstrates that the Kingdom of God has always had the power to shape culture.

Solomon's wisdom impacted the nations -

"And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.” 1 Kings 4:34.

Daniel Influenced Kings - Daniel 2:1-4

In the First Century - The book of Acts paints an exciting picture of how the Kingdom of God began to affect the Greek and Roman culture of the first century. There was conflict and persecution as the dominant cultures reacted against this new ‘Way’. But we also read about growing numbers of people transformed and drawn into this new phenomenon called Christianity. The letters of the Apostles gave these new believers guidance on how to interact with their cultures – knowing that they would ultimately influence and change their prevailing cultures.

Throughout the 3rd Century - Historians tell us that by the year 300 A.D. an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the city of Rome was Christian. Furthermore, Christianity had reached all levels of Roman society. Communities of believers included senators, merchants, and slaves. Both men and women carried roles of leadership and authority. There were many other religions in Rome, but none offered the community or the equality Christianity did. When plagues hit the city of Rome, most of the residents that were able, fled the city in fear. History tells us that the Christians stayed to care for the sick. They weren’t afraid and they didn’t die. These believers in Jesus began to transform their society and to change how people thought about status, morality, and law.

The Kingdom of God has shaped much of what we know as western culture.

Challenge: Read the book of Daniel and then the book of Acts with this question in your mind; what kind of influence can the kingdom of God have in the world?