Turning the World Upside Down: What Kind of Church Will Be Fruitful in the Years Ahead?
Sermon Guide for August 30, 2026
How to Use This Guide:
These guides are designed to help you engage more deeply with my weekly sermon or serve as stand-alone, self-guided Bible studies. Use them to prepare your heart before worship or to reflect on God’s Word throughout the week.
Parents, use the “Family Practice” section to lead meaningful conversations that nurture your kids' faith and help them grow in God’s love.
Big Idea
The book of Acts shows us that ordinary Christians can make an extraordinary impact when they devote themselves to the priorities of God’s kingdom.
“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also” (Acts 17:6).
The church in Acts began with about 120 disciples, but through the power of God, the gospel spread rapidly and transformed lives throughout the world.
According to Acts, what kind of church makes a significant impact on the world?
1. A Church Devoted to Prayer
Read: Acts 1:14; 4:23–31; 12:1–17
Prayer was not an occasional activity for the early church. They prayed because they genuinely believed God heard them and worked in response to their prayers.
The apostles had a unique role in the establishment of the church, but God is no less attentive to the prayers of his people today.
Reflect
How regularly do I pray specifically for my church?
What needs, opportunities, and people should I be bringing before God?
If God granted every prayer I prayed for the church this week, how would the church be different?
Practice: Choose one specific thing to pray for the church every day this week.
2. A Church Committed to Sharing the Gospel
Read: Acts 2:22–41; 4:8–12; 17:16–34
The preaching in Acts was:
Christ-centered. Jesus’ death and resurrection were at the heart of their message.
Counter-cultural. They were willing to proclaim truth even when it challenged the beliefs of the surrounding culture.
Invitational. They did not simply confront sin. They invited sinners to experience forgiveness, restoration, and new life through Jesus.
Reflect
Is Jesus at the center of what we teach and share?
Are there biblical truths I am tempted to avoid because they are unpopular?
Do I communicate truth in a way that also extends the grace and invitation of Jesus?
Practice: Look for one opportunity this week to talk naturally with someone about Jesus.
3. A Church Committed to Radical Generosity
Read: Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–35; 11:27–30
The Christians in Acts viewed their possessions differently than we sometimes do. Instead of asking only, “What belongs to me?” they recognized that everything they possessed ultimately belonged to God.
Their generosity met needs within their own congregation and even among Christians hundreds of miles away.
Reflect
Do I view my money and possessions primarily as mine or as resources entrusted to me by God?
Where might God be calling me to become more generous?
What could our church accomplish if radical generosity characterized every member?
Practice: Identify one concrete way you can use your resources to bless someone or advance God’s work.
4. A Church Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Read: Acts 1:8; 2:1–4; 9:31; 13:1–3
Acts could almost be called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” He is certainly a main character throughout this book! The Spirit empowers, strengthens, guides, transforms, and equips God’s people for his mission.
There were extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit’s power that uniquely characterized the age of the apostles. But that doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit has stopped working among God’s people today.
The Spirit works through the Word he inspired, transforms us into Christ’s image, strengthens us, produces spiritual fruit, gives wisdom, providentially opens doors for the gospel, and equips God’s people for ministry.
Reflect
Do I live as though the Holy Spirit is genuinely active in the church today?
Where do I need the Spirit to transform or strengthen me?
Am I depending more heavily on human strategies or on God’s power?
Practice: Pray: “God, through your Spirit, guide us. Give us wisdom. Open doors. Give us courage. Shape us into the people you want us to be. Use us for your purposes.”
Family Practice
Read Acts 17:6 together. Explain to your children that the first Christians made such a difference that people said they were “turning the world upside down.”
Ask each family member: What is one way our family can help other people know and experience the love of Jesus?
Then choose one practice for this week: pray together for the church, invite someone to church, generously help someone in need, or find another way to serve someone in Jesus’ name.
Family Prayer: “God, thank you for everything you have done through your church. Help our family love Jesus, serve others, share the gospel, and follow where you lead us. Use our family and our church to make a difference for your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, amen.”
