Yesterday we learned that the early Christians “turned the world upsidedown.” We addressed the need to proclaim the gospel, which has the potentialto change individual lives. Today I want to deal with the social impact of thegospel.

 When you look at the impact of the Church in history, you can see theincredible ways Christianity has transformed the world for the better. Althoughthese changes didn’t happen overnight, we see the gospel’s influence inabolishing slavery in the United States, bringing about university education,inspiring some of the greatest art in the world, causing hospitals to be builtall over the world, and spreading a higher morality the world over. These changes occurred as Christians spread the gospel to the world around them. These powerful results reflect obedience to what I call “the cultural mandate”that God gave to humankind in Genesis 1—that we should subdue the earth forGod’s glory.

 God has commissioned us to transform the world. Unfortunately, it’seasy to put our blinders on and ignore the impact of worldwide events. Too manyprofessing Christians have developed a certain pietistic, self-centered view,pursuing only that which makes them feel good rather than the revolution Christdesires.

 I thank God for men and women who are genuinely concerned that the gospelof Christ has its application in every realm of the world. What part are youplaying in making this dream a reality? Will you join me and the rest of God’sdevoted servants as we endeavor to change the world for the better?