Influencers
Part of Let's Go There
September 26, 2024

Let’s Go There

Influencers
September 29, 2024
Chris Seidman, Lead Minister, The Branch

Edward Elson
The great agony of the Christian statesman turns on the proper use of great power for moral ends.

Robert Ingersoll
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.

Lord Acton
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Strategies of Influence

  • Revolt

  • Withdrawn

  • Co-opt Rome

Temptation 1
The temptation to turn stones to bread is about how far Jesus is willing to go with the power He has. (Matthew 4:3)

Temptation 2
The temptation to leap off the temple is about how far Jesus is willing to go to be seen as powerful. (Matthew 4:5-6)

Temptation 3
The temptation to have control of the world is about how far Jesus is willing to go to gain power. (Matthew 4:8-9)

Matthew 16:26 (NIV)
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

Takeaway
God’s way of working in our world involves the cross before the throne.

John 12:32-33 (NIV)
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

1 John 3:16 (NIV)
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

Takeaway
The greatest way to influence the world for Jesus is to follow the example of Jesus and die.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, forever and ever, Amen.