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• Are Christians powerless or can we exert influence in this world?
• Illustration: Historian Kenneth Latourette described Christian influence on society.
• Jesus used metaphors of salt and light for our responsibility in a post-Christian world.
• Christians are not merely distinct from but are to have influence upon society.
• Christians must not be preoccupied with survival.
• There are four ways we can have power in our world.

• 1 Timothy 2:1-2
• We must share the global concerns of our global God.

• Romans 1:16
• All of God's truth has power greater than the Devil's lies.
• 2 Corinthians 13:8
• John 1:5
• Illustration: Solzhenitzyn's quote that "one word of truth outweighs the whole world."
• We need to argue the truth and goodness of God's moral law.
• Illustration: A Sociologist found that living together actually had negatives effects upon couples, particularly women.
• Illustration: Christians should argue for Sabbath rest based upon the psychological and physical needs of human beings.
• These arguments are based upon belief in the power of truth.

• When people see our good works, they give glory to our Father in heaven.

• Illustration: Robert Belair says a culture can be changed by 2 percent of its people.
• Jesus used a small group of dedicated people, and they turned the world upside down.

• We must repent of Christian pessimism and reaffirm our confidence in the power of God.