As Isaac was lying on the altar and his father raised up the knife, preparing to sacrifice his son, a voice came from heaven: “Abraham! Abraham! ..Don’t lay a hand on the boy! ..Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son” (Genesis 22:11 nlt).
Traveling world changers like Abraham give everything to God. They give back to God too because everything is from God. Our children are a gift, a blessing they say.. from God. We don’t own them, never have; but they belong to him. Everything we have acquired in this life, every possession, has been given to us by God. Every talent, every skill, and every ability we have is a gift to us from God. And it’s always a good thing to present them to God and say, “Lord, you gave these blessings and tools to me, and I give them back to you.”
Please use me with or without them. Are you willing to do that? Abraham was.
We all have an Isaac in life, so to speak haven't we? I mean something or someone we love so dearly. It is a good thing to present that certain something or someone to the Lord.
Traveling world changers say to God, “Not my will be done, but yours, be done. Use me because everyone needs Jesus -- everyone needs to hear Your Gospel Message, Lord!”
If you want to be a world changer, then I say live pure, and by faith! Please know that your faith will be tested at times. We can’t control the trials that arrive, and what will happen in our lives. All we get to do is decide early how we will react to whatever comes our way.
Let’s walk city by city, letting Scripture set the tone, but speaking into what people live for now.
Athens — The Religion of Ideas, Identity, and Intellectual Pride
Then it was altars to unknown gods.
Now it is identity, philosophy, self-definition, and curated truth.
What they live for today:
Autonomy, intellectual superiority, moral relativism, personal identity, cultural progress.
What would be preached:
“Men and women of Athens.. I see that in every way you are deeply spiritual—but also deeply uncertain. You have replaced carved idols with crafted identities, yet the altar still stands: ‘To the Unknown God.’
What you do not know, I declare to you:
The God who made the world and everything in it does not live in ideas you invent or identities you construct. He is not discovered by introspection, but revealed through His Son.
You speak of truth as fluid—but God has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed, and He has given proof of this to all by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17:31).
You pursue freedom—but you are bound to sin.
You celebrate self—but you are estranged from your Creator.
Now God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Turn from the worship of self. Turn from the illusion that you define reality. Turn to Jesus Christ—crucified for your sin, risen for your justification.
Because the same resurrection that proves salvation… also guarantees judgment.
And there is a heaven to gain—and a hell to avoid.”
Philippi — The Religion of Power, Security, and Status
Then it was Roman pride and military order.
Now it is success, financial security, nationalism, and personal advancement.
What they live for today:
Career, stability, control, reputation, comfort, safety.
What would be preached:
"Hey, people of Philippi.. with all due respect, you build your lives on what feels secure don't you—on your income, your nation, your future plans. But what you trust in can collapse in a moment if your trust is not in the Lord God.
You fear instability—war, economic shaking, global uncertainty. You feel it in your bones.
Please hear this:
There is a Kingdom of Christ that cannot be shaken.
Your citizenship is not ultimately here—it must be in heaven (Philippians 3:20), or you will lose everything when this world trembles.
What will it profit you to gain security… and lose your soul?
Jesus Christ humbled Himself to the point of death—even death on a cross—and God has highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:8–9).
One day every knee will bow.
The question is not if—but when.
Bow now in repentance—and receive mercy.
Or bow later under judgment—and face wrath.
The cross is your only refuge. Not your strength. Not your success.
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ—and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).”
Ephesus — The Religion of Pleasure, Power, and the Occult
Then it was Artemis, magic, and sensuality.
Now it is sexuality, entertainment, hidden spirituality, and self-empowerment.
What they live for today:
Pleasure, sexual freedom, spiritual experimentation, influence, emotional experience.
What would be preached:
“People of Ephesus… you have not abandoned worship—you’ve simply made pleasure your temple.
You seek power—through sexuality, through influence, through hidden spiritual forces—but you are opening doors to darkness you do not understand.
There are real spiritual forces. But there is only one Savior.
You were dead in your trespasses and sins… following the course of this world… under the power of the prince of the air (Ephesians 2:1–2).
But God—rich in mercy—sent His Son.
Jesus Christ did not come to enhance your life—He came to rescue you from judgment.
Sexual sin will not be excused.
Hidden darkness will not remain hidden.
Every secret thing will be brought into the light.
Flee from these things.
Burn your idols as they did before (Acts 19:19). Tear down what enslaves you.
Because outside of Christ, what feels like freedom… is bondage leading to destruction.
But in Christ—there is forgiveness, cleansing, and a new life.
You are saved by grace through faith—not by your power, but by His (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Come out of darkness… into light.”
Rome — The Religion of Power, Control, and Self-Exaltation
Then it was the empire and Caesar.
Now it is influence, politics, dominance, image, and control.
What they live for today:
Power, recognition, control, legacy, influence over others.
What would be preached:
“People of Rome.. you still believe in thrones.
You measure greatness by influence, power, and control—but there is only one throne that will stand forever.
You fear losing control—of nations, of systems, of your future. And now even rumors of war shake your confidence.
But hear this:
God raises up kings—and brings them down.
And He has appointed one King—Jesus Christ.
You are not as powerful as you think.
And you are not as secure as you appear.
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
That includes rulers. That includes influencers. That includes you.
The wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness (Romans 1:18).
But God demonstrates His love—while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
You will stand before Him.
Not as powerful. Not as admired. Not as untouchable.
But as a soul in need of mercy.
Confess Jesus as Lord—not as a slogan—but as surrender.
Because there is salvation in no one else.”
Olympia (Greece) — The Religion of Body, Glory, and Achievement
Then it was athletic glory and honor.
Now it is fitness, image, performance, achievement, and self-perfection.
What they live for today:
Body image, discipline, success, recognition, achievement, admiration.
What would be preached:
“People of Olympia.. you train your bodies with intensity, discipline, and sacrifice.
But you neglect the one thing that matters most—your soul.
Bodily training is of some value—but godliness holds value for all things (1 Timothy 4:8).
You strive for crowns that fade.
You chase glory that dies with you.
But there is an eternal crown—given not to the strongest, but to the surrendered.
Run your race—but understand this:
You are not competing against others—you are accountable to God.
Sin disqualifies you. Pride blinds you. Self-reliance condemns you.
But Jesus Christ has finished the race perfectly—and offers you His righteousness as a gift.
Turn from trusting in self or something else.. from your self effort.
Because no discipline can erase your sin.
No achievement can earn your salvation.
Fix your eyes on Jesus. The Lord in the Bible.
Because the finish line is not death—it is judgment.
And beyond that—either eternal life… or eternal separation.”
You People, Are On God's Caring Heart In All Those Cities I Plan To Visit! You Can Know The Lord Too!
If Jesus and Paul stood today, their message would not soften:
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Repent — because sin is real
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Believe — in Jesus -- because the cross is sufficient. He's now alive!
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Fear God — because judgment is certain
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Receive grace — because salvation is a gift
The idols have changed form—but not substance.
And the call remains:
“Turn… while there is still time.”
