Our Gospel – plus. 1 Thessalonians 1:5. For three weeks, Paul preached to the Thessalonians as he “reasoned with them out of the scriptures.” He “opened,” unlocking their minds and hearts to what had previously been closed, and “alleged,” asserting by declaring positively that the message of the Gospel was authentic, true, and relevant to them. This message was new to the religious Jews because they expected that the Messiah would be for the nation rather than Jesus being the Savior for them personally.
When we share the message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, we need to be spiritually pure and able to communicate the truth of the Gospel without getting caught up in theological debates and complex ideas. It is crucial to avoid arguments and focus on the core issues of man’s sin and Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. Use the Bible by quoting and reading passages that are relevant to the people you are speaking to. It is the Spirit of God and the word of God that illuminate the truth of God.
The Holy Spirit effectively uses the word of God and, through divine power, brings understanding, new birth, a new creation in Christ Jesus, and a new life lived for God motivated by love for Him. The power of the Gospel is clear in the messenger who delivers it and the faith it fosters in those who listen with open minds and hearts. The Holy Spirit, who convicts of sin leading to repentance and provides understanding that results in faith in Christ, also gives assurance of salvation through the lives and conduct of the messengers, the changes in their lives, and the application of God's word to their souls.
It is easy to see the truth in the messengers of the Gospel when their focus is on saving sinners rather than asking for money. The Lord Jesus Christ is the focus and purpose of the Gospel, not ourselves. He is the one who “Gave Himself for our sins…, for us…, for me.” The attitude of those who understand this personally will be clear to everyone who watches, listens, learns, and accepts the message of salvation.
The Gospel is much more than words that inform and teach us the way of salvation. Its impact is far greater than the sound of a preached voice or the truths we share in conversations with sincere seekers. Words only carry weight when backed by tangible proof that is seen, not just heard. More than mere words support the message of life we share daily with those we hope to introduce to our Lord Jesus Christ. There must be spiritual power over sin and clear evidence that people are truly reborn, demonstrated by changed lives.
When the drunken are made sober, the sad are made glad, and changes occur in homes that lacked spiritual guidance, those who observe and hear the preached word tend to think it’s right. The Gospel’s message and power in life demonstrate that Christ truly transforms the lives of those who believe in Him. When the Holy Ghost works through convicting of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come, listeners hear it, and witnesses can see that something unseen is happening. People not only face their sins and their consequences, but the light enters, and the Spirit gives new life.
God has clearly done something that men cannot do; the truth we recognize is evident in the way we live. Assurance is an attitude often visible on a person’s face or reflected in the tone of their voice. Confidence in God cannot be concealed; it begins when each person makes his own choice to believe the words of the Bible and to put his faith in Christ. When the truth is visible and there is strong certainty that I am now a child of God, the Gospel that came is supported, and the word convinces others. The lifestyle of those who openly declare all the counsel of God leaves a testimony that their message truly comes from God’s holy word. The Gospel, in words and power, is clear to those who seek the Lord; it is reinforced when the Holy Spirit speaks. With assurance and life, the messenger gives the listeners the truth they are looking for.
Our 'Gospel" is the same as the Gospel of God. He is the Source of the Gospel in whom we trust. The subject is the message of the Messiah sent to redeem us. We are responsible for speaking and preaching the Gospel to others with conviction. The walk of believers shows the Word, the power to change, and the evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in their confidence in Christ.