1 Thessalonians 1:5. "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake."
OUR GOSPEL – plus. The Gospel is much more than words alone that inform and teach us the way. Its effect is much greater than the sound of a horn, or the truths that we may say. For words only have weight when accompanied by proofs that are seen and not just heard. The message of life that we pass on each day is supported by more than mere words.
There needs to be power as evidence clear, that changed lives are truly reborn. When the drunks are made sober, the sad are made glad, and changes are made in the homes; Then those who look on and hear the word preached, are inclined to think that it's right. The power of the message, and power in the life, shows that Christ truly changes men's lives.
When the Holy Ghost works in conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment to come; The listeners hear, and the watchers can see something's going on here that's unseen. Folks not only face sin, but the light comes in and the Spirit new life then does give. God has obviously done something men cannot do; the truth is known by the way that we live.
Assurance is an attitude often seen on the face or known by the tone of a voice; Confidence in God cannot really be hidden; it starts when each makes his own choice. When truth can be seen and much assurance is there that I am now a child of God; Then the Gospel that came is supported by this, and others are convinced by the word.
The manner of life of those that speak out to declare all the counsel of God, Leaves a testimony true that the message they speak is truly from God's holy word. So the Gospel in words and in power is plain, it's reinforced when the Holy Ghost speaks.
With assurance and life, the messenger gives to hearers the truth that they seek.
"O God, the Source of the Gospel: my prayer today is that the Gospel I preach might be accompanied by similar evidence as the work of Paul and those with him when they went to Thessalonica. I can see evidence of the Holy Spirit at work, assurance is there, and even the manner of life seems to be in place. But the power seems to be missing. If there is something that needs to be addressed so that the power may be seen, please make it clear to me. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
THREES There are a lot of things we know that are linked in groups of three. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are each One deity. Time, Space, and Matter are together in unity. Body, Soul, and Spirit compose all of humanity.
Three servants of the Most-High God speak the truth in Jesus' name. To proclaim Gospel truths to the city of Thessalonica came. The results were souls of many were saved as the truth was there proclaimed. And because of their zeal for new faith lived out, the Gospel spread like a flame.
Beginnings are just that; the new work started from there moves on. To other countries and people, the Gospel goes from town to town. Those believers who were so grateful for what their Lord had done - Were spreading the word of Christ in haste as they waited for their Lord to come.
From them we can learn the value of an unceasing work of faith. The labor of love goes on continually as a testimony of grace. The patience of hope will be complete when we look upon His face. Till then, we need to commit ourselves to proclaim the truth in this very place.
"Father, may those of us who are Thy children display the features of those saints where we are today. May we, in the same way as our brothers and sisters in the past, spread Thy Gospel to 'regions beyond.' In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
TURN - SERVE - WAIT Turning to God means I recognize I have a serious need. That I cannot meet, nor to helpless idols will I give any heed I may not even realize the idol is there until it claims my mind When I turn in my need to God, is when new life I will find.
To serve the living God is an acknowledgment that He is true And service for Him is a wonderful privilege I can experience too Representing the Almighty God involves exercising conscious integrity The words I speak today for God will affect people for eternity.
Waiting for God's Son from heaven means I believe the Lord will come At that glorious moment, millions of believers will rise to go home To be forever with Him they turned to, and for whom they served and waited Then a full life of service will unfold far more significantly than we anticipated.
"I am waiting and ready to go, Father, but until then, please allow Thy servant to serve Thee with significance and relevance, those whom Thou art bringing into Thy kingdom. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."