July 04, 2011 Monday Message:
Paul: “Our Gospel came to you not as mere words, but as a message with power behind it - the effectual power, in fact, of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5a (Phillips)
The Good News in the Bible is much greater than any collection of words. What sets words in scripture apart from words in newspapers, magazines, and nowadays the internet, is that God’s words come with power - the power for healing, the power for miracles, the power to change minds, change hearts, and change lives. The Gospel comes with the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit can change the heart of one who hears God’s message of truth, and give each of us exactly what we need – comfort for the distressed, instruction for those who seek, and conviction for those weary of fence-sitting.
Paul actually writes that the Gospel “be-comes” to you; you “grow” into it. God’s Word seems to get better all the time, its power increases, and your understanding of the teaching increases. The power of the Holy Spirit within you increases, your confidence to carry the message increases, and your assurance of salvation shines on your face. Everyone can clearly see that you are radically changed in a positive way!
So grab your Bible, call on the Holy Spirit, and “…let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2a (NLT)
Norton Lawellin
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