Monday, February 22, 2010

23:10 The Power of the Gospel to Transform Lives! Part I

Wow! Look at the Powerful impact of the Gospel on the lives of the Thessalonians, once they heard the Gospel!

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. I Thessalonians 1:4-6 NIV

Paul affirms to these believers that they are loved and chosen by God. He reminds them that the gospel came to them through the preached word and in the power of the Holy Spirit! They were deeply impacted by the gospel of Jesus Christ! They followed the example of Paul and of the Lord himself, despite intense suffering! Because of this and the way they welcomed the gospel with joy, they became a model to other believers!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you love me and have chosen me. Let the truth and the power of the Gospel impact my heart and my life deeply and change me to be more like you!
Like the Thessalonians, help me to be an example to other believers by the way I embrace the Gospel with joy, even in the midst of suffering or opposition.

In Jesus Name! Amen!