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The Power of the Gospel

“For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance…”

Apostle Paul—I Thessalonians 1:5

              Paul tells the church at Thessalonica and the church in Powhatan that the gospel is given to us not just in words, but in power and in the Holy Spirit.  Do I know what that means?  Do I even begin to fathom the awesome working and power of the Holy Spirit waiting to be unleashed? 

            Words teach, but action builds faith, stirs passion, and creates change.  Paul came face-to-face with the power of God on his way to Damascus.  He not only became a changed man spiritually but also experienced physical healing of his eyesight by the laying on of hands and prayer.

            II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”   When a sinful person meets the living Christ, there is change--amazing, profound, life-giving change--because the power of a Holy God has been poured out in his life, a power that can make the alcoholic sober, the immoral pure, the addict free, the profane reverent, the fearful courageous, and the rude kind.  This is more than  words written on paper--this is the wonder-working power of the Holy Spirit.

            I ponder the power of the gospel and can barely put my arms around these truths.  However, when I experience God at work, it increases my faith and gives me assurance that the gospel is real.  Indeed, we have all witnessed a mighty demonstration of God’s power in Richard Blair’s healing.  How can I keep silent?  Am I willing to pray for the unleashing of this power in my life, in our fellowship, and in our community?

 By Pat Hertzler

For questions or comments you may email the pastor at timbev2@yahoo.com or the webmaster at hffinc@i-c.net