Gospel Power

  "Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction" (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Upon hearing the good news that Jesus was the Messiah, that he died to set them free from their sins and to bring salvation to them, many people came to believe in Jesus.  These words of the gospel message delivered by Paul and Silas were accompanied by powerful works of the Holy Spirit to heal and deliver people. People's lives were changed.  They were set free from the power of sin and eternal death to live in the freedom that Jesus brought.  They received the good news with such conviction that they were able to suffer persecution without faltering, even as new believers.  Paul thanked God for the way in which they had received the good news.  He said, "And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe" (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
  They had set their lives on a new path.  What lay around the bend was unknown but they knew that with the power of God they could face anything.   The word of God was at work in them.
  For Reflection:  What changes has the gospel, the word of God, brought in my life?
  Let us pray.  I thank you, Father, that someone preached your word to me and I too came to believe in your word and the power of your death and resurrection.  I thank you for all who have preached your word to me and I thank you for opening my heart to receive it.

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