1 Thessalonians 1:5

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
1 Thessalonians 1:5

Paul would write in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” In understanding this, Paul was diligent to faithfully deliver God’s word to those in Thessalonica, through both his word and his actions.

The preaching of the Word and the example of it being lived out by those who share it can turn people’s attention toward the things of God. Combine that with the Holy Spirit that is working behind the scenes to draw the hearts of men to Jesus, and you have a powerful combination. It’s able to pierce the hearts of men, turning them to repentance and making them followers of Christ.

The world needs to see the church believing, trusting, sharing, and living out the word of God. We should be able to say, as Paul did to the Corinthians in his first letter, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”

Pastor Doug Hardin