Gospel Power?

Power?

 

Power over people is what most of the world desires. A religious leader may seek power over people, the Chief Priests, Scribes and Pharisees, at the time of Jesus, were not accepting truth, they were not believing in Jesus, it wasn't about obeying God; it was about their power over men. In seeking to keep the people under their power, they saw Jesus as a rival, a threat. They were jealous and envious of him, because the people saw something real and powerful in his words and life. They were driven by envy and satan is behind this sin. By their fear of losing power they killed their Messiah. We are to not seek our own power. The power we have is for the work of God. By our fruit, through His power, he is glorified.

 

1 Th 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

 

Speaking the gospel word, the way of salvation; there is power in the gospel message.

 

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

There is power in the blood of the Lamb. Jesus without sin, the Son of God, The Living (Loving) Word from heaven; He came to fulfill the righteous judgment of God for sin. He died on the cross and arose on the third day, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Paul spoke that he did not come in word only, be sure he did not speak his own words and thoughts; he spoke the word of God, powered by the Holy Ghost. If we speak God's word as he commands, there is power available for a new life. Must we speak only the word in the Bible to have God's power?

 

There is the Spirit of prophecy, but that must line up with God's revealed will. All the Spiritual Gifts come with the power of God. The power for mercy, exhortation, mercy, giving, healing, tongues and more; all come with Holy Ghost Power.

 

Peter was moved by God's Spirit to use the gift of healing.

 

Acts 3:2  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Acts 3:3  Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
Acts 3:4  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
Acts 3:5  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
Acts 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Acts 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Acts 3:8  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Acts 3:9  And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

 

There is power in the gospel and in the gifts and in your life. People watch you, to confirm that you truly are of God. We do not live in a way to cause others to stumble. If we are of God, all is through His Spirit and for His glory.

 

1 Th 1:6  And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
1 Th 1:7  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.