THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!!!!!

1 THESSALONIANS 1: 5-6

5because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You known how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a models to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

1: 5   The gospel came “with power”; it had a profound effect on the Thessalonians. Whenever the Bible is heard and obeyed, lives are changed! Christianity is more than a collection of knowledge or a religious system; because of Jesus’ work of salvation, the power of God through the Holy Spirit resides in everyone who believes. What has God’s power done in your life since you first believed?

1: 5   The Holy Spirit changes people when they believe the gospel. When we tell others about Christ, we must depend on the Holy Spirit to open their eyes and convince them that they need salvation. God’s power— not our cleverness or persuasion— changes people. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, our words are meaningless. The Holy Spirit not only convicts people of sin but also assures them of the truth of the gospel.

1: 6   The message of salvation, though welcomed with great joy, had brought the Thessalonians severe suffering because it had led to persecution from both Jews and Gentiles (3: 2-4; Acts 17: 5). Many believers today think that pain is the exception in the Christian life. When suffering occurs, they say, Why me? They feel as though God has deserted them, or perhaps they accuse him of not being as dependable as they thought he should be. In reality, the world is sinful, so even believers suffer. God allows some Christians to become martyrs for the faith, and he allows others to survive persecution. Rather than asking, Why me? we should ask, Why not me? Our faith and the values of this world are on a collision course. If we expect pain and suffering to come, we will not be shocked when they do. We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus also suffered. He understands our fears, our weaknesses, and our disappointments (Hebrews 2: 16-18; 4: 14-16). He promised never to leave us (Matthew 28: 18-20), and he intercedes on our behalf (Hebrews 7: 24-25). In times of pain, persecution, or suffering, trust confidently in Christ to help and comfort you in the difficult times and for the confident hope of eternal life free from pain and adversity.Tyndale. NIV Life Application Study Bible

ON THE WAY HOMKE WALK WITH JESUS and let everyone see THE HOLY SPIRIT and the power of GODS will and his love in your life.

onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS