Thoughts for another day

July 19, 2013.

Today's verse: 1 Cor. 2:4. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further.  Thanks)

What do you think, that we who proclaim the Word of God, the Good News of salvation only preach words laced with human wisdom?  Or what did you think; our Word came to you bereft of any power?  If you’ve done that, then you must change that opinion for the Word we preach aren’t just words and sounds, but they’re accompanied by the elite demonstration of the Holy Spirit and where the Spirit of God is, there is power.

In the New Testament, when the apostles and disciples of the Lord preached His Word, it often brought power to the people.  This was the power of the Holy Spirit which the Lord had promised His disciples.  On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down as a mighty rushing wind and settled on them in the form of tongues of fire; and thus the was Church born, a Church bequeathed with the power of God in the Holy Spirit; a Church birthed to give the message of salvation to a world that knew no freedom, no peace and no future.  Jesus told His disciples, Mk. 16:17-18, And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.’   

The Gospel isn’t without power and if there’s no power, it’s not the Gospel, but the preacher of the Gospel that’s without faith and hence without power.  But for men and women like Paul, who believe God to be behind the Word they speak, also understand it is God who is preached and when God appears, His power comes with Him; and in that are the people gripped by the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, prophesying and rejoicing in Him.  No harm shall come upon them and when they lay hands on the sick they’re healed and all wile things of the evil one are destroyed and thereon shall freedom, peace, prosperity and eternal life be unto them who believe.