The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5,
"For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction."
How powerful can a message be? We often think in terms of a message as simply information. The gospel is different. Look at how this message impacted those who accepted it in Thessalonica. It was accompanied with power. It came with the Holy Spirit and it brought deep conviction. Real deep conviction. The evidence of this is pointed to by Paul as he observed that these folks welcomed the message in the "midst of severe suffering with joy..." Verse 6. It resulted in these believers becoming a model to all believers in the area and everywhere, verses 7-8.
This message was life-changing for these folks in Thessalonica. It caused them to turn from the heritage they were brought up in and championed by their culture and society. They turned from what they worshiped to serve "the living and true God." Verse 9. The impact was such that it became a matter of public report throughout Macedonia and Achaia and everywhere.
This is a very powerful message! Paul speaks of the unique power this singular message has. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" Perhaps the greatest explanation of the power of this message is seen in Paul's comment when he speaks of the righteousness that is revealed in the gospel.
We read in Proverbs 11:4, "Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." All the things we may wish to accumulate to ourselves in life are meaningless to us in death. Nothing in this life holds importance if we are dead: family, friends, fortune, fame, whatever. Whatever is important is only important if we are "there" to embrace them, to enjoy them. The biggest lottery win, the greatest accolades, the acquisition of the very best "stuff", the most wonderful marriage, the happiest family, the greatest career, the best children hold no importance to us if we are dead. Proverbs 11:4 informs us that nothing we can accumulate can deliver us from God's wrath and the death we are due for our sins. For each of us life is everything, existence is everything. Because righteousness can deliver us from God's judgment, from eternal death, and bring us eternal life, righteousness becomes the most valuable of any currency in existence. How do we obtain it? Only through the gospel and its message of faith.
This makes the gospel the most powerful message in existence. It brings righteousness to those who embrace it. It brings eternal life to those who place their trust and faith in Jesus Christ. A most powerful message!
Paul tells us it is the gospel message itself that provides the opportunity for faith. It is when we are exposed to the gospel message that we have opportunity to consider its claims and to respond to its call. Many subscribe to all kinds of theology promising what only the gospel can provide. For me, I hold to the gospel message and what faith brings. This is what God has provided us. Here is Paul's perspective: "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."
I do hold in high regard the rich heritage we have in the patriarchs of the church. I value the teachings of the various theologians, leaders, pastors, teachers and preachers throughout the history of the church. However, nothing of what Augustine or Calvin or Arminius or any other has to say can possibly be on a par with the pristine message of the gospel given us by God through his apostles he appointed. That is where power comes from.
And, that is where eternal life may be found.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
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