WORD, POWER AND SPIRIT - PART 2

MONDAY 17 AUGUST 2021

Apostle Paul described the manner or means in which he delivered the Good News to the Thessalonians in three terms: In words, power and Spirit. But today we are going to look at the importance of words used in sharing the gospel and the impact it has made in evangelism throughout Christianity's long history.

Reference: 1 Thessalonians 1:5 New Living Translation (NLT) "For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true..."

The glorious gospel and its message are mysteries which entail the graceful declaration of spiritual truth, revealed to the lost and given by the Holy Spirit through divine inspiration. While sharing the good news, knowing the Scriptures connecting to salvation is important. Expressing them in your own words to convince the souls within the circumstance that form your evangelism setting is an added advantage. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is paramount because when He inspires your own word, it can be fully understood.

Every born again Christian has been commissioned to proclaim the message of God's grace in its fullness - which is described as the mystery kept hidden for ages and generations, but now disclosed to the Lord's people. However, the mystery of God's will concerning salvation is often expressed and communicated in spoken words. The spoken Word of God gives inspiration and as you share it in your own words, it reflects the heart of Christ and the love of God.

While sharing the Word with others, operating in spiritual wisdom and understanding is the key to winning them to Christ. The Bible says, "Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding" ( Proverbs 4:7 NCV). Functioning in wisdom and getting an understanding of the network and context in which you're sharing the Word before speaking - can lead people to Christ effectively. And its simply by the way you handle matters. Always remember that every situation is different. Every opportunity we utilize is different from another. However, we must cultivate the mindset that the Spirit of God individually equips us with the right words and utterances to reach different types of people for His Glory. Even if you're faced with tense situations, consult the Holy Spirit to lead your heart and mouth before you speak to people under such circumstance (see 2 Timothy 4:5 NIV).

In 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NLT), Paul says, "My message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God." In other words, gospel words are much more than ordinary descriptions because they are not articulated in human wisdom. For this reason, Paul always depended on the Spirit of God to guide and grant him timely utterances. Stay tuned for part three of this topic. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Mark 16:15; Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 2:15.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for choosing me to continually play a part in contributing to soul winning and harvest in the Kingdom. Ultimately my heart is full of joy because you open the door of opportunities for me to minister the Good News, which is the glorious Gospel of Christ and divine power unto salvation. The heart of the harvest belongs to you and you give the increase, even as your Spirit grants me the utterance. Thank you for your perfect plan for salvation through Christ in Jesus' Name, Amen!