THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

 

 (I Thess. 1:5) "For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake."

 (Rom. 1:16) "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

GOSPEL: Good news concerning the message of Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Something accepted as infallible truth or as a guiding principle.

      After those present on the Day of Pentecost in the Upper Room received the promise of the Holy Ghost, they begin to go about sharing the good news of the gospel. Peter's message on the day of Pentecost was heard and afterwards approximately 3000 souls accepted salvation (Acts 2:41). Thereafter, others who believed the gospel were saved and added to the church as well. The power of the gospel is available to save, deliver and set free to anyone who believes. As the Apostles in the early church began to spread the gospel, the power of God was present to heal, deliver and set free. The lame man in the posted clip was looking for monetary gain but received something money couldn't buy... his healing and salvation through the gospel presented to him by Peter and John.
       Paul declares that the Gospel is really the power of God to those who believe. The gospel is God's plan of salvation in Christ. The three great facts of the Gospel are the death, burial, and the resurrection of Christ. But more than that, it is the good news of Christ ascending to the Father after completing His earthly ministry and sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to us. It is the good news of the power of God unto salvation. 
        All God's saving power is manifested through the gospel. Even though many may ignore it, scorn it and turn their backs on it, the gospel is God's only means of Salvation. The bible teaches that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. In order to enjoy the saving power of God, you must believe. If you choose not to believe, you cannot receive this grace.
        The gospel brings the hope of salvation to all, not just to the Jews, but to all. The one overwhelming need of perishing mankind was salvation or total deliverance. All deserved judgment and death, but the Gospel came with a message of hope. God is not willing that any should perish, but desires that all would be saved. The gospel brings the hope of peace on earth and goodwill towards men. The gospel brings hope for all of us. Through Christ we can have victory over the world, the flesh and the Devil. God's message of hope for the world was revealed in Christ Jesus. The hope of the Gospel is that God's own power is available to all who believe, to save every soul that embraces the gospel message, giving them victory over the flesh, the world and the devil.