Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 127

May 7;   I Thessalonians 1:5;   183/260(I);   ‘Word Power & Conduct’

1 Thessalonians 1:5 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. And you know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message.    NLT

When Paul preached, the powerful, anointed messages were always accompanied by supernatural manifestations.  Romans 15:19 teaches that mighty signs and wonders accompanying the message verify that the Word of God has been fully preached.  There is great power in God’s Word, building faith in the hearts of those who hear.  If a message is taught on redemption and salvation through Jesus, people will be Born Again.  If a message is taught on the baptism in the Holy Spirit, people will be Spirit filled.  If a message is taught on healing, people will respond and be healed.  Again, God’s Word builds faith and people respond to what they are taught and the miracle power of the Holy Spirit reinforces the message by blessing those who hear and respond to the Word.  Teach people the incomparable Word, how much they are loved by the Lord and that He has blessed them will all spiritual blessings and the power of God through the Holy Spirit will minister mightily to them for any need they may have.  This is why we need a consistent, ongoing commitment to spend quality time in the Word daily.  Paul also tells us in this verse that he did all he could to live in a manner that glorified Jesus.  He was not a hypocrite, talking one way and living another.  A holy lifestyle, courtesy, speaking kindly and acting in a loving manner, helps people to fully trust the wonderful truths the Word brings.  There is something incredibly powerful about living a holy life.  We are not perfect, but the Lord sees and blesses those who purpose to live right and do.  The messenger and the message agree.