Our Gospel

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only,
but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in
much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we
were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord,
having received the word in much affliction, with
joy of the Holy Ghost:
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in
Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not
only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every
place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so
that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of
entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to
God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he
raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us
from the wrath to come.

Paul and Silas were preaching to the Thessalonians and they used the term 'Our Gospel' which was inclusive of the Thessalonians. This is an authentic gospel as described by Paul that is shown in these three statements: 'in power' 'in the Holy Ghost' and 'in much assurance.' The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just a collection of words, but the source of our salvation. Salvation not by works, but by grace and grace alone, so that no one may boast.

No one has been able to conquer death, yet one, Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke many valuable words in the gospel, yet He backed them up with power. There is power in the resurrection and in the word of God. We do not have just words in the gospel, but words that transform hearts and minds to the result of salvation.

Our gospel is endorsed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been given to the church to edify and relay power to us. The Holy Spirit draws sinners to Jesus. No one can come to the Father that the Holy Spirit doesn't draw them. The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus in our lives.

Matthew 17:5

5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud
overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the
cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom
I am well pleased; hear ye him.

God only said this about Jesus Christ, not buddha, not mohammed, only Jesus and we should 'hear him' daily.

1 Peter 1:3-5

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Finally we have assurance to salvation by way of our gospel. As Peter writes, our inheritance is kept in heaven by the power of God. We do not keep it ourselves for we may lose it, but it is kept in heaven and carefully watched over by God. An inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away. That is real assurance of our salvation from God and protected by God.

Rejoice in the joy of our salvation by way of our gospel and the power and assurance of God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Reference: Pastor Al Pittman
Calvary Worship Center, Colorado Springs, CO
Sermon
3-18-2018

The Grim Reaper Preacher says, "Try reading the Bible from cover to cover - you'll like it."