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 (1 Thessalonians 1:5). The entrance of the gospel into the Thessalonians had produced a work of faith, a labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (verse 3). The gospel is intended to manifests itself in three abiding, very practical ways in faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). True faith is no mere intellectual belief, it manifests itself in works of faith (James 2:17),  motivated by love (1 Corinthians 13:3). And hope that anchors the soul is produced by perseverance (Romans 5:3, 4).  Paul attributes these supremely Christian characteristics in theThessalonians to the way the gospel came to them in word, power, Holy Spirit, assurance and how Paul conducted himself while there.

The way we conduct ourselves is every bit as important as the other three characteristics. Our actions and attitudes speak every bit as loudly as our words. Unfortunately, with respect to power, much of our Christianity can be described well as having form of religion but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). The Holy Spirit too is controversial in some circles. There's a saying that comes to mind. It is “the Word without the Spirit we dry up, the Spirit without the Word we blow up, but the Spirit and the Word together in the church we grow up.” And if we are wondering what the Word coming in power looks like, all we have to do it to read the book of Acts. It's  about signs, wonders and miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:4).

No doubt these things are at least part of what brought the assurance (verse 5 again), and are part of my own assurance. Just yesterday a prayer partner and I were recalling the various healing miracles the Lord has wrought through us. These include instantaneous healing from long term pain, the decrease in inflammation from arthritis etc., etc.   I have also witnessed in Toronto one person coming out of a wheelchair, and one lady being able to throw away a back brace the doctors told her she would always need.   In terms of signs and wonders, I saw the Lord replacing amalgam fillings with gold (google “Gold teeth Toronto blessing”). It certainly made me wonder.  I asked one lady who had received one  how it made her feel. “Loved” she replied. Could that possibly be God?  I didn't always walk in the reality of these things, I was taught not to base my faith on experience. But should we base our faith on lack of experience (of the miraculous) either?  

Father, thank You for giving me the tenacity to check these things out, and to go where I was told these things were happening. Not everything is of You Lord. One man complained that two thirds of it is fake, but one third genuine is a lot of genuine ! There is so much more Lord,  than I have even begin to ask or imagine.  I have yet to experience the greater works. But Lord let me never be satisfied with anything less than Your Kingdom coming in Word, in power, in Holy Spirit and in much assurance. And Lord please help me to live a life that adorns the gospel,   and I'll give You the glory  in Jesus Name Amen