50 Days of Wisdom

In the two Thessalonian epistles, the term "gospel" is used eight times. It's a major emphasis. Of course it's the gospel of Jesus Christ, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15, that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day—that great saving gospel. But it had become so much of Paul that he could call it "our gospel." And in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, he says, "Our gospel didn't come to you in word only." That means it wasn't just talk that saved you. Oh, it had to come in spoken word, no question about it. We're begotten again by the Word, Peter says in 1 Peter 1. And Paul, in writing Romans chapter 10, makes it very, very clear that faith comes by hearing the Word about Jesus Christ. You can't get saved without the Word. But it's not the spoken Word only. That is so important to understand. Faith does come by hearing, but there's more than that. It isn't just speech, logic, and rhetoric. It isn't just clever communication. It isn't that people are going to get saved because you're interesting, or because you somehow attract their attention, or because you're clever, or because you can manipulate their mind. Not so. Regardless of how erudite, clever, intimidating, subtle, inviting, or attractive the talk may be, listen carefully; even if you speak the truth, without the power of God, it accomplishes nothing. Therefore, the second thing he says is, "It didn't come in word only"—it wasn't just talk—"but also in power." Yes, in word, but in word and power. And First Corinthians 4:20 says the same thing: "The kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power." It has to have the power of God. Why so? First of all, because in 2 Corinthians 4:3 and 4, the Bible says, "That the God of this world has blinded the minds of those who believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel should shine unto them." Even the light of the glorious gospel doesn't penetrate the darkness just by virtue of the Word only. Sinners are blind. Not only are they blind, but Jesus said in John 3, "Men love"—what? – "darkness." They love their blindness. And it's a comfortable blindness. They hold their sin tightly to their breast. And so you have blind sinners in the dark who love the darkness. And the Word alone—even the truth—can't penetrate that. The light of the glorious gospel cannot shine unto them. John 5:40 says, "They will not come so that they might have life." So it isn't just talk. Words alone can't work God's eternal purposes; it can't be done. Talk won't do it, even talking about the truth. That means that the gospel must come in more than just talk. It must come in power. So where does the power come from? Back to verse 5: "Our gospel did not come to you in word only"—and here it is—"but also in power and in the Holy Spirit." So it's not just talk, but power and in the Holy Spirit. And you can't separate the person of the Spirit from the power. The power is the Holy Spirit, because Acts 1:8 says, "You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you, then you will have the opportunity to be a witness for me." Listen, Paul makes it very clear that the spoken word is necessary, but it's not enough to save you, it must be accompanied by the power of God. Repent and believe! GTY.org (52-3) – Identifying the Elect, Part 3

Today's Wisdom

Day: 1027

September 12, 2026

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My name is Mark Paul from Wauchula, Florida, and like the Apostle Peter said in 2 Peter 1:14, "I know that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent." Consequently, my goal is to leave a legacy that will continue to advance the kingdom of God long after I have departed. In other words, bear fruit for eternity. And by simply reading and sharing my free eBooks, you too become contributors to the advancement of His kingdom. Thank you for partaking in this endeavor, and I look forward to greeting you on heaven's shore.

The Truth in Love,

Mark Paul - Servant of God

Now grant, O Lord, that when the souls who read these books cast their eyes upon these lines, their minds may be illuminated and their consciences convinced and awakened, that they may see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and be converted so that You may heal them. Amen!