On Thursday evenings in Bible Study, we have been studying Discipleship.  We are using the book by Stephen Smallman entitled The Walk.  In the chapter The Call to Salvation and Discipleship, Smallman writes:  “By itself the gospel is only words – true and wonderful words, but only words.”

The truth of this statement is jaw-slapping.  It is a wake up call to all who would preach that our words don’t actually have any power in themselves.  No matter how eloquent or clever, insightful or passionate, our proclamation of the gospel must be accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit if they are going to be heard and responded to in faith.  Smallman goes on to remind us that the gospel proclamation changes people “because the Holy Spirit pressess the truth of the gospel into hearts in a way that transform from within.”

Today, I am encouraged all the more to preach the gospel without gimmicks or apology because I know that the Holy Spirit can and at His sovereign pleasure will cause blinded eyes to see and deaf ears to hear the glory that is salvation through Jesus Christ alone.  I pray that it would please God to accompany our preaching with the Spirit of His power for the salvation and joy of His people.  (See 1Thes. 4-10 and 2Thes. 2:13-15).