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The Power of
the Gospel
How does a
person come to faith in Jesus Christ? The apostle Paul said, “So then
faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans
10:17). This truth is never more clearly illustrated than in the book of
Acts, a book that records how many men and women came to believe. Read
closely the few excerpts below, and notice the connection between what
was preached (the hearing of it) and belief.
“Now when they heard
this, they were cut to the heart...” (2:37)
“Then those who gladly received his
word were baptized...” (2:41)
“However, many of those who heard the
word believed...” (4:4)
“And the word of God spread,
and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly...” (6:7)
“But when they believed Philip as he
preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name
of Jesus Christ...” (8:12)
“Call for Simon... who will tell you words
by which you and all your household will be saved” (11:14)
“Preaching the Lord
Jesus... and a great number believed and turned to the
Lord” (11:21)
“Now it happened in Iconium that they... so spoke
that a great multitude of the Jews and of the Greeks
believed.” (14:1)
“And when they had preached
the gospel to that city and made many disciples...” (14:21)
“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ... Then
they spoke the word of the Lord to
him...” (16:31,32)
“Then Paul... reasoned with them
from the Scriptures... And some of them were
persuaded...” (17:2,4)
“These were more fair-minded...in that they received
the word with all readiness, and searched the
Scriptures daily... Therefore many of them believed...” (17:11,12)
“And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and
were baptized.” (18:8)
“And some were persuaded by the
things which were spoken...” (28:24)
Is there a particular person you especially desire to be saved
through faith in Jesus? The instrument to be used is the word of God,
the Bible. He or she doesn’t need something miraculous to happen to them
to bring about faith, nor do they need recreational or social
allurements. The power is in the gospel! (Romans 1:16) -- Let’s trust
it, brethren! Let’s use it!
--Mike Noble
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