Another post of sermon notes I took while in attendance at church. Today’s message is from Edwin Shepperdson, This message was delivered in multiple parts at Grace Church over successive weeks (1/3/2010-5/2/2010). This is part 2, titled “The Powerful Good News”, delivered January 10th, 2010. From the series “Facing Life with Hope”.

Our core text is 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7

4 “knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; 5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”

1. Where does the Good News Come From? vs. 4

A powerful foundation is our starting place

– God’s Love: We are His beloved (the perfect participle) this love existed in the past and continues to eternity.

– God’s Choice: We are His divine elected, He’s chosen us as His people, His children

He is our sovereign God who we must serve and worship regardless of how much or little of what we understand of His will for us, in us, through us. God’s eternal heart is for us, He chose us first!

2. How is the Gospel Shared? vs. 5a

A powerful communication

– Words: Words matter, here “Gospel” is a military technical term for word of victory (news)

– Power: Supernatural working through normal human words. By this power change happens!

– Holy Spirit: Indwelt in us, helping to convict when we’re led astray, guide us, motivate us, and allow us to hear what He has to say.

– Conviction: Full assurance, full-certain confidence. Strong’s #4136 plērophoría (play-rof-or-ee’-ah)

3. Who Brings the Good News? vs. 5b

A powerful presence

– Living for others. It’s all about us (not!) It’s getting to the end of “self” that Christ (in concert with the Spirit) would be more evident, more present, more visible in and through us. This is a life-long pursuit in our sanctification journey, that we would be more intentional to live not unto our own selfish desires and dreams, but seek to be His hands and feet, being His vehicle for His work to be done. It’s easy to say, much harder to do on a regular basis.

4. What does the Gospel create in Someone’s life? vs. 6

A powerful product

– Welcoming followers: They welcome God’s Word into their lives, had a receptive attitude to His will and message.

– Joyful followers: While in trouble, they were joyful. Our response shouldn’t be based on external circumstances, trouble (the problem of pain) creates need.

5. What is the result?

A powerful witness

– Example: As a result to Him in our lives, and we living for Him, will have an impact in our community