Faith-Filled Trademarks This message from 1 Thessalonians 1 centers on the truth that when God genuinely saves a person, His saving work leaves recognizable trademarks upon that life. These marks do not earn salvation; they reveal that Jesus has taken possession of a person and that the Holy Spirit is producing a new direction, allegiance, purpose, and hope. Paul points to the Thessalonian believers as an example or imprint of what gospel transformation looks like. The gospel did not come to them as words only, but "in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance." Paul, Silas, and their companions preached Christ, opened the Scriptures, and demonstrated through their own lives that they were fully persuaded of the gospel they proclaimed. The Spirit then worked in the hearers, convincing them of their need and bringing Christ to light so that they could receive the message by faith. One of the first trademarks was that they gladly received the Word. They welcomed what God revealed without placing restrictions upon Him. Their circumstances were difficult—they received the Word "in much affliction"—yet the Holy Spirit supplied joy. Genuine faith does not mean the absence of trouble; it means that Jesus becomes more precious than the trouble is powerful. The great evidence of their conversion is found in the statement that they "turned to God from idols." Their first movement was toward God. Seeing the worth of Christ exposed the worthlessness of what they had previously worshiped. Biblical repentance and faith therefore belong together: faith turns to Christ, and in turning to Christ we necessarily turn away from whatever competes with Him. Zacchaeus illustrate

Pastor Jeremiah Gabbard | Ephesians 6:18-23 This sermon explores the Apostle Paul's request for prayer in Ephesians, emphasizing the need for boldness to proclaim the mystery of the gospel. It highlights the importance of personal testimony as a powerful tool for evangelism and warns against confusing biblical boldness with confrontational behavior. The speaker stresses the necessity of accountability within ministry structures, advocating for missionaries to remain connected to local church leadership rather than operating independently. This connection ensures financial transparency and doctrinal alignment while protecting the integrity of the mission field. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to pray specifically for those serving in ministry, understanding their struggles and supporting their work through informed partnership.

The church (the body of Christ) is comprised of saved people out of every walk of life from all around the world and every one of them became indwelt with the Holy Spirit of God the moment they believed on the shed blood of the Lord Jesus to wash away their sins and save their soul. THE BIBLE Baptist Church of DeLand, Florida Pastor James W. Knox Pastor David A. Brown https://biblebaptistdeland.com For more sermons and Bible study materials, please visit our web store at https://store.jameswknox.org/ DeLand School of THE BIBLE: https://dsbkjv.com