“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1st Thessalonians 2:13

When God blesses a man to preach the true gospel in simplicity, a wondrous miracle occurs.

The resulting message transcends the speaker’s ability to understand the needs of multiple listeners. He cannot know every detail of every trial and situation his listeners have faced, but God knows. And God, not man, feeds His flock using the preacher as the messenger. What a blessing!

When we receive the gospel as a message from God and not a man, we see it as Supreme Truth and it works in us effectually. This effectual work is not the new birth. Our belief in the gospel is evidence that we have already been born again. But the gospel does effectually invigorate our spirit to love and serve God more and more.

The manner in which we receive the gospel can also bring a great peace and joy to the preacher! When he sees the congregation responding both verbally and by increased devotion to God, he can be thankful that God has blessed him in his calling to be under-shepherd of a part of God’s flock.