The power of the Gospel

Colossians 1:5-8

I. TO BRING FORTH FRUIT

A. As the Word of God is said to be a seed. (Luke 8:11)

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. [1]

B. As it has life. (Heb. 4:12)

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

C. As it is effectual. (1 Thes. 1:5-6)

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

II. TO CHANGE OUR HARD HEARTS

A. Into the glory of Christ. (2 Cor. 3:18)

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

B. Into a new creature. (2 Cor. 5:17)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

III. TO BRING US FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE (Romans 1:16)

A. When it is believed. (John 5:24)

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. [2]

B. When the evidence is manifested. (1 John 3:14)

14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. [3]

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[1] The Holy Bible : King James Version. electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995.

[2] The Holy Bible : King James Version. electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995.

[3] The Holy Bible : King James Version. electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995.