A Prophet?

We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. [I Thessalonians 1.4-7]

What was this "power" with which Paul says he and his coworkers brought the Good News?

Two things come to mind...

1) It could have been a demonstration of supernatural events.

2) It could have been the fact that they bore the consequences of the Good News (public persecution) without wavering.

I tend to lean toward the second of these ideas today. It seems to me that the power Paul was speaking of was a magnificent display of unwavering commitment in the face of suffering.

Soon enough, I believe true Christ followers in the USA will have the opportunity to witness this same power. Soon enough, as circumstances continue to develop accordingly, Christianity will be publicly, nationally, and even officially ostracized and persecuted. It will require more than average resolve - supported entirely by the power of God's Holy Spirit, for the believer to remain faithful.

So, now I think I'm a prophet???

I suppose today I am not feeling too confident that the USA will return to its Godly heritage...

Psalm 79.9

Help us, O God of our salvation!

Help us for the glory of your name.

Save us and forgive our sins

for the honor of your name.