In this sermon titled “Power to Preach (Afterglow),” Pastor Allen Victor of Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville explores the essential role of the Holy Spirit in preaching the Gospel, grounding his message in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5. The Apostle Paul commended the Thessalonians for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing that the Gospel did not come to them merely in words but in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. This profound truth underlines the importance of not just speaking the words of the Gospel but doing so with the power and authority given by the Holy Spirit.

The sermon begins by recalling the Great Commission, as seen in Matthew 28, where Jesus instructed His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Pastor Victor stressed that while the command to “go” is critical, the disciples were also told to “wait” (Acts 1) until they were endowed with power from on high. This waiting period was crucial because it highlighted the necessity of preaching with clarity and conviction, not relying on human wisdom but on the divine empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

The sermon then delved into the need for clarity in the proclamation of the Gospel. Pastor Victor lamented that many people in today’s world, including those who identify as Christians, do not truly understand what the Gospel is. He recounted personal experiences and surveys revealing that a large percentage of self-identified Christians cannot accurately define the Gospel or understand concepts such as being “born again.” He challenged the congregation to examine their understanding of the Gospel and be prepared to explain it clearly to others, warning against the dangers of false gospels that distort the true message of Christ, as warned in Galatians 1:6-8 and 2 Corinthians 11:1-4.

In defining the Gospel, Pastor Victor emphasized its two key components: what Jesus did and what we must do in response. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, he explained that the Gospel centers on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—events that prove His claims and demonstrate the power of God. The sermon highlighted that the Gospel is not of human origin but comes directly from God, and our response must be to confess our sins and believe in Jesus, as taught in Romans 10:8-10, Acts 4:12, and John 3:16.

The sermon also explored the importance of preaching the Gospel with power, as seen in Acts 1. Pastor Victor made it clear that the power of the Word comes from the Holy Spirit, who works within us to bring conviction, change hearts, and transform lives. He cautioned against the misconception that power in preaching is about volume or miraculous signs, pointing instead to the Word of God itself as the source of true power. The Word has the power to save, sustain, and sanctify, as evidenced in the lives of believers throughout history.

Pastor Victor underscored the critical role of the Holy Spirit in effective preaching. Without the Holy Spirit, he noted, the Word of God is just ink on paper; it is the Spirit that brings the Word to life, convicting sinners and empowering preachers. He called on the congregation to be prepared, yet flexible, allowing room for the Holy Spirit to work, rather than relying on human programs or efforts. He reminded them that it is the Holy Spirit who ultimately convicts, saves, and empowers, as seen in the ministry of the apostles in the book of Acts.

The sermon concluded with a reflection on the deep conviction required for effective preaching. Pastor Victor challenged the congregation to ensure that what they preach is lived out in their own lives, avoiding the pitfalls of hypocrisy. He urged them to rely on the Holy Spirit, just as the early church did in Acts 1-2, through prayer, waiting on the Spirit, and boldness in proclaiming the Word of God.

#PowerToPreach #HolySpirit #Gospel #FalseGospels #PreachingWithClarity #SpiritualEmpowerment #CalvaryChapelWestJacksonville #AllenVictor