We need not to speak any thing!

I Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of preaching. In fact, the scripture plainly states that God has chosen "the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Cor 1:21). But there is something to be said about lifestyle evangelism as a complement to good, sound, biblical preaching. In fact, Jesus said that we should let our "light so shine before men, that they may see" our good works and glorify the Heavenly Father (Matt 5:16). All too often, people aren't willing to hear about what we're preaching, because what we're doing speaks so much louder in their ears.

Paul commends the Christians in Thessalonica because their testimony was solid. He says that the word of the Lord "sounded out" from them throughout the region. Was it because all of them were fiery preachers pounding on pulpits? (Perhaps....we really couldn't speak particularly of their preaching efforts from this passage) In this instance, it was the radical change in lifestyle that caused God's Word to spread rapidly throughout the land. People were amazed and took notice because the Thessalonians "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." We can talk all day long, but it's hard to argue with a transformed life. That's why I personally believe that one of the most effective ways to witness to unbelievers is to share how God has transformed my life. But that method only has force if there is some visible, tangible change in my life.

Paul told the Corinthians that those in Christ are a new creation and "old things have passed away." People are much more willing to follow and imitate that which they have seen. If you really want to see revival in your area, make sure that those around you can see the difference that Christ has made in your life. When people can see the difference in you, then they will be much more apt to hear what you have to say. Or perhaps, like the Thessalonians....there won't be a need to speak any thing!

Until next time....

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