Why is the Gospel "The Power of God for Salvation?"

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16, LSB).

Ever wonder why the gospel is the power of God for salvation considering that God is all powerful and can do whatever He wants? I am sure you have. I am sure as you have read through the Bible, you have seen God doing extraordinary things that only He could do. As powerful as He is, why is the gospel the power of God?

The power of the God is the gospel is the "regenerating, life-changing impact of the gospel word through the Holy Spirit is essential because of humanity’s bondage to sin and Satan, and weakness and spiritual inability on account of sin" (Reformation Study Bible). We see and hear this power through the proclamation of the gospel. Paul wrote, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17, LSB).

God could use anything He wanted to get the gospel across the nations, but instead He chose the church to be that instrument using the foolishness of preaching:

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased, through the foolishness of the message preached, to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21, LSB).

Smoke machines, laser lights, Starbucks with donuts, and even donuts are not what draws out the power of God. It is the preaching of the gospel. It is the preaching of the whole purpose of God (Acts 20:27). Paul said in Ephesians after hearing the word of truth we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). The gospel must be proclaimed. 

The power of God is on display when it is proclaimed. We see the benefits of it when people put their faith in Christ and repent of their sins.