Sermon Central
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Demonstration Of Power
Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Oct 5, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: Today there is a lot of talk, but very little evidence by way of demonstrating God's power
DEMONSTRATION OF POWER
JUST ANOTHER RELIGION
In Paul's day, Greek philosophers would meet regularly to discuss philosophies, viewpoints and various gods people believed in. But when it came to the message of Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the world and rose again, Paul was reluctant to allow these philosophers to view it in the same light as other religions and philosophies.
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? Other said, He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is? For you bring certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
The reason why Paul took this stand against the philosophers was because the message he preached was not a theory to be debated, but a living reality of the one and only true living God.
A DEMONSTRATION OF POWER
The difference was this - the demonstration of God's power evident in the midst of the people; a demonstration of power that no other god could perform.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
The power of man's words are limited. However, God is not a talker - He is a demonstrator.
If you were to go out to purchase a new motor car, the salesman will give you written specification of the capabilities of the vehicle, he will show you the engine, point out all the features, and try to convince you that this is the best option available to you.
"SHOW ME !"
There is a saying that goes like this "The proof of the pudding is in the eating."
So, the one thing that will convince you would be the demonstration itself - to get behind the wheel and put the vehicle through it's paces which will tell you whether it lives up to the talk or not.
In Christian circles, there is a lot of talk. A lot of fancy talk, with enticing words, but what people want is a demonstration! "Quit the big talk and the small talk - demonstrate to me the power of your living God! "
THE END-TIME CHURCH
That is the problem with the end-time Church - a lot of talk, but no demonstration of power.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
ARE YOU A DEMONSTRATOR?
The bible says that if anyone is in Christ Jesus, he/she is a new creation. For example, you cannot say you are a new creation and not demonstrate the change in your life. You cannot say that you are new and demonstrate something else The proof of your talk lies in your walk - the demonstration of God's changing power and ability manifest in your life.
There must always be a demonstration; it separates the truth from the lies, good from evil, the genuine from the counterfeit. Remember, there is no middle ground with God.
If you declare that God is Jehovah Jirah, there must be a demonstration of supernatural provision in your life. If you say He is Jehovah Shalom, let us see a demonstration of supernatural peace. If He is Jehovah Rapha, let us witness a demonstration of supernatural health and healing . If you say that the joy of the Lord is your strength, your life must produce the evidence of joy.
There are too many believers confessing all kinds of things without any demonstration of God's supernatural ability. The world does not care about the name of your Church, what you call your vision, what your five year plan is, what call is upon your life etc. What they really want to see is the demonstration, the evidence of God's power working in you and through you with supernatural results.
They will say "You say He is a God of love, show me a demonstration of love. Show me that He cares, show me that He builds up. Show me the victory in your life. I've heard your talk, now show me the power. You say that you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. Show me the battles won - show me a defeated devil."
