THE DEMONSTRATION by Larry W Peebles 11/08/19 19.39
The internet was most useful in locating the car that fit our needs, but there was no way we would buy it without a demonstration. The old car was aged, had accumulated excessive miles, and required more frequent repairs. We had put off the decision for a good while, but it was increasingly apparent we would have to do something. I used the internet to research appropriate vehicles, ask basic questions of the owner, compare prices, and even to estimate the value of the old car as a trade-in. This effort narrowed the field to three cars, but to make the final decision on the best car to purchase, my wife and I had arrange a test-drive, a visual inspection, and a demonstration of the various functions of the vehicle to be sure everything was in working order. I had studied the cars and talked with the owners, but now we had to see for ourselves.
One of the three cars sold before we could arrange to see it. Another was a very good car, and drove well, but had too many scratches in the paint finish. These scratches were not apparent from looking at the available photos. The third car was also very nice, drove well, and did everything we expected it to do during the demonstration and test-drive. It smelled new, was very clean, and had been well cared for by the previous owner. This is the one we bought. We have been pleased with our decision, but could not have made the correct decision without the demonstration.
Chemistry is also like buying a car. Chemistry is not only studied from a book or on the internet, it is demonstrated in the lab. The book states that sodium (Na) plus chlorine (Cl) produces salt (NaCl). One can study the book, memorize the formula, repeat the formula on a test, and do well in the chemistry class. But rather than rely on what was written in the book, or what the teacher had said, one can demonstrate the proof of the formula in the lab. By combining sodium hydrochloride (sodium) with hydrochloric acid (chlorine), the result is salt plus water. Applying heat to this combination evaporates the water, leaving the salt. The laboratory experiment gives clear demonstration of what is taught in the book. The demonstration lends an experiential element to the learning effort, a reality that study and discussion cannot achieve. The demonstration becomes the ultimate convincer of the truth of a matter.
So it is with faith in Jesus. God does not ask us to believe without being willing to demonstrate the proof of our belief. The Apostle Paul said it this way- “My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Paul admitted, and in fact recommended, that faith should not be based on persuasive speech, fiery preaching, or the wisdom of men gained through study. Rather, it should be based on the demonstration of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. God is not afraid of proving who He is, and doing what He says He can do. Better than relying on words and theories, it is advisable to see for oneself.
The Bible is filled with many demonstrations of the fundamentals from our faith, but here are a few:
- God is our provider– Philippians 4:19- “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Other verses tell us to not worry about what we are to eat or wear, because God knows we need these things. We are also told He cares for the birds, and we are so much more important than a bird. Then we remember two stories where He demonstrated supernatural provision for His children. One is when He fed several million children of Israel manna and quail for forty years as they journeyed from Egyptian slavery toward the Promised Land. He also provided water from the rock. (Exodus Chapters 16 and 17). The second is when Jesus fed large crowds who followed Him–five thousand were fed from five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:17-21). A tile drawing of this scene was recently discovered in an ancient city in the Holy Land. He also fed four thousand from seven loaves and a few fish (Matthew 15:33-38). It continues today.
An evangelist friend of mine planned a pastors’ conference in India. God told Him to give out a new shirt and tie to all who came. He had 350 register, so he bought, packed, and carried over to India 350 new shirts and ties. Food was also prepared for 350 pastors. The day of the conference, over 1000 pastors came, many from long distances. When the food was distributed at the lunch break, every one of the 1000 in attendance ate their fill. When the shirts and ties were distributed at the end of the conference, every one of the 1000 pastors got a shirt and tie. God was not going to disappoint those precious pastors who came to the conference. The food and shirts and ties did not run out. He is our supernatural provider, and is full-well able to demonstrate it.
2. God is our healer-Isaiah 53:5- “He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Jesus was the great healer, as everywhere He went people were healed (Matthew 9:35 and Acts 10:38). The blind could see, the deaf hear, the lame walked, and the demon-possessed were set free. After the Holy Spirit fell on them at Pentecost, the disciples also performed many healing miracles. Even Peter’s shadow was enough to heal the people (Acts 5:15). The Bible says healing is the children’s bread, and if we ask for bread, he will not give us a rock.
My own “born again” experience, the point where I realized God is real, came out of a supernatural healing in my back. After suffering for years with an injured disc in my back, I was healed in an instant in a church healing service. The pastor said I would feel a touch on my body, which I did–it felt like two fingers touched my forehead. No one was standing near me. I knew God touched me, and the pain was gone. The healing touch changed my life forever. The God of all creation stepped into the natural world. I then knew God healed, but I realized He cared for and loved me on a much higher level than I ever thought possible. I would never be the same. The fact that He gave me a demonstration of His healing power has made me bold to pray for healing for others.
3. Jesus is the Son of God— When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River, the crowd heard an audible voice from Heaven-“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:7). Jesus is fully man, and fully God. As a man (Son of Man), His lineage is traced all the way back to Adam in Luke 3:23-38. As Son of God and Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16), He created Adam. Therefore He was both the Creator of, and a descendant from Adam. The same is true of Abraham, which is why Jesus was able to say to the Jews-“before Abraham was [born], I AM.” (John 8:58). By His teaching and miracle-working, He demonstrated He was the Son of God.
4. Jesus rose from the dead— As the Son of God, and as Creator of all things, He is the Lord and Giver of Life. “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:3-4). As the Giver of Life, He had all authority over death. He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). He was raised from the dead, appearing to Mary, the disciples (multiple times), two men on the road to Emmaus, and a group of 500. The Book of Acts (1:3) says after He suffered, He presented Himself alive “by many infallible proofs” during the forty days prior to His ascension into Heaven. He repeatedly demonstrated His resurrection from the dead.
5. Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit--Jesus told His disciples of His pending death, and gave them a gift. He promised them the Holy Spirit would come, the very same person and power He received at His baptism, and that carried Him through His ministry. “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:25-26). “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7).
This occurred on the Day of Pentecost. All present heard and felt the violent wind, and saw the tongues of fire on each person’s head. (Acts 2: 1-4). Filled with the promised Holy Spirit, the followers of Jesus in the room preached boldly, traveled tirelessly, performed miracles, and died willingly for what they knew and had experienced. They did this without recanting or changing their story. The Gospel of the Good News of Jesus Christ had the power to spread around the world.
The power of the Holy Spirit continues to demonstrate itself today. As my wife and I travel to the nations to preach Jesus and evangelize all who will hear the message, we see manifestations of the Holy Spirit in our meetings. When the supernatural invades the natural world, things happen. We have seen people shake, laugh, and cry under the power of the Holy Spirit, often unable to stand. Some say they felt a touch, a warm feeling, a low voltage power, or an incredible peace come over their body. We have seen people healed, marriages restored, debts paid or repaid, and jobs obtained. Barren women have become pregnant, and long-standing legal battles have been resolved. We have witnessed God’s power to hold back the effects of a hurricane from an outdoor evangelism meeting, and we have seen Him announce and then then cause rain in a drought-stricken region. We will preach a mighty message and realize it was not ourselves who preached. The message came from someone greater; He only used us to deliver it. The Holy Spirit is active and operating in the earth today, and is not afraid to demonstrate His presence and power.
Actually, He wants to encourage all those who would come to faith in the One True God, and receive the forgiveness of sin offered through Jesus the Son of God, to seek a demonstration. God is not afraid to show Himself real, and would love to answer any and every sincere prayer that says “Lord, would you demonstrate Yourself to me. I need to know that You are Jehovah, the One True God.” He is the only God who can even begin to answer such a prayer. One should never buy what they are being told or sold without the demonstration.
