“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power ...” – 1 Corinthians 2:4

"Not with persuasive words" Um ...

When was the last time you you encountered that in the church? Unfortunately I have to admit that I have not experienced a "demonstration of the Spirit's power" in the church the way Paul means in this passage. I have attended the services of many denominations to include Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal, Catholic, Church of Christ, and others.

Every sermon has been an attempt to persuade with words. An intellectual discourse on scripture and the Gospel intended to convince the congregation that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Christ.

I have heard of places where the Spirit's power has been demonstrated but I, personally, in 60+ years of living have not experienced it. Not as Paul implies.

I say this not as a condemnation but with concern and, looking at my own engagement with others in the Kingdom, I am concerned that I too engage with more words and intellectual discourse than by the demonstration of the Spirit's power. Are we not, as Christians, to demonstrate the Spirit's power? The power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to heal, restore and renew. More "Paul Like", so to speak.

Didn't Jesus say,

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." - John 14:12

And Paul, in speaking of the Spirit at work in and through us, prayed,

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms" - Ephesians 1:18-19

So what are we missing? Honestly, I don't know. I don't have an answer. But I know the one who does. And so now my prayers have shifted. Not to striving but to asking, seeking and knocking. Looking to express Christ in the world in the way that Jesus and Paul seem to say is the normal Christian experience. Not with fine, convincing words but through the power of the Spirit in and through us.

Almighty God - Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit - show me what am I missing Lord. Jesus, you promised us power through the Holy Spirit to do what you did and more. Yet, that is not a part of my experience living as your disciple in the world. Lord God, give me eyes to see and ears to hear that I might come to demonstrate you to others not with fine words and witty "isms" but with the power of the Spirit flowing through me to bring life. To heal, renew, and restore. To shield, deliver, and protect.

The power of your Spirit, Lord God, so that people might come to trust Jesus completely and where that trust would, as Paul said, "not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."

Fill me Lord. Use me Lord. I give your Spirit permission to invade my spirit, soul, and body; my heart, mind, and will. That I may be one with you Lord Jesus as you are one with the Father. That through our union, you would show yourself powerful and faithful.

In your Holy and precious name. Amen! Amen!! Amen!!!

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It is my hope and prayer that you will be blessed and challenged to look for more with God - Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit. No matter how much you think you have, there is always MORE! Godspeed!

Copyright © 2025 Ray Schmidt