The Greek mindset, which permeated much of the church culture in Paul's day, liked their preachers to be skilled orators. In fact, the way the viewed a "good message" isn't very different from what we see in the American church. We like eloquent speakers and moving messages. What we rarely see (and I'm being nice here - I promise) is the approach that Paul used where we communicate the Gospel plainly and demonstrate the Gospel powerfully.
Let me explain. I'm not saying that there is never a time for the type of preaching that we typically encounter. Many people learn in that environment. I'm also not saying that the communication of the Gospel must always be accompanied by outward signs and wonders. What I am saying is that we tend to lean toward the communication aspect of the message rather than the demonstration.
Now...that demonstration can come in various forms. There may be times that we see someone exercise the gifts of the Spirit. That means there may be a prophetic word, someone may be healed of a disease, or there could be a word of knowledge. Regardless of the expression of the gift, the point is that God will often demonstrate the power of the Gospel in a way that could never be communicated. Another form of demonstration can be the impact the message has upon the people listening. I think of Billy Graham and how his message is so simple and when it comes time to invite people to Christ they come by the thousands. Why? The reason is simple: Billy is operating in his gifting as an evangelist. He is quite confident in the drawing power of the Holy Spirit. He know that all he has to do is communicate the Gospel and God will do the rest. And if you have ever been in that setting you cannot deny the power of God upon the lives of the people.
The challenge that I want to issue today is this: "Is there not a cause?"
When David stood before his brothers while Goliath was issuing his threats to the children of Israel, he was blown away by the fact that no one would step forward. "Is there not a cause?" was the question he asked. The need in his mind was that someone needs to step out and face the challenge of their day. The need for our day isn't any different. There is a giant of unbelief that needs to be taken down. Unfortunately, much of the training that people have received in communicating the Gospel is no different that David trying to wear Saul's armor - it just will not work. But when you and I are confident to step out in the testimony of what God has done in our life (for David it was how he defeated the lion and the bear through the power of God) and are willing to become a demonstration of the power, we can watch that giant fall to the ground.
David's confidence wasn't in what he could do for God but what God could do through Him. He couldn't rely upon Saul's armor to make it happen. However, he knew how to use the sling and he knew the power of God. His life was already a demonstration of that reality. What God had done in the past he could do in the present. And one man standing in faith willing to be a demonstration of the power of God gained victory over the enemies of Israel.
Is there not a cause? Should the church of Jesus Christ look any different today? Should we not be willing to be a demonstration of the Spirit and power rather than just a means of communication? Should not our lives back up what we preach? Should we not give place to the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst? I believe the answer is a resounding "YES!" Yes - we should preach the Gospel. Yes - we should also have a demonstration of the power of the Gospel. This isn't an either/or thing. We must have both. We need both. And the world should experience both through the church.
I'm a firm believer in authentic and biblical Christianity. What I see in the Bible I believe we can see today. The message that is preached in the Bible should be preached today and the demonstration of the Spirit in the Bible is what we need to see today. In this way we are following in the footsteps of our Lord. We are to be a message rather than just those proclaiming a message. The reality of the Gospel needs to go much deeper than our ability to communicate. It should permeate our entire being. Paul realized this and penned these words: "For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." {1 Cor. 4:20}
I think it's time we joined him.
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