Originally posted: 1/29/2020

for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ, (18:28).

Demonstrate: “clearly show the existence or truth of (something) by giving proof or evidence.”

Consider Him, Demonstrated by the Scriptures

So often we want the extraordinary, the miraculous, the supernatural. But we do have all that, and more.. .right in the palms of our hands. For every time we hold a Bible to read His Word…

…we hold the extraordinary, a Book that is living and active.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart, (Hebrews 4:12).

…we hold the miraculous, a Book that miraculously transforms.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect, (Romans 12:2).

…we hold the supernatural, a Book inspired by the very breath of Almighty God.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work, (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).

And it is this extraordinary, miraculous, supernatural Book that clearly shows Jesus to be the Christ, the promised Messiah, Demonstrated by the Scriptures.

And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” ²⁷ Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures, (Luke 24:25-27).

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; ⁴⁰ and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life,” (John 5:39-40).

How do we respond to Him, Demonstrated by the Scriptures?

Jesus said the Scriptures testify about Him. And if we belong to Him by faith, we are commanded to go into all the world to make disciples. The best way we can testify to others about Him is by sharing His Word. And the Lord has graciously provided examples in the Scriptures to encourage us in answering His call.

for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ, (18:28).

Let us pray the Lord would empower us to publicly share Him, Demonstrated by the Scriptures…

… through intelligent discourse with unbelievers.
And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks, (18:4).

… through complete devotion to His Word.
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, (18:5).

… through total dependence in our witnessing.
…solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ, (18:5).

…. through fearless declaration of the gospel.
And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; ¹⁰ for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city,” (18:9-10).

Let’s Grow Together!