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  PREACHING WITH WORDS OR DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT
  by Andrew Murray
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of preaching in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power, rather than in wisdom of
words, to truly impact faith and empower the cross of Christ.

Topics: "True Faith", "Power of the Holy Spirit"
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 2:4

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DESCRIPTION
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Andrew Murray emphasizes the distinction between two types of preaching:
one that relies on human wisdom and eloquence, which Christ forbade, and
another that demonstrates the Spirit's power. He argues that true faith
must be rooted in a personal communion with God, rather than in the
wisdom of man, which is weak and unstable. Murray warns that relying on
persuasive speech can nullify the power of the cross, as it detracts
from the divine working of the Holy Spirit. The sermon calls for a
return to preaching that is grounded in the supernatural power of God,
which transforms lives and communities. Ultimately, Murray encourages
believers to seek a deeper experience of God's operation in their lives.

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CONTENT
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There is a twofold preaching of Christ and his cross. The one is what
Christ forbade, and Paul therefore so emphatically rejected: the
preaching in wisdom of words, in excellency of speech and wisdom, in
persuasive words of wisdom. The other is in demonstration of the Spirit
and of power; the proof of a direct supernatural divine working.

Corresponding to these there is a twofold faith. The one stands in the
wisdom of man, is feeble and changeable, and ever dependent upon human
support. The other stands in the power of God which has its roots and
its strengths, on the part of the convert, in the personal communion
with God and the experience of his almighty operation.

When scriptural truth is studied or heard, is received and held as true,
and does not work in power, the chief reason is that it is held in man's
wisdom, in the power of the mind, and not of the Spirit of God.

There is nothing that so effectually makes void the cross of Christ and
robs it of all its power as the wisdom of words and excellency of
speech.

(Excerpted from The Coming Revival, by Andrew Murray , pg. 18)

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/andrew-murray/preaching-with-words-or-demonstration-of-the-spirit/
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