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when our correspondents demand physical or logical "proof" then we know the words of God are not registering in power to them - which is to say, His words are not being Spiritually heard.

Or to put it another way, the power of God is not understood by observing His miracles but rather by the hearing of the words of God.

AMEN! And it sure does get tiresome at times. But that's just the way God wants it for now. One way or the other, it is all for His glory.

"For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you." -- 1 Corinthians 11:19

Even the bad stuff has its God-given purpose. Knowing that makes proclaiming the Gospel among tares easier because we're told the wheat outnumber them, if not in number than certainly in strength and purpose. Ultimately, it's a wheat field and not a tares field, although some days that fact is barely recognizable.

Your example of the Jews is exactly what Paul lamented -- they believed in one God but not in Christ, and so they were blinded to the truth, and their blindness should make us even more circumspect and grateful. So close, and yet, so far.

the words of God are spirit and life - but only to those who have been given "ears to hear."

The power of God is Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God. When we convey the words of God and our testimony - we have done the very best we can do for anyone.

AMEN!. And Paul's words from Timothy describe life perfectly and offer a perfect response to those without ears to hear and whose hearts remain stone...

"... they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers...Study to shew thyself approved unto God...rightly dividing the word of truth...shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker...Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his."

AMEN.

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." -- John 17:17-18

If God has sent us into the world equipped with "the whole armour of God" and the "breastplate of righteousness" and "the shield of faith" and the "helmet of salvation" and the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," (Ephesians 6) what do we have to fear?

All in all, a perfect plan from the very start, from before the foundation of the world.