1 Becoming a New Person A Science Demonstration Based on 2 Corinthians 5:17 A Science Demonstration Based on 2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.(2 Corinthians 5:17)

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6 Items Needed Handful of dry seeds (peas, beans, corn, limas, etc.) Sand Water Small clear container that can be sealed, like a glass jar or plastic pill bottle

7 Procedure Mix seeds and sand in equal amounts. Pour into jar, shaking the jar to fill completely. Wet the sand thoroughly. Screw the lid on tightly. If glass is used, put jar on a cookie sheet to prevent a spill. Wait a day or two.

8 Explanation The seed coat has a small opening, often on an indented side, that admits water. The inner embryo or germ of the seed readily absorbs the water, swelling in the process and cracking its outer shell. It will then produce a root and stem. The pressure exerted by a growing seed or plant is tremendous. Perhaps you have seen a plant gradually overturn a rock or raise a slab of concrete.

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11 The swelling of moist seeds was responsible for the sinking of a large supply ship during World War II. A vessel carrying sacks of dried beans was slightly damaged by a torpedo.

12 The ship continued on its way, but the cargo of beans became soaked and started to swell. Eventually, the expansion of the beans split open the hull of the ship, causing it to sink!

13 Here is what happened with our demonstration:

14 First try — just filled

15 First try after 8 hours

16 Second try

17 close up of 2nd try

18 Second try after Eight hours

19 Third try

20 Third try after a Few Hours

21 Another view of break

22 Continued expansion knocked Jar over

23 Video of glass breaking

24 Application These growing seeds represent a new Christian-- exciting changes occur when you give your life to Jesus. Your growth cannot be contained!

25 The End