What defines true Christianity – experience or truth? Is experience alone enough? What is the proper place of truth and experience in Christianity? Can spiritual experience alone deceive you? Some Christians think that spiritual experiences guarantees that they are in the correct way. But is this true? Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6). That means there is a place for the truth. Experience without guiding knowledge and wisdom from the Word of God, is like a supercharged missile without direction, which can potentially deviate from the way and cause damage. Some claimed Christians may try to elevate emotion, feelings, and experience above knowledge. People with this mindset says that what people believe is relatively unimportant, because experience alone is real. They consider obedience and adherence to specific truths as relatively unimportant, compared to religious excitement and emotional experience, which they consider as the true measuring stick for spiritual genuineness. However Scriptures very existence, and strict warning against manipulating any part of the written scripture (Rev. 22:18-19) counters this mindless fascination with experience, outside the Word of God. Jesus said “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Therefore the truth from God is something which sets you free from bondage of Satan and false teachings. It is the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth (“when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth...” John 16:13). There are no experiences or gifts from the Holy Spirit, which leads you away from the truth of God. On the contrary the Spirit makes you more and more grounded in the truth. Christianity is not an irrational faith. It highly values intelligence, thinking and imagination. The importance of reasoned thought directed through scripture, is very important. The Bible is of topmost importance. That is why all these ancient Biblical writings were miraculously preserved, compiled and chosen by men, but definitely guided by the unseen hands of God Conversely knowledge without experience and works, becomes lifeless. In true Christianity we have to develop both. All our life experiences should be strictly under the guidance of the Word of God. It is true that in this world of constant difficulties and struggles, there is tendency for people to trust in spiritual and emotional experiences. There is a chance for you to be misled and flee from the realities of life, by taking safe haven in emotional spiritual highs. However Jesus is the only real resting place. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28). If you like this message, please visit my page, like and share it with your friends https://facebook/SomeTruthsThatYouShouldNotMiss
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 16:39:10 +0000
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