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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| DOCTRINE v EXPERIENTIAL TRUTH |
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| Greek (Western) |
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 In Western thought spiritual advancement is understood to be found in theological qualifications.
Becoming the leader (pastor, minister etc.) of a church today generally requires a theological qualification from an institution approved by the church grouping one is involved with. Correct doctrine, learned through theological study, is seen as the way to get closer to God. Unfortunately though, while knowledge about God can be learned, relationship with God has to be experienced and, in reality, is often hindered through the pride that so often accompanies intellectual achievement.
This Greek inspired development is a major challenge to the church today.
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| Eastern (Hebrew) |
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 In Hebrew thought, God has to be experienced through relationship, which then must be reflected in one's life.
Spiritual maturity and growth comes from intimacy with God which results in doing His will in your life, even in seemingly impossible situations. For example, take Elisha and his servant. Elisha had boldness when facing the armies of the king of Aram, while his servant, without Elisha's relationship, was scared stiff! Elisha prayed.....
2 Kings 6:16-17
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 In the New Testament the same principle applies.....
John 16:13-15
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 We must experience and reflect God's truth as found in the Scriptures.....
2 Timothy 3:14-15
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 Through being obedient to the will of the Father as related to us by the Holy Spirit we will become sons (genderless) of God.....
Romans 8:13-15
Amen.
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| SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY |
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1. We must change emphasis from theological qualifications to personal relationship with Jesus as the way to spiritual maturity.
2. Discipleship must take precedent over sermons.
3. Leadership must be determined by proven spiritual maturity rather than theological, doctrinal knowledge.
4. We must 'walk the walk', not just 'talk the talk'.
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| <i>NEXT WEEK:</i> THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW continues..... |
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 ..... looking at THE SOURCE OF SIN
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 While simple theology has its place in obtaining an understanding of the basics of our faith, what is more important is the way we live, our relationship with Jesus and our ability to listen to, learn and apply what the Holy Spirit has to teach us.
IMAGES AND ART: Jerusalem
Gates of the Old City
Damascus Gate
Called the Shechem Gate by the Jews, the Arabs remember this gate as the "Gate of the Column" because of the tall pillar that stood in this gate's plaza during the Roman and Byzantine period.
Kenyon's excavations underneath this Turkish gate found remnants of a triple-arched gateway dating to the time of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (135 A.D.).
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
8. The foolish speak before they think, the wise think before they speak, while the godly let their lives speak for them.
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
Waxing Lyrical: http://www.wwj.org.nz/waxing.php
If Only I'd Thought of it: http://www.wwj.org.nz/thought.php
Laughing at Ourselves: http://www.wwj.org.nz/laugh.php
A look at some of lifes curious questions: http://www.wwj.org.nz/why.php
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We must experience and reflect God's love..... 
We must experience and reflect God's faith.....