Opening our hearts to the bible《2Ti3:14-17》
Read <2Ti 3:14-15> <2Ti 3:14, 16-17>
1. The Bible as Revelation
1) Much indeed can be learned about God from a study of nature
2) But it is His self-revelation in Scripture that is most complete and most valuable for us.
3) God is very willing to self-disclose Himself in nature and in the Bible
Read <Ps 19:1-2> <Ps 19:7,11>
2. Theory and practice
1) Pragmatism that is uninformed by eternity
2) But without theory (including God's revelation to us about values), there can be no real practice.
3. Do not want to know God, but only want to "believe God, love God, experience God".
Read <1Cor 14:20>
1) Christianity based on sensuality, not on the bible.
2) Relational, good feelings, anti-intellectual way to establish and preserve faith.
3) However, though not intellectualistic, Christianity is supremely intellectual.
* Happiness and pleasure are not the same thing.
4. It is the christian's duty to study the bible.
Read <Deu 6:6-7>