I found this quote on the internet and thought that this would be a good quiz question for the reading audience.
Read the quote and answer the two questions following.
1. From what theological background is the person who made the statement?
a) Roman Catholic
b) Wesleyan
c) Friends (Quaker)
d) Lutheran
e) Reformed
f) Mennonite
g) Non-denominational Evangelical
h) Latter Day Saints (Mormon)
i) Eastern Orthodox
j) Baptist
2. Is the statement correct? Why or why not?
The correct answer for #1 is here and here. Did you find it difficult because the answer could be "All of the above"? That is not surprising. I heard this quoted almost verbatim from a Non-denominational Evangelical as truth.
The correct answer to #2 is No. God's word is the norm for our lives. Most groups calling themselves Christians think that there is something beyond scripture—an immediate work of the Holy Spirit—that must constantly be leading, moving, or teaching in a discernible manner beyond what scripture tells us in order to be considered a spiritual person. If that was true, wouldn't God have told us that would be the expectation? Yet what we find is the constant referral to his revealed word.
Read the quote and answer the two questions following.
1. From what theological background is the person who made the statement?
a) Roman Catholic
b) Wesleyan
c) Friends (Quaker)
d) Lutheran
e) Reformed
f) Mennonite
g) Non-denominational Evangelical
h) Latter Day Saints (Mormon)
i) Eastern Orthodox
j) Baptist
2. Is the statement correct? Why or why not?
The correct answer for #1 is here and here. Did you find it difficult because the answer could be "All of the above"? That is not surprising. I heard this quoted almost verbatim from a Non-denominational Evangelical as truth.
The correct answer to #2 is No. God's word is the norm for our lives. Most groups calling themselves Christians think that there is something beyond scripture—an immediate work of the Holy Spirit—that must constantly be leading, moving, or teaching in a discernible manner beyond what scripture tells us in order to be considered a spiritual person. If that was true, wouldn't God have told us that would be the expectation? Yet what we find is the constant referral to his revealed word.
3 comments:
It made me think of this: "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."
So anyone who denigrates hearing as a source of truth is false.
I thought it was a charismatic saying it, but that wasn't one of the choices.
I couldn't answer either question because I had no clue what the author was trying to say.
I do believe that there are many situations in life, probably on an almost daily basis, in which there is no clear biblical indication of what a person should do, and that the indwelling Spirit does often provide in those situations impressions to His children of how they should proceed. e. g. Should a particular word be spoken or left unspoken? Should a monetary gift to someone be given, and if so how much? Should I proceed through this open door, or that one? In each of these examples, either action may be biblically warranted. I believe that in many such situations the Spirit does provide inner impulses as to what action He desires. I must admit, that as a very objective type personality, hearing such impulses is not my strong suit. I much prefer those clear situations where I can say confidently, "Thus says the Lord."
Jon & Rick,
I have met a disturbingly increasing number of Christians who insist that their experience trumps the Bible, thinking they are following the Spirit.
I do not downplay the Holy Spirit's involvement, but Christ told us that the HS would receive from the Father (John 16:13) and would point to Christ (John 15:26). What we may term "the Spirit's leading" seems to be more the HS bringing Jesus' words to remembrance (John 14:26), so that we might take action in a godly manner. And where there might be more than one valid course, we choose one with clear conscience knowing that God will work it out for good.
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