Video excerpt on ‘Knowing God both intimately and intellectually’ – yes doctrines matter but…, by Dr. Mike Morrow

This is a powerful sermon excerpt. As I’ve said many times before, an intellectual belief is not salvific.

Dr. Morrow asks that important question. “Do you know God both intimately and intellectually? Jesus Christ didn’t die just to give you doctrine and insights into the nature of God; He died to bring us to God Himself. That is, for us to know the Lord intimately.”

Though studying, understanding, knowing and applying the doctrines of grace (and other Biblical doctrines), are important for Christian growth. I have met some doctrinarians that were ‘dead’ like the Church of Sardis (Rev 3:1-6), or ‘lukewarm’ like the church of Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22), or ‘unloving’ like the church of Ephesus (Rev 2:1-8).

As Charles Leiter said, “I remember a time years ago, when I was around a group of guys who were all solid in doctrine, and as cold as can be.” He then added, “I remember writing in one of my notebooks, Oh God put me with men of a burning heart, not cold, carnal, doctrinarians.”

As J. C. Ryle said, “Doctrine is useless–if it is not accompanied by a HOLY life! It is worse than useless–it does positive harm. Something of ‘the image of Christ’ must be seen and observed by others in our private life, and habits, and character, and doings!.”

Furthermore, it is important that pastors (and Christians) first point their fingers at their own problems within their own camp, before pointing fingers at others outside their camp (Matthew 7:1-6). Impartiality, and objectiveness are necessary ingredients to truth.

May God rest Dr. Morrow’s soul.
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