DOCTRINE VS. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Romans chapter 7 introduces us to the great wrestling match. In one corner you have the defending champion, DOCTRINE, pitted against the challenger, PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. The champ claims he cannot be beaten no matter how confident his challenger brags about how hard he has trained all his life for the life-and-death struggle. P.E. has worked hard to make himself a worthy opponent. The defending champ, without any mercy, defeats all challengers no matter how hard they train and work to defeat DOCTRINE who refuses to back down or change any of his outrageous claims that he, and he alone, will prevail over all who oppose him. The Champion has fought untold thousands of matches over the years, and he never seems to wear out or grow weary of the next match or deviate from anything he has previously said. I, even I, am the victor and will never be defeated, he boasts; I will defeat all who oppose me. Why doesn't the champion realize that all who wear the crown of victory get too old to continue the fight. Eventually, he is bound to lose to a much younger and stronger challenger. He is outdated, so let's face it the champ's been around a long time. His best years are behind him, he is yesterday's champion, he belongs to the past. It is true that many have claimed victory over him in the past, but they're gone and he is still here; hmm, this does present a problem for those claims.

Now for those who are looking for a new champion to believe in and lead them, help is on the way, 21st century-style. Personal experience has finally got it all together and is ready to deliver the knockout blow to the champ's long-time boastful claims. Now, P.E. is asking you to trust him on this. Certainly, there have been failures in the past to dethrone the champ. But remember, this is the 21st century and we have microwave ovens, not to mention you can buy the beer of your choice in either bottles or cans. We have a huge variety of everything to choose from. We also have a nice selection of religions to fit your needs. big on the P.E. list of supporters is Madonna who is a major sponsor - "everyone should choose their own religion because at the end of the day we all go to the same place." Well, silly me, I thought choice had to do with how I wanted my steak cooked. Wow! What a deal! I can't wait to get started in choosing my own way to heaven.

I would like to give special thanks to Madonna for her wisdom and insights for this article!

Doctrine (God's Word) Personal Experience (relying on the flesh)