For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost.

- I Thessalonians 1:5a

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

- Philippians 2:13

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in Mv name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

- John 14:26

If a person reasons in the following way, "I was born into a Christian home, I attend a Christian school, and I read the Bible; therefore, I must be a true Christian," why is he sadly mistaken? How is headknowledge different from heartexperience?

The difference between "knowledge" and "experience" is illustrated in the following story:

Peter presented a report on car accidents in his country. He studied various accident statistics, causes, and costs. He knew and spoke a great deal about automobile accidents.

However, a few years later he experienced the reality of a serious car accident. Lying critically injured in a hospital, with the doctors fearing that he might die, Peter experienced the pains, sorrows, and fears of car accidents. He felt his deep need for the best of doctors; but he also experienced sincere feelings of thankfulness as he gradually recovered and was restored to health.

How can this story help picture the difference between only mental knowledge and heartfelt experience of the truths of God's Word? Have you experienced the reality of your sinful condition (your dying condition), your need for salvation in Jesus Christ (the best of physicians), and thankfulness to God for His wonderful deliverance?

We need the Holy Spirit to plant new spiritual life in our spiritually dead hearts - to awaken within us a saving need and interest in the truths of the Bible. God the Holy Spirit is able to do this for He is Almighty; He can regenerate sinners and convert them from a deep love of self, sin, world, and Satan to God. He has promised to bless His Word in this saving manner.