What is the foundation for studying and understanding the Word of God?
The foundation for studying and understanding the Word of God is faith—the God-given ability and power to believe what He says. Doctrine comes by faith, and faith plus doctrine produces experience. Believers must begin with doctrine rather than letting experiences take the place of faith, and they must not apply Old Testament instructions meant for Israel.
Les teaches that believing what God says is the whole basis of studying and understanding the Word of God. Faith is the beginning of it, and doctrine comes by faith. When faith is combined with doctrine, then experience follows. A listener asked whether experiences were taking the place of faith, and Les affirmed that believers must begin with doctrine. Too many people forget doctrine and talk only about experience, but that will not fly and God is not pleased with it. Les also cautions that we must be careful not to bring into operation things God told Israel to do in the Old Testament, such as Malachi's instruction to bring gifts, tithes, and offerings into the storehouse, or the animal sacrifices and priestly practices.