I hear ya John...I think I would have to agree with Joe that you can't separate the intellectual and the experiential in a lot of ways. However, I'm not sure they come in any certain order. Even though I was emotionally moved at conversion; I think the experience was beyond emotion and intellect (if that makes sense). The experience itself was a bit of both.

As I continue to grow in my faith, albeit little by little with many setbacks, I tend to put less emphasis on emotion and more on trying to know and understand the truths of our salvation. But as much as I try to not lean on emotion, I'm moved emotionally at the reality of my sin and the mercy of my Savior. Anyway, I'll stop rambling...

tj
"-that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection..."