Scripture Speaks

If you were put in that situation, If you were put in that situation, how would you handle Jesus statement how would you handle Jesus statement how would you handle Jesus statement when he looks worshippers of the Old when he looks worshippers of the Old when he looks worshippers of the Old Testament God presumably right in the Testament God presumably right in the Testament God presumably right in the eye and says to them when they say, "You're born of fornication. "You're born of fornication. We're the children of God. And he says, We're the children of God. And he says, We're the children of God. And he says, "If God were your father, you would love "If God were your father, you would love "If God were your father, you would love me." me." me." Period. Period. Period. I'm the litmus paper here. You don't I'm the litmus paper here. You don't I'm the litmus paper here. You don't love me, you don't know God. I don't love me, you don't know God. I don't love me, you don't know God. I don't care what you call him. You can call him care what you call him. You can call him care what you call him. You can call him Allah. You can call him Yahweh. You can Allah. You can call him Yahweh. You can Allah. You can call him Yahweh. You can call him Theos, Dios, [music] whatever call him Theos, Dios, [music] whatever call him Theos, Dios, [music] whatever you want to call him. You don't know him you want to call him. You don't know him you want to call him. You don't know him if you don't love me. if you don't love me. if you don't love me. Now, that [music] kind of a man is just Now, that [music] kind of a man is just Now, that [music] kind of a man is just going to get in trouble everywhere he going to get in trouble everywhere he going to get in trouble everywhere he goes in America. If scripture really is God's word, then If scripture really is God's word, then we shouldn't be surprised when it says we shouldn't be surprised when it says we shouldn't be surprised when it says things that challenge the assumptions of things that challenge the assumptions of things that challenge the assumptions of our age. In fact, we [music] should our age. In fact, we [music] should our age. In fact, we [music] should expect it. I'm your host, Dan Kruever.

expect it. I'm your host, Dan Kruever. expect it. I'm your host, Dan Kruever. In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper reflects on a provocative Piper reflects on a provocative Piper reflects on a provocative statement from [music] Jesus and shows statement from [music] Jesus and shows statement from [music] Jesus and shows why we need the voice of scripture more why we need the voice of scripture more why we need the voice of scripture more than any other voice. This seminar than any other voice. This seminar than any other voice. This seminar series was originally delivered at series was originally delivered at series was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church in September of Bethlehem Baptist Church in September of Bethlehem Baptist Church in September of 2001. I tried to imagine I tried to imagine an ecumenical service being called an ecumenical service being called an ecumenical service being called in 32 AD. in 32 AD. in 32 AD. Let's get the Herodians together and the Let's get the Herodians together and the Let's get the Herodians together and the Sadducees Sadducees Sadducees and the Pharisees and the Pharisees and the Pharisees and be sure to invite that itinerate and be sure to invite that itinerate and be sure to invite that itinerate preacher Jesus. He's got quite a preacher Jesus. He's got quite a preacher Jesus. He's got quite a following. following. following. And let's get them all together here and And let's get them all together here and And let's get them all together here and pray about that tower that fell on those pray about that tower that fell on those pray about that tower that fell on those folks in Saloam. folks in Saloam. folks in Saloam. the the precondition we'll lay down the the precondition we'll lay down the the precondition we'll lay down before we have this service is that we before we have this service is that we before we have this service is that we lay aside everything that divides us.

I try to imagine how Jesus would handle I try to imagine how Jesus would handle that. that. that. So, what divides me from the Pharisees So, what divides me from the Pharisees So, what divides me from the Pharisees and what divides me from the Sadducees and what divides me from the Sadducees and what divides me from the Sadducees and what divides me from the Herodians and what divides me from the Herodians and what divides me from the Herodians and what divides me from and what divides me from and what divides me from the Zealots and and probably they've the Zealots and and probably they've the Zealots and and probably they've stirred in a few strange worshippers of stirred in a few strange worshippers of stirred in a few strange worshippers of Mithra. I think I better talk to these leaders I think I better talk to these leaders before I stand up and say what I'm going before I stand up and say what I'm going before I stand up and say what I'm going to say because because Jesus said and probably would have said Jesus said and probably would have said Jesus said and probably would have said something like, "I am the way, the something like, "I am the way, the something like, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. Nobody comes to the truth, and the life. Nobody comes to the truth, and the life. Nobody comes to the father but by me." And of course he father but by me." And of course he father but by me." And of course he would have ruined the whole affair. would have ruined the whole affair. would have ruined the whole affair. What kind of an ecumenical statement is What kind of an ecumenical statement is What kind of an ecumenical statement is that? Well, that's what will happen at the Well, that's what will happen at the state capital steps tomorrow. Muslim will pray and a Muslim will pray and a Christian will pray and Christian will pray and Christian will pray and and we'll all get it down to the basic and we'll all get it down to the basic and we'll all get it down to the basic common denominator, which is the common denominator, which is the common denominator, which is the centrality of man.

centrality of man. centrality of man. So, I don't know how they're going to So, I don't know how they're going to So, I don't know how they're going to handle that. It'll be interesting. handle that. It'll be interesting. handle that. It'll be interesting. But if you were put in that situation, But if you were put in that situation, But if you were put in that situation, how would you handle Jesus statement how would you handle Jesus statement how would you handle Jesus statement when he looks worshippers of the Old when he looks worshippers of the Old when he looks worshippers of the Old Testament God presumably right in the Testament God presumably right in the Testament God presumably right in the eye and says to them when they say, "You're born of fornication. "You're born of fornication. We're the children of God." And he says, We're the children of God." And he says, We're the children of God." And he says, "If God were your father, you would love "If God were your father, you would love "If God were your father, you would love me. me. me. Period. Period. Period. I'm the litmus paper here. You don't I'm the litmus paper here. You don't I'm the litmus paper here. You don't love me. You don't know God. I don't love me. You don't know God. I don't love me. You don't know God. I don't care what you call him. You can call him care what you call him. You can call him care what you call him. You can call him Allah. You can call him Yahweh. You can Allah. You can call him Yahweh. You can Allah. You can call him Yahweh. You can call him Theos, Dios, whatever you want call him Theos, Dios, whatever you want call him Theos, Dios, whatever you want to call him. You don't know him if you to call him. You don't know him if you to call him. You don't know him if you don't love me." don't love me." don't love me." Now, that kind of a man is just going to Now, that kind of a man is just going to Now, that kind of a man is just going to get in trouble everywhere he goes in get in trouble everywhere he goes in get in trouble everywhere he goes in America.

America. America. So, are you going to be with him or not So, are you going to be with him or not So, are you going to be with him or not with him? The only way you'll be with with him? The only way you'll be with with him? The only way you'll be with him him him is if you really believe this book. So So we live in a moment in time when we live in a moment in time when we live in a moment in time when everybody and his brother is making everybody and his brother is making everybody and his brother is making pronouncements about important things pronouncements about important things pronouncements about important things and very few call it like it is in the and very few call it like it is in the and very few call it like it is in the Bible. Bible. Bible. You might get yourself crucified. Jesus You might get yourself crucified. Jesus You might get yourself crucified. Jesus did. We just had devotions as a family. did. We just had devotions as a family. did. We just had devotions as a family. Family isn't much anymore. course just Family isn't much anymore. course just Family isn't much anymore. course just me and Noel and Talitha me and Noel and Talitha me and Noel and Talitha [laughter] used to be used to be [laughter] used to be used to be [laughter] used to be used to be five kids and us but we had it anyway five kids and us but we had it anyway five kids and us but we had it anyway and we're reading through Luke and it's Luke we're reading through Luke and it's Luke 22 22 22 and we read about Peter's denials and we read about Peter's denials and we read about Peter's denials yesterday yesterday yesterday and these are not hard to get a and these are not hard to get a and these are not hard to get a 5-year-old interested in if you become a 5-year-old interested in if you become a 5-year-old interested in if you become a animated as a dad.

animated as a dad. animated as a dad. And And And tonight tonight tonight he is now shifting off of Peter. Luke is he is now shifting off of Peter. Luke is he is now shifting off of Peter. Luke is to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. And they received him with blows. And they received him with blows. And they received him with blows. So I I I pretended like I was getting So I I I pretended like I was getting So I I I pretended like I was getting some blows and showed her what that some blows and showed her what that some blows and showed her what that meant. And then it says they blindfolded meant. And then it says they blindfolded meant. And then it says they blindfolded him him him and said, "Prophesy who it was who hit and said, "Prophesy who it was who hit and said, "Prophesy who it was who hit you." So I blindfolded myself you." So I blindfolded myself you." So I blindfolded myself and I went like this. and I went like this. and I went like this. Okay, who did it? And she's just kind of That's the way they treated the best man That's the way they treated the best man who ever lived. who ever lived. who ever lived. which is what happens to you if you go which is what happens to you if you go which is what happens to you if you go around saying you have the last word on around saying you have the last word on around saying you have the last word on how to get to God how to get to God how to get to God and that it involves the humbling of and that it involves the humbling of and that it involves the humbling of human beings and they're turning away human beings and they're turning away human beings and they're turning away from all their pride and all their from all their pride and all their from all their pride and all their idols.

idols. idols. So you can either you can either choose So you can either you can either choose So you can either you can either choose the nice relativistic liberal way of seeing reality that has no way of seeing reality that has no absolute truth and no lines in the sand absolute truth and no lines in the sand absolute truth and no lines in the sand and everything is smooshed out. and everything is smooshed out. and everything is smooshed out. Or you can follow Jesus. Or you can follow Jesus. Or you can follow Jesus. But if you choose to follow him, really But if you choose to follow him, really But if you choose to follow him, really follow him. So he's king and he's lord follow him. So he's king and he's lord follow him. So he's king and he's lord absolute authority in your life. absolute authority in your life. absolute authority in your life. Then Then Then except in the most except in the most except in the most nami pami times nami pami times nami pami times you'll be in trouble. you'll be in trouble. you'll be in trouble. We don't live in nambby pami times right We don't live in nambby pami times right We don't live in nambby pami times right now. It's a relevant topic. In other words, It's a relevant topic. In other words, the first topic is why we're concerned the first topic is why we're concerned the first topic is why we're concerned about this and I have about 10 reasons and I have about 10 reasons and they're a way of showing the and they're a way of showing the and they're a way of showing the magnitude and importance significance of magnitude and importance significance of magnitude and importance significance of the the the topic.

topic. topic. Number one, we need to deal with this Number one, we need to deal with this Number one, we need to deal with this because in our affirmation of faith, because in our affirmation of faith, because in our affirmation of faith, which is also the Baptist General which is also the Baptist General which is also the Baptist General Conference Affirmation of Faith and Conference Affirmation of Faith and Conference Affirmation of Faith and Bethl's affirmation of faith, it says, Bethl's affirmation of faith, it says, Bethl's affirmation of faith, it says, "We believe that the Bible is the word "We believe that the Bible is the word "We believe that the Bible is the word of God, fully inspired and without error of God, fully inspired and without error of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written in the original manuscripts, written in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy under the inspiration of the Holy under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme Spirit, and that it has supreme Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and authority in all matters of faith and authority in all matters of faith and conduct." So if that's what we claim to conduct." So if that's what we claim to conduct." So if that's what we claim to believe, we should know why. So that's believe, we should know why. So that's believe, we should know why. So that's our first reason for why it's a very our first reason for why it's a very our first reason for why it's a very crucial issue. Going to pass over reason crucial issue. Going to pass over reason crucial issue. Going to pass over reason number two, which is simply to say that number two, which is simply to say that number two, which is simply to say that it's part of a very deep and extended it's part of a very deep and extended it's part of a very deep and extended evangelical tradition. I had quotes from evangelical tradition. I had quotes from evangelical tradition. I had quotes from the Westminster Confession, so on, but the Westminster Confession, so on, but the Westminster Confession, so on, but I'm going to refer to those later I'm going to refer to those later I'm going to refer to those later tomorrow when we deal with certain tomorrow when we deal with certain tomorrow when we deal with certain arguments. So I'm going to pass over arguments. So I'm going to pass over arguments. So I'm going to pass over that today maybe to refer to a more that today maybe to refer to a more that today maybe to refer to a more contemporary piece of that tradition. contemporary piece of that tradition. contemporary piece of that tradition. The Evangelical Theological Society The Evangelical Theological Society The Evangelical Theological Society statement of faith says the Bible alone statement of faith says the Bible alone statement of faith says the Bible alone and the Bible in its entirety is the and the Bible in its entirety is the and the Bible in its entirety is the word of God written and is therefore word of God written and is therefore word of God written and is therefore inherent in the autographs. That is what inherent in the autographs. That is what inherent in the autographs. That is what was originally written by the was originally written by the was originally written by the inspired spokesman. The Lausan covenant inspired spokesman. The Lausan covenant inspired spokesman. The Lausan covenant 1974. This was crafted by John Sto 1974. This was crafted by John Sto 1974. This was crafted by John Sto probably and then affirmed by hundreds probably and then affirmed by hundreds probably and then affirmed by hundreds of people at the Lausan Covenant. We of people at the Lausan Covenant. We of people at the Lausan Covenant. We affirm the divine inspiration and affirm the divine inspiration and affirm the divine inspiration and truthfulness and authority both of old truthfulness and authority both of old truthfulness and authority both of old and new testament scriptures in their and new testament scriptures in their and new testament scriptures in their entirety as the only written word of God

entirety as the only written word of God entirety as the only written word of God without error in all that it affirms. so without error in all that it affirms. so without error in all that it affirms. so on. I want to refer to this one because I want to refer to this one because even though I'm not going to read it in even though I'm not going to read it in even though I'm not going to read it in any detail because I would send you on any detail because I would send you on any detail because I would send you on your internet connection to this your internet connection to this your internet connection to this statement for some things that won't get statement for some things that won't get statement for some things that won't get covered as fully in this seminar as you covered as fully in this seminar as you covered as fully in this seminar as you might like. Namely, the nuances of what might like. Namely, the nuances of what might like. Namely, the nuances of what is meant by inherency. Like can you have is meant by inherency. Like can you have is meant by inherency. Like can you have round numbers in inherency? round numbers in inherency? round numbers in inherency? Can you have approximations in Can you have approximations in Can you have approximations in inherency? Can you have general inherency? Can you have general inherency? Can you have general standards of of historical reliability standards of of historical reliability standards of of historical reliability that are not mathematically precise? that are not mathematically precise? that are not mathematically precise? Does that contradict inherency? Things Does that contradict inherency? Things Does that contradict inherency? Things like that which I I won't get as bogged like that which I I won't get as bogged like that which I I won't get as bogged down in uh here. But this statement, down in uh here. But this statement, down in uh here. But this statement, Chicago statement on biblical inherency Chicago statement on biblical inherency Chicago statement on biblical inherency 1978 would be one that I think is very 1978 would be one that I think is very 1978 would be one that I think is very close to accurate on those things. In close to accurate on those things. In close to accurate on those things. In fact, I don't know anything about it fact, I don't know anything about it fact, I don't know anything about it that I would want to quibble about. And that I would want to quibble about. And that I would want to quibble about. And you I went online and typed Chicago you I went online and typed Chicago you I went online and typed Chicago statement on biblical inherency into my statement on biblical inherency into my statement on biblical inherency into my search engine. And all of the first 10 search engine. And all of the first 10 search engine. And all of the first 10 entries are are places where you can entries are are places where you can entries are are places where you can download it. It's just all over the download it. It's just all over the download it. It's just all over the place. So you won't have any trouble place. So you won't have any trouble place. So you won't have any trouble finding it. Chicago statement on on finding it. Chicago statement on on finding it. Chicago statement on on biblical inherency. You go to any kind biblical inherency. You go to any kind biblical inherency. You go to any kind of Christian website, it seems, and they of Christian website, it seems, and they of Christian website, it seems, and they all like to reference this as a helpful

all like to reference this as a helpful all like to reference this as a helpful document. So, you might want to do that document. So, you might want to do that document. So, you might want to do that if you're interested in whether the if you're interested in whether the if you're interested in whether the mustard seed is the smallest of all mustard seed is the smallest of all mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds, that sort of thing, and whether seeds, that sort of thing, and whether seeds, that sort of thing, and whether that is a statement made within a that is a statement made within a that is a statement made within a certain culture or whether it's a certain culture or whether it's a certain culture or whether it's a universal statement taking into account universal statement taking into account universal statement taking into account South American orchid seeds. South American orchid seeds. South American orchid seeds. Those kinds of questions Those kinds of questions Those kinds of questions become important for some people and become important for some people and become important for some people and they're not unimportant because you need they're not unimportant because you need they're not unimportant because you need to you need to understand with care and to you need to understand with care and to you need to understand with care and nuance what you're saying when you say nuance what you're saying when you say nuance what you're saying when you say inherit. inherit. inherit. Here's our third reason for Here's our third reason for Here's our third reason for concerning ourselves with this. Many in concerning ourselves with this. Many in concerning ourselves with this. Many in our day deny the existence of truth. our day deny the existence of truth. our day deny the existence of truth. Period. So the talk about the Bible Period. So the talk about the Bible Period. So the talk about the Bible being inherent and standing over being inherent and standing over being inherent and standing over centuries as an unchangeable truth is so centuries as an unchangeable truth is so centuries as an unchangeable truth is so far from their worldview that they can far from their worldview that they can far from their worldview that they can hardly get to first base with you. For hardly get to first base with you. For hardly get to first base with you. For example, Michael Novak who doesn't example, Michael Novak who doesn't example, Michael Novak who doesn't believe that but is reacting to it said believe that but is reacting to it said believe that but is reacting to it said in first things back in 94 this this is in first things back in 94 this this is in first things back in 94 this this is a very good quote. He's quoting now.

a very good quote. He's quoting now. a very good quote. He's quoting now. There is no such thing as truth. They There is no such thing as truth. They There is no such thing as truth. They teach us even the little ones. Truth is teach us even the little ones. Truth is teach us even the little ones. Truth is bondage. Believe what seems right to bondage. Believe what seems right to bondage. Believe what seems right to you. There are as many truths as there you. There are as many truths as there you. There are as many truths as there are individuals. Follow your feelings. are individuals. Follow your feelings. are individuals. Follow your feelings. Do as you please. Get in touch with Do as you please. Get in touch with Do as you please. Get in touch with yourself. Do what feels comfortable. yourself. Do what feels comfortable. yourself. Do what feels comfortable. Those who speak this way prepare the Those who speak this way prepare the Those who speak this way prepare the jails jails jails of the 21st century. They do the work of of the 21st century. They do the work of of the 21st century. They do the work of tyrants. tyrants. tyrants. I wonder if you could explain why that I wonder if you could explain why that I wonder if you could explain why that is. is. is. Why is that kind of talk, Why is that kind of talk, Why is that kind of talk, the preparation of jails the preparation of jails the preparation of jails run by tyrants run by tyrants run by tyrants and the paving of the way of tyrants to and the paving of the way of tyrants to and the paving of the way of tyrants to talk like that? talk like that? talk like that? Well, here's one. I think what he meant Well, here's one. I think what he meant Well, here's one. I think what he meant was this. was this. was this. If you If you If you remove absolute truth remove absolute truth remove absolute truth as a category to which a culture or as a category to which a culture or as a category to which a culture or competing people can appeal to settle competing people can appeal to settle competing people can appeal to settle disputes, disputes, disputes, what's left to settle the disputes?

what's left to settle the disputes? what's left to settle the disputes? Guns. Guns. Guns. That's all power. That's all power. That's all power. Which is why in the universities today Which is why in the universities today Which is why in the universities today linguistics and power always go linguistics and power always go linguistics and power always go together. Everything is politicized together. Everything is politicized together. Everything is politicized in the in the graduate schools across in the in the graduate schools across in the in the graduate schools across the country. All literature is the country. All literature is the country. All literature is politicized. Social studies is politicized. Social studies is politicized. Social studies is politicized. History is politicized. politicized. History is politicized. politicized. History is politicized. Philosophy is politicized because they Philosophy is politicized because they Philosophy is politicized because they know that since among the departments know that since among the departments know that since among the departments there's no claim to truth. Nobody can there's no claim to truth. Nobody can there's no claim to truth. Nobody can argue that his view is right or wrong. argue that his view is right or wrong. argue that his view is right or wrong. What gets you where you want to go is What gets you where you want to go is What gets you where you want to go is not persuasion but manipulation to be not persuasion but manipulation to be not persuasion but manipulation to be the chairman of the department the chairman of the department the chairman of the department or president of the United States or or president of the United States or or president of the United States or eventually the tyrant who simply says eventually the tyrant who simply says eventually the tyrant who simply says you you can't put any constitution over you you can't put any constitution over you you can't put any constitution over against me. Everybody gets his own against me. Everybody gets his own against me. Everybody gets his own meaning from the constitution. I get my meaning from the constitution. I get my meaning from the constitution. I get my meaning. You get your meaning. You're meaning. You get your meaning. You're meaning. You get your meaning. You're dead. That's my meaning because I have dead. That's my meaning because I have dead. That's my meaning because I have the gun.

the gun. the gun. Truth is very precious, folks. It is Truth is very precious, folks. It is Truth is very precious, folks. It is very precious. And to have a common very precious. And to have a common very precious. And to have a common objective world view that says, "You say objective world view that says, "You say objective world view that says, "You say this, I say this, you're leading that this, I say this, you're leading that this, I say this, you're leading that way, I'm leading that way. Let's argue. way, I'm leading that way. Let's argue. way, I'm leading that way. Let's argue. Let's get in the public square. Fight Let's get in the public square. Fight Let's get in the public square. Fight this out with words and arguments." this out with words and arguments." this out with words and arguments." That's a wonderful thing that we take That's a wonderful thing that we take That's a wonderful thing that we take for granted. And it is being undercut for granted. And it is being undercut for granted. And it is being undercut everywhere in our country. And in the everywhere in our country. And in the everywhere in our country. And in the end, the only thing left will be power. end, the only thing left will be power. end, the only thing left will be power. You can't you can't persuade You can't you can't persuade You can't you can't persuade irrationality on an airplane irrationality on an airplane irrationality on an airplane or anywhere else. or anywhere else. or anywhere else. You can only shoot it. And once you're left with the gun, the And once you're left with the gun, the one who has the biggest gun one who has the biggest gun one who has the biggest gun or the smartest gun wins.

Reason number four, one trait of Reason number four, one trait of secularism is the criticism of the Bible secularism is the criticism of the Bible secularism is the criticism of the Bible as a mixture of truth and error. So, as a mixture of truth and error. So, as a mixture of truth and error. So, we're up against a view of the Bible we're up against a view of the Bible we're up against a view of the Bible today that is so foreign to what the today that is so foreign to what the today that is so foreign to what the Bible's view of the Bible is that we Bible's view of the Bible is that we Bible's view of the Bible is that we need to come to terms with what we think need to come to terms with what we think need to come to terms with what we think about it. For example, from the Star about it. For example, from the Star about it. For example, from the Star Tribune 1992, I cut this out. One of the Tribune 1992, I cut this out. One of the Tribune 1992, I cut this out. One of the few worthwhile statements in the Bible, few worthwhile statements in the Bible, few worthwhile statements in the Bible, this is written by a letter from the this is written by a letter from the this is written by a letter from the Minnesota Atheist Society. One of the Minnesota Atheist Society. One of the Minnesota Atheist Society. One of the few of the worthwhile statements in the few of the worthwhile statements in the few of the worthwhile statements in the Bible is, "You shall know the truth, and Bible is, "You shall know the truth, and Bible is, "You shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Knowledge the truth will make you free." Knowledge the truth will make you free." Knowledge of the Bible is hindered by the informal of the Bible is hindered by the informal of the Bible is hindered by the informal censorship imposed by religious leaders censorship imposed by religious leaders censorship imposed by religious leaders who would rather their followers didn't who would rather their followers didn't who would rather their followers didn't know what is in it. the innumerable know what is in it. the innumerable know what is in it. the innumerable contradictions, historical errors, contradictions, historical errors, contradictions, historical errors, plagiarism, absurdities, meaningless plagiarism, absurdities, meaningless plagiarism, absurdities, meaningless meaningless prophecies, myths presented meaningless prophecies, myths presented meaningless prophecies, myths presented as historical fact, countless instances as historical fact, countless instances as historical fact, countless instances of divinely ordered or approved of divinely ordered or approved of divinely ordered or approved atrocities. It is true that the Bible atrocities. It is true that the Bible atrocities. It is true that the Bible has some worthwhile material, including has some worthwhile material, including has some worthwhile material, including entertaining stories, inspirational entertaining stories, inspirational entertaining stories, inspirational sentiments, and astute observations sentiments, and astute observations sentiments, and astute observations about human behavior. However, those about human behavior. However, those about human behavior. However, those worthwhile parts could probably be worthwhile parts could probably be worthwhile parts could probably be contained in a pamphlet.

So that was in the Star Tribune. So that was in the Star Tribune. Why they would print something so Why they would print something so Why they would print something so irresponsible, I don't know. I think irresponsible, I don't know. I think irresponsible, I don't know. I think there was anything balancing to it then there was anything balancing to it then there was anything balancing to it then or in the days following. But we need to know that that's out But we need to know that that's out there there there energetically out there. You can go and energetically out there. You can go and energetically out there. You can go and find websites that specialize in trying find websites that specialize in trying find websites that specialize in trying to prove that view of the Bible. A fifth reason for concerning ourselves A fifth reason for concerning ourselves with this topic with this topic with this topic is that competing holy books of other is that competing holy books of other is that competing holy books of other religions are increasingly close like on religions are increasingly close like on religions are increasingly close like on airplanes, the Quran. airplanes, the Quran. airplanes, the Quran. Kenneth Craig in contemporary trends in Kenneth Craig in contemporary trends in Kenneth Craig in contemporary trends in Islam writes, "Islam is essentially Islam writes, "Islam is essentially Islam writes, "Islam is essentially fundamentalist in a way that the fundamentalist in a way that the fundamentalist in a way that the biblical Christian faith could never biblical Christian faith could never biblical Christian faith could never properly be. For the Quran is understood properly be. For the Quran is understood properly be. For the Quran is understood as the ipsisimma verba as the ipsisimma verba as the ipsisimma verba of God himself given that means the very of God himself given that means the very of God himself given that means the very words given in the tanzil words given in the tanzil words given in the tanzil to Muhammad in Arabic as a transcribing to Muhammad in Arabic as a transcribing to Muhammad in Arabic as a transcribing of the divine book in heaven which is of the divine book in heaven which is of the divine book in heaven which is why it is it is bound to Arabic anything why it is it is bound to Arabic anything why it is it is bound to Arabic anything that is not Arabic can't be called the that is not Arabic can't be called the that is not Arabic can't be called the divinely ly inspired or authorized divinely ly inspired or authorized divinely ly inspired or authorized uh book of God and it came down from uh book of God and it came down from uh book of God and it came down from heaven in Arabic to the prophet heaven in Arabic to the prophet heaven in Arabic to the prophet Mohammed. So it's a very high high view

Mohammed. So it's a very high high view Mohammed. So it's a very high high view of of the book. of of the book. of of the book. So they've got a incredibly high view of So they've got a incredibly high view of So they've got a incredibly high view of their book and we've got a incredibly their book and we've got a incredibly their book and we've got a incredibly high view of our book and now you got high view of our book and now you got high view of our book and now you got two books. What you going to do? toss a two books. What you going to do? toss a two books. What you going to do? toss a coin coin coin or say agnosticism can't do it. I don't or say agnosticism can't do it. I don't or say agnosticism can't do it. I don't commend agnosticism to you. Sounds noble commend agnosticism to you. Sounds noble commend agnosticism to you. Sounds noble sometimes, sometimes, sometimes, but one of you came to prayer meeting but one of you came to prayer meeting but one of you came to prayer meeting this morning this morning this morning and uh asked for prayer because a and uh asked for prayer because a and uh asked for prayer because a colleague at work colleague at work colleague at work um grew up Jewish, um grew up Jewish, um grew up Jewish, threw it all away in college became an threw it all away in college became an threw it all away in college became an agnostic. agnostic. agnostic. Agnostic means you don't think anything Agnostic means you don't think anything Agnostic means you don't think anything can be really known for sure. can be really known for sure. can be really known for sure. and and and now with personal things in his life in now with personal things in his life in now with personal things in his life in addition to what's happened this week is addition to what's happened this week is addition to what's happened this week is shaken to the core and knows agnosticism shaken to the core and knows agnosticism shaken to the core and knows agnosticism is not a very noble attractive is not a very noble attractive is not a very noble attractive way of handling this and spent 15 way of handling this and spent 15 way of handling this and spent 15 minutes hearing the gospel from Matt and minutes hearing the gospel from Matt and minutes hearing the gospel from Matt and Matt invited to have lunch with him and Matt invited to have lunch with him and Matt invited to have lunch with him and and there are other stories like that. I and there are other stories like that. I and there are other stories like that. I can tell you another one from a young can tell you another one from a young can tell you another one from a young from a woman who showed up this morning from a woman who showed up this morning from a woman who showed up this morning at the prayer meeting. Hasn't been for a at the prayer meeting. Hasn't been for a at the prayer meeting. Hasn't been for a couple of years because her husband couple of years because her husband couple of years because her husband who's been in and out of this church for who's been in and out of this church for who's been in and out of this church for 15 years and is not a believer. Saw his 15 years and is not a believer. Saw his 15 years and is not a believer. Saw his son get married a few weeks ago, lost son get married a few weeks ago, lost son get married a few weeks ago, lost his mom five days ago and saw this week

his mom five days ago and saw this week his mom five days ago and saw this week come down and she says he's that close. come down and she says he's that close. come down and she says he's that close. He's just that close. He's just that close. He's just that close. So pray for him. So pray for him. So pray for him. Agnosticism when all is rosy certain Agnosticism when all is rosy certain Agnosticism when all is rosy certain philosophical philosophical philosophical positions sound sort of avant guard and positions sound sort of avant guard and positions sound sort of avant guard and they just don't they don't work. They they just don't they don't work. They they just don't they don't work. They don't work. don't work. don't work. One trait of liberal Christianity is the One trait of liberal Christianity is the One trait of liberal Christianity is the rejection of the infallibility rejection of the infallibility rejection of the infallibility of the Bible and a call for us to find a of the Bible and a call for us to find a of the Bible and a call for us to find a cannon within a cannon. cannon within a cannon. cannon within a cannon. But I will personalize it and bring it But I will personalize it and bring it But I will personalize it and bring it up to date. I I put that down. Last time up to date. I I put that down. Last time up to date. I I put that down. Last time I taught this course was 1998. I taught this course was 1998. I taught this course was 1998. Since then, we've had this flap over Since then, we've had this flap over Since then, we've had this flap over Jews for Jesus coming to town and Jews for Jesus coming to town and Jews for Jesus coming to town and whether or not it is biblical and whether or not it is biblical and whether or not it is biblical and according to the spirit of Christ to try according to the spirit of Christ to try according to the spirit of Christ to try to bring Jewish people to faith in Jesus to bring Jewish people to faith in Jesus to bring Jewish people to faith in Jesus or not. And we sponsored the Jews for or not. And we sponsored the Jews for or not. And we sponsored the Jews for Jesus coming to town. And the nine Jesus coming to town. And the nine Jesus coming to town. And the nine clergy of the biggest downtown churches clergy of the biggest downtown churches clergy of the biggest downtown churches wrote letters to us threatening us with wrote letters to us threatening us with wrote letters to us threatening us with public exposure and opposition because public exposure and opposition because public exposure and opposition because this is so wrong to do and so arrogant this is so wrong to do and so arrogant this is so wrong to do and so arrogant to do and so unloving to do and so out to do and so unloving to do and so out to do and so unloving to do and so out of sync with the spirit of Jesus of sync with the spirit of Jesus of sync with the spirit of Jesus to try to evangelize Jews. So, I called to try to evangelize Jews. So, I called to try to evangelize Jews. So, I called the signer of the letter up

the signer of the letter up the signer of the letter up and said, "Let's have lunch because uh and said, "Let's have lunch because uh and said, "Let's have lunch because uh having a hard time understanding where having a hard time understanding where having a hard time understanding where you're coming from." So, we had lunch you're coming from." So, we had lunch you're coming from." So, we had lunch together and together and together and at Baker Square for him, for him, he's a pastor of one of the big he's a pastor of one of the big he's a pastor of one of the big well-known churches in town. For him, a well-known churches in town. For him, a well-known churches in town. For him, a fundamentalist fundamentalist fundamentalist is a person who believes that there is a person who believes that there is a person who believes that there should be a circle around the definition should be a circle around the definition should be a circle around the definition of Christian. Anybody that says there's an in and out Anybody that says there's an in and out for anyone who claims to be a Christian for anyone who claims to be a Christian for anyone who claims to be a Christian is a fundamentalist and bad. Therefore, is a fundamentalist and bad. Therefore, is a fundamentalist and bad. Therefore, I went to hear him preach. I I I went I I went to hear him preach. I I I went I I went to hear him preach. I I I went I was on writing leave back in March when was on writing leave back in March when was on writing leave back in March when this happened and I went over to his this happened and I went over to his this happened and I went over to his church to see how in the world do they church to see how in the world do they church to see how in the world do they worship worship worship and when I was there he he called his and when I was there he he called his and when I was there he he called his people to go reverence his holiness the people to go reverence his holiness the people to go reverence his holiness the Dalai Lama.

Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama. It's a Christian church. It's a Christian church. It's a Christian church. I said well you know my hang-up is the I said well you know my hang-up is the I said well you know my hang-up is the Bible. I said, "What I read in the Bible Bible. I said, "What I read in the Bible Bible. I said, "What I read in the Bible is Paul going into a synagogue, is Paul going into a synagogue, is Paul going into a synagogue, preaching a sermon to Jewish and Gentile preaching a sermon to Jewish and Gentile preaching a sermon to Jewish and Gentile believers, believers, believers, being run out by those who wouldn't being run out by those who wouldn't being run out by those who wouldn't believe, and turning and saying to them, believe, and turning and saying to them, believe, and turning and saying to them, "Since you judge yourselves unworthy of "Since you judge yourselves unworthy of "Since you judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, eternal life, eternal life, I turn to the Gentiles." I said, 'Well, I turn to the Gentiles." I said, 'Well, I turn to the Gentiles." I said, 'Well, now I don't know any other way to read now I don't know any other way to read now I don't know any other way to read that than that they don't have eternal that than that they don't have eternal that than that they don't have eternal life if they reject this message. life if they reject this message. life if they reject this message. And he and he said, And he and he said, And he and he said, "Well, "Well, "Well, you have to take all the pieces of you have to take all the pieces of you have to take all the pieces of scripture in light of the the spirit of scripture in light of the the spirit of scripture in light of the the spirit of the whole." And that's just so out of the whole." And that's just so out of the whole." And that's just so out of step with the spirit of of the whole of step with the spirit of of the whole of step with the spirit of of the whole of of tolerance and and love and of tolerance and and love and of tolerance and and love and acceptance.

acceptance. acceptance. And that was pretty much the end of it. And that was pretty much the end of it. And that was pretty much the end of it. In other words, what you do today as as In other words, what you do today as as In other words, what you do today as as a liberal, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish a liberal, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish a liberal, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish leader is you come to the Bible and you leader is you come to the Bible and you leader is you come to the Bible and you find there somewhere a kind of a vague find there somewhere a kind of a vague find there somewhere a kind of a vague kind, loving, tolerant spirit kind, loving, tolerant spirit kind, loving, tolerant spirit like he was without sin. cast the first like he was without sin. cast the first like he was without sin. cast the first stone. Okay, now that's the Bible. stone. Okay, now that's the Bible. stone. Okay, now that's the Bible. That's Jesus. And then you find every That's Jesus. And then you find every That's Jesus. And then you find every other text that seems at odds with it other text that seems at odds with it other text that seems at odds with it and you just say that's excluded. That's and you just say that's excluded. That's and you just say that's excluded. That's that's kind of a cannon within a cannon. that's kind of a cannon within a cannon. that's kind of a cannon within a cannon. Well, you need to know that this is not Well, you need to know that this is not Well, you need to know that this is not theoretical. These are not like German theoretical. These are not like German theoretical. These are not like German university professors across the ocean. university professors across the ocean. university professors across the ocean. These are pastors of all the major These are pastors of all the major These are pastors of all the major downtown churches. downtown churches. downtown churches. Thank you for listening to this episode Thank you for listening to this episode Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, [music] where we are of Light and Truth, [music] where we are of Light and Truth, [music] where we are committed to providing God- centered committed to providing God- centered committed to providing God- centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Kruever. On our next episode, John Dan Kruever. On our next episode, John Dan Kruever. On our next episode, John Piper continues our eight-part series, Piper continues our eight-part series, Piper continues our eight-part series, The Bible We Trust, with a session The Bible We Trust, with a session The Bible We Trust, with a session titled God Defines Truth. I hope you'll titled God Defines Truth. I hope you'll titled God Defines Truth. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, [music] join us. For more resources, [music] join us. For more resources, [music] visit desiring.org.