Why Suffering Is Inevitable - Don Carson

If you haven't suffered yet, If you haven't suffered yet, you will. The only alternative is not you will. The only alternative is not you will. The only alternative is not living long enough. If you live long enough, you will be If you live long enough, you will be bererieved. bererieved. bererieved. If you live long enough, you'll contract If you live long enough, you'll contract If you live long enough, you'll contract cancer, consumptive heart failure. cancer, consumptive heart failure. cancer, consumptive heart failure. You might go through a divorce, You might go through a divorce, You might go through a divorce, might have a road accident, might have a road accident, might have a road accident, get fired from a job or two. If you live long enough, you will If you live long enough, you will suffer. If you live long enough, you'll lose If you live long enough, you'll lose children. 150 years ago, almost every children. 150 years ago, almost every children. 150 years ago, almost every family lost some children. We don't family lost some children. We don't family lost some children. We don't expect that anymore in the medicalized expect that anymore in the medicalized expect that anymore in the medicalized West. Many parts of the world, people West. Many parts of the world, people West. Many parts of the world, people still lose children. still lose children. still lose children. But if you live long enough, you will But if you live long enough, you will But if you live long enough, you will lose some, too. lose some, too. lose some, too. Church where where I served some decades Church where where I served some decades Church where where I served some decades back in Canada had a woman in in it who back in Canada had a woman in in it who back in Canada had a woman in in it who was 94 when I knew her. A widow. A widow was 94 when I knew her. A widow. A widow was 94 when I knew her. A widow. A widow three times who had lost all her children at the age who had lost all her children at the age of 94.

I knew a man, Norman Anderson. I knew a man, Norman Anderson. He eventually was kned by the queen. He He eventually was kned by the queen. He He eventually was kned by the queen. He was Sir Norman Anderson was Sir Norman Anderson was Sir Norman Anderson who had been a missionary in the Muslim who had been a missionary in the Muslim who had been a missionary in the Muslim world and uh a brilliant scholar in world and uh a brilliant scholar in world and uh a brilliant scholar in oriental studies. oriental studies. oriental studies. his first child, a medical doctor, a his first child, a medical doctor, a his first child, a medical doctor, a woman, went to the Congo as a woman, went to the Congo as a woman, went to the Congo as a missionary, as it then was, the Belgian missionary, as it then was, the Belgian missionary, as it then was, the Belgian Congo. And during the upheaval in which Congo. And during the upheaval in which Congo. And during the upheaval in which the Belgian Congo became Zer in 1959, the Belgian Congo became Zer in 1959, the Belgian Congo became Zer in 1959, she was gang raped. She was furoughed home, eventually went She was furoughed home, eventually went to California to get more medical to California to get more medical to California to get more medical training, tripped, fell down some training, tripped, fell down some training, tripped, fell down some stairs, stairs, stairs, and drowned in her own spittle. and drowned in her own spittle. and drowned in her own spittle. The second child died in circumstances The second child died in circumstances The second child died in circumstances no less bizarre. The third, who was no less bizarre. The third, who was no less bizarre. The third, who was about my age, went to Cambridge about my age, went to Cambridge about my age, went to Cambridge University about the time that I went University about the time that I went University about the time that I went and um he contracted a brain tumor and and um he contracted a brain tumor and and um he contracted a brain tumor and died at the age of 21 before he died at the age of 21 before he died at the age of 21 before he graduated. All three kids.

I knew Norman and Pat pretty well for I knew Norman and Pat pretty well for the next 15 years, 20 years until they the next 15 years, 20 years until they the next 15 years, 20 years until they died. died. died. And not once, not And not once, not And not once, not once did I ever hear him say that God wasn't did I ever hear him say that God wasn't fair fair fair or complain about his loss. How do you or complain about his loss. How do you or complain about his loss. How do you do that? Does that even make sense? suffering can be a sort of theoretical suffering can be a sort of theoretical problem problem problem a kind of David Hume challenge a skeptic a kind of David Hume challenge a skeptic a kind of David Hume challenge a skeptic from a couple of centuries back in the from a couple of centuries back in the from a couple of centuries back in the light of all the suffering in the world light of all the suffering in the world light of all the suffering in the world how can God be simultaneously all how can God be simultaneously all how can God be simultaneously all powerful and good so it's a theoretical powerful and good so it's a theoretical powerful and good so it's a theoretical problem problem problem and as such it's something that you can and as such it's something that you can and as such it's something that you can knock about in a junior common room in a knock about in a junior common room in a knock about in a junior common room in a university or have a six-pack a beer university or have a six-pack a beer university or have a six-pack a beer over and argue about in front of the over and argue about in front of the over and argue about in front of the tube as you're watching a football game tube as you're watching a football game tube as you're watching a football game with a lot of oneliners.

But it's when you suffer that it begins But it's when you suffer that it begins to bite. to bite. to bite. Many is the person who doesn't even Many is the person who doesn't even Many is the person who doesn't even think strenuously about this subject at think strenuously about this subject at think strenuously about this subject at all all all until something happens to you. until something happens to you. until something happens to you. You may even think you've got it nicely You may even think you've got it nicely You may even think you've got it nicely boxed and cubbyholed. until your spouse comes down with an until your spouse comes down with an acute cancer. acute cancer. acute cancer. You watch the melanoma take them out in You watch the melanoma take them out in You watch the melanoma take them out in 6 weeks. We have on our faculty We have on our faculty a faculty member who's been there for a faculty member who's been there for a faculty member who's been there for some time whose some time whose some time whose wife suffers from Huntington's Korea. wife suffers from Huntington's Korea. wife suffers from Huntington's Korea. Of all the wretched diseases I have seen Of all the wretched diseases I have seen Of all the wretched diseases I have seen in the world, that has got to be one of in the world, that has got to be one of in the world, that has got to be one of the most wretched. the most wretched. the most wretched. It's an awful disease. And each of their kids has a 50% chance And each of their kids has a 50% chance of having the same disease.

What shall we make of um What shall we make of um a tsunami that can kill 100,000? What shall we make of massive injustice? What shall we make of massive injustice? The kind of thing that you had for 15 The kind of thing that you had for 15 The kind of thing that you had for 15 years in southern Sudan years in southern Sudan years in southern Sudan and still have going on in southwestern and still have going on in southwestern and still have going on in southwestern Sudan in the Dur area. We have just come through the bloodiest We have just come through the bloodiest century in human history. century in human history. century in human history. 170 million people killed by their 170 million people killed by their 170 million people killed by their governments apart from war. You can actually track out these numbers You can actually track out these numbers on various websites. 170 million people, on various websites. 170 million people, on various websites. 170 million people, more than half the population of the more than half the population of the more than half the population of the United States killed by their United States killed by their United States killed by their governments in the 20th century. Apart governments in the 20th century. Apart governments in the 20th century. Apart from war, you can add them all up. Close from war, you can add them all up. Close from war, you can add them all up. Close to 50 million under Mao, 20 million to 50 million under Mao, 20 million to 50 million under Mao, 20 million under Stalin and the Ukraine, million under Stalin and the Ukraine, million under Stalin and the Ukraine, million and a half Armenians, million Hoous and and a half Armenians, million Hoous and and a half Armenians, million Hoous and tootssis. You just keep adding them up tootssis. You just keep adding them up tootssis. You just keep adding them up and adding them up. A third of the and adding them up. A third of the and adding them up. A third of the population of Cambodia and and that's population of Cambodia and and that's population of Cambodia and and that's apart from war.

course, the questions about suffering course, the questions about suffering and evil are asked by the Bible itself, and evil are asked by the Bible itself, and evil are asked by the Bible itself, it's important to recognize that we do it's important to recognize that we do it's important to recognize that we do not enter this subject pressed by the not enter this subject pressed by the not enter this subject pressed by the circumstances of the world. But just as circumstances of the world. But just as circumstances of the world. But just as careful Bible readers, we will come careful Bible readers, we will come careful Bible readers, we will come across these sorts of questions. Read across these sorts of questions. Read across these sorts of questions. Read the Psalms, for example. How often does the Psalms, for example. How often does the Psalms, for example. How often does the psalmist the psalmist the psalmist cry to God in an agony of uncertainty cry to God in an agony of uncertainty cry to God in an agony of uncertainty because of injustice that he perceives because of injustice that he perceives because of injustice that he perceives in his own life or in the nation? in his own life or in the nation? in his own life or in the nation? Or there's Jeremiah. Yes. Yes. He cannot Or there's Jeremiah. Yes. Yes. He cannot Or there's Jeremiah. Yes. Yes. He cannot keep quiet because the word is burning keep quiet because the word is burning keep quiet because the word is burning within him. But quite frankly, he wishes within him. But quite frankly, he wishes within him. But quite frankly, he wishes God would go and take a hike somewhere God would go and take a hike somewhere God would go and take a hike somewhere so that he could get on with his life so that he could get on with his life so that he could get on with his life and and not be constantly under the and and not be constantly under the and and not be constantly under the pressure of a government that is against pressure of a government that is against pressure of a government that is against him. him. him. And then there's Job. And then there's Job. And then there's Job. We'll come back to him. We'll come back to him. We'll come back to him. Job doesn't know about the first Job doesn't know about the first Job doesn't know about the first chapter, which makes it even worse. chapter, which makes it even worse. chapter, which makes it even worse. We'll come back to him. And then there's We'll come back to him. And then there's We'll come back to him. And then there's Habach. Habach. Habach. Oh, it's it's comprehensible. I suppose Oh, it's it's comprehensible. I suppose Oh, it's it's comprehensible. I suppose Habach thinks that God could use one Habach thinks that God could use one Habach thinks that God could use one nation to chasen another nation. It's nation to chasen another nation. It's nation to chasen another nation. It's comprehensible. It's a theme that you comprehensible. It's a theme that you comprehensible. It's a theme that you find often enough in the Bible. But how find often enough in the Bible. But how find often enough in the Bible. But how could a moral God use a more wicked could a moral God use a more wicked could a moral God use a more wicked regional superpower to chasen his own regional superpower to chasen his own regional superpower to chasen his own covenant people who by any sociological covenant people who by any sociological covenant people who by any sociological measurement is less wicked than the measurement is less wicked than the measurement is less wicked than the superpower?

superpower? superpower? Habach has a real tough job with that Habach has a real tough job with that Habach has a real tough job with that one. one. one. And then there's Elijah. After this massive confrontation on After this massive confrontation on Carmel, Carmel, Carmel, he thinks that revival is right at the he thinks that revival is right at the he thinks that revival is right at the door door door and discovers instead that he's still and discovers instead that he's still and discovers instead that he's still running for his life from Jezebel running for his life from Jezebel running for his life from Jezebel and ends up on the back side of a and ends up on the back side of a and ends up on the back side of a desert, utterly discouraged. What's the desert, utterly discouraged. What's the desert, utterly discouraged. What's the point in all this? And then there's the book of Revelation And then there's the book of Revelation with even believers under the throne with even believers under the throne with even believers under the throne already on the other side still in some already on the other side still in some already on the other side still in some sense As they reflect on the suffering church As they reflect on the suffering church still left behind. Now, you may think you're going to hear Now, you may think you're going to hear three addresses on this subject. You're three addresses on this subject. You're three addresses on this subject. You're not. You're going to hear one long one.

not. You're going to hear one long one. not. You're going to hear one long one. Oh, it's divided into three parts. You Oh, it's divided into three parts. You Oh, it's divided into three parts. You know, potty breaks and that sort of know, potty breaks and that sort of know, potty breaks and that sort of thing. thing. thing. But you must think of this as one talk. But you must think of this as one talk. But you must think of this as one talk. In other words, I'm not going to give In other words, I'm not going to give In other words, I'm not going to give you one balance talk and then another you one balance talk and then another you one balance talk and then another balance talk and then another balance. balance talk and then another balance. balance talk and then another balance. I'm going to just give you one big one. I'm going to just give you one big one. I'm going to just give you one big one. So there's a sense in which you won't So there's a sense in which you won't So there's a sense in which you won't see how the parts fit together till you see how the parts fit together till you see how the parts fit together till you get the three parts together. get the three parts together. get the three parts together. What I want to do in these three What I want to do in these three What I want to do in these three addresses now declared one is give you addresses now declared one is give you addresses now declared one is give you six pillars. six pillars. six pillars. In other words, instead of a halfozen In other words, instead of a halfozen In other words, instead of a halfozen proof texts or a few abstract uh proof texts or a few abstract uh proof texts or a few abstract uh practical thoughts, I I want to give you practical thoughts, I I want to give you practical thoughts, I I want to give you six huge theological pillars that are six huge theological pillars that are six huge theological pillars that are clearly and unambiguously taught in clearly and unambiguously taught in clearly and unambiguously taught in scriptured. Three massive pillars which scriptured. Three massive pillars which scriptured. Three massive pillars which together support a platform to together support a platform to together support a platform to constitute a perspective constitute a perspective constitute a perspective that enables you to think about these that enables you to think about these that enables you to think about these things in a biblically faithful way. In things in a biblically faithful way. In things in a biblically faithful way. In other words, I'm I I'm not just going to other words, I'm I I'm not just going to other words, I'm I I'm not just going to give you a proof text. I'm going to give give you a proof text. I'm going to give give you a proof text. I'm going to give you a whole theology of suffering that you a whole theology of suffering that you a whole theology of suffering that is is sort of reduced in the is is sort of reduced in the is is sort of reduced in the presentation to six big pillars. And if presentation to six big pillars. And if presentation to six big pillars. And if you listen only to the first pillar, you listen only to the first pillar, you listen only to the first pillar, then you will be able to say to yourself then you will be able to say to yourself then you will be able to say to yourself again and again, Don, you're not being again and again, Don, you're not being again and again, Don, you're not being realistic. I mean, what about this? What realistic. I mean, what about this? What realistic. I mean, what about this? What about that? What about the other? And about that? What about the other? And about that? What about the other? And all I have to say is, hang on, there are all I have to say is, hang on, there are all I have to say is, hang on, there are five more pillars to go.

five more pillars to go. five more pillars to go. And you've got to get all of these And you've got to get all of these And you've got to get all of these pillars in place before you have a pillars in place before you have a pillars in place before you have a platform broad enough to give you a platform broad enough to give you a platform broad enough to give you a perspective that is biblically robust perspective that is biblically robust perspective that is biblically robust and reasonably faithful. And then having and reasonably faithful. And then having and reasonably faithful. And then having said all of that, at the very end, I said all of that, at the very end, I said all of that, at the very end, I will add one more thing, namely that will add one more thing, namely that will add one more thing, namely that when it actually comes to helping people when it actually comes to helping people when it actually comes to helping people who are going through it at their worst who are going through it at their worst who are going through it at their worst moments, a lot of it doesn't help moments, a lot of it doesn't help moments, a lot of it doesn't help anyway. Because when people are going through it Because when people are going through it at their worst moments, often they don't at their worst moments, often they don't at their worst moments, often they don't want all the theology and can't hear it. want all the theology and can't hear it. want all the theology and can't hear it. We'll we'll come to that this afternoon. We'll we'll come to that this afternoon. We'll we'll come to that this afternoon. Often what you have to do at that point Often what you have to do at that point Often what you have to do at that point is provide a shoulder to cry on and is provide a shoulder to cry on and is provide a shoulder to cry on and babysitting service and if it's a big babysitting service and if it's a big babysitting service and if it's a big disaster, helicopters and relief water disaster, helicopters and relief water disaster, helicopters and relief water and all this kind of thing. and all this kind of thing. and all this kind of thing. So in one sense, what I'm giving you now So in one sense, what I'm giving you now So in one sense, what I'm giving you now is not designed for people who are going is not designed for people who are going is not designed for people who are going through the worst of it. through the worst of it. through the worst of it. Rather, what I'm giving you is Rather, what I'm giving you is Rather, what I'm giving you is prophylactic spiritual medicine. prophylactic spiritual medicine. prophylactic spiritual medicine. This this is medicine you need before This this is medicine you need before This this is medicine you need before you get there. If you get these things you get there. If you get these things you get there. If you get these things truly in place in your mind and your truly in place in your mind and your truly in place in your mind and your reasoning and your value system before reasoning and your value system before reasoning and your value system before you get there, then you will have a you get there, then you will have a you get there, then you will have a stable frame of reference to handle it stable frame of reference to handle it stable frame of reference to handle it when you get there. Or this is also when you get there. Or this is also when you get there. Or this is also medicine for somebody who's been through medicine for somebody who's been through medicine for somebody who's been through it and is beginning to come out the it and is beginning to come out the it and is beginning to come out the other side and is still seeing through other side and is still seeing through other side and is still seeing through their tears, but at least their ears are their tears, but at least their ears are their tears, but at least their ears are open enough now to start listening open enough now to start listening open enough now to start listening again. this might help you. But let me again. this might help you. But let me again. this might help you. But let me tell you, if you're right in the midst tell you, if you're right in the midst tell you, if you're right in the midst of it, you might already be thoroughly of it, you might already be thoroughly of it, you might already be thoroughly ticked off by what I've said so far. In ticked off by what I've said so far. In ticked off by what I've said so far. In other words, when you're in the midst of

other words, when you're in the midst of other words, when you're in the midst of it, you can be so blinded by the rage it, you can be so blinded by the rage it, you can be so blinded by the rage and the sorrow and the hurt that it is and the sorrow and the hurt that it is and the sorrow and the hurt that it is very, very hard to listen. I know that. In which case, listen to the recordings In which case, listen to the recordings in 6 months. But this is really medicine to prepare But this is really medicine to prepare you in advance or to start giving you a you in advance or to start giving you a you in advance or to start giving you a biblically faithful framework after the biblically faithful framework after the biblically faithful framework after the fact. fact. fact. Okay, here we are. Six pillars to Okay, here we are. Six pillars to Okay, here we are. Six pillars to support a Christian worldview that support a Christian worldview that support a Christian worldview that enables you to think about these things enables you to think about these things enables you to think about these things in a biblically faithful and fruitful in a biblically faithful and fruitful in a biblically faithful and fruitful way. Number one, insights from the beginning of the Bible insights from the beginning of the Bible storyline. storyline. storyline. insights from the beginning of the insights from the beginning of the insights from the beginning of the Bible's storyline Bible's storyline Bible's storyline in particular insights in particular insights in particular insights from Genesis 1 and 2 and Genesis 3 and a from Genesis 1 and 2 and Genesis 3 and a from Genesis 1 and 2 and Genesis 3 and a whole lot of texts that follow from whole lot of texts that follow from whole lot of texts that follow from that. That is insights from the creation that. That is insights from the creation that. That is insights from the creation and the fall.

from this side of the from this side of the um enlightenment from about 1600 on we um enlightenment from about 1600 on we um enlightenment from about 1600 on we we have developed ways of thinking that we have developed ways of thinking that we have developed ways of thinking that try to establish proofs for the try to establish proofs for the try to establish proofs for the existence of God and the like. People existence of God and the like. People existence of God and the like. People talked about proofs for the existence of talked about proofs for the existence of talked about proofs for the existence of God before that. But but from about 1600 God before that. But but from about 1600 God before that. But but from about 1600 on, Western thinkers have tried to on, Western thinkers have tried to on, Western thinkers have tried to picture human beings as independent picture human beings as independent picture human beings as independent knowowers who can actually reasonably knowowers who can actually reasonably knowowers who can actually reasonably talk about whether there's enough talk about whether there's enough talk about whether there's enough evidence for the existence of God out evidence for the existence of God out evidence for the existence of God out there. As if we stand independently of there. As if we stand independently of there. As if we stand independently of the whole. But interestingly enough, the the whole. But interestingly enough, the the whole. But interestingly enough, the Bible does not begin by saying, "Now let Bible does not begin by saying, "Now let Bible does not begin by saying, "Now let us consider together the possibilities us consider together the possibilities us consider together the possibilities of God's existence. These are the pros of God's existence. These are the pros of God's existence. These are the pros and these are the cons." It it actually and these are the cons." It it actually and these are the cons." It it actually just begins in the beginning. just begins in the beginning. just begins in the beginning. God created the heavens and the earth. God created the heavens and the earth. God created the heavens and the earth. Now, if you will grant Now, if you will grant Now, if you will grant for a moment that this is true, for a moment that this is true, for a moment that this is true, if you'll grant for a moment that God if you'll grant for a moment that God if you'll grant for a moment that God already existed before anything else did already existed before anything else did already existed before anything else did and that he has made everything, and that he has made everything, and that he has made everything, then the fact that we want to evaluate then the fact that we want to evaluate then the fact that we want to evaluate whether he exists whether he exists whether he exists is already an evidence of our incredible is already an evidence of our incredible is already an evidence of our incredible lossness.

lossness. lossness. If there had never been a fall, If there had never been a fall, If there had never been a fall, if God had made everything and we made if God had made everything and we made if God had made everything and we made in his image knew him intimately, do you in his image knew him intimately, do you in his image knew him intimately, do you think we would be holding learned think we would be holding learned think we would be holding learned disquisitions on whether or not God disquisitions on whether or not God disquisitions on whether or not God exists? The very fact that you can start exists? The very fact that you can start exists? The very fact that you can start to think along those lines is already a to think along those lines is already a to think along those lines is already a mark from the Bible's point of view of mark from the Bible's point of view of mark from the Bible's point of view of how lost and blind we already are. how lost and blind we already are. how lost and blind we already are. But the Bible just does begin with in But the Bible just does begin with in But the Bible just does begin with in the beginning God made the beginning God made the beginning God made everything. everything. everything. Now the reason I stress this Now the reason I stress this Now the reason I stress this with respect to our topic is that this with respect to our topic is that this with respect to our topic is that this helps to establish a worldview, a frame helps to establish a worldview, a frame helps to establish a worldview, a frame of reference, a way of looking at of reference, a way of looking at of reference, a way of looking at things. things. things. For example, in some frames of For example, in some frames of For example, in some frames of reference, in some worldviews, reference, in some worldviews, reference, in some worldviews, God and everything made are all part of God and everything made are all part of God and everything made are all part of the same thing. That is, God is the same thing. That is, God is the same thing. That is, God is one with everything and is the summation one with everything and is the summation one with everything and is the summation of it all. And somehow all of it of it all. And somehow all of it of it all. And somehow all of it together has a spiritual cast and and together has a spiritual cast and and together has a spiritual cast and and and nature and the universe and and nature and the universe and and nature and the universe and everything else is all God. It's called everything else is all God. It's called everything else is all God. It's called pantheism.

pantheism. pantheism. Or then there's a refinement on that Or then there's a refinement on that Or then there's a refinement on that that says e everything that is is God that says e everything that is is God that says e everything that is is God but God is not everything that is. That but God is not everything that is. That but God is not everything that is. That is God is even bigger than everything is God is even bigger than everything is God is even bigger than everything that is but everything that is is is a that is but everything that is is is a that is but everything that is is is a big part of God but then God is himself big part of God but then God is himself big part of God but then God is himself even bigger. That's panentheism. even bigger. That's panentheism. even bigger. That's panentheism. Now if you hold either of those views Now if you hold either of those views Now if you hold either of those views then then then whatever is wrong with the universe whatever is wrong with the universe whatever is wrong with the universe cannot be construed as the universe in cannot be construed as the universe in cannot be construed as the universe in rebellion against God because this rebellion against God because this rebellion against God because this universe is God universe is God universe is God and and then people develop new ways of and and then people develop new ways of and and then people develop new ways of analyzing what's wrong in some religions analyzing what's wrong in some religions analyzing what's wrong in some religions for example in fact in the form of for example in fact in the form of for example in fact in the form of religion that predominated in the Roman religion that predominated in the Roman religion that predominated in the Roman Empire from the early 2nd century for Empire from the early 2nd century for Empire from the early 2nd century for about two and a half centuries about two and a half centuries about two and a half centuries it was widely thought that what's it was widely thought that what's it was widely thought that what's fundamentally wrong with the universe is fundamentally wrong with the universe is fundamentally wrong with the universe is matter matter matter spirit is good by definition matter is spirit is good by definition matter is spirit is good by definition matter is at best dicey and at worst actually at best dicey and at worst actually at best dicey and at worst actually captivating and and and and wicked captivating and and and and wicked captivating and and and and wicked freedom liberation from evil comes by freedom liberation from evil comes by freedom liberation from evil comes by getting detached from your body go back getting detached from your body go back getting detached from your body go back to the spirit world and everything's to the spirit world and everything's to the spirit world and everything's hunky dory that's what you really need hunky dory that's what you really need hunky dory that's what you really need what's wrong is all of this flesh flesh what's wrong is all of this flesh flesh what's wrong is all of this flesh flesh and my clothes and matter and molecules and my clothes and matter and molecules and my clothes and matter and molecules and all of that. If you can just be and all of that. If you can just be and all of that. If you can just be spiritual, then then everything's fine.

But that means that you're analyzing But that means that you're analyzing what the problem is differently from the what the problem is differently from the what the problem is differently from the person who thinks that person who thinks that person who thinks that God made everything God made everything God made everything good. good. good. If you read through Genesis 1, what do If you read through Genesis 1, what do If you read through Genesis 1, what do you see again and again? God made you see again and again? God made you see again and again? God made something or other and he saw that it something or other and he saw that it something or other and he saw that it was good. Then he made something else was good. Then he made something else was good. Then he made something else and he saw that it was good. When he and he saw that it was good. When he and he saw that it was good. When he gets down to the end of the whole gets down to the end of the whole gets down to the end of the whole creation narrative, God saw that the creation narrative, God saw that the creation narrative, God saw that the whole thing was whole thing was whole thing was good, was very good. In other words, the Bible doesn't give In other words, the Bible doesn't give any support for the view that matter is any support for the view that matter is any support for the view that matter is intrinsically bad. That's not where the intrinsically bad. That's not where the intrinsically bad. That's not where the problem lies. Nor does this give any credence, this Nor does this give any credence, this biblical account for what is often biblical account for what is often biblical account for what is often called today philosophical naturalism. called today philosophical naturalism. called today philosophical naturalism. This is the view that all there is is This is the view that all there is is This is the view that all there is is matter and energy and space and time. matter and energy and space and time. matter and energy and space and time. That's all there is. That's all there is. That's all there is. It's not God. It's just a natural world. It's not God. It's just a natural world. It's not God. It's just a natural world. Matter and energy and space and time. Matter and energy and space and time. Matter and energy and space and time. And if you ask where it came from, well, And if you ask where it came from, well, And if you ask where it came from, well, the scientists are still debating. There the scientists are still debating. There the scientists are still debating. There was a big bang. Well, what caused the was a big bang. Well, what caused the was a big bang. Well, what caused the big bang? Well, some people think there big bang? Well, some people think there big bang? Well, some people think there was a an expanding and contracting was a an expanding and contracting was a an expanding and contracting everything. Um, it went back and forth everything. Um, it went back and forth everything. Um, it went back and forth and it keeps on going and now there are and it keeps on going and now there are and it keeps on going and now there are new theories that are being developed.

new theories that are being developed. new theories that are being developed. But but in any case, there's no place But but in any case, there's no place But but in any case, there's no place for God in this. It's just it's just for God in this. It's just it's just for God in this. It's just it's just molecules bouncing. molecules bouncing. molecules bouncing. But, you know, although there are lots of efforts to although there are lots of efforts to escape the entailments of that view, escape the entailments of that view, escape the entailments of that view, it's really hard if you hold that view it's really hard if you hold that view it's really hard if you hold that view to say what good and bad are at all. to say what good and bad are at all. to say what good and bad are at all. Couple Couple Couple of years ago, of years ago, of years ago, I was asked by uh I was asked by uh I was asked by uh CNN to to to be the evangelical talking CNN to to to be the evangelical talking CNN to to to be the evangelical talking head on one of the um talk show programs head on one of the um talk show programs head on one of the um talk show programs and um you know how they do this. The and um you know how they do this. The and um you know how they do this. The interviewer might be in Atlanta and the interviewer might be in Atlanta and the interviewer might be in Atlanta and the other guy on the program was in um LA other guy on the program was in um LA other guy on the program was in um LA and I was in Chicago. And because it had and I was in Chicago. And because it had and I was in Chicago. And because it had to be arranged at the last minute, they to be arranged at the last minute, they to be arranged at the last minute, they sent up a limo for me in North Chicago sent up a limo for me in North Chicago sent up a limo for me in North Chicago where I live. Now, they don't normally where I live. Now, they don't normally where I live. Now, they don't normally don't do that kind of thing, but this don't do that kind of thing, but this don't do that kind of thing, but this time they were desperate. And so, in the time they were desperate. And so, in the time they were desperate. And so, in the limo drive back down into town to get limo drive back down into town to get limo drive back down into town to get into the uh into the uh into the uh studio, uh I paid no attention to the studio, uh I paid no attention to the studio, uh I paid no attention to the driver. I I I was busy cramming, reading driver. I I I was busy cramming, reading driver. I I I was busy cramming, reading some papers so I wouldn't look like a some papers so I wouldn't look like a some papers so I wouldn't look like a twit on national TV, you know. And I got twit on national TV, you know. And I got twit on national TV, you know. And I got down there and did my TV thing.

down there and did my TV thing. down there and did my TV thing. And then I got back in the limo for the And then I got back in the limo for the And then I got back in the limo for the drive back home. And this time I was drive back home. And this time I was drive back home. And this time I was relaxed, you know, sitting there. How relaxed, you know, sitting there. How relaxed, you know, sitting there. How you doing? Trying to chat up the driver. you doing? Trying to chat up the driver. you doing? Trying to chat up the driver. Turned out he was a 59-year-old Turned out he was a 59-year-old Turned out he was a 59-year-old Jewish man whose parents and everybody Jewish man whose parents and everybody Jewish man whose parents and everybody in that generation had been wiped out in in that generation had been wiped out in in that generation had been wiped out in the Holocaust. the Holocaust. the Holocaust. We talked about this and that. We talked about this and that. We talked about this and that. Turned out they had one daughter, 33 Turned out they had one daughter, 33 Turned out they had one daughter, 33 years old, just six weeks earlier, her years old, just six weeks earlier, her years old, just six weeks earlier, her SUV in Kansas in the middle of winter SUV in Kansas in the middle of winter SUV in Kansas in the middle of winter had skidded, flipped, and she was now had skidded, flipped, and she was now had skidded, flipped, and she was now brain dead. brain dead. brain dead. They were just waiting to pull the plug. They were just waiting to pull the plug. They were just waiting to pull the plug. I said, "How are you doing with that?" I said, "How are you doing with that?" I said, "How are you doing with that?" He said, He said, He said, "I've decided that "I've decided that "I've decided that the only way to think about it is um the only way to think about it is um the only way to think about it is um molecules bounce. molecules bounce. molecules bounce. It It happens. Molecules bounce."

I said, "Um, I said, "Um, is that the way you think about the is that the way you think about the is that the way you think about the Holocaust, too? You know, molecules Holocaust, too? You know, molecules Holocaust, too? You know, molecules bounce." bounce." bounce." Well, he was outraged, which of course Well, he was outraged, which of course Well, he was outraged, which of course is what I wanted. He was angry. How dare you? That was so He was angry. How dare you? That was so It was the worst evil. It was It was It It was the worst evil. It was It was It It was the worst evil. It was It was It was incredibly evil. How can you was incredibly evil. How can you was incredibly evil. How can you possibly say that was vile? It was possibly say that was vile? It was possibly say that was vile? It was wretched from beginning to end. It was wretched from beginning to end. It was wretched from beginning to end. It was It was rotten. So I said, "So you do It was rotten. So I said, "So you do It was rotten. So I said, "So you do have a category for indignation because have a category for indignation because have a category for indignation because of moral evil after all, do you?" of moral evil after all, do you?" of moral evil after all, do you?" And he said, "Are you saying that my And he said, "Are you saying that my And he said, "Are you saying that my daughter's death is evil? daughter's death is evil? daughter's death is evil? I said, 'Of course that's what I'm I said, 'Of course that's what I'm I said, 'Of course that's what I'm saying. I'm not saying that she was more saying. I'm not saying that she was more saying. I'm not saying that she was more evil than anybody else, but the Bible evil than anybody else, but the Bible evil than anybody else, but the Bible actually calls death the last enemy. actually calls death the last enemy. actually calls death the last enemy. That it's not normal. It's disgusting. That it's not normal. It's disgusting. That it's not normal. It's disgusting. It's a horrible thing. It's it's a it's It's a horrible thing. It's it's a it's It's a horrible thing. It's it's a it's a wretched thing. Tell me, I said, a wretched thing. Tell me, I said, a wretched thing. Tell me, I said, would you look at death a little would you look at death a little would you look at death a little differently if you believe there was differently if you believe there was differently if you believe there was life on the other side? life on the other side? life on the other side? Oh, he said, I know just what you mean.

Oh, he said, I know just what you mean. Oh, he said, I know just what you mean. My daughter's got this wonderful garden My daughter's got this wonderful garden My daughter's got this wonderful garden in Kansas and I think she'd like to come in Kansas and I think she'd like to come in Kansas and I think she'd like to come back as a butterfly. We're on different planets We're on different planets and you realize how worldview shapes all and you realize how worldview shapes all and you realize how worldview shapes all of your discussions. Do you see? But he of your discussions. Do you see? But he of your discussions. Do you see? But he couldn't be consistent. On the one hand, couldn't be consistent. On the one hand, couldn't be consistent. On the one hand, he wanted to look at his daughter's he wanted to look at his daughter's he wanted to look at his daughter's impending death in order to cope with impending death in order to cope with impending death in order to cope with the shock and the horror and the evil of the shock and the horror and the evil of the shock and the horror and the evil of it by saying, well, you know, it it by saying, well, you know, it it by saying, well, you know, it happens. Molecules bounce. But he happens. Molecules bounce. But he happens. Molecules bounce. But he couldn't be consistent and say, well, couldn't be consistent and say, well, couldn't be consistent and say, well, you know, molecules bounce, they produce you know, molecules bounce, they produce you know, molecules bounce, they produce Hitler and molecules bounce and you Hitler and molecules bounce and you Hitler and molecules bounce and you produce Avitz. Molecules bounce and you produce Avitz. Molecules bounce and you produce Avitz. Molecules bounce and you have gas ovens. You can't do that. have gas ovens. You can't do that. have gas ovens. You can't do that. Somewhere along the line, you're Somewhere along the line, you're Somewhere along the line, you're outraged by it. outraged by it. outraged by it. Do you find yourself that atheists who Do you find yourself that atheists who Do you find yourself that atheists who are philosophical naturalists? Do you are philosophical naturalists? Do you are philosophical naturalists? Do you find them a little more serene when it find them a little more serene when it find them a little more serene when it comes to injustice? comes to injustice? comes to injustice? Don't they have a category for good and Don't they have a category for good and Don't they have a category for good and evil themselves, especially when it evil themselves, especially when it evil themselves, especially when it affects them?

affects them? affects them? Where does this come from? If it's just Where does this come from? If it's just Where does this come from? If it's just molecules bouncing, where's your sense molecules bouncing, where's your sense molecules bouncing, where's your sense of right or wrong or indign? How can of right or wrong or indign? How can of right or wrong or indign? How can they come to Christians and start they come to Christians and start they come to Christians and start saying, saying, saying, "How can you believe in a God who who is "How can you believe in a God who who is "How can you believe in a God who who is good and sovereign when you have all of good and sovereign when you have all of good and sovereign when you have all of this evil around?" Well, yes, Christians this evil around?" Well, yes, Christians this evil around?" Well, yes, Christians have to answer that. We're we're in the have to answer that. We're we're in the have to answer that. We're we're in the process of taking one long three-part process of taking one long three-part process of taking one long three-part sermon to begin to get a biblical sermon to begin to get a biblical sermon to begin to get a biblical approach to it. But you also have to approach to it. But you also have to approach to it. But you also have to say, "Oh, what's your understanding?" say, "Oh, what's your understanding?" say, "Oh, what's your understanding?" Because you see, this is not just a Because you see, this is not just a Because you see, this is not just a Christian problem. Christian problem. Christian problem. For anybody who thinks has got any moral For anybody who thinks has got any moral For anybody who thinks has got any moral decency at all, anybody who's made in decency at all, anybody who's made in decency at all, anybody who's made in the image of God, anybody who's the image of God, anybody who's the image of God, anybody who's concerned about right or wrong in any concerned about right or wrong in any concerned about right or wrong in any sense, this is something we all have to sense, this is something we all have to sense, this is something we all have to face. I don't care whether you're Hindu face. I don't care whether you're Hindu face. I don't care whether you're Hindu or Muslim or an atheist, whether you're or Muslim or an atheist, whether you're or Muslim or an atheist, whether you're a Gnostic, whether you're a liberal or a a Gnostic, whether you're a liberal or a a Gnostic, whether you're a liberal or a conserv, I don't care. Sooner or later, conserv, I don't care. Sooner or later, conserv, I don't care. Sooner or later, we all have to face this kind of thing. we all have to face this kind of thing. we all have to face this kind of thing. So, it's not just a question of, oh, So, it's not just a question of, oh, So, it's not just a question of, oh, Christians have a dumb view versus Christians have a dumb view versus Christians have a dumb view versus everybody else clearly brilliant and everybody else clearly brilliant and everybody else clearly brilliant and insightful.

insightful. insightful. What you really have to do is in part What you really have to do is in part What you really have to do is in part pitch what the Bible says about these pitch what the Bible says about these pitch what the Bible says about these areas against all the other views that areas against all the other views that areas against all the other views that aren't even being faced honestly and aren't even being faced honestly and aren't even being faced honestly and realistically. So, challenge back realistically. So, challenge back realistically. So, challenge back And right at the very beginning of And right at the very beginning of And right at the very beginning of everything, you have to deal with the everything, you have to deal with the everything, you have to deal with the fact that the Bible establishes fact that the Bible establishes fact that the Bible establishes that God made everything that God made everything that God made everything and he made it good. Today in university missions, the Today in university missions, the overwhelming majority of non-believers overwhelming majority of non-believers overwhelming majority of non-believers there are biblically illiterate. They there are biblically illiterate. They there are biblically illiterate. They don't know the Bible has two testaments. don't know the Bible has two testaments. don't know the Bible has two testaments. They don't have a clue what's going on. They don't have a clue what's going on. They don't have a clue what's going on. And I often expound Genesis 3. I wish I And I often expound Genesis 3. I wish I And I often expound Genesis 3. I wish I had time now to unpack Genesis 3 for you had time now to unpack Genesis 3 for you had time now to unpack Genesis 3 for you in great detail. Let me nevertheless in great detail. Let me nevertheless in great detail. Let me nevertheless draw your attention to just a number of draw your attention to just a number of draw your attention to just a number of details. I I I don't have time to details. I I I don't have time to details. I I I don't have time to expound the whole chapter, but let me expound the whole chapter, but let me expound the whole chapter, but let me draw your attention to a number of draw your attention to a number of draw your attention to a number of details if you have your Bible.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had of the wild animals the Lord God had of the wild animals the Lord God had made. Now the word rendered I'm using the NIV. Now the word rendered I'm using the NIV. The word rendered crafty does not always get translated crafty. does not always get translated crafty. The word crafty in my years at least has The word crafty in my years at least has The word crafty in my years at least has a slightly negative overtone to it. You a slightly negative overtone to it. You a slightly negative overtone to it. You know a bit of a deceitful person. and know a bit of a deceitful person. and know a bit of a deceitful person. and the serpent was more deceitful. But in the serpent was more deceitful. But in the serpent was more deceitful. But in fact, the word itself is a neutral word fact, the word itself is a neutral word fact, the word itself is a neutral word depending on the context. Sometimes it depending on the context. Sometimes it depending on the context. Sometimes it just means prudent. just means prudent. just means prudent. So the serpent was more prudent. So the serpent was more prudent. So the serpent was more prudent. Oh, it depends on the context. Oh, it depends on the context. Oh, it depends on the context. And in fact, you can make a good case And in fact, you can make a good case And in fact, you can make a good case that God made this serpent, whatever that God made this serpent, whatever that God made this serpent, whatever this serpent embodies or symbolizes, God this serpent embodies or symbolizes, God this serpent embodies or symbolizes, God made this serpent with certain gifts made this serpent with certain gifts made this serpent with certain gifts which when they're corrupted become which when they're corrupted become which when they're corrupted become craftiness and all prudence. craftiness and all prudence. craftiness and all prudence. Now, the Bible does not here spend any Now, the Bible does not here spend any Now, the Bible does not here spend any time in this passage explaining where time in this passage explaining where time in this passage explaining where the serpent came from, the serpent came from, the serpent came from, but it does immediately rule out one or but it does immediately rule out one or but it does immediately rule out one or two possibilities.

two possibilities. two possibilities. We're told right in the very first line We're told right in the very first line We're told right in the very first line of chapter 3, "Now, the serpent of chapter 3, "Now, the serpent of chapter 3, "Now, the serpent was the most crafty, prudent of all the was the most crafty, prudent of all the was the most crafty, prudent of all the creatures God had made." creatures God had made." creatures God had made." Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Already, you do not have a competing Already, you do not have a competing Already, you do not have a competing God. You do not have a competing God. You do not have a competing God. You do not have a competing principle, a a a good God and a bad principle, a a a good God and a bad principle, a a a good God and a bad serpent, serpent, serpent, both eternal, a principle of good and a both eternal, a principle of good and a both eternal, a principle of good and a principle of evil stretching back into principle of evil stretching back into principle of evil stretching back into eternity back. No, no, the serpent eternity back. No, no, the serpent eternity back. No, no, the serpent belongs to the created order. belongs to the created order. belongs to the created order. And although this passage does not And although this passage does not And although this passage does not directly describe how this serpent directly describe how this serpent directly describe how this serpent became serpent, if he too was originally became serpent, if he too was originally became serpent, if he too was originally made good, made good, made good, yet there are other biblical passages in yet there are other biblical passages in yet there are other biblical passages in two Peter and Jude and elsewhere that two Peter and Jude and elsewhere that two Peter and Jude and elsewhere that that describe the angelic beings as that describe the angelic beings as that describe the angelic beings as losing their place in heaven and losing their place in heaven and losing their place in heaven and rebelling against God out of arrogance. rebelling against God out of arrogance. rebelling against God out of arrogance. doesn't explain how but even there it doesn't explain how but even there it doesn't explain how but even there it indicates that at that order the problem indicates that at that order the problem indicates that at that order the problem is in rebellion is in rebellion is in rebellion not in measure for example or not not in measure for example or not not in measure for example or not because the being is already part god because the being is already part god because the being is already part god a and and then when you read on in this a and and then when you read on in this a and and then when you read on in this passage it's fascinating to watch how passage it's fascinating to watch how passage it's fascinating to watch how the fall takes place you know all of the fall takes place you know all of the fall takes place you know all of these funny little cartoons where you these funny little cartoons where you these funny little cartoons where you have a sort of a a line drawing naked have a sort of a a line drawing naked have a sort of a a line drawing naked Adam and a naked Eve with long hair and Adam and a naked Eve with long hair and Adam and a naked Eve with long hair and bushes conveniently deployed so that

bushes conveniently deployed so that bushes conveniently deployed so that they're not obscene and a snap and a they're not obscene and a snap and a they're not obscene and a snap and a serpent coiled on on on a branch and a serpent coiled on on on a branch and a serpent coiled on on on a branch and a lovely big apple hanging down as if lovely big apple hanging down as if lovely big apple hanging down as if God's got it in for apples. He's pretty God's got it in for apples. He's pretty God's got it in for apples. He's pretty keen on on bananas and and and keen on on bananas and and and keen on on bananas and and and pineapples, but you know, apples, you pineapples, but you know, apples, you pineapples, but you know, apples, you know, they're they're bad. They're bad. know, they're they're bad. They're bad. know, they're they're bad. They're bad. And then you have all these cartoon And then you have all these cartoon And then you have all these cartoon figures and and the whole thing becomes figures and and the whole thing becomes figures and and the whole thing becomes a bit of a joke. a bit of a joke. a bit of a joke. What's going on here? The serpent's first approach is not to The serpent's first approach is not to deny anything. It's to ask a question. deny anything. It's to ask a question. deny anything. It's to ask a question. Did God really say you must not eat from Did God really say you must not eat from Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden? In other words, the devil's first In other words, the devil's first approach is to make Eve doubt approach is to make Eve doubt approach is to make Eve doubt the word of God. Do you mean God the word of God. Do you mean God the word of God. Do you mean God actually said that? You got to be actually said that? You got to be actually said that? You got to be joking. joking. joking. Which in one sense is slightly Which in one sense is slightly Which in one sense is slightly flattering, isn't it? You have the flattering, isn't it? You have the flattering, isn't it? You have the capacity of standing in judgment of God.

capacity of standing in judgment of God. capacity of standing in judgment of God. How cool is that? How cool is that? How cool is that? And then there's exaggeration. Did God And then there's exaggeration. Did God And then there's exaggeration. Did God actually say you mustn't eat from any actually say you mustn't eat from any actually say you mustn't eat from any tree in the garden? They say God hadn't tree in the garden? They say God hadn't tree in the garden? They say God hadn't said that. Chapter 2:1 17 makes it clear said that. Chapter 2:1 17 makes it clear said that. Chapter 2:1 17 makes it clear that God had forbidden one tree and one that God had forbidden one tree and one that God had forbidden one tree and one tree only. From all the rest you might tree only. From all the rest you might tree only. From all the rest you might eat. How many were there? Hundreds, eat. How many were there? Hundreds, eat. How many were there? Hundreds, thousands, who knows? Lots of them. But thousands, who knows? Lots of them. But thousands, who knows? Lots of them. But the question not only doubts what God the question not only doubts what God the question not only doubts what God says and his wisdom and goodness. It says and his wisdom and goodness. It says and his wisdom and goodness. It also portrays God as the cosmic party also portrays God as the cosmic party also portrays God as the cosmic party pooper. pooper. pooper. God doesn't want you to have any fun. God doesn't want you to have any fun. God doesn't want you to have any fun. Doesn't want you to eat from that tree Doesn't want you to eat from that tree Doesn't want you to eat from that tree or that tree or that tree or He just or that tree or that tree or He just or that tree or that tree or He just doesn't want you to do it. He's just doesn't want you to do it. He's just doesn't want you to do it. He's just mean. He's selfish. Doesn't want you to mean. He's selfish. Doesn't want you to mean. He's selfish. Doesn't want you to eat from the trees in the garden. That's eat from the trees in the garden. That's eat from the trees in the garden. That's what God is doing. Do you really want to what God is doing. Do you really want to what God is doing. Do you really want to submit to that? submit to that? submit to that? That's the implication of the question. That's the implication of the question. That's the implication of the question. Do you see? So that you not only stand Do you see? So that you not only stand Do you see? So that you not only stand in judgment of God in a theoretical way, in judgment of God in a theoretical way, in judgment of God in a theoretical way, but even while you're standing in judge but even while you're standing in judge but even while you're standing in judge of God, you're mentally casting an image of God, you're mentally casting an image of God, you're mentally casting an image of him of a cosmic level party pooper of him of a cosmic level party pooper of him of a cosmic level party pooper spoiling everybody's fun.

And she comes back and at a certain And she comes back and at a certain level she starts off, well, level she starts off, well, level she starts off, well, God did not forbid all the trees in the God did not forbid all the trees in the God did not forbid all the trees in the garden. She's got that right. She's garden. She's got that right. She's garden. She's got that right. She's correcting him factually. correcting him factually. correcting him factually. But God did say you mustn't eat of one But God did say you mustn't eat of one But God did say you mustn't eat of one particular tree in the garden particular tree in the garden particular tree in the garden or even touch it. No, now she's gone one or even touch it. No, now she's gone one or even touch it. No, now she's gone one drop too high again. God doesn't say drop too high again. God doesn't say drop too high again. God doesn't say anything about touching it. It's almost anything about touching it. It's almost anything about touching it. It's almost as if the serpent's got enough under her as if the serpent's got enough under her as if the serpent's got enough under her skin that she is saying um when it was skin that she is saying um when it was skin that she is saying um when it was only one tree, but yeah, I'm not allowed only one tree, but yeah, I'm not allowed only one tree, but yeah, I'm not allowed to I'm not can't even touch the thing. to I'm not can't even touch the thing. to I'm not can't even touch the thing. So that once again you see you're sort So that once again you see you're sort So that once again you see you're sort of standing in judgment of God. You only of standing in judgment of God. You only of standing in judgment of God. You only begin to see how far she is beginning to begin to see how far she is beginning to begin to see how far she is beginning to slip by imagining what she should have slip by imagining what she should have slip by imagining what she should have said. said. said. What should she have said? What should she have said? What should she have said? What she should have said is something What she should have said is something What she should have said is something like this. like this. like this. Are you out of your little skull? Are you out of your little skull? Are you out of your little skull? I mean give me a break. God's the I mean give me a break. God's the I mean give me a break. God's the creator.

creator. creator. He knows what's best. How can I possibly He knows what's best. How can I possibly He knows what's best. How can I possibly say what's best? You know, he made me. say what's best? You know, he made me. say what's best? You know, he made me. He He knows how I'm wired. He did the He He knows how I'm wired. He did the He He knows how I'm wired. He did the wiring. wiring. wiring. And he's put my husband and me here in And he's put my husband and me here in And he's put my husband and me here in paradise. I mean, this is this pretty paradise. I mean, this is this pretty paradise. I mean, this is this pretty nice place, you know, and and I've got a nice place, you know, and and I've got a nice place, you know, and and I've got a husband who loves me, and I love him. I husband who loves me, and I love him. I husband who loves me, and I love him. I mean, and and we walk with him in the mean, and and we walk with him in the mean, and and we walk with him in the garden of the cool. How could you garden of the cool. How could you garden of the cool. How could you possibly suggest that I, the creature, possibly suggest that I, the creature, possibly suggest that I, the creature, can stand over against God in judgment can stand over against God in judgment can stand over against God in judgment of him? This is ridiculous. Get out of here. Get out of here. But I know that's not what she says. She But I know that's not what she says. She But I know that's not what she says. She begins to entertain the possibility that begins to entertain the possibility that begins to entertain the possibility that she can stand in judgment of God. And thus encouraged, the devil then And thus encouraged, the devil then makes his first explicit denial. "You will not surely die," the serpent "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. The first doctrine said to the woman. The first doctrine said to the woman. The first doctrine denied in all of scripture is the denied in all of scripture is the denied in all of scripture is the doctrine of judgment.

doctrine of judgment. doctrine of judgment. It is often the first thing to go It is often the first thing to go It is often the first thing to go because if you can get rid of that one because if you can get rid of that one because if you can get rid of that one there are no sanctions and anything else there are no sanctions and anything else there are no sanctions and anything else can be tamed worse worse for God knows that when you eat of it for God knows that when you eat of it for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be your eyes will be opened and you will be your eyes will be opened and you will be like God knowing good and evil. Now as is so often the case the devil is Now as is so often the case the devil is telling the truth and he's telling a telling the truth and he's telling a telling the truth and he's telling a lie. I mean at the end of the chapter, God I mean at the end of the chapter, God himself says that in the wake of the sin himself says that in the wake of the sin himself says that in the wake of the sin of Adam and Eve, of Adam and Eve, of Adam and Eve, God himself says they have now become God himself says they have now become God himself says they have now become like us, knowing good and evil. In one like us, knowing good and evil. In one like us, knowing good and evil. In one sense, he's telling the truth, but he's not telling the whole truth. but he's not telling the whole truth. The expression knowing good and evil can The expression knowing good and evil can The expression knowing good and evil can sometimes have the overtone in scripture sometimes have the overtone in scripture sometimes have the overtone in scripture of of of knowing it by experience or the like. knowing it by experience or the like. knowing it by experience or the like. God knows the difference between good God knows the difference between good God knows the difference between good and evil because he's omnisient.

and evil because he's omnisient. and evil because he's omnisient. They come to know the difference between They come to know the difference between They come to know the difference between good and evil by participating in the good and evil by participating in the good and evil by participating in the evil. evil. evil. My wife has almost died twice from My wife has almost died twice from My wife has almost died twice from cancer. cancer. cancer. She doesn't know nearly as much about She doesn't know nearly as much about She doesn't know nearly as much about cancer as the oncologists and surgeons cancer as the oncologists and surgeons cancer as the oncologists and surgeons that have treated her. Let me tell you, that have treated her. Let me tell you, that have treated her. Let me tell you, she knows a lot more about cancer than she knows a lot more about cancer than she knows a lot more about cancer than any one of them from the inside. So, Adam and Eve will learn about good So, Adam and Eve will learn about good and evil. All right? But not the way God and evil. All right? But not the way God and evil. All right? But not the way God knows about good and evil from the knows about good and evil from the knows about good and evil from the outside as part of the knowledge of outside as part of the knowledge of outside as part of the knowledge of omniscience, omniscience, omniscience, but rather from the inside by becoming but rather from the inside by becoming but rather from the inside by becoming evil. The devil doesn't mention that. evil. The devil doesn't mention that. evil. The devil doesn't mention that. Moreover, the expression to know good Moreover, the expression to know good Moreover, the expression to know good and evil often has another overtone to and evil often has another overtone to and evil often has another overtone to it in scripture. It means it in scripture. It means it in scripture. It means to establish good and evil. To be the to establish good and evil. To be the to establish good and evil. To be the being that actually sorts out what good being that actually sorts out what good being that actually sorts out what good and evil is. And now you put this verse and evil is. And now you put this verse and evil is. And now you put this verse in the story line. God makes something in the story line. God makes something in the story line. God makes something and he declares it good. Then he makes and he declares it good. Then he makes and he declares it good. Then he makes something else and he declares it good. something else and he declares it good. something else and he declares it good. And then at the end of making And then at the end of making And then at the end of making everything, he declares it all very everything, he declares it all very everything, he declares it all very good. It is God's prerogative, God's good. It is God's prerogative, God's good. It is God's prerogative, God's place, God's knowledge that declares place, God's knowledge that declares place, God's knowledge that declares what good is.

what good is. what good is. But now this woman is being invited in But now this woman is being invited in But now this woman is being invited in effect to make her own list of what's effect to make her own list of what's effect to make her own list of what's good and evil. She will declare what's good and evil. She will declare what's good and evil. She will declare what's good and evil. good and evil. good and evil. And now you see that this is not merely And now you see that this is not merely And now you see that this is not merely an invitation to break a law, to break a an invitation to break a law, to break a an invitation to break a law, to break a rule, though it is breaking one of the rule, though it is breaking one of the rule, though it is breaking one of the things that God prohibited. It's more things that God prohibited. It's more things that God prohibited. It's more than that. It is the beginning of all than that. It is the beginning of all than that. It is the beginning of all idolatry. It is to deod God. It is to idolatry. It is to deod God. It is to idolatry. It is to deod God. It is to stand in God's place. It is to be where stand in God's place. It is to be where stand in God's place. It is to be where God is and decide what good and evil is God is and decide what good and evil is God is and decide what good and evil is for ourselves. And the Bible then works hard all And the Bible then works hard all through its pages to tie all of human through its pages to tie all of human through its pages to tie all of human evil first and foremost to this evil first and foremost to this evil first and foremost to this beginning of rebellion, this initial beginning of rebellion, this initial beginning of rebellion, this initial fundamental idolatry. I wish I had time fundamental idolatry. I wish I had time fundamental idolatry. I wish I had time to work through the curses of this to work through the curses of this to work through the curses of this chapter, to work through the nature of chapter, to work through the nature of chapter, to work through the nature of death, but just remember where the Bible death, but just remember where the Bible death, but just remember where the Bible goes from here. goes from here. goes from here. I wish I had time to work through I wish I had time to work through I wish I had time to work through Romans 5 and h how how in Adam all of us Romans 5 and h how how in Adam all of us Romans 5 and h how how in Adam all of us also sin and die. I wish I had time to also sin and die. I wish I had time to also sin and die. I wish I had time to work through those things. I don't. But work through those things. I don't. But work through those things. I don't. But just remember the Bible storyline for a just remember the Bible storyline for a just remember the Bible storyline for a start. The next chapter, the first start. The next chapter, the first start. The next chapter, the first murder, fratricside.

murder, fratricside. murder, fratricside. The next chapter, the first lengthy The next chapter, the first lengthy The next chapter, the first lengthy genealogy with a repeated refrain. So genealogy with a repeated refrain. So genealogy with a repeated refrain. So and so lived so many years, then he and so lived so many years, then he and so lived so many years, then he begat so and so, then he lived so many begat so and so, then he lived so many begat so and so, then he lived so many more years, then he died. So and so more years, then he died. So and so more years, then he died. So and so lived so many years, then he begat so lived so many years, then he begat so lived so many years, then he begat so and so. Then he lived so many more and so. Then he lived so many more and so. Then he lived so many more years, then he died. So and so lived so years, then he died. So and so lived so years, then he died. So and so lived so many years, then he begat so and so, many years, then he begat so and so, many years, then he begat so and so, then he live so many more years, then he then he live so many more years, then he then he live so many more years, then he died. And he died, and he died, and he died. And he died, and he died, and he died. And he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died, and he died. But don't you see from God's But don't you see from God's perspective, this is not the way it's perspective, this is not the way it's perspective, this is not the way it's supposed to be. supposed to be. supposed to be. This is the entailment This is the entailment This is the entailment from rebellion. And then the world is so evil that And then the world is so evil that there's judgment in the form of the there's judgment in the form of the there's judgment in the form of the flood. And Noah, the preacher of flood. And Noah, the preacher of flood. And Noah, the preacher of righteousness, he comes out and probably righteousness, he comes out and probably righteousness, he comes out and probably gets roaring drunk. Pretty soon the race is corrupted again Pretty soon the race is corrupted again with a Tower of Babel account. with a Tower of Babel account. with a Tower of Babel account. God in his mercy decides God in his mercy decides God in his mercy decides to begin a new humanity as it were and to begin a new humanity as it were and to begin a new humanity as it were and calls Abraham or of the Caldes. One of calls Abraham or of the Caldes. One of calls Abraham or of the Caldes. One of only two people in scripture to be only two people in scripture to be only two people in scripture to be called a friend of God. Abraham is the called a friend of God. Abraham is the called a friend of God. Abraham is the father of the faithful. Great man. He's father of the faithful. Great man. He's father of the faithful. Great man. He's also a filthy liar. Risks his wife also a filthy liar. Risks his wife also a filthy liar. Risks his wife twice.

twice. twice. And then there's Isaac, And then there's Isaac, And then there's Isaac, who's a bit of a wimp, who's a bit of a wimp, who's a bit of a wimp, and Jacob, known as the deceiver. and Jacob, known as the deceiver. and Jacob, known as the deceiver. And the 12 patriarchs, And the 12 patriarchs, And the 12 patriarchs, 11 of them trying to kill, well, 10 of 11 of them trying to kill, well, 10 of 11 of them trying to kill, well, 10 of the 11 trying to either kill or the 11 trying to either kill or the 11 trying to either kill or sell into slavery. The 11th, sell into slavery. The 11th, sell into slavery. The 11th, one of them sleeping with his one of them sleeping with his one of them sleeping with his daughter-in-law. I mean, and these are daughter-in-law. I mean, and these are daughter-in-law. I mean, and these are the patriarchs. the patriarchs. the patriarchs. And eventually, of course, they land up And eventually, of course, they land up And eventually, of course, they land up in slavery in Egypt. And in due course, in slavery in Egypt. And in due course, in slavery in Egypt. And in due course, God raises up Moses. Moses is a great God raises up Moses. Moses is a great God raises up Moses. Moses is a great hero, isn't he? As a young man, he hero, isn't he? As a young man, he hero, isn't he? As a young man, he commits murder. Then when he's an old commits murder. Then when he's an old commits murder. Then when he's an old man, God wants to use him. He doesn't man, God wants to use him. He doesn't man, God wants to use him. He doesn't want to go. And yes, yes, yes. He's want to go. And yes, yes, yes. He's want to go. And yes, yes, yes. He's praised a great deal. He's the humblest praised a great deal. He's the humblest praised a great deal. He's the humblest man of the face of the earth at the age man of the face of the earth at the age man of the face of the earth at the age of 80. Well, you learn a few things if of 80. Well, you learn a few things if of 80. Well, you learn a few things if you survive eight decades. you survive eight decades. you survive eight decades. But on the other hand, this man of great But on the other hand, this man of great But on the other hand, this man of great humility then loses his cool in the humility then loses his cool in the humility then loses his cool in the matter of the rock and never gets into matter of the rock and never gets into matter of the rock and never gets into the promised land. And then they get the promised land. And then they get the promised land. And then they get into the promised land. You get through into the promised land. You get through into the promised land. You get through these horrible cycles of sin and these horrible cycles of sin and these horrible cycles of sin and degradation amongst the covenant people degradation amongst the covenant people degradation amongst the covenant people until the people face judgment again.

until the people face judgment again. until the people face judgment again. And and then and then And and then and then And and then and then God in his mercy when they cry out for God in his mercy when they cry out for God in his mercy when they cry out for help raises up a judge and they're help raises up a judge and they're help raises up a judge and they're restored again to strength and security. restored again to strength and security. restored again to strength and security. And it only takes a generation or two And it only takes a generation or two And it only takes a generation or two before they slide again. And these before they slide again. And these before they slide again. And these horrible cycles with a repeated refrain. horrible cycles with a repeated refrain. horrible cycles with a repeated refrain. In those days there was no king in In those days there was no king in In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did that which was Israel. Everyone did that which was Israel. Everyone did that which was right in his own eyes. Did you hear right in his own eyes. Did you hear right in his own eyes. Did you hear that? Everyone did that which was right that? Everyone did that which was right that? Everyone did that which was right in his own eyes. That's called idolatry. in his own eyes. That's called idolatry. in his own eyes. That's called idolatry. Establishing what is right for yourself. Establishing what is right for yourself. Establishing what is right for yourself. Marginalizing God. Putting off to the Marginalizing God. Putting off to the Marginalizing God. Putting off to the side. Not recognizing accountability at side. Not recognizing accountability at side. Not recognizing accountability at all. Being your own God. You're at the all. Being your own God. You're at the all. Being your own God. You're at the center of the universe. center of the universe. center of the universe. God. how we need a king. God. how we need a king. God. how we need a king. So, they get a king. Saul doesn't turn So, they get a king. Saul doesn't turn So, they get a king. Saul doesn't turn out too well, does he? out too well, does he? out too well, does he? But God graciously provides them with a But God graciously provides them with a But God graciously provides them with a David, a man after his own heart. He's David, a man after his own heart. He's David, a man after his own heart. He's regularly called the sweet singer of regularly called the sweet singer of regularly called the sweet singer of Israel, a man after his own heart, who Israel, a man after his own heart, who Israel, a man after his own heart, who promptly goes out and commits adultery promptly goes out and commits adultery promptly goes out and commits adultery and murder. One wonders what he would and murder. One wonders what he would and murder. One wonders what he would have done if he hadn't been a man after have done if he hadn't been a man after have done if he hadn't been a man after God's own heart.

God's own heart. God's own heart. And then you just keep tracking this And then you just keep tracking this And then you just keep tracking this biblical story through and through and biblical story through and through and biblical story through and through and through until you finally come to Paul through until you finally come to Paul through until you finally come to Paul saying what Paul says in Romans chapter saying what Paul says in Romans chapter saying what Paul says in Romans chapter 1. Romans chapter 1. We'll come back to 1. Romans chapter 1. We'll come back to 1. Romans chapter 1. We'll come back to this passage a little later in the day. this passage a little later in the day. this passage a little later in the day. Let me remind you of it just the same. Let me remind you of it just the same. Let me remind you of it just the same. 11:18. 11:18. 11:18. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven The wrath of God is revealed from heaven The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and against all the godlessness and against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth wickedness of men who suppress the truth wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Since what may be by their wickedness. Since what may be by their wickedness. Since what may be known about God is plain to them because known about God is plain to them because known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them. God has made it plain to them. God has made it plain to them. Then you read through the next two and a Then you read through the next two and a Then you read through the next two and a half chapters. Paul's whole point is half chapters. Paul's whole point is half chapters. Paul's whole point is that whether you're a Jew or whether that whether you're a Jew or whether that whether you're a Jew or whether you're a Gentile, whether you have you're a Gentile, whether you have you're a Gentile, whether you have revelation from God in written form or revelation from God in written form or revelation from God in written form or not, or merely that which is stamped on not, or merely that which is stamped on not, or merely that which is stamped on the heart, none of us lives up to even the heart, none of us lives up to even the heart, none of us lives up to even what we do have. We're a damned breed. what we do have. We're a damned breed. what we do have. We're a damned breed. And God does not owe us salvation.

Look at the end of this section Look at the end of this section 39 and following before one of the 39 and following before one of the 39 and following before one of the greatest passages on the cross in the greatest passages on the cross in the greatest passages on the cross in the New Testament. We'll come back to this New Testament. We'll come back to this New Testament. We'll come back to this one later. one later. one later. Verse 9 of chapter 3. What should we Verse 9 of chapter 3. What should we Verse 9 of chapter 3. What should we conclude then? Are we any better? We conclude then? Are we any better? We conclude then? Are we any better? We Jews, are we better than Gentiles? Not Jews, are we better than Gentiles? Not Jews, are we better than Gentiles? Not at all. We have already made the charge at all. We have already made the charge at all. We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all that Jews and Gentiles alike are all that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin as it is written. Then you under sin as it is written. Then you under sin as it is written. Then you have this cina of biblical quotations. have this cina of biblical quotations. have this cina of biblical quotations. Listen to them. Don't they make you Listen to them. Don't they make you Listen to them. Don't they make you uncomfortable? uncomfortable? uncomfortable? They just seem so over the top. Don't They just seem so over the top. Don't They just seem so over the top. Don't Don't they make you uncomfort? And most Don't they make you uncomfort? And most Don't they make you uncomfort? And most of you here, if not all of you, are of you here, if not all of you, are of you here, if not all of you, are Christians, but they still make us Christians, but they still make us Christians, but they still make us uncomfortable. Imagine talking about uncomfortable. Imagine talking about uncomfortable. Imagine talking about this today in a university setting where this today in a university setting where this today in a university setting where where where where you're dealing with a where where where you're dealing with a where where where you're dealing with a whole lot of people who don't know whole lot of people who don't know whole lot of people who don't know anything about what the Bible says. Get anything about what the Bible says. Get anything about what the Bible says. Get this. There is no one righteous. Not this. There is no one righteous. Not this. There is no one righteous. Not even one. even one. even one. There is no one who understands. No one There is no one who understands. No one There is no one who understands. No one who seeks God. who seeks God. who seeks God. All have turned away. They have together All have turned away. They have together All have turned away. They have together become worthless. There is no one who become worthless. There is no one who become worthless. There is no one who does good. Not even one. Their throats does good. Not even one. Their throats does good. Not even one. Their throats are open graves. Their tongues practice are open graves. Their tongues practice are open graves. Their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their deceit. The poison of vipers is on their deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing lips. Their mouths are full of cursing lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to and bitterness. Their feet are swift to and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. Ruin and misery mark their shed blood. Ruin and misery mark their shed blood. Ruin and misery mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know.

ways. The way of peace they do not know. ways. The way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their There is no fear of God before their There is no fear of God before their eyes. eyes. eyes. Oh, come on, Don. It is a bit over the Oh, come on, Don. It is a bit over the Oh, come on, Don. It is a bit over the top, isn't it? What about Med San Franc top, isn't it? What about Med San Franc top, isn't it? What about Med San Franc Doctors Without Borders? What about all Doctors Without Borders? What about all Doctors Without Borders? What about all the good things that the good people do the good things that the good people do the good things that the good people do in all all kinds of normal walks of in all all kinds of normal walks of in all all kinds of normal walks of life? You know, the single mom who life? You know, the single mom who life? You know, the single mom who raises her children with courage and so raises her children with courage and so raises her children with courage and so on, the the people who who who help out on, the the people who who who help out on, the the people who who who help out in all kinds of shelters and so on. Of in all kinds of shelters and so on. Of in all kinds of shelters and so on. Of course, there are good people around, course, there are good people around, course, there are good people around, and I'm one of them. And yet, the biblical analysis, you see, And yet, the biblical analysis, you see, is not denying any of those sociological is not denying any of those sociological is not denying any of those sociological realities. realities. realities. The Bible can often speak of good and The Bible can often speak of good and The Bible can often speak of good and bad in certain context, in those bad in certain context, in those bad in certain context, in those relative categories. relative categories. relative categories. Yet at the deepest level of analysis, we don't know God. we don't know God. We run from him. We want to make our own We run from him. We want to make our own We run from him. We want to make our own universe. One of the most striking passages on sin One of the most striking passages on sin that I know is Psalm 51. It's written by that I know is Psalm 51. It's written by that I know is Psalm 51. It's written by David after David after David after he has committed the horrible sin he has committed the horrible sin he has committed the horrible sin regarding Ba Sheba. and then murdered regarding Ba Sheba. and then murdered regarding Ba Sheba. and then murdered her husband Uriah the Hitittite and so her husband Uriah the Hitittite and so her husband Uriah the Hitittite and so forth. And um and then he's been forth. And um and then he's been forth. And um and then he's been confronted by the prophet Nathan and he confronted by the prophet Nathan and he confronted by the prophet Nathan and he repents and so forth. There's some repents and so forth. There's some repents and so forth. There's some corporal punishments weeded out. Then he corporal punishments weeded out. Then he corporal punishments weeded out. Then he pens Psalm 51.

pens Psalm 51. pens Psalm 51. When this is over, go back and read it. When this is over, go back and read it. When this is over, go back and read it. One of the things he says in the opening One of the things he says in the opening One of the things he says in the opening verses addressing God in abject verses addressing God in abject verses addressing God in abject repentance is against you only have I repentance is against you only have I repentance is against you only have I sinned and done this evil in your sight. sinned and done this evil in your sight. sinned and done this evil in your sight. Now at a certain level that is a load of Now at a certain level that is a load of Now at a certain level that is a load of international class Boulderdash. international class Boulderdash. international class Boulderdash. I mean of course he sinned against I mean of course he sinned against I mean of course he sinned against Basheba. He seduced her. He he sinned Basheba. He seduced her. He he sinned Basheba. He seduced her. He he sinned against against against her husband. her husband. her husband. He cookolded him. He sinned against the He cookolded him. He sinned against the He cookolded him. He sinned against the baby that was then conceived in Baeba's baby that was then conceived in Baeba's baby that was then conceived in Baeba's womb. Sinn against the military high womb. Sinn against the military high womb. Sinn against the military high command when he arranged that little command when he arranged that little command when he arranged that little skirmish by which Uriah the Hitite was skirmish by which Uriah the Hitite was skirmish by which Uriah the Hitite was killed. sinned against his own family. killed. sinned against his own family. killed. sinned against his own family. He betrayed that. Sinned against the He betrayed that. Sinned against the He betrayed that. Sinned against the nation because instead of acting as the nation because instead of acting as the nation because instead of acting as the chief justice with integrity and so on, chief justice with integrity and so on, chief justice with integrity and so on, he's he's mucking everything up. It's he's he's mucking everything up. It's he's he's mucking everything up. It's hard to think of anybody that he didn't hard to think of anybody that he didn't hard to think of anybody that he didn't sin against. And yet he has the cheek to sin against. And yet he has the cheek to sin against. And yet he has the cheek to say against you only have I sinned and say against you only have I sinned and say against you only have I sinned and done this evil in your sight. done this evil in your sight. done this evil in your sight. Yet at the deepest level, he's got it Yet at the deepest level, he's got it Yet at the deepest level, he's got it exactly right. That is exactly right. That is exactly right. That is what makes sin so vile is that it is first and foremost is that it is first and foremost rebellion against God.

When we who are Christians try to talk When we who are Christians try to talk about right and wrong in the world and about right and wrong in the world and about right and wrong in the world and when we try to justify the importance of when we try to justify the importance of when we try to justify the importance of Christians and what they do in the Christians and what they do in the Christians and what they do in the world. So often we're describing things world. So often we're describing things world. So often we're describing things merely at a horizontal level. You know, merely at a horizontal level. You know, merely at a horizontal level. You know, we Christians by and large, we Christians by and large, we Christians by and large, statistically speaking, build better statistically speaking, build better statistically speaking, build better homes and raise nice children and good homes and raise nice children and good homes and raise nice children and good taxpayers and all this sort of thing. taxpayers and all this sort of thing. taxpayers and all this sort of thing. We're honest in our dealings. That We're honest in our dealings. That We're honest in our dealings. That that's the ideal at least. It's all at that's the ideal at least. It's all at that's the ideal at least. It's all at the horizontal level. the horizontal level. the horizontal level. But when you read through the Bible from But when you read through the Bible from But when you read through the Bible from the first account of sin, Genesis 3 on, the first account of sin, Genesis 3 on, the first account of sin, Genesis 3 on, what is it that most typically is said what is it that most typically is said what is it that most typically is said to make God angry? It's idolatry. It's idolatry. It's idolatry. 600 times the Bible says It's idolatry. 600 times the Bible says It's idolatry. 600 times the Bible says God is wrothful. God is wrothful. God is wrothful. 600 times 600 times 600 times and overwhelmingly and overwhelmingly and overwhelmingly he's wrothful because of he's wrothful because of he's wrothful because of the idolatry. the idolatry. the idolatry. So that even when we're committing these So that even when we're committing these So that even when we're committing these so-called horizontal sins like sleeping so-called horizontal sins like sleeping so-called horizontal sins like sleeping around or around or around or blaspheming or cheating on your income blaspheming or cheating on your income blaspheming or cheating on your income tax or cutting people off in your tax or cutting people off in your tax or cutting people off in your vehicle because you're selfish or vehicle because you're selfish or vehicle because you're selfish or whatever it is, the most offended party whatever it is, the most offended party whatever it is, the most offended party is always God.

Against you only have I sinned and done Against you only have I sinned and done this evil in your sight. If you're sleeping with somebody you If you're sleeping with somebody you shouldn't be sleeping with, shouldn't be sleeping with, shouldn't be sleeping with, the most offended party is God. If the most offended party is God. If the most offended party is God. If you're watching porn on the internet, you're watching porn on the internet, you're watching porn on the internet, the most offended party is God. You're not being honest at work. The You're not being honest at work. The most offended party is God. That's what makes sin sin That's what makes sin sin because the first commandment is to love because the first commandment is to love because the first commandment is to love him with heart and soul and mind and him with heart and soul and mind and him with heart and soul and mind and strength. strength. strength. and then our neighbor as ourselves. And and then our neighbor as ourselves. And and then our neighbor as ourselves. And the second is tied to the first. Only when we begin to absorb these kinds Only when we begin to absorb these kinds of things from what the Bible says, it of things from what the Bible says, it of things from what the Bible says, it seems to me, are we ready to face the seems to me, are we ready to face the seems to me, are we ready to face the implications of this first pillar, implications of this first pillar, implications of this first pillar, namely, by and large, the biblical stance toward by and large, the biblical stance toward these things is that God doesn't owe us these things is that God doesn't owe us these things is that God doesn't owe us anything.

anything. anything. were a damned breed. He could with perfect justice consign He could with perfect justice consign all of us to predition. And when he appears in his matchless And when he appears in his matchless glory, glory, glory, we would have nothing to say. we would have nothing to say. we would have nothing to say. We will then see so clearly how we have We will then see so clearly how we have We will then see so clearly how we have been selffocused. been selffocused. been selffocused. How we have made our own idols. How we have made our own idols. How we have made our own idols. How have we rejected the revelation that How have we rejected the revelation that How have we rejected the revelation that he has given? he has given? he has given? Revelation in nature. Revelation in our Revelation in nature. Revelation in our Revelation in nature. Revelation in our conscience stamped on us because we too conscience stamped on us because we too conscience stamped on us because we too have been made in the image of God. have been made in the image of God. have been made in the image of God. Revelation from holy scripture where Revelation from holy scripture where Revelation from holy scripture where we've had access to it again and again we've had access to it again and again we've had access to it again and again and again. By nature and by choice. and again. By nature and by choice. and again. By nature and by choice. We're a damned breed. And God does not We're a damned breed. And God does not We're a damned breed. And God does not owe us anything. owe us anything. owe us anything. In fact, by and large in the Bible, In fact, by and large in the Bible, In fact, by and large in the Bible, there are some exceptions. We'll come to there are some exceptions. We'll come to there are some exceptions. We'll come to them. And nor have I yet dealt with them. And nor have I yet dealt with them. And nor have I yet dealt with innocent suffering. We'll come to that. innocent suffering. We'll come to that. innocent suffering. We'll come to that. There are a lot of other pillars here There are a lot of other pillars here There are a lot of other pillars here yet. But by and large, the biblical yet. But by and large, the biblical yet. But by and large, the biblical stance toward these things, the first stance toward these things, the first stance toward these things, the first pillar to be established is what's pillar to be established is what's pillar to be established is what's surprising is that God hasn't wiped us surprising is that God hasn't wiped us surprising is that God hasn't wiped us all out yet.

all out yet. all out yet. What's surprising is how many freedoms What's surprising is how many freedoms What's surprising is how many freedoms we enjoy, how much food we enjoy, how we enjoy, how much food we enjoy, how we enjoy, how much food we enjoy, how much of life we enjoy, how much of much of life we enjoy, how much of much of life we enjoy, how much of liberty we enjoy, how many laughs we liberty we enjoy, how many laughs we liberty we enjoy, how many laughs we enjoy, how much pleasantness we enjoy, enjoy, how much pleasantness we enjoy, enjoy, how much pleasantness we enjoy, how many relationships we enjoy, how how many relationships we enjoy, how how many relationships we enjoy, how many good things we enjoy, considering many good things we enjoy, considering many good things we enjoy, considering how much our hearts are not first and how much our hearts are not first and how much our hearts are not first and foremost foremost foremost God- centered. But there aren't a lot of people in the But there aren't a lot of people in the broader culture that are busy going broader culture that are busy going broader culture that are busy going around through life saying, "Oh, this is around through life saying, "Oh, this is around through life saying, "Oh, this is well, this is really enjoyable. Imagine well, this is really enjoyable. Imagine well, this is really enjoyable. Imagine wakeboarding for the whole weekend. wakeboarding for the whole weekend. wakeboarding for the whole weekend. Isn't God good? We really ought to think Isn't God good? We really ought to think Isn't God good? We really ought to think more about God's goodness." Oh, I'm sure more about God's goodness." Oh, I'm sure more about God's goodness." Oh, I'm sure the pastor and his family, but but there the pastor and his family, but but there the pastor and his family, but but there are a lot of people who are wakeboarding are a lot of people who are wakeboarding are a lot of people who are wakeboarding on that same event who don't know on that same event who don't know on that same event who don't know anything about God. And they somehow anything about God. And they somehow anything about God. And they somehow think it's there do. But if they fall think it's there do. But if they fall think it's there do. But if they fall and break a leg, damn God. which is such an inverted attitude from which is such an inverted attitude from the Bible's first pillar. Do you see?

There is a remarkable passage in Luke There is a remarkable passage in Luke 13. Luke 13:1-5. Luke 13:1-5. Now there were some present at that time Now there were some present at that time Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose who told Jesus about the Galileans whose who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their blood Pilate had mixed with their blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. So these are Galileans sacrifices. So these are Galileans sacrifices. So these are Galileans probably Galilean Jews whom Pilate has probably Galilean Jews whom Pilate has probably Galilean Jews whom Pilate has killed for some reason not explained and killed for some reason not explained and killed for some reason not explained and then actually took their human blood and then actually took their human blood and then actually took their human blood and mixed it with the blood of the animals mixed it with the blood of the animals mixed it with the blood of the animals that they were sacrificing. Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all Galileans were worse sinners than all Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they the other Galileans because they the other Galileans because they suffered this way? suffered this way? suffered this way? In other words, why do you think this In other words, why do you think this In other words, why do you think this happened? Because they were worse, more happened? Because they were worse, more happened? Because they were worse, more evil? evil? evil? No. He says, I tell you, unless you No. He says, I tell you, unless you No. He says, I tell you, unless you repent, you too will all perish. repent, you too will all perish. repent, you too will all perish. Now, in that case, the suffering has Now, in that case, the suffering has Now, in that case, the suffering has come from an overt evil, come from an overt evil, come from an overt evil, that is Pilate's overt evil. But the that is Pilate's overt evil. But the that is Pilate's overt evil. But the same argument holds when there are same argument holds when there are same argument holds when there are so-called natural disasters. Of those 18 so-called natural disasters. Of those 18 so-called natural disasters. Of those 18 verse4 who died when the tower in Siloam verse4 who died when the tower in Siloam verse4 who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them. Do you think they were fell on them. Do you think they were fell on them. Do you think they were more guilty than all the others living more guilty than all the others living more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you no, but unless in Jerusalem? I tell you no, but unless in Jerusalem? I tell you no, but unless you repent, you too will all perish. So you repent, you too will all perish. So you repent, you too will all perish. So all the people that died in Katrina, do all the people that died in Katrina, do all the people that died in Katrina, do you think that they were more evil than you think that they were more evil than you think that they were more evil than others?

Now it's so interesting to see what Now it's so interesting to see what Jesus says. He does not say, "No, of Jesus says. He does not say, "No, of Jesus says. He does not say, "No, of course not. you know, they're fine course not. you know, they're fine course not. you know, they're fine people. It it it was just an accident. I people. It it it was just an accident. I people. It it it was just an accident. I mean, accidents happen. I mean, it's mean, accidents happen. I mean, it's mean, accidents happen. I mean, it's it's it's sad. You know, maybe God was it's it's sad. You know, maybe God was it's it's sad. You know, maybe God was taking a walk at the time, but it taking a walk at the time, but it taking a walk at the time, but it happens. And and and happens. And and and happens. And and and there were fine people. There was no there were fine people. There was no there were fine people. There was no particular reason why they should die. particular reason why they should die. particular reason why they should die. That's not what Jesus says. He says the That's not what Jesus says. He says the That's not what Jesus says. He says the really surprising things is that you really surprising things is that you really surprising things is that you haven't died, haven't died, haven't died, but you will. you too will perish. So whether Katrina takes you out now or So whether Katrina takes you out now or you die in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, you die in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, you die in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, 50 years, the point is you're still all 50 years, the point is you're still all 50 years, the point is you're still all under this curse. You're still all under under this curse. You're still all under under this curse. You're still all under this sentence of death. That that's this sentence of death. That that's this sentence of death. That that's that's the assumption. Did did you see? that's the assumption. Did did you see? that's the assumption. Did did you see? It's a way of looking at reality that It's a way of looking at reality that It's a way of looking at reality that that utterly blows out the first that utterly blows out the first that utterly blows out the first objections.

So those are insights from the beginning So those are insights from the beginning of the Bible's story line. of the Bible's story line. of the Bible's story line. Now let me bring you some insights from Now let me bring you some insights from Now let me bring you some insights from the second pillar. Insights from the end the second pillar. Insights from the end the second pillar. Insights from the end of the Bible's story line. of the Bible's story line. of the Bible's story line. insights from the end of the Bible insights from the end of the Bible insights from the end of the Bible storyline. I cannot sufficiently strongly stress I cannot sufficiently strongly stress that the Bible lays out a heaven and that the Bible lays out a heaven and that the Bible lays out a heaven and earth to be gained and a hell to be earth to be gained and a hell to be earth to be gained and a hell to be shunned. If you try to assess what's going on in If you try to assess what's going on in righteousness or suffering or handicap righteousness or suffering or handicap righteousness or suffering or handicap or illness or the like only in this age, or illness or the like only in this age, or illness or the like only in this age, if that is the framework in which you if that is the framework in which you if that is the framework in which you try to think about these things and no try to think about these things and no try to think about these things and no other, you cannot begin to make other, you cannot begin to make other, you cannot begin to make progress. progress. progress. You cannot begin to do so You cannot begin to do so You cannot begin to do so because inevitably because inevitably because inevitably things will look a bit different 50 things will look a bit different 50 things will look a bit different 50 billion years from now.

If you don't believe that, there's no If you don't believe that, there's no way this conversation can go much way this conversation can go much way this conversation can go much further. When I was a boy, we used to sing a When I was a boy, we used to sing a song. It was a bit sentimental and song. It was a bit sentimental and song. It was a bit sentimental and squishy, but nevertheless, it had some squishy, but nevertheless, it had some squishy, but nevertheless, it had some truth. truth. truth. It will be worth it all It will be worth it all It will be worth it all when we see Christ. when we see Christ. when we see Christ. One look at his dear face, life sorrows One look at his dear face, life sorrows One look at his dear face, life sorrows will erase. So let us run the race will erase. So let us run the race will erase. So let us run the race till we see Christ. till we see Christ. till we see Christ. There was a time when Christians were There was a time when Christians were There was a time when Christians were known in the Puritan period when known in the Puritan period when known in the Puritan period when Christians were known as people who knew Christians were known as people who knew Christians were known as people who knew how to die well. I'd like to know how many of you are I'd like to know how many of you are known in your communities as people who known in your communities as people who known in your communities as people who know how to die well. know how to die well. know how to die well. And it was part of Christian concern to And it was part of Christian concern to And it was part of Christian concern to be known as people who knew how to die. be known as people who knew how to die. be known as people who knew how to die. Well, about 3 years or so ago in our church, about 3 years or so ago in our church, there was a woman who came down with there was a woman who came down with there was a woman who came down with cancer. We'll call her Mary.

cancer. We'll call her Mary. cancer. We'll call her Mary. This was her second round. She had had This was her second round. She had had This was her second round. She had had cancer 5 years earlier and it was stage cancer 5 years earlier and it was stage cancer 5 years earlier and it was stage zero breast cancer. The earliest, zero breast cancer. The earliest, zero breast cancer. The earliest, lightest form. It it it was it was lightest form. It it it was it was lightest form. It it it was it was judged completely, handled, no ongoing judged completely, handled, no ongoing judged completely, handled, no ongoing chemo or the like. It was it was it was chemo or the like. It was it was it was chemo or the like. It was it was it was terrific. She was she was fine. Seven terrific. She was she was fine. Seven terrific. She was she was fine. Seven years later, it came back and it came years later, it came back and it came years later, it came back and it came back with a vengeance. back with a vengeance. back with a vengeance. Now, Mary was a remarkable woman. Now, Mary was a remarkable woman. Now, Mary was a remarkable woman. She and her husband, lay people, had a She and her husband, lay people, had a She and her husband, lay people, had a great heart for missions. For example, great heart for missions. For example, great heart for missions. For example, they used about half the space in their they used about half the space in their they used about half the space in their basement to collect stuff for basement to collect stuff for basement to collect stuff for missionaries. When missionaries come missionaries. When missionaries come missionaries. When missionaries come back, you know, they come back from who back, you know, they come back from who back, you know, they come back from who knows wherever they've been. And they're knows wherever they've been. And they're knows wherever they've been. And they're going to need toasters. Well, for their going to need toasters. Well, for their going to need toasters. Well, for their 6 months or 9 months of furlow, toasters 6 months or 9 months of furlow, toasters 6 months or 9 months of furlow, toasters and blankets and this and that. She'd and blankets and this and that. She'd and blankets and this and that. She'd collect this stuff, sometimes buying it, collect this stuff, sometimes buying it, collect this stuff, sometimes buying it, sometimes scrging it from Christians. sometimes scrging it from Christians. sometimes scrging it from Christians. She'd always say, "No junk. Missionaries She'd always say, "No junk. Missionaries She'd always say, "No junk. Missionaries deserve better than junk." And she'd deserve better than junk." And she'd deserve better than junk." And she'd collect all this stuff, you know, so collect all this stuff, you know, so collect all this stuff, you know, so that so that it was already there and that so that it was already there and that so that it was already there and available. She started a small business available. She started a small business available. She started a small business on the side and got a whole lot of women on the side and got a whole lot of women on the side and got a whole lot of women involved working virtually free so that involved working virtually free so that involved working virtually free so that the profits could all go into missions.

the profits could all go into missions. the profits could all go into missions. She she became head of her She she became head of her She she became head of her denomination's um um women's denomination's um um women's denomination's um um women's organization in in the entire country. organization in in the entire country. organization in in the entire country. She was a remarkable woman and now she had cancer. and now she had cancer. In September, she was diagnosed in May. In September, she was diagnosed in May. In September, she was diagnosed in May. In September, our church held a prayer In September, our church held a prayer In September, our church held a prayer meeting for her. and she was so well meeting for her. and she was so well meeting for her. and she was so well known, although the church only had known, although the church only had known, although the church only had between 5 and 600 people, um 287 showed between 5 and 600 people, um 287 showed between 5 and 600 people, um 287 showed up for a dayong prayer meeting for her up for a dayong prayer meeting for her up for a dayong prayer meeting for her because they came in from churches all because they came in from churches all because they came in from churches all over the place. I wasn't there. I was over the place. I wasn't there. I was over the place. I wasn't there. I was out of town. My wife went out of town. My wife went out of town. My wife went and although this is not a church from and although this is not a church from and although this is not a church from uh a warm-hearted charismatic tradition, uh a warm-hearted charismatic tradition, uh a warm-hearted charismatic tradition, the prayers as the day wore on were the prayers as the day wore on were the prayers as the day wore on were becoming progressively more becoming progressively more becoming progressively more enthusiastic. enthusiastic. enthusiastic. Lord, you have said that if two or three Lord, you have said that if two or three Lord, you have said that if two or three of you on earth be agreed as touching of you on earth be agreed as touching of you on earth be agreed as touching anything, we got 287 here and we're all anything, we got 287 here and we're all anything, we got 287 here and we're all in agreement. Lord, we want you to heal in agreement. Lord, we want you to heal in agreement. Lord, we want you to heal her. And Lord, Jesus is still the great her. And Lord, Jesus is still the great her. And Lord, Jesus is still the great physician, he never finally turned physician, he never finally turned physician, he never finally turned anybody away when he was on earth. And anybody away when he was on earth. And anybody away when he was on earth. And Jesus Christ the same yesterday and Jesus Christ the same yesterday and Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever. And Lord, um we we today and forever. And Lord, um we we today and forever. And Lord, um we we want you to show that you're still the want you to show that you're still the want you to show that you're still the same today. We want you to heal Mary.

same today. We want you to heal Mary. same today. We want you to heal Mary. Lord, you've seen all the good that Lord, you've seen all the good that Lord, you've seen all the good that she's done. How how can we possibly lose she's done. How how can we possibly lose she's done. How how can we possibly lose her at this stage? What will her husband her at this stage? What will her husband her at this stage? What will her husband and her children do? going to go just and her children do? going to go just and her children do? going to go just ratchet it up and ratchet it up and ratchet it up and ratchet it up and ratchet it up and ratchet it up and ratchet it up. Finally, it was my wife's ratchet it up. Finally, it was my wife's ratchet it up. Finally, it was my wife's turn to pray. turn to pray. turn to pray. She had almost lost her life twice She had almost lost her life twice She had almost lost her life twice and she said, and she said, and she said, "Dear heavenly father, "Dear heavenly father, "Dear heavenly father, we would so much like you to heal, dear we would so much like you to heal, dear we would so much like you to heal, dear Mary. Mary. Mary. We also recognize we're all under a We also recognize we're all under a We also recognize we're all under a curse. And if you won't heal her till the And if you won't heal her till the resurrection, resurrection, resurrection, then teach her to die well. Plant one foot firmly in eternity. Fill Plant one foot firmly in eternity. Fill her with the joy of the Lord. Give her a her with the joy of the Lord. Give her a her with the joy of the Lord. Give her a heritage for her husband and children so heritage for her husband and children so heritage for her husband and children so that they will remember to look to that they will remember to look to that they will remember to look to Christ. Christ. Christ. We don't ask that she has an easy time. We don't ask that she has an easy time. We don't ask that she has an easy time. We ask that she's so full of grace that We ask that she's so full of grace that We ask that she's so full of grace that people will see Christ in her. Teach her people will see Christ in her. Teach her people will see Christ in her. Teach her to die well. Well, you could have cut to die well. Well, you could have cut to die well. Well, you could have cut the air with a knife. You're not the air with a knife. You're not the air with a knife. You're not supposed to say things like that.

supposed to say things like that. supposed to say things like that. We were told afterwards by some of the We were told afterwards by some of the We were told afterwards by some of the relatives that they were rather hoping relatives that they were rather hoping relatives that they were rather hoping my wife would um experience this first my wife would um experience this first my wife would um experience this first so that uh she could know where of she so that uh she could know where of she so that uh she could know where of she was praying in November. Her husband phon in November. Her husband phon got to talk to you now. So we went out to a coffee shop. So we went out to a coffee shop. Do you know what he wanted? By this time, her health was going down By this time, her health was going down and down. She had every treatment and down. She had every treatment and down. She had every treatment conceivable. conceivable. conceivable. She had a brain shunt in her head so She had a brain shunt in her head so She had a brain shunt in her head so they could put chemicals right into her they could put chemicals right into her they could put chemicals right into her skull. I mean, the church was wonderful at one level, the church was wonderful at one level, bringing in food all the time. You know, bringing in food all the time. You know, bringing in food all the time. You know, how are you doing today, Mary? It's how are you doing today, Mary? It's how are you doing today, Mary? It's awful. Don't worry, we're praying for awful. Don't worry, we're praying for awful. Don't worry, we're praying for you. The Lord is faithful to his you. The Lord is faithful to his you. The Lord is faithful to his promises. You know, oh no, no, no, no. promises. You know, oh no, no, no, no. promises. You know, oh no, no, no, no. You know what he wanted? You know what he wanted? You know what he wanted? He wanted permission to let her die.

She couldn't focus on eternity because She couldn't focus on eternity because there's so many flipping Christians there's so many flipping Christians there's so many flipping Christians around telling her she was going to be around telling her she was going to be around telling her she was going to be healed. What a stupid course of events. What a stupid course of events. We're all going to die. We're all going to die. We're all going to die. Unless the Lord comes back first. I Unless the Lord comes back first. I Unless the Lord comes back first. I can't think of any exceptions in this can't think of any exceptions in this can't think of any exceptions in this room. death has just about in our culture death has just about in our culture become the last taboo subject. I can get become the last taboo subject. I can get become the last taboo subject. I can get a bunch of university students in, sit a bunch of university students in, sit a bunch of university students in, sit around the table, I can get a around the table, I can get a around the table, I can get a conversation going on anything. Hey, conversation going on anything. Hey, conversation going on anything. Hey, what do you guys think about what do you guys think about what do you guys think about homosexuality? Bang. Everybody's right homosexuality? Bang. Everybody's right homosexuality? Bang. Everybody's right in there. in there. in there. But if I say, "I'd like to tell you how But if I say, "I'd like to tell you how But if I say, "I'd like to tell you how my dad died." my dad died." my dad died." Well, it's as if I've committed a huge Well, it's as if I've committed a huge Well, it's as if I've committed a huge social gaff. Everybody's deathly still. social gaff. Everybody's deathly still. social gaff. Everybody's deathly still. Well, this is going to be embarrassing. Well, this is going to be embarrassing. Well, this is going to be embarrassing. Whoa.

But Christians shouldn't be like that. But Christians shouldn't be like that. But whatever else a local church jolly But whatever else a local church jolly But whatever else a local church jolly well better do, it's prepare its members well better do, it's prepare its members well better do, it's prepare its members to meet God. to meet God. to meet God. And unless Christ comes back first, that And unless Christ comes back first, that And unless Christ comes back first, that means prepared to die. We had better be a generation that knows We had better be a generation that knows how to die well. how to die well. how to die well. For you cannot live faithfully in this For you cannot live faithfully in this For you cannot live faithfully in this life unless you're ready for the next life unless you're ready for the next life unless you're ready for the next life. life. life. It cannot be done. You cannot preserve It cannot be done. You cannot preserve It cannot be done. You cannot preserve morality or spirituality or doctrinal morality or spirituality or doctrinal morality or spirituality or doctrinal purity or faithfulness alone or anything purity or faithfulness alone or anything purity or faithfulness alone or anything else unless you're living in the light else unless you're living in the light else unless you're living in the light of eternity. you cannot do it. So this stance from the end of life So this stance from the end of life begins to reconfigure everything in this begins to reconfigure everything in this begins to reconfigure everything in this life. So that even if there are sorrows life. So that even if there are sorrows life. So that even if there are sorrows that we do not yet understand, that we do not yet understand, that we do not yet understand, one day we will stand in the presence of one day we will stand in the presence of one day we will stand in the presence of the king with our resurrection bodies the king with our resurrection bodies the king with our resurrection bodies and we will look at everything from a and we will look at everything from a and we will look at everything from a slightly different angle.

slightly different angle. slightly different angle. We will see everything through the We will see everything through the We will see everything through the triumphs of Christ and even the cancer triumphs of Christ and even the cancer triumphs of Christ and even the cancer that took us out or the suffering that took us out or the suffering that took us out or the suffering Christians in in some god-forsaken part Christians in in some god-forsaken part Christians in in some god-forsaken part of the world where there is constant of the world where there is constant of the world where there is constant persecution. Another theme to which we persecution. Another theme to which we persecution. Another theme to which we will refer where there is judgment will refer where there is judgment will refer where there is judgment meeted out in political and sociological meeted out in political and sociological meeted out in political and sociological and disease terms. All of those things and disease terms. All of those things and disease terms. All of those things will look very differently 50 billion will look very differently 50 billion will look very differently 50 billion years into eternity. In other words, one of the things that In other words, one of the things that Christians have to remember We may have our preferences in the We may have our preferences in the coming up elections. coming up elections. coming up elections. Some of us may be pretty strongly Some of us may be pretty strongly Some of us may be pretty strongly convinced one way or the other that if convinced one way or the other that if convinced one way or the other that if only this party gets in or that party only this party gets in or that party only this party gets in or that party gets in, things will be a lot better in gets in, things will be a lot better in gets in, things will be a lot better in this country. Boy, have I got news for this country. Boy, have I got news for this country. Boy, have I got news for you.

you. you. Oh, there may be better and worse. Oh, Oh, there may be better and worse. Oh, Oh, there may be better and worse. Oh, no doubt. But here there is no utopia. no doubt. But here there is no utopia. no doubt. But here there is no utopia. None. There will not be a utopia. Oh, None. There will not be a utopia. Oh, None. There will not be a utopia. Oh, yes, we should pursue righteousness. yes, we should pursue righteousness. yes, we should pursue righteousness. Righteousness exalts a nation. Sin is a Righteousness exalts a nation. Sin is a Righteousness exalts a nation. Sin is a reproach to any people. But at the end reproach to any people. But at the end reproach to any people. But at the end of the day until the end there is no of the day until the end there is no of the day until the end there is no utopia and we live in the light of that utopia and we live in the light of that utopia and we live in the light of that expectation. Let me end this first session by Let me end this first session by reminding you of something that CS Lewis reminding you of something that CS Lewis reminding you of something that CS Lewis wrote a long time ago. wrote a long time ago. wrote a long time ago. CS Lewis fought in the trenches of World CS Lewis fought in the trenches of World CS Lewis fought in the trenches of World War I. That most stupid and idiotic of War I. That most stupid and idiotic of War I. That most stupid and idiotic of wars, indefensible, inexcusable, wars, indefensible, inexcusable, wars, indefensible, inexcusable, without reason, without rationale. without reason, without rationale. without reason, without rationale. 10 million people mowed down by 10 million people mowed down by 10 million people mowed down by howitzers and machine guns for the gain howitzers and machine guns for the gain howitzers and machine guns for the gain of a few hundred yards one way or the of a few hundred yards one way or the of a few hundred yards one way or the other across a 2,300 mile trench right other across a 2,300 mile trench right other across a 2,300 mile trench right across Europe. A stupid war with no aim across Europe. A stupid war with no aim across Europe. A stupid war with no aim or no goal except this vague thing or no goal except this vague thing or no goal except this vague thing called national honor.

called national honor. called national honor. He saw virtually all of his friends He saw virtually all of his friends He saw virtually all of his friends butchered in the trenches. He survived butchered in the trenches. He survived butchered in the trenches. He survived and then a bear 20 years later World War and then a bear 20 years later World War and then a bear 20 years later World War II broke out. II broke out. II broke out. By this time he was lecturing at Oxford By this time he was lecturing at Oxford By this time he was lecturing at Oxford University. The university chaplain in University. The university chaplain in University. The university chaplain in the university church didn't have a clue the university church didn't have a clue the university church didn't have a clue what to say to these young men. How do what to say to these young men. How do what to say to these young men. How do you get young men to be studying in you get young men to be studying in you get young men to be studying in wartime when everything seems so wartime when everything seems so wartime when everything seems so ultimate? ultimate? ultimate? What's the point of studying What's the point of studying What's the point of studying microbiology and Roman history and microbiology and Roman history and microbiology and Roman history and English literature when people are English literature when people are English literature when people are mowing each other down? mowing each other down? mowing each other down? How how do you make sense of that? How how do you make sense of that? How how do you make sense of that? So the chaplain asked Lewis, who by this So the chaplain asked Lewis, who by this So the chaplain asked Lewis, who by this time was already beginning to establish, time was already beginning to establish, time was already beginning to establish, even as early as 1939, the beginning of even as early as 1939, the beginning of even as early as 1939, the beginning of a reputation for Christian apologetic. a reputation for Christian apologetic. a reputation for Christian apologetic. And on that Sunday night, he climbed And on that Sunday night, he climbed And on that Sunday night, he climbed into the pulpit. Yeah, if you've been to into the pulpit. Yeah, if you've been to into the pulpit. Yeah, if you've been to a an old British cathedral, you know how a an old British cathedral, you know how a an old British cathedral, you know how you climb into a pulpit up these stairs you climb into a pulpit up these stairs you climb into a pulpit up these stairs to the pulpit so that you look over to the pulpit so that you look over to the pulpit so that you look over everybody six feet above contradiction.

everybody six feet above contradiction. everybody six feet above contradiction. And he gave an address that has been And he gave an address that has been And he gave an address that has been published many times called learning in published many times called learning in published many times called learning in wartime. You can find it on the net. You can find You can find it on the net. You can find it in his collected essays called um it in his collected essays called um it in his collected essays called um seed fern and elephants. Let me just seed fern and elephants. Let me just seed fern and elephants. Let me just read you a few paragraphs. A university is a society for the A university is a society for the pursuit of learning. As students, you pursuit of learning. As students, you pursuit of learning. As students, you will be expected to make yourselves or will be expected to make yourselves or will be expected to make yourselves or to start making yourselves into what the to start making yourselves into what the to start making yourselves into what the Middle Ages called clerks, into Middle Ages called clerks, into Middle Ages called clerks, into philosophers, scientists, scholars, philosophers, scientists, scholars, philosophers, scientists, scholars, critics, historians. And at first sight, critics, historians. And at first sight, critics, historians. And at first sight, this seems to be an odd thing to do this seems to be an odd thing to do this seems to be an odd thing to do during a great war. What is the use of during a great war. What is the use of during a great war. What is the use of beginning a task which we have so little beginning a task which we have so little beginning a task which we have so little chance of finishing? Or even if we chance of finishing? Or even if we chance of finishing? Or even if we ourselves should happen not to be ourselves should happen not to be ourselves should happen not to be interrupted by death or military interrupted by death or military interrupted by death or military service, why should we indeed how can we service, why should we indeed how can we service, why should we indeed how can we continue to take an interest in these continue to take an interest in these continue to take an interest in these placid occupations when the lives of our placid occupations when the lives of our placid occupations when the lives of our friends and the liberties of a Europe friends and the liberties of a Europe friends and the liberties of a Europe are in the balance? Is it not like are in the balance? Is it not like are in the balance? Is it not like fiddling while Rome burns? fiddling while Rome burns? fiddling while Rome burns? Now it seems to me that we shall not be Now it seems to me that we shall not be Now it seems to me that we shall not be able to answer these questions until we able to answer these questions until we able to answer these questions until we have put them by the side of certain have put them by the side of certain have put them by the side of certain other Christian questions which every other Christian questions which every other Christian questions which every Christian ought to have asked himself in Christian ought to have asked himself in Christian ought to have asked himself in peace time.

peace time. peace time. I spoke just now of fiddling while Rome I spoke just now of fiddling while Rome I spoke just now of fiddling while Rome burns. But to a Christian, the true burns. But to a Christian, the true burns. But to a Christian, the true tragedy of Nero must not be that he tragedy of Nero must not be that he tragedy of Nero must not be that he fiddled while the city was on fire, but fiddled while the city was on fire, but fiddled while the city was on fire, but that he fiddled on the brink of hell. that he fiddled on the brink of hell. that he fiddled on the brink of hell. You must forgive me for that crude mono You must forgive me for that crude mono You must forgive me for that crude mono syllable. I know that many wiser and syllable. I know that many wiser and syllable. I know that many wiser and better Christians than I in these days better Christians than I in these days better Christians than I in these days do not like to mention heaven and hell, do not like to mention heaven and hell, do not like to mention heaven and hell, even in a pulpit. I know too that nearly even in a pulpit. I know too that nearly even in a pulpit. I know too that nearly all the references to this subject in all the references to this subject in all the references to this subject in the New Testament come from a single the New Testament come from a single the New Testament come from a single source. But then that source is our Lord source. But then that source is our Lord source. But then that source is our Lord himself. himself. himself. People will tell you it is St. Paul. But People will tell you it is St. Paul. But People will tell you it is St. Paul. But that is untrue. These are overwhelmingly that is untrue. These are overwhelmingly that is untrue. These are overwhelmingly dominical doctrines. That is coming from dominical doctrines. That is coming from dominical doctrines. That is coming from the Lord Jesus. They are not really the Lord Jesus. They are not really the Lord Jesus. They are not really removable from the teaching of Christ or removable from the teaching of Christ or removable from the teaching of Christ or of his church. If we do not believe of his church. If we do not believe of his church. If we do not believe them, our presence in this church is them, our presence in this church is them, our presence in this church is great tom foolery. If we do, we must great tom foolery. If we do, we must great tom foolery. If we do, we must sometimes overcome our spiritual prudy sometimes overcome our spiritual prudy sometimes overcome our spiritual prudy and mention them. and mention them. and mention them. The moment we do so, we can see that The moment we do so, we can see that The moment we do so, we can see that every Christian who comes to a every Christian who comes to a every Christian who comes to a university must at all times face a university must at all times face a university must at all times face a question compared with which the question compared with which the question compared with which the questions raised by the war are questions raised by the war are questions raised by the war are relatively unimportant. relatively unimportant. relatively unimportant. He must ask himself how it is right or He must ask himself how it is right or He must ask himself how it is right or even psychologically possible for even psychologically possible for even psychologically possible for creatures who are every moment advancing creatures who are every moment advancing creatures who are every moment advancing either to heaven or to hell to spend any either to heaven or to hell to spend any either to heaven or to hell to spend any fraction of the little time allowed them fraction of the little time allowed them fraction of the little time allowed them in this world on such comparative in this world on such comparative in this world on such comparative trivialities as literature or art, trivialities as literature or art, trivialities as literature or art, mathematics or biology or wavewriting.

mathematics or biology or wavewriting. mathematics or biology or wavewriting. No, no, he didn't that didn't mention No, no, he didn't that didn't mention No, no, he didn't that didn't mention that one. If human culture can stand up that one. If human culture can stand up that one. If human culture can stand up to that, it can stand up to anything. To to that, it can stand up to anything. To to that, it can stand up to anything. To admit that we can retain our interest in admit that we can retain our interest in admit that we can retain our interest in learning under the shadow of these learning under the shadow of these learning under the shadow of these eternal issues but not under the shadow eternal issues but not under the shadow eternal issues but not under the shadow of a European war would be to admit that of a European war would be to admit that of a European war would be to admit that our eyes are closed to the voice of our eyes are closed to the voice of our eyes are closed to the voice of reason and very wide open to the voice reason and very wide open to the voice reason and very wide open to the voice of our nerves and our mass emotions. And of our nerves and our mass emotions. And of our nerves and our mass emotions. And then he goes on and on and on from then he goes on and on and on from then he goes on and on and on from there. In other words, so often when these In other words, so often when these questions are laid out in front of us, questions are laid out in front of us, questions are laid out in front of us, our horizons are just too small. They're our horizons are just too small. They're our horizons are just too small. They're just too little. just too little. just too little. We worry about the wretched devastation We worry about the wretched devastation We worry about the wretched devastation from a tsunami. from a tsunami. from a tsunami. And so we ought to worry. And so we ought to worry. And so we ought to worry. We worry about the wretched devastation We worry about the wretched devastation We worry about the wretched devastation caused by the equivalent of three caused by the equivalent of three caused by the equivalent of three tsunamis every year in Africa called tsunamis every year in Africa called tsunamis every year in Africa called AIDS. AIDS. AIDS. And so we ought to worry. And so we ought to worry. And so we ought to worry. But it's all nothing compared with the But it's all nothing compared with the But it's all nothing compared with the devastation coming from hell itself.

For there is a heaven to be gained and a For there is a heaven to be gained and a hell to be shunned. hell to be shunned. hell to be shunned. And we cannot even begin to think about And we cannot even begin to think about And we cannot even begin to think about these questions properly until we get these questions properly until we get these questions properly until we get those first two pillars rightly in place those first two pillars rightly in place those first two pillars rightly in place and four more still to come.