Even the most popular Christian’s fall into the way of false thinking. Years ago I was exhorted to watch Tim Keller’s video series of The Reason for God. That video was a spin off of the book or vice versa I don’t really know which came first, which I believe was the adaption of a sermon series. If you have read my blog I am not much of a fan of Keller, he lost me when he became the spokesman for BioLogos, which spins the Creation History as Theistic Evolution. I once followed that line of reasoning, but turned back to the Is Genesis History line of thinking. If you are interested go to the WEB and look those both up and do your research.
Anyway I actually listened to Keller’s sermons and found them somewhat useful and what was interesting they seemed much more direct in presenting God to the Congregation than what he did in the video series, where he purpose dialogue with a number of modern non-Christians. IMHO, Keller became an expert in skirting the issues, and waffling in making conclusions or firm statements (apparently trying not to be offensive, maybe) but his lack of being direct left me amazed.
The point here is that Paul writes that this line of reasoning is fruitless, because the world will not accept it. Here are some verses.
1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Co 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
1Co 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Now there is nothing wrong with laying out details about who God is and what he has done for us and teaching a proper understanding of his Word the Bible. But to think by our wisdom we will bring men and women to Christ, is just foolishness.
My favorite Chapter of the Bible John 6 describes it this way.
Joh 6:43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
Rainbow Trout 