The root issue of the Reformation and the root issue of studying the Bible is the powerlessness

of the human mind and the human heart.

So how did Martin Luther's understanding of the Scriptures shape the Reformation?

John Piper explores that question in this episode of light and truth.

This talk was originally given at the 1996 Bethlehem conference for pastors.

The test of our faithfulness, I think, as a corporate body in the church in America or

around the world.

The test of our faithfulness to the Word is this, if we have lost our languages ourselves.

Do we have a heart and a mind large enough to show concern for the whole Church of Christ

by promoting the preservation, widespread teaching and use of the languages?

Or are we so weak and frightened and small of a self-position that we have to minimize

their importance to justify our ignorance?

So I plead with you who do not have the languages to exalt them, humbly, exalt them.

Now you can take the time to learn, especially if you're younger.

I want to make my Hebrew better in 1996 so that I will be more faithful in my exposition

of the Old Testament, more penetrating, more fresh, more reliable.

And if you're younger you can do that, but I have in mind something bigger than that.

Suppose you have just settled it, you're never going to know them.

You're going to do the best you can with your English Bible.

Glorify them, raise up young men in your church to become language lovers and tell them

you wish you had and that you wish you could.

If you had your life to live over, you probably would.

...