The service begins with the reading of Psalm 95:6-7 (00:00-00:29), a mention of singing (00:30-00:44), and prayer (00:45-03:42). Luke 2:41-52 is read aloud (03:43-06:07), and another mention of singing occurs (06:08-06:27). There was no introduction for John W. Carlton, but he was Professor of Preaching at SEBTS. He begins his message speaking about the relationship between the basic motivation to action within us, curiosity, and the basic pull in the opposite direction, reverence (06:28-11:54). [The sound needs to be turned up during 09:25-10:32.] Reverence without curiosity is both blind and docile, and we should always leave the window of our souls open for divine surprise (11:55-13:34). The second answer, curiosity without reverence, is more characteristic of our time. This direction is like blind reverence which asks no questions, resulting in the chief possible results of brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience, and knowledge without love (13:35-16:05). Carlton then uses a few Scriptural references about God’s character to illustrate the proper relationship between reverence and curiosity (16:06-20:39) before ending his time in prayer (20:40-21:49).
