https://www.bible.com/events/48737246
Burning Questions: Do You Actually Believe The Bible is True (The Word of God)?“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.” -Charles SpurgeonL
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Week 1:Would a loving God really send someone to Hell?
Today we are addressing the question: Do you actually believe the Bible is true (the Word of God)?
The Bible – also known as the Holy Bible, God’s Word, the Scriptures is:-a collection of 66 books39 books of Hebrew Scripture known as the Old Testament27 books we call the New Testament-written by 40 authors-over a period of 1,500 years-on 3 continents.
Two answers we may give, that are not well grounded, when ask “Why do you believe the Bible is true?”1. Because that’s the way I was raised2. I tried it and it changed my life
“I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable source of historical documents written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin.” – Voddie Bachaum
2 Peter 1:16-21 NIV
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Peter’s preaching is not based on something he made up, but on both his firsthand experience of Jesus and the truth of Scripture (fulfilled prophecy).
RELIABLE SOURCE OF HISTORICAL DOCUMENTSAfter applying the same criteria to the Bible as other ancient documents it is clear that the Bible is the most accurately preserved and verified document of the ancient world.
WRITTEN BY EYEWITNESSES DURING THE LIFETIME OF OTHER EYEWITNESSES– 2 Peter 1:16-18- Luke 1:1-4-1 Corinthians 15:5-8-1 John 1:1-3
REPORT SUPERNATURAL EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN FULFILLMENT OF SPECIFIC PROPHECIES– 2 Peter 1:19Scripture—particularly the words of the prophets—and Peter’s own experience confirm the truth of his teachings
CLAIM THEIR WRITINGS ARE DIVINE RATHER THAN HUMAN IN ORIGIN– 2 Peter 1:20-21
2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Being that the writings are divine rather than human in origin it answers our deepest longings and questions. What is truth? Does life have purpose? Is there a God? Can I know Him? Is there anything beyond this life?
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges for the Western Christian today is the temptation to take the Bible for granted.
Matthew 7:21 NIV
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 7:24-27 NIV
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
There is a difference between believing the Bible is true and living like the Bible is true
4 practices to understanding and living God’s Holy & inspired words found in the Bible:1. Begin with PRAYER2. Read it in COMMUNITY3. Read it DAILY4. S.O.A.P.-Scripture-Observation-Application-Prayer