Evidence of the Bible: Trusting God's Word
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Liberty! Today marks the beginning of our 21 days of prayer, a time where we will gather every morning at 6 a.m. to seek God together. This series, "You Asked for It," is based on your requests, and today we delve into the evidence for the Bible. In a world filled with skepticism, it's crucial to understand why the Bible stands apart as the Holy Word of God.
The Bible is not just another book; it is set apart, holy, and unique. Historical and archaeological evidence supports its accuracy. From the stories of Adam and Eve to the parting of the Red Sea, these are not myths but real events. Critics have long questioned the Bible, but discoveries like the Hittite civilization and the city of Petra confirm its historical reliability. The Bible has survived countless attacks, from Diocletian's attempts to burn it to Voltaire's predictions of its obsolescence. Yet, it remains the best-selling book of all time.
Scientific evidence also supports the Bible. While science evolves, the Bible's truths remain constant. For example, the Bible described the earth as a sphere long before science confirmed it. Prophetic evidence is another strong pillar, with over 2,000 detailed prophecies in the Old Testament alone, many of which have been fulfilled with astonishing accuracy. This includes prophecies about Jesus, who fulfilled numerous Messianic prophecies, further validating the Bible's divine inspiration.
The thematic unity of the Bible is remarkable. Written over 1,500 years by 40 different authors across three continents and in three languages, it maintains a consistent message centered on Jesus Christ. This unity is unparalleled in any other religious text. The Bible is not just a collection of books; it is one cohesive narrative about God's plan for humanity.
As we embark on this 21-day journey, let's reaffirm our trust in the Word of God. It is our guide, our light, and our source of truth. Let's commit to knowing God more deeply through His Word and prayer.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Bible's Uniqueness and Holiness: The Bible is set apart from all other books, much like fine china is set apart from everyday dishes. It is holy and unique, offering a divine perspective that no other book can provide. This holiness is evident in its historical and archaeological accuracy, which has been confirmed time and again. [40:06]
2. Historical and Archaeological Evidence: The Bible's historical accounts, from the stories of Adam and Eve to the parting of the Red Sea, are not myths but real events. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Hittite civilization and the city of Petra, have confirmed the Bible's accuracy, proving that it is a reliable historical document. [48:15]
3. Scientific Evidence: While science evolves, the Bible's truths remain constant. For example, the Bible described the earth as a sphere long before science confirmed it. This consistency shows that the Bible's divine inspiration transcends human understanding and scientific advancements. [52:12]
4. Prophetic Evidence: The Bible contains over 2,000 detailed prophecies, many of which have been fulfilled with astonishing accuracy. This includes prophecies about Jesus, who fulfilled numerous Messianic prophecies, further validating the Bible's divine inspiration. Prophecy is absent from other religious texts, making the Bible unique in its predictive power. [56:20]
5. Thematic Unity: The Bible was written over 1,500 years by 40 different authors across three continents and in three languages, yet it maintains a consistent message centered on Jesus Christ. This unity is unparalleled in any other religious text, proving that the Bible is not just a collection of books but one cohesive narrative about God's plan for humanity. [01:06:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:07] - Introduction to 21 Days of Prayer
[37:57] - Importance of Evidence for the Bible
[38:41] - Encouragement for Parents
[40:06] - The Bible's Uniqueness and Holiness
[42:05] - Historical Evidence
[48:15] - Archaeological Evidence
[51:05] - Scientific Evidence
[56:20] - Prophetic Evidence
[01:06:38] - Thematic Unity of the Bible
[01:09:32] - Jesus in the Scriptures
[01:11:01] - Important Things Are Written Down
[01:13:23] - Invitation to Faith
[01:14:54] - Call to Prayer
[01:20:04] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 33:4 - "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does."
2. Isaiah 40:22 - "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 33:4 say about the nature of God's word? How does this verse support the sermon’s claim about the Bible's reliability? [43:43]
2. According to Isaiah 40:22, what does the Bible say about the shape of the earth? How does this align with the scientific evidence mentioned in the sermon? [52:12]
3. In 2 Timothy 3:16, what are the four uses of Scripture mentioned? How does this verse reinforce the idea that the Bible is divinely inspired? [47:42]
4. What historical and archaeological evidence was presented in the sermon to support the Bible's accuracy? [48:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the historical accuracy of the Bible, as mentioned in Psalm 33:4, impact your trust in its teachings? [43:43]
2. Isaiah 40:22 describes the earth as a sphere long before science confirmed it. What does this suggest about the Bible's divine inspiration and its relationship with scientific discoveries? [52:12]
3. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that all Scripture is God-breathed. How does this influence your view of the Bible's authority in your life? [47:42]
4. The sermon mentioned that the Bible has survived numerous attacks throughout history. How does this resilience affect your perception of its significance and reliability? [44:51]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 33:4, how can you incorporate the truth and reliability of God's word into your daily life? What specific steps can you take to deepen your trust in the Bible? [43:43]
2. Considering Isaiah 40:22, how can you reconcile scientific discoveries with your faith? Are there areas where you struggle to see the harmony between science and Scripture? How can you address these struggles? [52:12]
3. Based on 2 Timothy 3:16, identify one area in your life where you need teaching, rebuking, correcting, or training. How can you use Scripture to address this area? [47:42]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of historical and archaeological evidence in supporting the Bible's accuracy. How can you use this information to strengthen your faith and share it with others? [48:15]
5. The Bible's prophetic accuracy was highlighted in the sermon. How does knowing that many prophecies have been fulfilled impact your faith in future prophecies? How can this knowledge influence your daily walk with God? [56:20]
6. The thematic unity of the Bible was discussed as a unique feature. How does understanding the Bible as one cohesive narrative about God's plan for humanity change the way you read and study it? [01:06:38]
7. The sermon called for a commitment to knowing God more deeply through His Word and prayer. What specific actions can you take during these 21 days of prayer to grow closer to God? How can you maintain this commitment beyond the 21 days? [37:07]
Devotional
Day 1: The Bible's Uniqueness and Holiness
The Bible is not just another book; it is set apart, holy, and unique. Its holiness is evident in its historical and archaeological accuracy, which has been confirmed time and again. From the stories of Adam and Eve to the parting of the Red Sea, these are not myths but real events. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Hittite civilization and the city of Petra, have confirmed the Bible's accuracy, proving that it is a reliable historical document. The Bible has survived countless attacks, from Diocletian's attempts to burn it to Voltaire's predictions of its obsolescence. Yet, it remains the best-selling book of all time. This enduring nature of the Bible underscores its divine inspiration and sets it apart from all other texts. [40:06]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: Think about a time when you doubted the reliability of the Bible. How can the historical and archaeological evidence presented today strengthen your faith in its divine inspiration?
Day 2: Historical and Archaeological Evidence
The Bible's historical accounts, from the stories of Adam and Eve to the parting of the Red Sea, are not myths but real events. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Hittite civilization and the city of Petra, have confirmed the Bible's accuracy, proving that it is a reliable historical document. These discoveries provide tangible evidence that the events described in the Bible actually happened. This historical reliability is crucial in a world filled with skepticism, as it provides a solid foundation for our faith. The Bible's ability to withstand scrutiny and emerge validated by historical and archaeological findings is a testament to its divine origin. [48:15]
Psalm 85:11 (ESV): "Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific archaeological discovery that has confirmed a biblical event. How does this discovery impact your view of the Bible's reliability and your personal faith journey?
Day 3: Scientific Evidence
While science evolves, the Bible's truths remain constant. For example, the Bible described the earth as a sphere long before science confirmed it. This consistency shows that the Bible's divine inspiration transcends human understanding and scientific advancements. The Bible's ability to accurately describe scientific truths long before they were discovered by humans is a powerful testament to its divine origin. This should encourage us to trust in the Bible's teachings, even when they seem to contradict current scientific understanding, knowing that God's wisdom surpasses human knowledge. [52:12]
Isaiah 40:22 (ESV): "It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in."
Reflection: Consider a scientific fact that the Bible mentioned long before it was discovered by humans. How does this influence your trust in the Bible's teachings, especially in areas where science and faith seem to conflict?
Day 4: Prophetic Evidence
The Bible contains over 2,000 detailed prophecies, many of which have been fulfilled with astonishing accuracy. This includes prophecies about Jesus, who fulfilled numerous Messianic prophecies, further validating the Bible's divine inspiration. Prophecy is absent from other religious texts, making the Bible unique in its predictive power. The fulfillment of these prophecies provides strong evidence that the Bible is not just a collection of human writings but is divinely inspired. This should strengthen our faith and encourage us to trust in God's plan for our lives, knowing that He is in control and His word is true. [56:20]
2 Peter 1:21 (ESV): "For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: Think about a specific prophecy in the Bible that has been fulfilled. How does the accuracy of this prophecy impact your faith in the Bible's divine inspiration and your trust in God's promises?
Day 5: Thematic Unity
The Bible was written over 1,500 years by 40 different authors across three continents and in three languages, yet it maintains a consistent message centered on Jesus Christ. This unity is unparalleled in any other religious text, proving that the Bible is not just a collection of books but one cohesive narrative about God's plan for humanity. This thematic unity is a powerful testament to the Bible's divine inspiration, as it would be impossible for so many different authors to maintain such consistency without divine guidance. This should encourage us to study the Bible more deeply, knowing that it is a unified and coherent revelation of God's will for our lives. [01:06:38]
Luke 24:27 (ESV): "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."
Reflection: Reflect on the unity of the Bible's message despite its diverse authorship. How does this unity impact your understanding of the Bible as a cohesive narrative about God's plan for humanity?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I'm telling you, every other book in the world is a paper plate compared to this book. This book is holy. It is set apart. And there are many different religions. They all claim to have different religious writings. But who is the real God? What is the Word of the one true and living God?" [40:06] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Bible is historically accurate. Let me give you a verse of Scripture. Psalm 33, 4, For the word of the Lord is right and is true. It's true, but it's also right when it speaks of history or science. And I'll give you examples of that." [43:43] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever. Matthew 24, 35, heaven and earth will pass away. But my words will never pass away." [45:52] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The heavens declare the glory of God. This book is to reveal God. Reveal God to us. And ultimately, the writer of Hebrews says, He's revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus. And I'm asking you to put your faith in Him. Even though you can't understand it all, know it all, you know He's speaking to you right now." [01:13:23] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus said, beginning with Moses and the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning who? Himself. It's all about Jesus. John 5, 39, you study the scriptures diligently because you think that in them, you have eternal life. These are the very scriptures that testify about me. It's all about Jesus." [01:09:54] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The evidence for the Bible is overwhelming. And as soon as I get through, you're going to come out and you're going to say something like this. Or you're going to send me an email saying, Oh, but you could have said this and I wish you'd have said that. I'm acknowledging up front. I know. But I've only got 30 minutes. Okay, so I'm highlighting the highlights." [41:24] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you can't trust what the Bible says about creation, then why would you trust what it says about salvation? It is right and it's true. It's right and it's true. And it survived all kinds of attacks. They never attacked the Koran. They never attacked the Book of Mormon. Why? Because there's only one book that is the bestseller of all time, and it is the Word of the living God. And that's why the devil hates that book." [44:21] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Bible's filled with them, and I'm gonna give you just some today. And let me just tell you, if you can't trust what the Bible says about creation, then why would you trust what it says about salvation? It is right and it's true. It's right and it's true. And it survived all kinds of attacks." [44:21] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible was written over 1,500 years by 40 different people who lived in over a dozen different countries. Many of them never met. Knew one another. They couldn't say, what are you going to say about this? No, what are you going to say about this? No, it didn't happen. Three different continents over three different languages. And there's one theme. One message. It's not 66 individual books. It is one book. And it's all about Jesus." [01:06:38] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Bible prophesies in Jeremiah 50-13 that Babylon would be desolate, a heap of ruins. It was the greatest city of its day when it was written. Jesus prophesied in Luke 19-43, the day will come, that your enemies will build an embarkment against you. They will not leave one stone on the other. And of course, Jerusalem was attacked and the temple was destroyed in 70 AD." [58:34] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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