Exploring the Historical Reliability of Scripture

Devotional

Day 1: The Importance of Verifying Truth

Description: Just as we would verify the details of a story to determine its truth, we must also seek to understand and verify the reliability of Scripture. This involves examining historical evidence, asking questions, and seeking consistency in the accounts. This process strengthens our faith and understanding. The Bible is not just a collection of stories but is supported by historical and archaeological evidence. Eyewitness accounts, such as those of the disciples and early Christians, add credibility to the Bible, especially considering the sacrifices they made for their testimonies. Textual criticism, despite its complexity, shows that the Bible we have today is remarkably accurate to the original texts, even though we do not possess the original manuscripts. [02:47]

Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

Reflection: Think of a specific story or teaching in the Bible that you have doubted or questioned. How can you take steps to verify its truth through historical evidence or scholarly resources this week?

Day 2: Room for Doubt and Questions

Description: Doubt and questions about Scripture are natural and can lead to a deeper understanding and stronger faith. It is important to create space for these doubts and questions, as they can lead to meaningful exploration and growth in our relationship with God. When we allow ourselves to question and seek answers, we often find that our faith becomes more robust and resilient. Embracing doubt as a part of our faith journey can help us to engage more deeply with Scripture and with God. [07:15]

Mark 9:24 (ESV): "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"

Reflection: Identify a doubt or question you have about your faith. How can you bring this doubt to God in prayer and seek answers through study or conversation with a trusted mentor?

Day 3: Historical and Archaeological Evidence

Description: The Bible's historical accuracy is supported by various sources, including non-Christian historians and archaeological discoveries. These findings align with biblical events, providing external validation of the Bible's reliability. Understanding the historical context of the Bible can deepen our appreciation for its message and its relevance to our lives today. By exploring the evidence that supports the Bible's historical claims, we can gain confidence in its truth and its significance for our faith. [10:25]

Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Reflection: Research one archaeological discovery that supports a biblical event. How does this evidence strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

Day 4: Eyewitness Testimonies

Description: The credibility of the Bible is bolstered by the eyewitness accounts of those who lived during the time of Jesus. These accounts were written by individuals who were willing to suffer and die for their testimonies, adding weight to their truthfulness. The sacrifices made by the disciples and early Christians for their faith in Jesus provide powerful evidence of the authenticity of their testimonies. Reflecting on the commitment and courage of these eyewitnesses can inspire us to live out our faith with similar conviction and dedication. [13:11]

2 Peter 1:16 (ESV): "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

Reflection: Consider the sacrifices made by the early Christians for their faith. How can their example inspire you to live out your faith more boldly in your daily life?

Day 5: Textual Criticism and Accuracy

Description: Despite not having the original manuscripts, the science of textual criticism shows that the Bible we have today is highly accurate. The numerous copies and the minimal variations among them demonstrate the reliability of the biblical text. Textual criticism involves the careful comparison of ancient manuscripts to reconstruct the original text as closely as possible. This rigorous process has shown that the Bible has been faithfully preserved over the centuries, giving us confidence in its accuracy and trustworthiness. [14:31]

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

Reflection: Reflect on the process of textual criticism and the preservation of the Bible. How does knowing the reliability of the biblical text impact your trust in Scripture and your daily reading habits?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the historical reliability of Scripture and why it matters to us as modern-day Christians. We began with a personal story about a fishing trip that illustrated the importance of verifying facts and seeking the truth. This led us into the main topic: Is the Bible historically reliable? We acknowledged that there are many arguments against the reliability of the Bible, but also emphasized that the Bible has stood the test of time despite numerous attempts to disprove it.

We discussed the importance of understanding that doubt and questions about Scripture are natural and can lead to deeper faith. We then delved into four main points that support the reliability of the Bible: its historical accuracy and consistency, the credibility of eyewitness accounts, the science of textual criticism, and the testimony of Jesus Christ Himself.

We highlighted that the Bible is not just a collection of stories but is supported by historical and archaeological evidence. Eyewitness accounts, such as those of the disciples and early Christians, add credibility to the Bible, especially considering the sacrifices they made for their testimonies. Textual criticism, despite its complexity, shows that the Bible we have today is remarkably accurate to the original texts, even though we do not possess the original manuscripts.

Finally, we emphasized that Jesus Himself upheld and valued Scripture, which further validates its importance and reliability. We concluded by encouraging everyone to reflect on the role the Bible plays in their lives and to engage with it daily, not just as a historical document but as the living Word of God that guides and shapes us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Christian historians and archaeological discoveries. These findings align with biblical events, providing external validation of the Bible's reliability. [10:25]
4. Eyewitness Testimonies: The credibility of the Bible is bolstered by the eyewitness accounts of those who lived during the time of Jesus. These accounts were written by individuals who were willing to suffer and die for their testimonies, adding weight to their truthfulness.

5. Textual Criticism and Accuracy: Despite not having the original manuscripts, the science of textual criticism shows that the Bible we have today is highly accurate. The numerous copies and the minimal variations among them demonstrate the reliability of the biblical text.

### [10:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:21] - Fishing Story and Search for Truth
[02:47] - Investigating the Reliability of Stories
[04:07] - Introduction to the Series
[05:36] - Arguments Against the Bible's Reliability
[07:15] - Room for Doubt and Questions
[08:55] - Understanding the Bible's Context
[10:25] - Historical Accuracy and Consistency
[11:48] - Eyewitness Accounts and Testimonies
[13:11] - The Conversion of Saul to Paul
[14:31] - Textual Criticism Explained
[15:53] - Comparison with Other Ancient Texts
[17:27] - Addressing Textual Variants
[19:00] - The Gospel According to Snoopy
[20:20] - Confidence in the Bible's Accuracy
[21:57] - Jesus' Testimony About Scripture
[23:22] - Healthy and Unhealthy Approaches to the Bible
[24:56] - Reflecting on the Bible's Role in Our Lives
[26:34] - The Bible as the Living Word of God
[28:22] - Experiencing the Bible for Ourselves
[29:53] - Closing Prayer and Song

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Luke 1:1-2 say about the sources of the accounts written in the Bible?
According to 2 Peter 1:16, what is the basis for the apostles' teachings about Jesus?
In Matthew 5:17-18, what does Jesus say about the Law and the Prophets, and what does this imply about His view of Scripture?
How did the pastor illustrate the importance of verifying the truth of a story in his fishing trip anecdote? [02:47]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that the Bible includes eyewitness accounts, as mentioned in Luke 1:1-2 and 2 Peter 1:16? How does this add to its reliability?
How does Jesus' affirmation of the Law and the Prophets in Matthew 5:17-18 influence our understanding of the Old Testament's relevance today?
The pastor mentioned that doubt and questions about Scripture can lead to deeper faith. How can this process of questioning and seeking answers strengthen one's relationship with God? [07:15]
What role does historical and archaeological evidence play in supporting the reliability of the Bible, according to the sermon? [10:25]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you had doubts or questions about the Bible. How did you address those doubts, and what was the outcome? [07:15]
The pastor emphasized the importance of daily engagement with the Bible. What specific steps can you take to make Bible reading a consistent part of your daily routine? [26:34]
Considering the historical and archaeological evidence that supports the Bible, how can you use this information to strengthen your faith or share your faith with others? [10:25]
How can you create a healthy space for others to express their doubts and questions about Scripture, and why is this important for spiritual growth? [07:15]
Jesus upheld and valued Scripture throughout His ministry. How can you follow His example in your own life, especially when facing challenges or temptations? [23:22]
The pastor mentioned the importance of verifying the truth of stories. How can you apply this principle to your study of the Bible to ensure you understand its message accurately? [02:47]
Reflect on the role the Bible currently plays in your life. Is it a source of guidance and inspiration, or do you only turn to it in times of need? How can you deepen your relationship with God's Word? [24:56]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "As a church, we've been in this series called Why It Matters. We've talked about some of the bigger pieces of our faith and tried to lay out why it should matter to us as modern-day Christ followers. We've talked about things like why does sound doctrine matter? Why it matters that we have a healthy understanding of scripture and what we teach. We've talked about the importance of the gospel. Why does it matter that Jesus Christ rose from the grave?" [03:10] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I also just want to quickly create space for anybody here today, whether you're in this room or maybe listening online, that if you are wrestling with doubts about scripture, that's okay. There is room for doubt within faith because out of doubt can come some really great questions. Because I don't know about you, but I know growing up it was looked down, upon to have questions about what the Bible says." [07:45] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you claim Christ as your Lord and Savior, if you call yourself a Christian, then let me encourage you and implore you that you should be in God's word every single day. That Psalm chapter 1 talks about meditating on the law of the Lord night and day. Psalm 119 says that your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Guys, God's word is so much more than a textbook. It's more than a history lesson. It's more than a set of rules to live by." [26:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Guys, scripture supports Jesus as the Messiah, as our Lord, as our Savior. But it is in him and in Jesus because there is no one that is less than me and I acknowledge that but the truth is that in him there is no one that is more. Jesus is the one that is more than us, the one who is more than us is the one who is more than us." [27:30] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "See, we're called not just to believe that the Bible is reliable but man we're called to try it, to experience it and to allow it to lead us and guide us and reveal the heart of God to us. May we as a church and as individuals grow closer to God through his word." [28:50] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "There are several arguments out there as to why the Bible is not reliable. But of course there are. I mean, the Bible is one of the most important texts in existence. It is pivotal to the Christian faith, and people have been trying to disprove the Bible as long as it has been around. And at the same time, may that encourage us as Christ followers that people have been trying to, disprove, cast doubt, and deny scripture all along." [05:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Another reason that we can be confident that scripture is reliable is because of the eyewitness accounts and testimony. Now eyewitness has always been one of the strongest sources of trying to figure out truth. So think about a court case. Now one of the most common things that you'll hear in court is an eyewitness being put on the stand under oath and being examined and cross-examined about the validity of whatever the issue is at hand." [12:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "But as we prepare to close with a song this morning, I want to ask you guys one final question. What role does the Bible play in your own life and that's something we can all reflect upon. Is the Bible just this book that you happen to read on Sunday mornings or is it something that your parents say is really really important but you're not so sure? Is it something that you pick up when life gets hard?" [25:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Throughout Jesus's ministry we see him upholding, quoting and valuing scripture. In Matthew chapter 5 verses 17 and 18 it says, do not think that I have come to abolish the law or prophets I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them for truly I tell you until heaven and earth disappear not the smallest letter not the least stroke of a pen will by any means disappear from the law until everything is accomplished." [22:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "A healthy approach asks where do those two things meet and I would say they meet when you have a relationship with Jesus and therefore I obey his commands study his words so I can grow in my relationship I can get to know God. But as we prepare to close with a song this morning I want to ask you guys one final question what role does the Bible play in your own life and that's something we can all reflect upon." [24:50] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?