Can I Trust the Bible? Understanding Its Reliability and Impact

Devotional

Day 1: The Importance of Gathering Together as Believers

Gathering with other believers is not just a tradition but a vital practice that encourages, strengthens, and motivates us to acts of love and good works, especially as we anticipate Christ’s return. When we come together—whether in small, hidden apartments or large public spaces—we remind each other of God’s love, pray, learn from Scripture, and sing songs that anchor us in truth. This shared experience is a source of encouragement and spiritual growth, and it is a biblical command that helps us persevere in faith. If you are not regularly meeting with other believers, consider how you might take a step toward community, knowing that your presence matters both for you and for others. [09:20]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who is one person you could invite to join you in worship or fellowship this week, and how might your presence encourage them in their faith journey?

Day 2: The Bible Is Rooted in Historical Events, Not Just Teachings

The Bible is not merely a collection of moral teachings or inspirational sayings; it is a library of books that records real, historical events, especially the resurrection of Jesus, which is the foundation of Christian faith. The early followers of Jesus did not risk their lives for a philosophy or a set of rules, but for what they claimed to have seen with their own eyes: the risen Christ. This event sparked a movement that changed the world and was documented by eyewitnesses, giving us confidence that our faith is grounded in reality, not myth. As you read the Bible, remember that you are engaging with the testimony of those who experienced God’s work firsthand. [39:06]

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (ESV)
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me."

Reflection: How does knowing that your faith is based on eyewitness testimony and real events affect the way you approach reading the Bible today?

Day 3: God’s Word Has Been Preserved with Extraordinary Accuracy

Despite common misconceptions, the Bible has not been lost in translation or corrupted by generations of copying; instead, it has been preserved with remarkable precision, as confirmed by archaeological discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls. Scribes treated their work with reverence, carefully copying and checking each other’s work, and the multiplicative distribution of manuscripts across continents made large-scale changes virtually impossible. Archaeology continues to affirm the reliability of the biblical text, showing that what we read today is substantially the same as what was written thousands of years ago. This should give you confidence to trust and engage with Scripture, knowing it has been faithfully transmitted through the ages. [01:01:08]

Isaiah 53:4-6 (ESV)
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Reflection: What doubts or questions do you have about the reliability of the Bible, and how might you seek answers or reassurance through study or conversation this week?

Day 4: The Bible Is Meant to Be Read and Understood Firsthand

Faith should not be secondhand, based solely on what others say; instead, every believer is invited to read the Bible for themselves, encountering God personally through its pages. The accessibility of Scripture today means that you can develop a firsthand faith, rooted in your own reading and understanding, rather than relying only on the interpretations or traditions passed down to you. Even a few minutes a day can open your heart to God’s voice and transform your life, so make it a priority to engage with the Bible directly and regularly. [29:28]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to make personal Bible reading a regular part of your daily routine?

Day 5: The Message of the Bible Is Clear and Accessible for All

The variety of Bible translations is not a sign of confusion or disagreement, but a reflection of the effort to make God’s Word clear and understandable for people in every language and context. Translators work diligently to balance accuracy and readability, ensuring that the message of God’s love and salvation through Jesus is accessible to everyone. Whether you prefer a word-for-word translation or a thought-for-thought version, the heart of the gospel remains unchanged: God loved, God gave, we believe, we receive. Let this truth shape your understanding and your response to God’s invitation. [01:12:06]

John 3:16 (New Living Translation)
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Reflection: Which Bible translation helps you understand God’s message most clearly, and how can you use it to share the good news with someone who needs hope today?

Sermon Summary

In 1996, I had the privilege of worshiping with a small group of believers in China, gathered quietly in an apartment, reading Scripture, praying, and singing together. That experience reminded me of the deep, historic importance of gathering as followers of Jesus—a practice that stretches back to the earliest days after the resurrection. Even in our digital age, in-person community remains vital for encouragement, growth, and faithfulness.

Today, I want to address a question that many wrestle with: Can we trust the Bible? Some compare the transmission of Scripture to a game of telephone, suggesting that what we have today is a distorted, unreliable version of the original. But the reality is far more robust and inspiring. The Bible is not a single book from one person, but a library of 66 books, written by 40 authors over 1,600 years, across three continents and three languages. It is rooted in historical events, not just teachings, and its preservation is nothing short of extraordinary.

Christianity is not built on a book, but on an event—the resurrection of Jesus. The earliest followers did not die for a text, but for their eyewitness testimony of the risen Christ. The documents we have were written by those who saw and experienced these events, and they were copied, distributed, and preserved with remarkable care. Unlike the linear, error-prone process of the telephone game, the transmission of Scripture was multiplicative: many copies, checked and cross-checked, spread across continents, making large-scale alteration virtually impossible.

Archaeology continues to affirm the reliability of the biblical text. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, for example, confirmed the accuracy of Isaiah’s prophecy, written centuries before Christ. While there are minor textual differences and some verses that appear in certain manuscripts but not others, these are transparently noted in our Bibles today. The process of translation is rigorous, involving teams of experts striving to make the ancient words clear and accessible for us.

Ultimately, the Bible is not just a historical artifact or a set of moral teachings—it is God’s chosen means of communicating with us, inviting us to encounter Jesus personally. My hope is that you will not settle for a secondhand faith, but will read and wrestle with Scripture yourself, discovering the life-changing truth at its heart.

Key Takeaways

1. The Bible’s preservation is historically remarkable The transmission of Scripture was not a fragile, linear process but a robust, multiplicative one. Thousands of copies were made, distributed, and cross-checked across continents, making intentional alteration nearly impossible. This extraordinary preservation, confirmed by archaeology, gives us confidence in the reliability of what we read today. [49:41]
2. Christianity is founded on the resurrection, not just a book The earliest Christians did not risk their lives for a set of teachings or a sacred text, but for their eyewitness experience of the risen Jesus. The Bible documents these events, but the movement began with the resurrection itself. Our faith is anchored in a historical event that changed the world, not merely in the words that record it. [39:06]
3. Honest questions and textual differences are not hidden There are minor differences and gaps in manuscripts, and translators are transparent about them. Rather than undermining trust, this openness demonstrates the integrity of the process. The field of textual criticism ensures that what we have is as close as possible to the original, and no essential doctrine is affected by these variations. [67:09]
4. The Bible invites firsthand faith, not secondhand belief Many of us received the Bible before we understood its story or reliability. But God invites us to move beyond inherited faith and encounter Him directly through Scripture. Reading the Bible for ourselves, with honest questions and open hearts, leads to a living, firsthand relationship with Jesus. [29:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:30] - Worship in China: The Power of Gathering
[09:20] - Why In-Person Community Matters
[26:25] - The Telephone Game and the Bible
[27:14] - How We Got the Bible
[29:14] - Inspiring Firsthand Faith
[30:21] - The Bible: A Library of Books
[31:40] - Silencing God’s Notifications
[33:19] - Common Criticisms and Misconceptions
[36:20] - Christianity’s Foundation: The Resurrection
[39:49] - Eyewitnesses and the Birth of the Church
[42:18] - Early Manuscripts and the Canon
[45:04] - Luke’s Historical Method
[48:41] - How the Bible Was Actually Transmitted
[55:58] - The Preservation of Isaiah and Archaeology
[63:53] - Textual Differences and Transparency
[69:21] - Why So Many Bible Translations?
[74:44] - Next Week: Can We Trust the Authors?
[75:56] - Night of Worship Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) — > And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

2. Luke 1:1-4 (ESV)
> Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

3. Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)
> Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 10:24-25, what are some reasons the writer gives for not neglecting to meet together? How does this connect to the story of believers gathering in China? ([08:30])
In Luke 1:1-4, what does Luke say about how he put together his account? What words or phrases show his approach to accuracy and reliability? ([45:04])
What details from Isaiah 53:4-5 stand out as being fulfilled in the life of Jesus? Why was the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls significant for this passage? ([57:42])
The sermon compared the transmission of the Bible to the game of telephone. What are some key differences between how the Bible was copied and how the telephone game works? ([49:41])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says Christianity is built on the resurrection, not just a book. Why is this distinction important for understanding the foundation of our faith? ([39:06])
Luke claims to have “carefully investigated everything from the beginning” (Luke 1:3). What does this suggest about the nature of the Gospel accounts and their trustworthiness? ([45:04])
The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls confirmed the accuracy of Isaiah’s prophecy. How does this archaeological evidence affect your confidence in the reliability of the Old Testament? ([59:48])
The sermon mentions that honest questions and textual differences are not hidden in our Bibles today. How does this transparency impact your trust in the Bible? ([01:07:09])

Application Questions

The pastor shared about worshiping quietly with believers in China and the importance of gathering in person. Are there ways you have neglected meeting with other believers? What steps could you take to make gathering a priority, even when it’s inconvenient? ([08:30])
Many people receive a Bible before they understand its story or reliability. Did you grow up with a “secondhand faith,” or have you taken steps to make your faith firsthand? What would it look like for you to move from secondhand to firsthand faith? ([29:28])
The sermon challenges the idea that the Bible is just a “game of telephone.” Have you ever struggled with doubts about the Bible’s reliability? What helped you, or what would help you, address those doubts? ([26:25])
The process of copying and preserving the Bible was described as “multiplicative” and full of checks and balances. How does knowing this affect your willingness to read and trust Scripture for yourself? ([49:41])
The Bible is described as God’s chosen way to communicate with us. Are there “notifications from God” you have silenced in your life? What practical step could you take this week to listen more closely to God through Scripture? ([31:40])
The sermon mentioned that no essential doctrine is affected by minor textual differences. Does this knowledge make you more or less likely to engage with difficult or confusing passages? Why? ([01:07:09])
The pastor encouraged reading the Bible for yourself, even just three minutes a day. What is one small, realistic change you could make to your daily routine to spend more time in God’s Word? ([30:05])

Sermon Clips

We're gonna unpack and explore today how you got the Bible that you hold in your hands and how you can trust that it's a reliable, document, that it's a document worth staking your life on. And there are many, many people over the millennia who have decided that this document is so important that we should actually divide the calendar in two based upon what we read in the pages of this document. There are people that believe that this document is so important or this collection of documents is so important that it would actually inform the way that we live, not just individually, but corporately in communities. And this is why we say, when we talk about Western civilization today, we're really talking about an entire hemisphere that has been influenced by one book, that this one little book has had incredible impact around the world. [00:27:16] (53 seconds) #BibleImpactLegacy

My goal in this series is to inspire you to read this for yourself, to not have a secondhand faith that comes from someone like me, but to have a firsthand faith based on what you have read in the pages of the Bible. And I think it's super easy. We've made it very achievable for everyone in the room. We'll talk about this more at the end of the sermon, but we have Bibles available today and we're not making any money on these. You can buy them on Amazon, buy from us. We don't care. We're selling them at a loss. But we want to put, put these documents in your hands for you to read for yourself. [00:29:22] (33 seconds) #FirsthandFaithJourney

But unfortunately, even for those who've been following Jesus for a long time, we have silenced our notifications from God. It's like, oh, it's like that group chat that just, you know, ding, ding, ding, doesn't stop. And so you think, you know what? I'm just gonna, I'm just gonna silence it. I'm gonna silence this for a little while. And then, you know, two years later, you see your sister-in-law and find out she had a baby and you didn't know because you silenced the family group chat. So in the same way, I don't want you to lose out because you've silenced God's communication with you. And the way that the creator of the universe has chosen to communicate with you is through the Bible. [00:31:37] (37 seconds) #DontSilenceGodsVoice

And it's important for us to know that those who died didn't die because they believed in the teachings of Jesus. They didn't die because they believed in the Bible, because they hadn't written it yet, at least not the New Testament. They didn't die because they believed in a text or a teaching. They died because they refused to recant what they said, what they saw, what they said they saw with their own eyes. They were eyewitnesses to an event that gave birth to a movement, and then they wrote it down. They documented it for us. [00:40:26] (38 seconds) #ResurrectionBeforeBible

You have these records of not only the documents, but even how they were passed on, and how they were, they're transcribed. So the reality is that the Bible has not been lost in translation. It has been preserved with precision and confirmed by archaeology. [00:55:53] (18 seconds) #IsaiahScrollProof

So does it prove that what's in the Bible is true? true? No, it doesn't prove. But archaeology has never disproved what we see in the Bible. So the fact that these places, there's examples, I could go on and on. There's examples of places that are in the Bible, and then we look in archaeology and say, well, there's no proof that this place ever existed. And then we discover the place. Now, does that mean that the story in the Bible is true? No, let's be honest. It doesn't mean the story in the Bible is true, but it gives affirmation that these things were written by people who, this is really important, because when you get into some of the, we say, why are certain books not in the Bible? Well, one of the reasons that there are certain books that are not in the Bible is because they were clearly written by people who did not live in that time or place, because they used the wrong names, they used the wrong words, they used the wrong place names. [01:02:00] (58 seconds) #TransparentBibleDifferences

So one more thing, and this is because I want you guys to be like, here's the thing you should know about this. Do we have gaps? Do we have differences? We absolutely do. Is anyone hiding the ball? No, because no matter what Bible you have today, you can look down here, and you'll see a footnote that says, some translations have the Bible. This is a little differently. [01:07:10] (25 seconds) #TranslationsBringLife

We don't have translations because people disagree on meaning. We have different translations because people are doing their darndest to try to bring ancient texts to life in current context. They're trying to make it easy for us to understand and easy for us to apply. [01:12:25] (17 seconds) #DecadeOfTranslation

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