Trusting the Bible: A Foundation for Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound question of whether we can truly trust the Bible. This inquiry is not just academic but deeply personal, as it touches the core of our faith and understanding of God's Word. The answer is a resounding yes, and we delved into four compelling reasons to support this conviction.
Firstly, the Bible's uniqueness sets it apart. It is a collection of writings by 39 authors from diverse backgrounds, spanning 1,450 years, written in three languages across three continents. Despite this diversity, it presents a singular, cohesive message. The Bible encompasses various genres, including poetry, history, and prophecy, and uniquely fulfills prophecies, underscoring its divine inspiration.
Secondly, the Bible is supported by historical evidence. We examined archaeological findings like the Merneptah Stele, the Moabite Stone, and the Cyrus Cylinder, which corroborate biblical narratives. These artifacts affirm the Bible's historical reliability, demonstrating that its accounts occurred in real space and time.
Thirdly, the Bible is the ultimate hero story. It tells the grand narrative of creation, fall, and redemption, a storyline that resonates deeply with the human experience. This narrative is the original from which all other hero stories derive, reflecting the true condition of humanity and the redemptive work of Christ.
Lastly, nothing compares to the Bible. Unlike other religious texts, which rely on unverifiable personal revelations, the Bible is open to scrutiny and verification. It stands as a reliable, dependable, and true Word of God, offering a foundation for faith that is both intellectually and spiritually satisfying.
As we reflect on these truths, we are reminded that the Bible is not just a book to be read but a divine revelation to be trusted and lived by. It calls us to engage with it deeply, allowing its truths to shape our lives and guide our steps.
Key Takeaways:
- The Bible's Uniqueness: The Bible's composition by 39 diverse authors over 1,450 years, in three languages and continents, highlights its unique nature. Despite this diversity, it maintains a singular, cohesive message, underscoring its divine inspiration. [05:08]
- Historical Corroboration: Archaeological findings like the Merneptah Stele and the Cyrus Cylinder provide external evidence that supports the Bible's historical accounts, affirming its reliability and authenticity. [09:19]
- The Ultimate Hero Story: The Bible presents the original hero story of creation, fall, and redemption, a narrative that resonates with the human condition and reflects the redemptive work of Christ. [14:16]
- Incomparable Reliability: Unlike other religious texts, the Bible is open to scrutiny and verification, standing as a reliable and true Word of God, offering a foundation for faith that is both intellectually and spiritually satisfying. [21:29]
- Living by the Word: Trusting the Bible means engaging with it deeply, allowing its truths to shape our lives and guide our steps, as it is the reliable, dependable, and true Word of God. [23:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Online Bookstore Announcement
- [00:59] - Audience Interaction
- [01:28] - Trusting the Bible
- [02:04] - Introduction of Dr. Nichols
- [03:28] - Crucial Questions
- [04:03] - Can We Trust the Bible?
- [04:24] - The Bible's Uniqueness
- [07:02] - Supported by Evidence
- [09:19] - Archaeological Corroboration
- [14:16] - The Ultimate Hero Story
- [18:24] - Nothing Compares
- [21:29] - Trusting the Bible's Reliability
- [23:35] - Living by the Word
- [24:21] - Audience Participation Request
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Peter 1:16-20
2. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the four reasons mentioned in the sermon that support the trustworthiness of the Bible? ([04:03])
2. How does the diversity of the Bible's authors and the time span over which it was written contribute to its uniqueness? ([05:08])
3. What are some of the archaeological findings mentioned in the sermon that corroborate biblical narratives? ([09:19])
4. How does the sermon describe the Bible as the ultimate hero story? ([14:16])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in the Bible serve as evidence of its divine inspiration? ([07:40])
2. In what ways does the historical evidence presented in the sermon strengthen the reliability of the Bible? ([12:25])
3. How does the Bible's narrative of creation, fall, and redemption resonate with the human experience, according to the sermon? ([17:13])
4. Why is the Bible considered incomparable to other religious texts, as discussed in the sermon? ([21:29])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you questioned the reliability of the Bible. How did you resolve your doubts, and what role did evidence play in that process? ([04:03])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of engaging deeply with the Bible. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your engagement with Scripture? ([23:35])
3. Consider the historical evidence supporting the Bible. How does this knowledge impact your confidence in sharing your faith with others? ([12:25])
4. The Bible is described as the ultimate hero story. How does this perspective influence your understanding of your own life story and your relationship with God? ([17:13])
5. In what ways can you allow the truths of the Bible to shape your daily decisions and guide your steps? Identify one area of your life where you can apply biblical principles more intentionally. ([23:35])
6. How can you use the Bible's reliability and uniqueness as a foundation for conversations with those who are skeptical about Christianity? ([21:29])
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about living by the Word. What is one practical change you can make in your life to align more closely with biblical teachings? ([23:35])
Devotional
Day 1: The Bible's Unique Composition
The Bible stands as a unique collection of writings, composed by 39 authors from various backgrounds over 1,450 years, in three languages and across three continents. Despite this diversity, it maintains a singular, cohesive message, which underscores its divine inspiration. This unity amidst diversity is a testament to its divine origin, as no other book in history has been able to achieve such a feat. The Bible's genres range from poetry to history to prophecy, each contributing to the overarching narrative of God's relationship with humanity. This uniqueness invites believers to explore its depths and discover the divine truths it holds. [05:08]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the diversity of authors and backgrounds in the Bible. How does this diversity enhance your understanding of its message, and how can you apply this understanding to your daily life today?
Day 2: Historical Evidence Supports the Bible
The Bible's historical reliability is supported by numerous archaeological findings, such as the Merneptah Stele, the Moabite Stone, and the Cyrus Cylinder. These artifacts provide external evidence that corroborates biblical narratives, affirming that the events described in the Bible occurred in real space and time. This historical corroboration strengthens the authenticity of the Bible, offering believers a solid foundation for their faith. By understanding the historical context of the Bible, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for its teachings and the reality of God's work throughout history. [09:19]
"Then the king of Assyria invaded all the land and came to Samaria, and for three years he besieged it." (2 Kings 17:5, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when historical evidence has strengthened your faith. How can you use this knowledge to engage in conversations with others about the reliability of the Bible?
Day 3: The Bible as the Ultimate Hero Story
The Bible presents the grand narrative of creation, fall, and redemption, which resonates deeply with the human experience. This storyline is the original hero story from which all other hero stories derive, reflecting the true condition of humanity and the redemptive work of Christ. The Bible's narrative invites believers to see themselves within its pages, recognizing their own need for redemption and the hope offered through Christ. By engaging with this ultimate hero story, believers can find purpose and direction in their own lives, as they align themselves with God's redemptive plan. [14:16]
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)
Reflection: How does the Bible's narrative of creation, fall, and redemption resonate with your personal story? In what ways can you align your life with this ultimate hero story today?
Day 4: The Bible's Incomparable Reliability
Unlike other religious texts, the Bible is open to scrutiny and verification, standing as a reliable and true Word of God. It offers a foundation for faith that is both intellectually and spiritually satisfying, inviting believers to engage with it deeply and critically. This openness to examination sets the Bible apart, as it welcomes questions and exploration, ultimately leading to a stronger, more informed faith. By trusting in the Bible's reliability, believers can confidently navigate their spiritual journey, knowing they are grounded in truth. [21:29]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: What questions or doubts do you have about the Bible? How can you seek answers and engage with the Bible's reliability to strengthen your faith today?
Day 5: Living by the Word
Trusting the Bible means engaging with it deeply, allowing its truths to shape our lives and guide our steps. As the reliable, dependable, and true Word of God, the Bible calls believers to live by its teachings, transforming their lives in accordance with God's will. This involves not only reading the Bible but also applying its principles to everyday situations, allowing its wisdom to influence decisions and actions. By living by the Word, believers can experience the fullness of life that God intends, as they walk in alignment with His purposes. [23:35]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life can you begin to live more fully by the Word today? What practical steps can you take to apply the Bible's teachings in this area?
Quotes
The Bible is actually written by 39 authors and not just 39 different authors but 39 authors from the whole spectrum of life. The author of the first five books of the Bible, Moses, would have had what have been the finest education of his day. He was raised in Pharaoh's very palace and had access to the brightest minds and tutors of the day. [00:05:21]
The Bible is written over 1,450 years. There's no other book that even comes close to that. 1,450 years. It is written in three languages and was written on three continents. So you put all of that together and you have the most diverse book, and at the same time, you have a singular book with a singular message. [00:06:47]
The Bible is a book that is full of different genres. It has poetry, it has history, it has narrative, it has epistles or letters, it has prophecy or what we sometimes call apocalyptic, very vivid imagery. And speaking of prophecy, it is also unique in that it contains fulfillment of prophecy. [00:07:16]
The Bible is supported by evidence. Now, the Bible is an extraordinary book. It recounts miracles, it has the very revelation of God himself, but it's also a very ordinary book. It uses the languages of the day. Now, we don't know Hebrew, maybe some of you might know Hebrew, but in the centuries BC, that was the language of Israel. [00:08:02]
The first is called the Merneptah Stele. Now, this is from the 13th century BC. It is of the Pharaoh Merneptah, and it is the first reference outside of the Bible to the nation of Israel. Israel in Egypt in the 13th century BC, a corroboration of the biblical account. [00:09:11]
The Cyrus Cylinder, Cyrus was that great Persian king, a megalomaniac, but all of a sudden, out of the magnanimity of his heart, he one day woke up and decided he would let this captive people, Israel, go back to their land and restore their city and rebuild their temple walls and once again become a people. [00:12:47]
The Bible is the ultimate and the original hero story. Now, what do we all like about Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Rocky? We love that plot line where there's something good, but we get that sense that the other shoe's about to drop, don't we? Like it's good, but we get the sense that something's about to happen. [00:14:17]
The whole Bible is a story about Christ who comes to redeem those who are lost and to come alongside of us and grab us by the hand and take us home. And that is the ultimate and the original and the true hero story. And every great movie and every great song and every great book just copies it. [00:17:42]
Nothing compares to the Bible. On Monday, it's the 200th anniversary of the very first vision and appearance of the angel to Joseph Smith. Now, I'm not telling you it's the 200th anniversary to celebrate it. We're not going to be celebrating that anniversary. It's the first of 22 appearances. [00:18:16]
The Bible, there is nothing hidden in secret, no curtain drawn as authors write. It's right there, plain view. Corroborate it, falsify it, verify it. When you put this together, now we can begin to see that we can trust the Bible. It is unique, it is supported by evidence, it is the original and ultimate hero story, and nothing compares. [00:21:14]
It is true because it is the word of God. It is true because it is unique. It is true because it is supported by evidences. You don't need to simply fall back on your personal experience to substantiate its reliability. You know why this is true? It's not because you happen to grow up in a Christian home. It's true because it is. [00:22:27]
You can trust the Bible now, you can trust the Bible in the years to come, and you can trust the Bible every day for the rest of your life. It will never fail you, it will never let you down. It is the reliable, dependable, true word of God. [00:23:35]
Chatbot
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