Reliable Words for a Reliable Faith

Today we start out new sermon series going through the gospel of Luke. This will be a 3 year journey, and I hope that you are as excited to go on it as I am. In this journey, we will discover the Way Maker: Jesus Christ.

We will begin this journey with Luke’s introduction. The Gospel of Luke is a beautifully crafted narrative that tells the story of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His compassion and the inclusivity of His message. Written by Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, this Gospel is addressed to a man named Theophilus, likely a Gentile seeking a clearer understanding of the Christian faith. Luke's account is known for its detailed historical context and emphasis on prayer, joy, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus and the early church. It also contains unique parables, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, showcasing God's love and mercy toward all people. As we explore Luke’s Gospel, we discover a profound message of hope and salvation that continues to resonate today.

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.

The Word is Reliable

The first reason why we can believe the word is that it is Reliable.

When Luke wrote his gospel, he said this:

Luke 1:1–2 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,

Notice what he says, He is relating things that have been given to him by reliable people who knew Jesus. This isn’t a made up fairy-tale. It’s a document given, and today, we can stand on the word because we have very high confidence in the fact that the word we have is the same word spoken by the apostles 2000 years ago.

The New Testament is exceptionally well-documented compared to other ancient texts, with far more manuscripts available for study than for any other work from antiquity. Here’s a direct comparison between the New Testament and other ancient documents, highlighting why the New Testament's manuscript evidence is so remarkable:

1. New Testament Manuscripts

Number of Greek Manuscripts: Over 5,800

Number of Latin Manuscripts: Around 10,000

Other Translations (Coptic, Syriac, etc.): 9,300+

Total Manuscripts: Over 25,000 combined

Earliest Manuscripts: The earliest fragment, the John Rylands papyrus (P52), dates to about AD 125-130, within roughly 30-50 years of the original writings. On it are Parts of seven lines from John 18:31–33 and on the Back (verso): Parts of seven lines from John 18:37–38.

Show Picture of P52

When you Compare this to Other Ancient Works that no one questions:

Homer’s Iliad ~Written in 800 BC ~the earliest copy we have a fragment of is 400 BC (Earliest Copy) 400 years 1,757 manuscripts

Herodotus' Histories 5th Century BC ~AD 900 (Earliest Copy) 1,300 years 109 manuscripts

Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars 100-44 BC ~AD 900 (Earliest Copy) 1,000 years 251 manuscripts

Tacitus’ Annals AD 100 ~AD 1100 (Earliest Copy) 1,000 years 36 manuscripts

And yet we have 25,000 manuscripts of the New Testament

The sheer quantity and quality of New Testament manuscripts, coupled with the short time span between the original writings and the earliest copies, make it far more reliable as a historical document than any other ancient text. The evidence supporting the New Testament is unparalleled in the ancient world. This overwhelming manuscript evidence is a strong foundation for believing in the accuracy and preservation of the New Testament texts.

This vast amount of evidence has led great men like John Warwick Montgomery, a renowned legal scholar and theologian, to state:

“We have more historical and documentary evidence for the life of Jesus Christ than for the life of Julius Caesar or for any other significant figure in history.”

The Word is REAL

"...among us,"

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.

Luke is interviewing eye witnesses. These aren't stories just retellings, but are the eye-witness testimony of people who saw what happened written in the time of other eyewitnesses.

1 Corinthians 15:3–6 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.

The Word Reveals

"of the things that have been accomplished..."

The Greek word literally means fulfilled. The Bible is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses in the lifetime of other eyewitnesses.

"of the things that have been accomplished..."

The Greek word literally means fulfilled. The Bible is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses in the lifetime of other eye witnesses, and here's the next part, that presents specific prophecies that are fulfilled.

The Bible contains over 300 specific prophecies that were fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ alone. These prophecies span both the Old and New Testaments and cover various aspects of His life, including:

His birthplace (Micah 5:2)

His lineage (Isaiah 11:1)

His crucifixion (Psalm 22)

His resurrection (Psalm 16:10)

His role as the suffering servant (Isaiah 53)

In addition to prophecies about Jesus, the Bible includes many other prophecies regarding nations, events, and figures throughout history. Some estimates suggest that there are more than 1,000 prophecies in total across the Bible, many of which have already been fulfilled!

Here are just a few:

1. Destruction of Tyre

Prophecy: Ezekiel 26:3-5, 7-14Fulfillment: Tyre was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, and later by Alexander the Great, fulfilling the prophecy of its fall and desolation.

2. Fall of Babylon

Prophecy: Isaiah 13:19-22; Jeremiah 51:37Fulfillment: Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 B.C. and has remained uninhabited as prophesied.

3. The Exile of Israel

Prophecy: Deuteronomy 28:64-65; Jeremiah 25:11-12Fulfillment: The Israelites were exiled to Babylon after their disobedience, as foretold by the prophets.

4. Return from Exile

Prophecy: Jeremiah 29:10Fulfillment: After 70 years of captivity in Babylon, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem under Cyrus the Great (Ezra 1:1-4).

5. The Destruction of Jerusalem

Prophecy: Jeremiah 25:8-9; Matthew 24:2Fulfillment: Jerusalem was destroyed in A.D. 70 by the Romans, as Jesus predicted.

I believe the BIble because it is a reliable document written by eyewitnesses in the lifetime of other eyewitnesses that reveal specific prophesies that have been fulfilled.

But that not all!

The Bible is REMARKABLE UNIFIED

"Inasmuch as many..."

Another reason that I believe the Bible is the word of God that Luke notes is that it is unified in its message. The Bible was written by over 40 different authors, across different cultures and time periods (spanning about 1,500 years), almost all of whom never met each other, nor did most of them ever read the message the others wrote. These men came from different walks of life:

The writers of scripture had diverse backgrounds: Moses was a prophet and lawgiver, Joshua was a military leader, Samuel served as a prophet and judge, David was a shepherd and king, Solomon was a king and wise man, Isaiah was a prophet, Jeremiah was a prophet and priest, Ezekiel was a prophet and priest, Daniel was a government official, Hosea was a prophet, Amos was a shepherd and farmer, Micah was a prophet, Jonah was a prophet, Malachi was a prophet, Ezra was a priest and scribe, Nehemiah was a cupbearer and governor, Matthew was a tax collector, Mark was an evangelist, Luke was a physician and historian, John was a fisherman, Paul was a tentmaker and apostle, James was a church leader, Peter was a fisherman, and Jude was an apostle.

and yet the Bible presents a consistent and unified message.

From beginning to end, the Bible is the story of God loving and redeeming for himself a people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.

This unity is evidence of divine authorship and inspiration, further strengthening the Bible's reliability.

I believe the BIble because it is a reliable document written by eyewitnesses in the lifetime of other eyewitnesses that reveal specific prophesies that have been fulfilled. It was written by over 40 authors, from all walks of life, over 1500 years and yet tells from beginning to end the story of God.

The Word is Revolutionary

"...having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."

Finally, I believe the Bible because it has transformative power.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Only the word of God has the power to transform lives.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

It has the power to transform John Newton, a man-stealer and slave trader into a gospel hymn writer who proclaimed that God “saved a wretch like me” in his song Amazing Grace.

It has the power to redeem Rosario Butterfield, A former LGBTQ activist and professor, when she began reading the Bible and formed a friendship with a local pastor. Through this relationship and her exploration of Christianity, she found faith in Christ and now speaks openly about her journey, advocating for compassion and understanding within the church.

It has the power to turn a murderer like Ted Bundy, the one of the most prolific serial killers in American history into a man who proclaims the gospel.

It has the power to save Nicky Cruz, a gang leader in New York City, known for his violent lifestyle and rebellious spirit. He gave his life to Christ. He went on to become an influential speaker and author, sharing his story of transformation and the hope of the Gospel with countless others.

It has the power to take a sinner like you and save you today.

Only God’s Word has that power. Today you can have that same confidence.

I believe the Bible because it is a reliable document written by eyewitnesses in the lifetime of other eyewitnesses that reveals specific prophesies that have been fulfilled. It was written by over 40 authors, from all walks of life, over 1500 years and yet tells from beginning to end the story of God, and that story has the power to transform your life.

Do you believe that today?