The Bible, The Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Introduction

Introduction

The Bible has long been under attack by those who reject it.

It is illegal in many countries and cultures

over the centuries people have died just for possessing one, or making copies of one

People like William Tyndale and John Wycliffe devoted their lives to making the bible accessible

By far the most important book ever written

without dispute, there has never been a writing in human history with more influence

most read book in history

all time best selling book, every year since there were books

Also the most controversial book

In recent days, the bible seems to be coming under attack not only from the outside, but also from the inside

We should not be surprised when unbelievers reject the Word

but lately, even many Christians no longer believe the bible

While 80% of Americans believe in God, only 24% believe the bible literally

Although 47% believe it is inspired by God

1. Is the Bible really the Word of God?

So many people in today’s world think of the bible as simply philosophical stories that someone imagined

Like the Greek gods, or other myths, stories to teach morals etc.

So then, why couldn’t they imagine a different story?

And those who won’t can be characterized as inflexible, unimaginative, small minded, or closed minded, etc.

Is the Bible really the Word of God?

2. If not, we are wasting our time

There are very few questions which could be of more importance

If not, we are wasting our time

3. If so, nothing else even compares in importance

If so, nothing else even compares in importance

B. We Believe the Bible to be the Verbally Inspired Word of God

We Believe the Bible to be the Verbally Inspired Word of God

C. Why?

Why? I would like to list but a few of the reasons

Body

Because of its Unity and Perfection

What a great library it is

1. What a great library it is!

a. Over 40 different authors

Over 40 different authors

b. Writing over a period of 1600 years

Writing over a period of 1600 years

All agreeing on one central theme

c. All agreeing on one central theme

What about the difference between the old and new testaments?

Isn’t God different in the old testament then the new?

Without contradiction, explains contradiction

Through the bible we see the character of God

Jesus Christ is the Word incarnate

2. Compared to any other literature, it is a giant

Compared to any other literature, it is a giant

The great classics shrink beside it

b. The books of the cults do not compare to it

The books of the cults do not compare to it

The book of Mormon, the Koran, and so many others

When any honest comparison is made, the others simply collapse beside it.

3. No contradictions. It is always right

No contradictions. It is always right

Because of its fulfilled Prophecy

So many prophecies

The empires of Daniel’s prophecy

a. The empires of Daniel’s prophecy

The fall of Babylon and rise of Persian Empire under Cyrus (Isa 45)

The return of Israel

b. The return of Israel and subsequent dispersion

Prophecies concerning Christ

2. Prophecies concerning Christ

a. His birth ()

His birth ()

b. The place of His birth ()

The place of His birth ()

His Incarnation (Isa. 9:6)

His rejection and death ()

c. His rejection and death ()

3. Prophecies concerning the last days

Prophecies concerning the last days

The return of the Jews to their homeland ()

b. The rise of Russia (, )

The increase of knowledge and mobility ()

Scoffers mocking His promised return looking to science falsely so called

the falling away from from the church

Ironically, many of those scoffing the bible in doing so are proving it.

and the things that are yet to come

Because of its Scientific Accuracy

The Bible is not primarily a book of science

Yet when it speaks on a scientific fact, it is right

Yet it speaks it is scientifically accurate

a. The creation of man (; )

The creation of man (; )

Scientists simply cannot create life

all theories of evolution are fantasy, and fall under the weight of their own absurdity.

b. Life in the blood ()

Yet the biblical account makes sense. It fits with the world we see around us.

Life in the blood ()

Numerous companies have gone bankrupt attempting to invent synthetic blood

Our government has spent many millions of dollars funding them

c. The roundness of the earth ()

The roundness of the earth ()

d. The earth in space () (hangs the earth on nothing)

The earth in space () (hangs the earth on nothing)

e. The rotation of the earth ()

The rotation of the earth ()

water, dinosaurs, and so much more.

Because its Accuracy is attested by Jesus Christ

“Heaven and earth may pass away but my words shall not pass away” ()

2. “The scripture cannot be broken” ()

“The scriptures must be fulfilled” ()

3. “The scriptures must be fulfilled” ()

Many things men disbelieve in the Bible are confirmed by Christ

4. Many things men disbelieve in the Bible are confirmed by Christ

The creation ()

a. The creation ()

Noah (

b. Noah (

Sodom ()

c. Sodom ()

Jonah ()

d. Jonah ()

Because of Jesus Himself

The Life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is proof of the Bible’s accuracy

Jesus Christ is completely incomparable to anyone else in the history of the world

not wealth, not a military leader, not a politician, not born into royalty, not a traveler of the world, wrote no books

How does such a man become significant at all?

Yet, we have the testimony of every available record, without contradiction, that He was

He lived

He was followed

He was rejected - By the politicians, the Religious, the Royalty, the wealthy, the sinners, and ultimately his own friends.

He was crucified and buried.

Now, how does that inspire anyone? It would have been over?

Yet, something happened after three days.

That something was the resurrection of Jesus. Without that event, nothing that followed could have happened.

Because it Works

My best reason for believing the Bible is becasue it changed me.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved” ()

Come and see! Come Taste and see that the Lord is Good!

2. A new creature ()

Those who seek Him will find Him

A new creature ()

3. Profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (, )

Profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (, )

Conclusion

Let the Word Work in You

receive His Word as Divine. Apply it by faith

Turn it Loose in Life

Dare to live by God’s Word and see what transformation is possible

Respond to its Teaching

Allow His word to direct you and redirect you in every area of you life