2008-09-07_Can We Trust The Bible_various_SL

Can We Trust the Bible?

Various   |   Shaun LePage   |   September 7, 2008

I.       Introduction

A.    In Genesis 1-2 we have paradise. A perfect world—joy, happiness, food, love and marriage. Chapter 3, everything changes. Mankind is plunged into sin and all its consequences—shame, strife, pain, problems and death. How did it happen? Where did the enemy attack? Look at Genesis 3:1-4. The enemy first caused the woman to question God’s word. Then, he flat out accused God of lying.

B.    There is nothing new under the sun. Whether from an A&E expose’ on the mysteries of the Bible or a fictional novel that suggests that Jesus was married and fathered children or a university professor who lumps the resurrection of Christ into a pile of resurrection myths—the voices sound new, but are really the same old whisper: “Indeed, has God said…?”

C.    Since that day back in the garden, God’s Word has been questioned. In whatever form it has come to us—stone tablets, papyrus sheets, voices of the prophets or a voice from heaven. The attack has always been the same: God’s Word can’t be trusted. God’s Word is a lie.

D.    In a very real way, I can think of no more important question to ask than, “Can We Trust the Bible?”

E.     The outline this morning may look somewhat complex, but my hope is that when we are done you will be able to use it as a tool to walk others through a Biblical answer to the question. In fact, I hope you will be able to use this tool not just today or this week but any time in the future. No blanks to fill in, just a flow chart to help you follow my train of thought.

F.     I want to acknowledge the work of Ken Boa and Larry Moody—this outline was adapted from their book called I’m Glad You Asked. I encourage you to read the entire book.

G.    Across the top of the sheet you have three common answers to this question. My hope is that we can walk through this entire overview this morning, then come back and dig into a few of the more important and misunderstood issues in the next few weeks.

H.    But, let’s start with the ending…Let’s start with why I am convinced that there is no more important question we can ask than, “Can We Trust the Bible?” Let’s look at the implications (under “The Bible can be trusted”)

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