is the bible reliable?. giving evidence i was there. i saw it happen

Is the Bible reliable?

Is the Bible reliable?

Giving evidenceI was there.I saw it happen.

Is the Bible reliable?

“The cyclist was wearing a dark navy jacket.”

“The cyclist had his hand out to turn left.”

Is the Bible reliable?

Giving evidenceWe were there.We saw it happen.

Is the Bible reliable?

“He was wearing a black anoraka green jacketWas it a coat?I couldn’t see what he

was wearing.“He was going straight ahead.He made some hand movement.He was riding carefully.His back light was bright.

Is the Bible reliable?

Who would you believe: one, or four?

Is the Bible reliable?

Many witnesses mean details may differ. But many witnesses are more reliable than only one witness.

Is the Bible reliable?

Many witnesses mean details may differ. But many witnesses are more reliable than only one witness.The facts: There was an accident

The cyclist was hit by the carThe cyclist was injured

Is the Bible reliable?

1. Were the Bible writers reliable? - The Text

2. Is the Bible we have today reliable? - The Translations

3. Is the Bible reliable for me?- The Bible in my life

Is the Bible reliable?

1. Were the Bible writers reliable? - The Text

• More evidence – the Dead Sea Scrolls• More context – papyri• Less prejudice – the Oral Tradition

Is the Bible reliable?

1. Were the Bible writers reliable? - The Text

• More evidence – the Dead Sea Scrolls, 1946-56

Is the Bible reliable?

1. Were the Bible writers reliable? - The Text

• More evidence – the Dead Sea Scrolls• More context – papyri: only 9 in 1900, now 127.

Is the Bible reliable?

1. Were the Bible writers reliable? - The Text

• More evidence – the Dead Sea Scrolls• More context – papyri• Less prejudice – the Oral Tradition

Is the Bible reliable?

1. Were the Bible writers reliable? - The Text

2. Is the Bible we have today reliable? - The Translations

Is the Bible reliable?

1. Were the Bible writers reliable? - The Text

2. Is the Bible we have today reliable? - The Translations

Word for Word MeaningKJV/AV ESV NIV Good News, CEV

Is the Bible reliable?

Word for Word MeaningKJV/AV ESV NIV Good News, CEV

There’s no such thing as a ‘totally literal’ translation

Exodus 11.8, ESV:Moses went out from Pharoah in hot anger

Is the Bible reliable?

‘Moses went out from Pharoah in hot anger’ Literally “in heat of nose”

Is the Bible reliable?

‘Moses went out from Pharoah in hot anger’ Literally “in heat of nose”

Pharaoh was a “nosey heat” person

Is the Bible reliable?

1. Were the Bible writers reliable? - The Text

2. Is the Bible we have today reliable? - The Translations

Word for Word MeaningKJV/AV ESV NIV Good News, CEV

It all depends who it’s for

Is the Bible reliable?

1. Were the Bible writers reliable? - The Text

2. Is the Bible we have today reliable? - The Translations

3. Is the Bible reliable for me?- The Bible in my life

Is the Bible reliable?

Is the Bible reliable for me: the Bible in my life

Listen – Read – Study - Memorise – Meditate

Is the Bible reliable?

Is the Bible reliable for me: the Bible in my life

Listen – Read – Study - Memorise – Meditate

Listen: ‘the public reading of Scripture’ 1 Timothy 4.13

Read: ‘I understood from the Scriptures’ Daniel 9.2 Study: ‘studying the Scriptures daily’ Acts 17.11

Memorise: ‘These words shall be on your hearts’ Deut 6.6

Meditate: ‘Meditate on it day and night’ Joshua 1.8

Is the Bible reliable?

Is the Bible reliable for me: the Bible in my life

Listen – Read – Study - Memorise – Meditate

How?

[Don’t beat up on yourself…]

Is the Bible reliable?

Is the Bible reliable for me: the Bible in my life

Listen – Read – Study - Memorise – Meditate

How?

Feel the need Make the time

Set a place

Is the Bible reliable?

Is the Bible reliable for me: the Bible in my life

Listen – Read – Study - Memorise – Meditate

It’s not, “What do I make of the Bible?”But, “What does the Bible make of me?”