can we count on the bible? (1) introduction is the bible inspired?
TRANSCRIPT
Can We Count On
The Bible? (1)INTRODUCTION
Is the Bible Inspired?
Why This Study?• People are interested • Our confidence in the Bible
relates to how we will approach it• Are we sure it IS the Word of
God? 2 Tim. 2:15“Rightly divide”, Prov. 3:6, 11:5 cf. Rev. 22:18-19, Deut. 12:32
Why This Study?• God’s word the standard of
Judgment – Rom. 2:16, John 5:24-29, 12:48• We live in a society that doubts
and assaults the integrity of the Bible – Can we answer?• Can you defend the word of
God to those you are trying to teach? 1 Peter 3:15
Why This Study?• Because we don’t have to
blindly deny the things critics say. We CAN prove it!• Eph. 5:172 Pet. 1:16 1 Thess. 1:5
IN this study:• We shall see that the Bible IS
inspired• We will examine claims the
Bible makes• How do we know the 66 books
we have are the exclusive word of God?• Is the Bible we have accurate?
IN this study:• Are there errors in
interpretation?• We will examine terms and
sources related to inspiration: I.e. What about the Apocrypha, Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls, The “Church Fathers”, Canon, etc.?
IN this study:• How was the Bible translated?• How did we get our English
Bible?• Why so many English
translations? What’s the differences? Does it matter which one(s) we use?
The Bible:• From Greek word, βιβλίον
(Biblion), meaning a book or scroll.• Found 32 times in NT and
180+ times in LXX• In our language the word is
watered down.
Our definition: What we accept to be
the word of God revealedThe 66 books of the Old
and New Testaments
Inspiration• θεόπνευστος, theophneustos
Means, “God breathed”• 2 Tim. 2:16• That which was divinely
directed by God to be spoken and written.
InspirationThe Bible claims inspiration• “Thus says the Lord”• Exodus 24:3-4• Isa. 1:2• 1 Cor. 14:37• Eph. 3:3-5• 1 Cor. 2:10-13• 1 Tim. 4:1
InspirationScriptures claim truth
•Psalm 119:128, 151• John 17:17• Eph. 4:21
InspirationScriptures claim perfection• 2 Tim. 3:16,17•Psalm 19:7-9• James 1:17, 25• John 10:35
InspirationScriptures claim perfection• 2 Tim. 3:16,17•Psalm 19:7-9• James 1:17, 25• John 10:35
InspirationScriptures claim completion• 2 Pet. 1:3• Jude 3•Gal. 1:6-9
InspirationMen spoke as moved by
Holy spirit• 2 Pet. 1:19-21• cf. Num. 22:18, 24:13-14• Gal 1:12• John 16:13-14
Uniqueness of BibleUnique in Unity
• Written over 1600 years• By 40 authors including political
leaders, fishermen, kings, shepherds, prisoners, etc.• Written in palaces, wilderness,
a dungeon, prison, traveling, etc.
Uniqueness of BibleUnique in Unity
•Written during peace time and war•Written on 3 continents –
Europe, Asia & Africa• Written in 3 languages –
Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek
Uniqueness of BibleUnique in Unity
• YET, it’s message one of complete unity from one end to the other•Genesis 3 records Paradise
lost while Revelation 21-22 records Paradise regained.
Uniqueness of BibleUnique in Circulation
• In 2002 (UBS statistics), complete Bible in 392 languages, with portions in 2287 languages and dialects• #1 Best seller of all times and
at any time• Between 1816 and 1992, more
than 6 BILLION copies sold!
Uniqueness of BibleUnique in its survival
• It’s preservation treated with great care• It has withstood persecutions
and attempts to destroy it• It has survived intense
criticisms and assaults
Uniqueness of BibleUnique in its influence
• NO book in all of history has had the influence of the Bible• It influenced our founding
documents and those of many nations.• Jesus, the central figure of
history AND the Bible• 1 Pet. 1:23-25
Considering the claims and influence
of the Bible…
…Let us resolve to take it seriously and be firmly
persuaded of its message.