FACTS ABOUT BIBLE

ON MONDAY THE CAMPAIGN STARTS. THOSE WHO WANT TO HELP ARE BEING ASKED TO BE HERE AT THE BUILDING NO LATER THAN 8:10. IF YOU NEED TO COME LATER, PLEASE CALL AND ARRANGEMENTS WILL MADE TO PARTNER YOU WITH SOMEONE AT A LATER TIME.

a) Today’s lesson covers some of the items that need to be communicated to non-Christians.

b) The first point is that the Bible is from God.

c) Our scripture reading was 2 Tim. 3:16.

d) Paul said scripture has been given by God.

2) In our Bibles we have 66 different books.

3) Each of these books has come from God.

4) This large number of books is consistent with a statement made in Jn. 16:13.

a) There is some special material in Jn. 14-17.

b) Many have gone to these four chapters and found several of Jesus’ promises.

c) Select promises are then applied to our day and time.

d) The problem with this is that much of this material was directed to the apostles.

e) Failing to recognize this fact leads to problems.

5) One of the promises made to the apostles is found in Jn. 16:13 - READ.

6) Jesus said the apostles would be guided into and receive “all the truth.”

7) If the Lord was right, all the religious truth God has for the world has been given.

8) If this truth was given to the apostles, what happened to it?

a) Was it recorded or not recorded?

b) Was all the truth given to the apostles somehow preserved?

c) The truth associated with the New Testament did come.

d) When the New Testament truths are combined with Old Testament truths, we have 66 books.

e) Each of these books makes an important contribution to God’s plan for saving man.

f) 2 Tim. 3:16 affirms the books we have are inspired by God.

9) One of the people who helped author the Bible was Peter.

10) Peter knew about the scriptures being inspired and about other Bible writers.

11) He knew about Paul’s writings because he said so in 2 Peter 3:15.

12) Peter was also familiar with what Jesus’ teachings because he had been part of the inner circle.

13) In the opening of his second epistle Peter made a fascinating statement.

a) This is what is said in 2 Pet. 1:3 – READ.

b) There are two main categories relative to life on earth: life (existence) and religion (godliness).

c) Peter said we have been given “all things” relating to these two areas.

d) Is this not consistent with what Jesus said in Jn. 16:13 (all truth)?

e) Where do we find Peter’s “divine power” that tells us about life and godliness?

f) God’s power is His word, Eph. 6:17 (the scriptures are the sword of the Spirit).

g) The Bible gives us all the truth, helps with the matters of life, and allows us to live godly lives.

h) Peter says the Bible is all we need.

i) Where is the information that is information?

IF THIS INFORMATION IS RIGHT, WE MIGHT EXPECT THE BIBLE TO SAY THAT THE SCRIPTURES ALONE ARE SUFFICIENT. NOTHING ELSE IS NEEDED IF WE HAVE GOD’S WORD.

a) This is exactly what we find in the New Testament.

b) As we study with people whether in this area or elsewhere, we want to tell them the truth exists.

c) All truth has been given by God so we have all the information necessary for life and religion.

d) Our follow-up verses to these facts are found in Gal. 1:8-9.

2) There were Christians a long time ago who found the truth.

3) They had all things for life and godliness but they became distracted.

4) They began to embrace some other things.

5) The person who taught them learned about what they were doing and sent them an inspired letter.

6) Here is what Paul said to them – READ Gal. 1:6-9.

7) God says there is only one gospel.

8) If we want to please Him, we must stay with what He has given and only His gospel.

a) As we share this information with others some respond, “Well, I just have a different belief.”

b) “I think my way is as good as your way.”

c) “I’m not sure it really matters that much to God.”

9) When I first became interested in Christianity I found a verse in the Old Testament.

10) Out of all the material in the OT I don’t know how I found it but it was a good passage to find.

11) This reference is Prov. 14:12.

a) The writer spoke about a way that “seems right.”

b) A certain course of action looks good, feels good, or is generally desirable.

c) The write added that this way leads to destruction.

d) There are ways that many find to be appealing.

e) Personal choice is a comfortable way to live.

f) God says these roads are the wrong roads to follow.

12) When feelings or personal beliefs and desire conflict with God’s word, we must make a choice.

13) The consequences of making a choice can be difficult, but knowing what to do is not hard.

14) In both testaments we are told that making our stand on the Word of God is right.

WHEN DISCUSSING THESE POINTS WITH SOMEONE THE NEXT COMMON OBJECTION IS THAT THE BIBLE IS A BOOK THAT IS UNDERSTOOD IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.

a) That is, no two people see it alike.

b) We have our interpretation; others have theirs.

2) Almost everyone in this room has heard this or a similar allegation.

3) If you have a pen and paper you may want to write down some verses.

4) These passages, if people will read them, can turn some heads.

a) The first one is in the Old Testament and it is easy to remember.

b) It is Deut. 29:29.

c) Here is what the writer said – READ.

5) The New Testament as well as the Old Testament is information “revealed” from God.

6) This verse says the people of Israel could “do all the words” in the law.

7) How could all the information in the law be done if it were not understood?

8) If God’s word means many different things to many different people, how could there have been harmony?

9) Such would be impossible if God’s word is really subject to a variety of interpretations.

10) Passage # 2 comes from the New Testament – Eph. 3:3-4.

a) Two words are important in this verse.

b) Paul said the Ephesians could “read” what he wrote (the Ephesian letter).

c) Not only could they read this letter, they could “understand” it.

11) Later in Eph. 5:17 Paul said these Christians could “understand the will of the Lord.”

12) A fourth passage is 1 Cor. 14:33; here Paul said God is not the author of confusion.

a) Most of us have seen circumstances where people could not agree.

b) The New Testament says God has authored the Bible (2 Tim. 3).

c) Unless 1 Cor. 14:33 is untrue, the Bible is not a book of confusion.

13) Rather, 2 Cor. 11:3-4 says that the matters relating to Christianity are “simple.”

14) How to become a Christian, live as a Christian, and worship as a Christian, are not difficult.

15) This needs to be the message that we present to our world, especially in the weeks to come.

16) We need to put our best foot forward for the effort that has been planned.

17) To those who have already helped in many ways, thank you.

18) To those who are just starting to get warmed up, this will be an experience you enjoy.

19) We have had someone teach us and now we have a great opportunity to teach others.

20) If we are not committed to that, let’s make that choice this morning.

21) For those who are not Christians, you too can make a choice.

22) You can decide that the Bible will be your absolute guide in life.