Why we can trust the Bible - Introductio

Why it makes Sense to Trust the Bible : 

Why it makes Sense to Trust the Bible Introduction to Series

Imagine… : 

Imagine… You have discovered a very old book It is in writing that you cannot read, so you get it translated It is about things you have never heard of What will you do with it?

Your Investigation seeks to answer the following … : 

Your Investigation seeks to answer the following … Does it sound real or fictional? Can any of it be proven? Are there secrets that it explains? Is there wisdom and advice that can be used? Does it contradict itself or is it consistent? Is it relevant to me?

We will investigate the Bible : 

We will investigate the Bible We will follow a series of investigations. The point of debate is: Can we trust the Bible?

Following the Facts : 

Following the Facts The author of these slides is a qualified and practicing scientist. He has been taught to follow proven fact. He has always used this approach when evaluating if the Bible is true or whether it is a work of fiction. The Bible shares this approach. In 1 Thessalonians 5 v 21 it says: “Prove all things.” We should use its own advice when we look at the Bible itself. We should use the same approach when we look at science. We should stick with proven facts and avoid unproven opinion. There are far less proven facts than opinions. We all owe it to ourselves to build our opinions about the big issues of life based on facts - not fiction.

A Word of Caution : 

A Word of Caution We will not find total and absolute proof of everything, whether we look in science books or the Bible. However, we will find plenty of facts. We should base our opinions on facts that are provable. When we have enough facts to support opinions, then we should adopt our opinions. We do this for many things in our life – opinions about countries, people, social issues, political issues, health issues, etc. How many facts we consider before we make our own opinion is up to us.

A Court of Law : 

A Court of Law Imagine that you are a judge sitting in a court of law. It is your decision that counts in the case before you. The case you are dealing with is: “Can we trust the Bible?” You must decide whether there is a sufficient evidence for the case or not. This is a decision of fundamental importance to you. Because, on this decision, you will base your life choices about whether to take the Bible seriously or not. And this is a life-changing decision. This case should therefore have your full attention.

The Areas we will look at - : 

The Areas we will look at - Documentary Evidence for the Old Testament Documentary Evidence for the New Testament Archaeology – Are the names and events real? The Origins of Man –Does it hold up? The Bible message itself – is it consistent and believable? Prophecies about Bible Nations Prophecies about today. Does that still hold?

The Summary of the Investigation : 

The Summary of the Investigation At the end, we will review the ground we have covered, and make appropriate conclusions. We will remain dealing with facts all the way through. We do need to come back to the court room scene and make an opinion. The purpose of this is to decide whether the Bible is true and deserves to be taken seriously in our lives. Remember, that the decision you make is what is important. No other opinion counts.