A.8 How do I know if the Bible is true?
What questions do you have about the Bible’s authenticity?
What questions do you have about the Bible’s authority?
A Story
Jose was in class, and he questioned the group. “How can I trust this book the Bible? I have heard it has all kinds of errors and contradictions.“ Jose was not alone in questioning the validity of the Bible. Is it a book of myths? Do we have any evidence of the Bible’s authenticity? We shared with Jose that some don’t believe it because they don’t want to. Others have had experiences with people who believe in the Bible, yet their lives are in shambles. We asked him if he felt like his reasons for questioning were well thought out. Dale, responded, “I have never had anyone explain it to me to help me believe.” We shared our stories and helped him take steps in his journey toward truth. The Bible is an amazing book that claims to be God’s inspired word. Either it is or it isn’t. There is much evidence for its reliability that is expressed in an excellent book called EVIDENCE THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT by Josh McDowell. If you need to strengthen your intellectual foundation of the Bible’s origin and historical and archeological evidence, you will find help in this book.
Digging Into The Bible
One verse that has been very helpful is John 7:17. Jesus in this Book written by one of his disciples is traveling about and speaking about what God has told him to say in proclaiming His Kingdom. He had some folks question whether his teaching was from God or not. He gave them these thoughts:
(John 7:17)
“Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”
Discussion & Discovery
- What is the choice one has to make to know whether this teaching is from God?
- How does one demonstrate that he has chosen to do the Will of God?
- What will he know if he chooses to do the will of God?
Application & Accountability
- What steps can you take to grow in your understanding and confidence in the Bible?
- How will you proceed to grow in your trust in the Bible?
- Can you think of any situation where you have told God you want to do His will? Would you like to pray that now and tell him you trust Him?
- How will you record your discoveries of truth?