14
May '20
Reasons to Believe
14
May '20
Text: Luke 24:27
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Introduction: Can you trust the Bible? Is there proof? Where’s the evidence? While many today claim it’s outdated and irrelevant, and just a book written by men, how would you defend (give an ANSWER – apologia – logical defense -1 Pet 3:15) your FAITH in God’s WORD? (5) REASONS to BELIEVE:
1. Because the Bible is PROPHETICALLY ACCURATE! (Luke 24:27)
” And beginning at Moses and the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” {Just a few out of hundreds}
• Predicted ride on a donkey (Zech 9:9)- fulfilled (Luke 19:35-37)
• Predicted betrayed by 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12)- fulfilled (Matt 26:15)
• Predicted 70 years of captivity for Jews (Jer 25:11)- fulfilled (Dan 9:3; 2 Chron 36:21; Ezra 1)
• Predicted Jesus (Messiah’s) death (Dan 9:26; Is 53:1-12)- fulfilled (Luke 23:32-47)
” And beginning at Moses and the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” {Just a few out of hundreds}
• Predicted ride on a donkey (Zech 9:9)- fulfilled (Luke 19:35-37)
• Predicted betrayed by 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12)- fulfilled (Matt 26:15)
• Predicted 70 years of captivity for Jews (Jer 25:11)- fulfilled (Dan 9:3; 2 Chron 36:21; Ezra 1)
• Predicted Jesus (Messiah’s) death (Dan 9:26; Is 53:1-12)- fulfilled (Luke 23:32-47)
2. Because of the RELIABILITY of the Bible! (2 Tim 3:16).
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…”
• “Inspiration” is theopnuemotos – God breathed.
• “All” means every single part of the whole – from Genesis to Revelation
• “Scripture” is graphe – writings
• “Inspiration” is theopnuemotos – God breathed.
• “All” means every single part of the whole – from Genesis to Revelation
• “Scripture” is graphe – writings
3. Because the Bible is ARCHAEOLOGICALLY supported! (Heb 4:12)
” The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
• “Quick” is zoean which means zoo – alive
• Dead Sea scrolls – verify
• Artifacts – coins, etc.
” The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
• “Quick” is zoean which means zoo – alive
• Dead Sea scrolls – verify
• Artifacts – coins, etc.
4. Because of the CREDIBILITY of Jesus! (John 5:39)
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
• Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:9, etc.) and demonstrated
• Jesus affirmed the Scriptures (Luke 24:27)
• Others said He was God (Peter, John, Paul, etc.)
• Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:9, etc.) and demonstrated
• Jesus affirmed the Scriptures (Luke 24:27)
• Others said He was God (Peter, John, Paul, etc.)
5. Because of the TESTIMONY of the martyrs! (2 Pet 1:16-21)
Even though Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus – His miracles – he testifies & emphasizes how much MORE important are the Scriptures! “For we have not followed cunning devised fables….we have a more sure word of prophecy…no private interpretation…for prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
• “Moved” by the Holy Ghost( 2 Pet 1:21). The word “moved” is pherosen – picked up and carried. The thought is a sail boat being blown by the wind.
• “Private interpretation” is the word epiluseo – a right way and a wrong way, unpack it correctly, proper meaning.
Even though Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus – His miracles – he testifies & emphasizes how much MORE important are the Scriptures! “For we have not followed cunning devised fables….we have a more sure word of prophecy…no private interpretation…for prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
• “Moved” by the Holy Ghost( 2 Pet 1:21). The word “moved” is pherosen – picked up and carried. The thought is a sail boat being blown by the wind.
• “Private interpretation” is the word epiluseo – a right way and a wrong way, unpack it correctly, proper meaning.
Conclusion: The case is made! The Word of God stands… and you can stand on it! God’s purpose for giving us His Word is that we might believe in Him in a personal way because “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17).
Our challenge is to…
LEARN it,
LOVE it, and most importantly
LIVE it!
Love y’all,
LEARN it,
LOVE it, and most importantly
LIVE it!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese