A Series of Lessons made for the Edification

for the Northside Church of Christ.July 6/2014

Eric C

•Last Month:• The subject of God

Why I believe in God

Why the God of the Bible

Theistic Evolution

Who is God?

Our ThemeSeptember:

Give me the Bible What is the Bible? Is The Bible really inspired by God?

For centuries the Bible has

been under constant attack!

Many have fail to destroy the Bible even though they

have tried to do so with all their power!

All of them have died, and the Bible is

still alive!

Is The Bible Inspired?

• How do we know that the Bible, the book that you are holding in your hands, is inspired by God?

• Any proof?• Can you prove to

others that this is, in reality the book of God and not something created by men?

• How do we know that the this book is not from God?

• These people, (Mormons) argue that this is another Testament of Jesus Christ!

• Would you say that this book is from God then?

• Would you believe that God wrote another book for another people?

• Do we need the Qur’an in order to go to heaven?

Inspired?

• If the Bible is inspireda message “from God to us” then it must be heeded

• But, it was written by men. • Was their writings their own findings or

did God actually direct their the words?

Inspired?

• 2 Tim. 3:16,17NOTE: Writings is γραφή “graphe”, are inspired – NOT just the oral teachings!

Inspired?

2 Pet. 1:19-21“…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Character of the Bible

• Written by 40 different men from varied background, 3 languages, 3 continents, over 1600 years

• Prophecies and miracles• The influence of the Word, its accuracy,

“unexcelled moral tone”, brevity and calmness, etc.

From God to the Bible

God – PRIMAL authority Ac.17:22-24, Heb.1:1-2

- Jesus – DELEGATED authorityMatt. 28:18, Jn. 14:10, 24

Holy Spirit REVEALED the word John 14:24-26, 16:7-15

From God to the Bible

Apostles (inspired men) DELIVERED the word

Acts 2:1-4, 1 Cor. 2:9-12, Ac. 4:13, 2 Cor. 5:18-20

RECORDED for us1 Cor. 11:23, 14:37, Eph. 3:3-4, 2 Peter. 3:1-2, 1 John 4:6

From God to the Bible

God – PRIMAL authority –Ac.17:22-24

Jesus – DELEGATED authority Matt. 28:18

Holy Spirit REVEALED the word Jn. 14:24-26, 16:7-15 Apostles DELIVERED the word

Acts 2:1-4, 1 Cor. 2:9-12 RECORDED for us

1 Cor. 11:23, Eph. 3:3-4

The Bible is:• Complete –

2 Tim. 3:16,17• Irrevocable, unbreakable –

John 10:35, Luke 16:17• Inerrant –

Jn. 17:17, Psa. 19:7, 119:160

Can we Understand the Bible

• With all the different religions, does this mean we cannot understand the Bible?

• NO! We can understand the Bible and are expected to!

Can we Understand the Bible

• The Bible claims to be truth

• John 17:17 – the message is unmistakable.

• When you have 2 different views, both cannot be right!

Can we Understand the Bible

• Eph. 3:3-4 Paul explained “the mystery” so that they could understand

• Eph. 5:17, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Can we Understand the Bible

Matt. 4:4“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Can we Understand the Bible

• Speak the same thing!• 1 Cor. 1:10

• Philippians 2:2

How can we speak the same thing if we cannot understand?

Can we Understand the Bible

• Same thing taught in every church• 1 Cor. 4:17, 2 Pet. 3:15-16

• Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29, etc.

There was ONE message and it could be understood from congregation to congregation

Can we Understand the Bible

• Claims in scripture• 2 Tim. 3:16,17 – COMPLETE• 2 Pet. 1:3-4 – ALL things that pertain to

life and godliness

Can we Understand the Bible

• Why is there so much division?

• It is NOT about what God’s word says, but what it does NOT say!Faulty attitudesPoor study habits cf. Matt. 22:29, Jn. 3:10

Back to Basics

Do YOU understand what YOU are

reading?