Common objections of the Bible: 1. The Bible has been disproven.
The New Testament has held up to stricter scrutiny than any other historical document.
"No archeological discovery has ever controverted(contradicted) a Biblical reference. Scores of archeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or in exact detail historical statements in the Bible." Dr. Nelson Glueck, Modern authority on Israeli archeology
2. The Bible is irrelevant and outdated. "Many want to construct a palatable and pliable Jesus so that they can fashion him to whatever lifestyle, ideology, or agenda they like."
3. The Bible is pro-slavery and anti-women
Described vs. prescribed
Jesus elevated and included women and promised freedom to captives.
4. Men wrote the Bible.
"God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick." -Unknown
"If God is involved with the Bible, it doesn't matter if men or monkeys wrote it, He can still guarantee the result He wants." -Greg Koukl
5. The Bible has changed. Luke 1:1–4 (NIV)1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
A. There are to many translations
A specific translation is not THE Word of God, but it contains it.
Modern translations have only been translated from the early manuscripts.
Translation say the same thing in a different way!
B. The Bible is not accurate.
Compared to other historical text the NT holds up to textural criticism more than any other historical document with overwhelming evidence.
“Textural Variants” .5%
"I went to the store to get some eggs that I needed."
"I needed eggs so I went to the store."
II. The 3 I's of scripture. 1. Inspired: God breathed out His message to men and moved them to record what He wanted. 2.Inherent: The originals were free of errors. 3.Infallibility: incapable of error or wrong.
Authority: If the scripture is reliable, it is authoritative as God's Word. The Bible today is just as authoritative as it was in the first century AD.
2 Timothy 3:14–17 (NLT) 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
If God said it, it does matter what I think, feel, or justify. He is the higher authority.
Hebrews 4:12–13 (NLT) 12 For the Word of God is alive and powerful. (living and active) It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
God has spoken, so where is the Lie?
The written Word leads us to Word made Flesh.
John 5:36–40 (NLT) 36 I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, 38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you. 39 "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.
John 6:63–64 (NIV) 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe."
Bible reading tips
Don't read the Bible saying God, what do you have for me? instead read it saying, "Who are you Lord?"
Never read A verse.
It's a marathon, not a sprint- Read it slow.
Movement 21
Exegesis and Eisegesis: Exegesis: "to lead out of." That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text. Eisegesis: "to lead into," which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants.
