Questions
Is there a God?
Does my life have any meaning or does everything happen solely by chance?
How can I find the truth about life and death?
What will happen when I die?
Is the Bible truly the "inspired" Word of God or is it just the philosophical writings of a group of ancient men?
These questions occur to all of us at some point in our life. Our answers to these questions are vitally important
because they affect our goals, our relationships, our peace of mind and ultimately, our eternal destiny.
The Bible claims to be the inspired Word of God and declares that its message is absolutely true. Therefore,
it is of utmost importance that each of us determine for ourselves whether the Bible is truly the Word of God or not.
If the Bible is literally true and God does exist, then everyone of us will someday stand before God to be judged by
Him as to our eternal destiny which is heaven or hell. The Bible tells us that following our death we will give an
account to God about how we have responded to Jesus Christ and His offer of personal salvation.
On the other hand, if the Bible is untrue and God does not exist, then men are free to live as they please and
experience the consequences of their choices only in this world. The philosophy of "eat, drink and be merry for
tomorrow we die" is one logical response if man lives in a universe that has no God and no purpose.
The answer to this question, "Is the Bible truly the Word of God?" is of the greatest possible importance to every
human being whether we admit it or not. Our beliefs are the most important thing in our life because they
determine the decisions and the course of our life. If we change our deeply held beliefs we will change our
actions, our decisions and the direction of our life.
The History of the Bible
The Bible was written over a span of 1500 years, by over 40 writers.
Unlike other religious writings, the Bible reads as a factual news account of real events,
places, people, and dialogue. Historians and archaeologists have repeatedly confirmed its authenticity.
Using the writers' own writing styles and personalities,
God shows us who he is and what it's like to know him.
The name "Bible" is derived from the Greek word biblos, meaning "book." The "Book," actually composed of
sixty-six separate books, is a collection of ancient Hebrew and Christian writings, each complete in itself.
The order of these sixty-six books in the Old and New Testaments is a logical one, giving, in general a consecutive
history of mankind--from the story of creation in the first chaper of Genesis to the close of history foretold
in the book of the Revelation.
The Purpose of the Bible
The Bible not only inspires us, it explains life and God to us.
It does not answer all the questions we might have, but enough of them.
It shows us how to live with purpose and compassion. How to relate to others.
It encourages us to rely on God for strength, direction, and enjoy his love for us.
The Bible also tells us how we can have eternal life.
There is one central message consistently carried by all the writers of the Bible:
God, who created us all, desires a relationship with us. He calls us to know him and trust him.
The term scripture is used in the New Testament of the sacred books of the Old Testament which were regarded
as inspired.
The Bible Says...in 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and, training in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work,"
Another translation says...
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.
God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
The phrase, "Word of God," is used in the New Testament of both Old and New Testaments in written form. Each of these
terms refers to the Book par excellence, the unique and recognized record of God's revelation of men.
By some very obvious tests the Bible is a unique book. It was written over a period of 1,500 years by about 40
different authors, and yet it is one book without contradictions in what it says. And what it says is remarkable, for it
speaks with equal ease and authority of the know and unknowable, of the past and the future. Few books ever attempt
such scope: none is completely accurate except the Bible.
Very few books survive very long. Only a few survive past the first printing, and science books especially get out of date
in just a few years.
But one book is eternal. The Bible stands! Even its most ancient chapters are still accurate and up to date. Furthermore,
despite all the vicious attacks of both ancient pagans and modern humanists, it will continue to endure.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away"
Even after everything else dies and all the bombastic tirades of skeptics and secularists are long forgotten,
the Word endures.
The Bible says in Isaiah 40:8
"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever".
The Value of the Bible
Reading the Bible is a way Christians receive communication from God. Like checking your e-mail or voice mail
for messages, the Bible is where God allowed some of His thoughts to be written down for us to learn from Him.
Because the Bible contains God's thoughts, recorded by men under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is different
from any other book in the world. The Holy Spirit is at work any time a Christian reads the Bible, helping him or
her to understand what is written. Its much like having the author
of a book you are reading sitting beside you as you read their words.
That makes reading the Bible a very exciting venture for a Christian.
You never know what He is going to point out or help you learn next!
The Bible is full of answers about how we are to live.
The Bible says in Hebrews 4:12
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
The Bible can correct and judge our attitudes, and it also
gives great hope and encouragement to keep us going in the Christian life.
The Most Important Events
The most important event in the history of man is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The most
important fact in the life of mankind is the reality of God and His divine revelation to us through His Holy Word.
The most important decision in the life of any human is the choice they must make in regard to their personal faith
in Jesus Christ.
For more information on this important decision...go to...
The Good News
Another great man, Abraham Lincoln, wrote: "I believe that the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man.
All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through the book.
|
![[Bible]](pics/bible02.jpeg)