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Lesson S-1 - Is the Bible God's Word?Introduction: The Bible says that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God," for "prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).The claim of the Bible is that it is the word of the living God, written by human penmen, to the inhabitants of earth. How can we know that this claim of the Bible is true? 1. What element is essential in order for us to believe the Bible? Hebrews 11:3, 6 (Hebrews 11:3 NKJV) "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." [Note: Not only the Bible testimony but most of our learning has been received through faith. As children, our parents showed us a ball and said, "This is a ball." We learned because we had faith in their word. Most of us have not been to Mongolia, but we believe it exists because we have faith in the authorities who have told us. Many people reject the Bible because of their belief in evolution, but evolution itself can be believed only on the basis of faith in someone's interpretation of selected evidence. The Further-study verse is Heb. 4:2] 2. What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV) "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." [Ans: Faith is evidence, for it is founded upon evidence. God does not bypass the human mind. He says, "Come now, and let us reason together" (Isa. 1:18). God gives sufficient evidence upon which to honestly base our faith. But faith is founded upon evidence of things which are not seen with natural sight. We cannot see the wind, but we can see the evidences of the wind. Rom. 8:24, 25] 3. What is one evidence that God has given us on which we can base our faith? Isaiah 45:18-21 (Isaiah 45:18-21 NKJV) "For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: "I am the LORD, and there is no other. {19} I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, 'Seek Me in vain'; I, the LORD, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. {20} "Assemble yourselves and come; Draw near together, You who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, Who carry the wood of their carved image, And pray to a god that cannot save. {21} Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me." [Ans: The God of the Bible claims to be the only God, the Creator of heaven and earth. As evidence, He says He has foretold current happenings "from ancient times." 2 Peter 1:19] 4. What knowledge does God alone have? Isaiah 46:9, 10 (Isaiah 46:9-10 NKJV) "Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, {10} Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'" [Note: In the lessons following in this series, we will note prophecies that foretold accurately events happening thousands of years later. We will note prophecies of Greece, Rome, and Europe, in some cases giving the specific dates for certain events. The Bible also describes the events and conditions of today. John 14:29] 5. What conditions does the Bible predict will prevail in society today? 2 Timothy 3:1-4 (2 Timothy 3:1-4 NKJV) "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: {2} For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, {3} unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, {4} traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God," [Note: Sin has always existed in society, but the conditions described in our text will increase in the last days. Matt. 24:37-39; Gen. 6:5] 6. What international conditions does the Bible picture for the last days? Matthew 24:6, 7 (Matthew 24:6-7 NKJV) ""And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. {7} "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places." [ Rev. 11:18] 7. In the midst of calamities, violence, and threats of war, for what will many people be seeking and predicting? 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3 (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 NKJV) "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. {3} For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape." [ Rev. 18:7, 8] 8. What religious conditions will prevail in the last days? 2 Peter 3:3-7 (2 Peter 3:3-7 NKJV) "knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, {4} and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." {5} For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, {6} by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. {7} But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." [Ans. Men and women will scoff at the faith of Christians, denying the evidences of creation and the flood. They will claim that all things continue in a uniform process of evolution that cannot be, and has not been, changed. Luke 18:8; Rom. 1:19-22] 9. While the moral conditions of society are deteriorating, while efforts to reduce international tensions are preoccupying us, and while evolution is replacing belief in creation, what will suddenly happen to earth? 2 Peter 3:10-13 (2 Peter 3:10-13 NKJV) "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. {11} Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, {12} looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? {13} Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." 10. How can we be preserved from the coming destruction? John 3:16 (John 3:16 NKJV) ""For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." [ Ps. 91:1, 2, 7-10; 27:1-5; John 6:39, 40] 11. From whom do we receive the gift of faith, which we must have in order to believe and be saved? Romans 12:3 (Romans 12:3 NKJV) "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." [ Heb. 12:2; Mark 9:24; James 1:5, 17] 12. Through what process does God develop faith? Romans 10:14, 17 (Romans 10:14 NKJV) "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:17 NKJV) "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." [ 1 Cor. 1:21-24; Matt. 24:14] 13. How only can we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? John 6:44, 45 (John 6:44-45 NKJV) ""No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. {45} "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." [Only those who have learned from the Father can believe on Jesus Christ. As we ask God to teach us, while studying the Bible and opening our minds to the evidences of His presence, He will teach us; He will give us faith; and we will be drawn to Christ as our Savior. John 20:31; Mark 16:17] 14. What invitation does God give to each one of us? Psalms 34:8 (Psalms 34:8 NKJV) "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Commitment: To be understood, the Bible must be studied from a higher standpoint than mere human logic. There must also be the element of conviction from God and an exercise of faith. In His Word, God has given abundant evidence upon which to base our faith in Him. We have looked at one evidence-He can foretell the future. The greatest evidence is the abiding presence of Christ within one's life. God is fair. He says, "Taste and see" for yourself (Ps. 34:8). You do not have to rely on another's faith. His promise is that "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13). Will you give God a chance to demonstrate His goodness in your life?
Further Study Verses:Question 1 - Further Study: (Hebrews 4:2 NKJV) "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." -->Back to Study Question 2 - Further Study: (Romans 8:24-25 NKJV) "For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? {25} But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance." -->Back to Study Question 3 - Further Study: (2 Peter 1:19 NKJV) "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;" -->Back to Study Question 4 - Further Study: (John 14:29 NKJV) ""And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe." -->Back to Study Question 5 - Further Study: (Matthew 24:37-39 NKJV) ""But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. {38} "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, {39} "and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." (Genesis 6:5 NKJV) "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." -->Back to Study Question 6 - Further Study: (Revelation 11:18 NKJV) "The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth."" -->Back to Study Question 7 - Further Study: (Revelation 18:7-8 NKJV) ""In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.' {8} "Therefore her plagues will come in one day; death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her." -->Back to Study Question 8 - Further Study: (Luke 18:8 NKJV) ""I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"" (Romans 1:19-22 NKJV) "because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. {20} For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, {21} because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. {22} Professing to be wise, they became fools," -->Back to Study Question 9 - Further Study: (Luke 21:34-35 NKJV) ""But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. {35} "For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth." -->Back to Study Question 10 - Further Study: (Psalms 91:1-10 NKJV) "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. {2} I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." {3} Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. {4} He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. {5} You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, {6} Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. {7} A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. {8} Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. {9} Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, {10} No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;" (Psalms 27:1-5 NKJV) "The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? {2} When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. {3} Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, In this I will be confident. {4} One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. {5} For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock." (John 6:39-40 NKJV) ""This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. {40} "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."" -->Back to Study Question 11 - Further Study: (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV) "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Mark 9:24 NKJV) "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"" (James 1:5 NKJV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all
liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Question 12 - Further Study: (1 Corinthians 1:21-24 NKJV) "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. {22} For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; {23} but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, {24} but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." (Matthew 24:14 NKJV) ""And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." -->Back to Study Question 13 - Further Study: (John 20:31 NKJV) "but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (Mark 16:17 NKJV) ""And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;" -->Back to Study Question 14 - Further Study: (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV) ""Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. {29} "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."" -->Back to Study
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