Accuracy and Impact of the Bible: God Speaks

The following is a lesson in a historical and faithful study
beginning at 7:00 pm on Wednesdays.
at the church of Christ in Carthage, Missouri, south of the Ford dealership
PLEASE JOIN US!

The Bible Self-Identifies

If God inspires the words in our Book of Books, would He also allow us to be missing parts of it?  If we have the whole of Scripture, it is no wonder that we are instructed not to add to it or take away from it, but what of latter day revelations?

Chapter 18 of Neil Lightfoot's book, How We Got the Bible, approaches the Bible's claims about itself.  We understand that this chapter contains claims that any self-respecting atheist who denies the Bible will also deny Its claims about Itself.  Still, with a look forward to evidence that does address the unbeliever's debate points, we pause in Chapter 18 to recognize the reasons why we desire to increase our faith.

We must realize, here at the beginning of our study, that we believe the entirety of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, is inspired by God through His Spirit, but what does that mean?

God's Communication Has Changed

In the first days, God spoke directly to people.  Some examples:

Genesis 2:  Adam (conversation)
Genesis 4:  Cain (conversation)
​Genesis 6:  Noah (conversation)
Genesis 12:  Abraham (conversation)
Genesis 15:  Abraham (vision)
Genesis 28:  Jacob (dream)

Exodus 3:  Moses (burning bush)
Exodus 20:  Moses (10 Commandments)
1 Samuel 3:  Samuel (conversation)
Luke 1:  Zechariah (Angel Gabriel)
Luke 1:  Mary (Angel Gabriel)
Acts 9:  Saul/Paul (conversation)

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Today, God speaks to us through His inspired Word.
​Chapter 18  of our ​How We Got the Bible offers the following passages for our consideration:

The Teachings of Christ:
​Inspiration of the Old Testament:
Inspired by the Spirit of God:​
​​Jesus and the Law of Moses:
​Authority of the Apostles:
​The Church Acknowledges Paul's Authority:
Apostles Speak the Word of God:

Mark 13:31
​2 Timothy 3:16f
​2 Peter 1:19-21​
Matthew 5:27-48
​Matthew 16:19 (cf. 18:18); John 20:23
​​1 Corinthians 14:37
​1 Thessalonians 2:13

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What is Inspiration?

When we use the word inspiration, two definitions come to mind.  One is a common use for the word - that we are encouraged or motivated by something.  It brings with it a meaning of pushing one's self forward because of something that has been said or done.  The other definition may be similar, but is one of different origin.

When we claim that the Bible is inspired, it is important for us to understand that the source of the inspiration is the very Spirit of God.  That Spirit, according to claims made in the Bible itself, inspired - gave particular knowledge and encouragement to approximately 40 men to record words directly "dictated" by the God's intentions.

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Communication Technology Changes

PAST
Written Letters
Pony Express
Telegraph

PRESENT
​Telephone
Email / Text Messaging
​Smart Phone / FaceTime

FUTURE
Holographic Interface
​Instantaneous Transportation
Telepathy / Medical Implants

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Does God Communicate with Us Outside of the Bible?

• ​origins of the text
• extrabiblical history
• the faith of martyrs
• ​logic​

• archeology
• geography
• geology

• chemistry
• astronomy
• biology

• physics
• mathematics
• and more

Much of the archaeological evidence has been revealed in the past 50 years.  Is it a coincidence that the tablets, cylinders, stelae, steps, engravings, relief carvings, and murals were done on materials that would withstand the passing of time AND that modern technology is just recently bringing these items into the light and confirming that they are authentic?  Might the dual timing a part of the Providence of God at a time when people are more skeptical of faith and in need of more physical evidence?

Art Appreciation

Analyze the artwork (right).  Look for the details.

• What do you notice?
• What do you think is happening?
• What caused the scene in the painting?
• What might happen after the scene shown?
• What does this piece make you wonder?

George Washington and Providence

On many occasions, George Washington claimed that Providence was responsible for his success - whether in attack, in retreat, or in the throes of battle.

See the publication below (transcribed at right).  What do you notice about George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation?

Below are some other quotes from our first president:

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
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Go: Washington

Faith and the Founders

George wasn't the only one who cited Deity and expressed his belief in the Providence of the Almighty God in his writings.  Others, too, called for the repentance of the nation.  If you would like to learn more about the founders of our nation and their opinions about God and His Providence, try the Apologetics Press series, "America's Most Pressing Concern", by Dave Miller.  The first video in the series is here (right).

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Speaking of George Washington

It may come as a surprise to many to know that George Washington was twice "baptized".​  According to his mother's Bible, he was christened by sprinkling when was not quite two years old.  This was done in the orthodox Episcopal manner, and when he reached the age of 33, he took an oath to conform to the doctrine of the Church of England.

During Washington's life, Baptists and Methodists were becoming more and more evangelical.  During this period George commented to the chaplain of the Continental Army, John Gano, "I have been investigating Scripture, and I believe immersion to be the baptism taught in the Word of God, and I demand it at your hands.  I do not wish any parade made or the Army called out, but simply a quiet demonstration of the ordinance."  Then, in the presence of forty-two witnesses, George Washington was immersed in the Potomac River.

​It is interesting to note that John Gano was a Baptist minister.  His son, also named John, became a preacher in the early days of the Restoration Movement, and his son, R. M. Gano, became a highly successful and popular preacher.  He was an early leader in the church in Dallas and is said to have baptized thousands of converts in his long ministry.

​The Big Questions

Our focus for this study hinges on answering these two big questions.  The goal is to get closer to the answers each week in our class.

How did we we get the Bible?
Is the Bible accurate and dependable?

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​Application Question

​How important is it?

Is it important to you that the Bible comes from reliable sources, or is it just a collection of wise sayings and advice for living?  Many atheists agree that there is wisdom in the teachings of Jesus Christ, but they do not believe that Jesus is a Messiah, that He performed miracles, that He walked out of His own grave, or that He prepares a place where His faithful disciples will be rewarded for eternity.

​So how important is it to you that the Bible can be proven true?  Do you believe there is irrefutable evidence to its validity?  Is proof something that strengthens your personal faith in the existence of God?

Should faith alone be enough to drive you to drive you to your knees?  Is "blind" faith a stronger kind of faith?  If so, then why did God provide so much evidence?

Go forward with us - or in this case, back to the beginning - as we continue our study next time.