*Episode Summary:*

In this enriching episode of "Dazed and Apologized," Pastor Scott Hand takes on the formidable task of addressing common questions and doubts about the Bible — "Isn't the Bible full of contradictions?", "How do you know the Bible is true?" and "Is the Bible reliable?" This is part two of a two-part series, where in the first part, Pastor Hand delved into textual criticism and the historical reliability of biblical manuscripts. In this episode, he shifts focus towards practical approaches for engaging in conversations about the Bible’s validity, particularly for Christians aiming to answer questions from inquisitive friends, family, and colleagues.

Pastor Hand expertly recommends leveraging the Bible’s content about itself, with confidence, citing verses such as Psalm 119:89, John 17:17, and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to affirm its reliability. Addressing the claim of circular reasoning, he explains how the Bible, with its 66 books written over 1500 years by 40 different authors in three languages across three continents, stands as a unique literary work. This context provides a robust foundation for understanding its divine inspiration and coherence. Pastor Hand shares insightful strategies such as challenging skeptics to present specific contradictions and encourages reading the Bible together, fostering deeper engagement with the text.

*Key Takeaways:*

* **Textual Reliability of the Bible**: The Bible, especially the New Testament, boasts an unrivaled number of manuscripts and a short time gap between the originals and earliest copies, affirming its accuracy.

* **Biblical Self-Affirmation**: Verses like Psalm 119:89, John 17:17, and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 assert the Bible’s enduring truth and reliability from multiple authors across centuries.

* **Unique Composition**: Written over 1500 years by more than 40 authors in three languages across three continents, the Bible’s coherence and continuity highlight its divine orchestration.

* **Addressing Contradictions**: Effective strategies include asking skeptics to specify contradictions and working through these with historical, cultural, and contextual understanding.

* **Engaging with Skeptics**: Inviting curious individuals to read and discuss the Bible together facilitates personal engagement with its teachings and dispels misconceptions.

*Notable Quotes:*

1. "Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens." - Psalm 119:89

2. "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." - John 17:17

3. "The Bible is 66 books written by 40 different authors over a span of 1500 years." - Pastor Scott Hand

4. "The Bible stands alone. It is amazing in its creation and in how it has been preserved." - Pastor Scott Hand

5. "If they come to an apparent contradiction or a question they have, you're there to help them." - Pastor Scott Hand

*Resources:*

* [Psalm 119:89](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A89\&version=ESV)

* [John 17:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A17\&version=ESV)

* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A16-17\&version=ESV)

* [Pastor Scott Hand's Podcast: Dazed and Apologized](#)

We hope you found this episode insightful and empowering. For even more enriching content and to strengthen your faith journey, tune in to our next episodes. Stay engaged with the word and continue to seek truth!