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Why We Believe the Bible is True

A Three Week Series in February 2019

Why We Believe the Bible is True - Part 3

February 24, 2019 • Pastor Steve Pope

Growth Group Discussion Guide Week of February 26th Q: How are you like your mother or father: In artistic ability? Mechanical ability? Athletic ability? Forgetfulness? Distinctive features? READ FIRST: Hebrews 1:1-4 Q: To what (or Whom) is Jesus compared here? Q: What was the function of the OT prophets (v. 1)? In what ways was Jesus’ function similar? How was it different (vv. 2-3)? How is Jesus superior to the prophets? What is the difference between “the past” (v 1) and “these last days” (v 2)? Q: How does Jesus compare with God in terms of authority, activity, and relationship (vv 1-3)? Q: Of all the qualities of Jesus mentioned in verses 2-4, which one are you beginning to appreciate more and more? Q: When did Jesus become more than just a name to you? Sermon Meditation for Sunday, February 24th Why We Believe the Bible is True, Part 3 If you love action-packed movies, Indiana Jones will never disappoint. All four movies are action-packed, filled with hand-to-hand combat, explosions, and non-stop action. While appearing to be a mild-mannered professor of archaeology, when Jones travels to dig-sites and puts on his trademark hat, he transforms into the swashbuckling hero we’ve come to know and love. The real-life field of Biblical archaeology is no less dangerous, but the combat is primarily spiritual rather than physical. The battle for Biblical-historical sites is often tainted by a strong anti-christian bias. Objectivity is the friend of truth, and any honest look at the facts will strengthen our confidence in the historicity of Scripture. Join us this Sunday as we take a look at some of the ways archaeological digs have confirmed the accurate historical record of the Old Testament. Hope to see you on Sunday! Pastor Steve

Why We Believe the Bible is True - Part 2

February 17, 2019 • Pastor Steve Pope

Growth Group Discussion Guide Week of February 19th Q: Have your parents written a will? Have you written one? Why or why not? READ FIRST: II Timothy 3:10-16 Q: Why does Paul recall for Timothy the tough times in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra? What places bring back similar memories for you? Q: Is persecution necessarily a result of godliness? Why or why not? Q: What does Paul say about the origin and purpose of Scripture? And what is it “useful” for? (vs. 16,17) Q: There is an exhortation here to be faithful to the things we have been taught. What do you think these “things” were? How are we to be “faithful” to those things? Q: What is the most powerful “thing” taught the Bible? (v. 15) How, specifically, are we to be faithful to this one main thing? Sermon Meditation Why I Believe the Bible is True, Part 2 The popular game show, Name That Tune, first premiered in 1952. The two contestants would compete for a cash prize by naming tunes based on only a few notes played. So, let’s play Name That Tune! Finish the next sentence: “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound . . .” Or how about this one: “Oh, say can you see . . .” All the lyrics to well-loved songs come flooding back with just the suggestion of the the first few words. On the cross, Jesus cried out in Aramaic, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani.” In translation, the words spoken are “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”* With that said, Jesus “yielded up his spirit.” At that moment, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs were opened. A Roman officer who witnessed this event, rightly declared that “This man truly was the Son of God!”* As Dr. Voddie Baucam correctly observes, this was the first line from a very familiar worship song that was part of the precious Psalter of Israel. In the day before chapter and verse assignments, a Psalm was identified by its first line, which was used as a title. Jesus spoke these words knowing that those present would be well aquatinted with this Psalm, which is a powerful prophecy of Jesus’ crucifixion written 1,000 years before His birth. A prophecy of crucifixion written hundreds of years before crucifixion was ever practiced. The Bible is true. Both the internal and external sources bear witness to its perfect reliability. Let’s read it daily with full expectation of hearing from the Lord of glory. See you on Sunday, Pastor Steve *Matthew 27:46 *Matthew 27:54 & Psalm 22

The Bible - A Perfectly Reliable Collection of Historical Documents

February 10, 2019 • Pastor Steve Pope

Our New Three Week Series Begins! Why We Believe the Bible is True II Peter 1:16-21 This Sunday, we will begin a three week series called “Why We Believe the Bible is True.” Our goal is to increase our understanding of the the absolute reliability of the Bible, and to deepen our confidence and conviction in its total sufficiency in all matters of faith and practical living. When asked “why do you believe the Bible is true?,” we often provide answers that are uncertain and subjective, rather than giving a clear and reasonable answer. We might say “I believe the Bible because I was raised in a family that believed it.” Or worse, “I believe the Bible because I tried it and it works!” Instead, the Bible instructs us that “if someone asks about your hope as a believer,” that we should “always be ready to explain it.” (I Peter 3:15, NLT) Many followers of Christ have been deeply troubled by the rapidly eroding foundation of the American church. Jesus Christ is our foundation. His is revealed clearly in the Bible which is “God-breathed” and fully trustworthy as our source of guidance and truth. (II Tim. 3:16) It is essential that we understand that God is the author of Scripture. For those who fully trust God and the Scriptures He inspired, the Holy Spirit will; Provide . . . the pathway to a fulfilling personal relationship with our Creator, the source of all love instructions for living a life that is filled with supernatural peace and joy Strength and encouragement for day-to-day life on earth Week One (2/10)- The Bible: A Perfectly Reliable Collection of Historical Documents Week Two (2/17) - The Bible: The Testimony of Eyewitnesses Week Three (2/24) - The Bible: A Report of Supernatural Events and Fulfilled Prophecy And, don’t forget to bring your Bible. See you on Sunday! Pastor Steve