Many have rejected the Bible

1
Many have rejected the Bible

• Consider mainline denominations
• The results of a poll taken in 1967 among 7,441
  Protestant preachers in the U.S. In this poll 89
  of Episcopal priests, 82 of Methodist preachers,
  81 of Presbyterian preachers and 57 of American
  Lutheran preachers rejected a literal
  interpretation of the Bible when asked if they
  believed the Bible is the inspired word of God.

2
Many have rejected the Bible

• In 1981 here are the results 95 of
  Episcopalians, 87 of Methodists, 82 of
  Presbyterians, 77 of American Lutherans, and 67
  of American Baptists said "No."

3
Many have rejected the Bible

• We are seeing a flood of immigrants

4
Many have rejected the Bible

• We are seeing a flood of immigrants
• How do you approach an atheist? or a Moslem? or a
  Hindu believer?

5
Many have rejected the Bible

• We are seeing a flood of immigrants
• How do you approach an atheist? or a Moslem? or a
  Hindu believer?
• You cannot just quote the Bible to prove the
  Bible and be effective with many.

6
Many have rejected the Bible

• 2 Timothy 316-17 (NKJV) - All Scripture is
  given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
  for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
  instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of
  God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
  every good work.

7
Many have rejected the Bible

• 2 Peter 116-21 (NKJV) - For we did not follow
  cunningly devised fables when we made known to
  you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus
  Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17
  For He received from God the Father honor and
  glory when such a voice came to Him from the
  Excellent Glory This is My beloved Son, in whom
  I am well pleased.

8
Many have rejected the Bible

• .20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of
  Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21for
  prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy
  men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy
  Spirit.

9
Many have rejected the Bible

• If possible give the gospel message to an atheist!

10
Many have rejected the Bible

• If possible give the gospel message to an
  atheist!
• Some are atheists because of the will and not
  because of the mind. (Jn 319-21)

11
Many have rejected the Bible

• If possible give the gospel message to an
  atheist!
• Some are atheists because of the will and not
  because of the mind. (Jn 319-21)
• There are those who need something else first.

12
The Bible as historical documents

• Examine the Bible first as history!

13
The Bible as historical documents

• Examine the Bible first as history!
• Some common obstacles that can be turned into
  opportunity

14
The Bible as historical documents

• Examine the Bible first as history!
• Some common obstacles that can be turned into
  opportunity
• The Bible is a collection of myths.

15
The Bible as historical documents

• Examine the Bible first as history!
• Some common obstacles that can be turned into
  opportunity
• The Bible is a collection of myths.
• The Bible is full of contradictions.

16
The Bible as historical documents

• Examine the Bible first as history!
• Some common obstacles that can be turned into
  opportunity
• The Bible is a collection of myths.
• The Bible is full of contradictions.
• People who believe in the Bible do so because of
  emotion and not evidence.

17
The Bible as historical documents

• Consider the historical detail and accuracy of
  the New Testament. (Lk 31-3)

18
The Bible as historical documents

• Luke 31-3 (NKJV) - Now in the fifteenth year
  of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate
  being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of
  Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea
  and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias
  tetrarch of Abilene, 2 while Annas and Caiaphas
  were high priests, the word of God came to John
  the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

19
The Bible as historical documents

• 3And he went into all the region around the
  Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the
  remission of sins,

20
What are the claims of these writers?

• Faith is based upon evidence.
  (Heb 111 1 Pet 315 John 832)

21
What are the claims of these writers?

• Hebrews 111 (NKJV) - Now faith is the substance
  of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
  seen.

22
What are the claims of these writers?

• 1 Peter 315 (NKJV) - But sanctify the Lord God
  in your hearts, and always be ready to give a
  defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the
  hope that is in you, with meekness and fear

23
What are the claims of these writers?

• John 832 (NKJV) - And you shall know the truth,
  and the truth shall make you free.

24
What are the claims of these writers?

• At the heart of every sermon of the apostles is
  their eyewitness testimony of the raised Christ.
  (Acts 232 314-15 530-32 1039-43 1327-31)

25
What are the claims of these writers?

• Are these writers credible?

26
What are the claims of these writers?

• Are these writers credible?
• Were the apostles in a position to know the
  facts? (1 John 11-3)

27
What are the claims of these writers?

• Are these writers credible?
• Were the apostles in a position to know the
  facts? (1 John 11-3)
• Did the apostles have any advantages in lying
  about the resurrection? (1
  Cor 1530-32 John 161-3)

28
What are the claims of these writers?

• Are these writers credible?
• Were the apostles in a position to know the
  facts? (1 John 11-3)
• Did the apostles have any advantages in lying
  about the resurrection? (1
  Cor 1530-32 John 161-3)
• Are the writings of the apostles historically
  accurate?

29
What are the claims of these writers?

• Was there agreement between the numerous
  witnesses? (1 Cor 151-6)

30
Testing the evidence!

• Jesus was Dead - Hear the description of an
  eyewitness. (John 1932-36)

31
Testing the evidence!

• Jesus was Dead - Hear the description of an
  eyewitness. (John 1932-36)
• The body was placed in a new tomb. (Matt 2760)

32
Testing the evidence!

• Jesus was Dead - Hear the description of an
  eyewitness. (John 1932-36)
• The body was placed in a new tomb. (Matt 2760)
• The tomb was cut out of rock.
  (Matt 2760)

33
Testing the evidence!

• Jesus was Dead - Hear the description of an
  eyewitness. (John 1932-36)
• The body was placed in a new tomb. (Matt 2760)
• The tomb was cut out of rock.
  (Matt 2760)
• A large stone covered the entrance. (Matt
  2760)

34
Testing the evidence!

• A Roman seal was placed on the stone. (Matt 2766)

35
Testing the evidence!

• A Roman seal was placed on the stone. (Matt
  2766)
• A Roman Guard was placed at the tomb. (Matt
  2765-66)

36
Testing the evidence!

• A Roman seal was placed on the stone. (Matt
  2766)
• A Roman Guard was placed at the tomb. (Matt
  2765-66)
• The tomb was inspected carefully.
  (John 203-8 John 2011)

37
Testing the evidence!

• There is a great question to be answered Who
  Moved the Stone?

38
Testing the evidence!

• There is a great question to be answered Who
  Moved the Stone?
• Did the Jews? (Matt 2762-66)

39
Testing the evidence!

• There is a great question to be answered Who
  Moved the Stone?
• Did the Jews? (Matt 2762-66)
• Did the Romans? (Acts 1626-272742)

40
Testing the evidence!

• There is a great question to be answered Who
  Moved the Stone?
• Did the Jews? (Matt 2762-66)
• Did the Romans? (Acts 1626-272742)
• Did the Disciples? (Mat 2811-15)

41
Testing the evidence!

• Matthew 2811-15 (NKJV) - Now while they were
  going, behold, some of the guard came into the
  city and reported to the chief priests all the
  things that had happened. 12 When they had
  assembled with the elders and consulted together,
  they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

42
Testing the evidence!

• 13 saying, Tell them, His disciples came at
  night and stole Him away while we slept. 14 And
  if this comes to the governors ears, we will
  appease him and make you secure. 15 So they took
  the money and did as they were instructed and
  this saying is commonly reported among the Jews
  until this day.

43
Present to the student the power of fulfilled
prophecy

• The words of Christ are recorded.
  (Psa 221)

44
Present to the student the power of fulfilled
prophecy

• The words of Christ are recorded.
  (Psa 221)
• The words and actions of His enemies are
  recorded. (Psa 226-8, 18)

45
Present to the student the power of fulfilled
prophecy

• The words of Christ are recorded.
  (Psa 221)
• The words and actions of His enemies are
  recorded. (Psa 226-8, 18)
• The details of crucifixion are recorded.
  (Psa 2214-17)

46
Present to the student the power of fulfilled
prophecy

• The words of Christ are recorded.
  (Psa 221)
• The words and actions of His enemies are
  recorded. (Psa 226-8, 18)
• The details of crucifixion are recorded.
  (Psa 2214-17)
• How can these things be written over a 1000 years
  before the event and even before crucifixion was
  even invented?

47
Present to the student the power of fulfilled
prophecy

• Even though this evidence is powerful, it must be
  received in order to have
  power in us. (2 Thess 19-10 1 Thess 213)