Sermon: Why should I believe the Bible? 2 Timothy 3:16

Introduction

This message is among the 10 most important messages I have ever preached; yet, I do not recall ever having preached this. I have relegated it to the classroom and lecture hall, but I have never elevated it to the pulpit.

Yet, I believe this truth needs to be trumpeted from the highest housetop, to everyone who will hear. Some here do not actually believe that the Bible is flawless, and that it is God’s revelation of Himself to us.

I challenge you to get this tape and listen to it until it sinks into your spirit. Then, give it to that friend who does not believe the Bible. Today, I want to give you four reasons why I believe the Bible, and a lot of supporting rationale.

1. Because it is the word of God! (2 Timothy 3:16)

A. God’s revelation of Himself to Man

B. Could speak verbally, but not all men would be sensitive enough to hear Him.

C. Other major religions seek after their God; ours seeks after us!

D. Bible is flawless in its original language and form (any errors are errors of translation and/or copying)

E. It is INSPIRED by God. (See text) “God-breathed”

F. To people of faith, we need nothing more than this to satisfy us

G. “But,” you may say, “That’s like a criminal testifying to his own innocence…hardly convincing proof!” Well, hang on…

2. It is the foundation of everything else we believe

A. It is the absolute first step of faith. Everything else depends on it.

B. How do we know there is a God? The Bible says so!

C. How do we know there is life after death? The Bible says so!

D. How do we know Jesus died for our sins? The Bible says so!

E. How do we know about Heaven and Hell? The Bible says so!

3. It is the logical conclusion to honest inquiry

A. It is a well-integrated unit

I. Comprised of 66 books

II. Written over a span of 1600 years

III. Over 40 different authors

IV. Yet, one single theme, the redemption of mankind.

V. How, except by divine design, could this be true?

B. It survives textual criticism

I. No major internal contradictions

II. Factual account of historical data

C. Archaeology continually vindicates it

I. No discovery has ever disproven any of it

II. On the contrary, archaeology confirms it

III. Dead Sea Scrolls confirmed instead of contradicted

D. It is the choice that answers the most questions

I. Evolution leaves more unanswered questions than it answers, i.e. Origins????

II. The Bible explains it all

III. Do you have a better explanation?

4. It is supernaturally powerful

A. Unlike other literary works, it is alive!

B. It evokes response in the reader

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”