Last year, I was given the privilege of delivering the message for three Wednesday night services. On two of these nights, the topic discussed was, “Why We Can Trust The Bible?” Two 25-30 minute messages cannot do justice to this topic–in fact, many books have been written on it. As a result, I have been asked to do a series expanding upon these two messages. It is appropriate, perhaps, that we look at this subject inasmuch as 2011 was the 400th anniversary of the first printing of the King James Version of the Bible.
The foundation of this series will be the book by Erwin W. Lutzer, Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust The Bible, although many other sources will be used. A listing of these sources will be posted at some point during the series. The following outline provides information as to what topics will be covered during the forthcoming months:
INTRODUCTION
HOW WE GOT OUR BIBLE
THE OLD TESTAMENT
- The Hebrew Old Testament
- The Septuagint
- Canonicity – Definition and Development
- How a Book is Determined to be Canonical Scripture
- Development of the Old Testament
- Old Testament Apocryphal Books
- The Rejection of the OT Apocryphal Books
- History of Progress Toward Canonization
- External Evidence Supporting the Reliability of the O.T.
- Archaeological Evidence
- Manuscript Evidence
- Internal Evidence Supporting the Reliability of the O.T.
- Fulfilled Prophecies
- Jesus’ Perspective on the O.T.
THE NEW TESTAMENT
- Canonicity
- Reasons for a New Testament
- Development of the New Testament
- New Testament Apocrypha Books
- External Evidence Supporting the Reliability of the N.T.
- Manuscript Evidence
- Comparison with Other Ancient Literature
- Transmission of Manuscripts
- Reliability of the Early Manuscripts
CONTRIBUTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
INERRANCY
- Definition
- The Biblical Basis of Inerrancy
CONCLUSION
I trust the information which will be presented will not only strengthen your faith in the reliability of the Scriptures, but also enable you to better refute the doubts expressed by non-believers. Stephen and I would welcome your comments at any time throughout this series of articles.
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