Fidelity 2 - The Bible is Trustworthy

Can we trust this book to be what it says it is—a story of God’s plan for us?

Luke 1:1–4

1 Thessalonians 2:13

John 20:31

The Big Idea: You can trust God, and you can trust His word

1. Why Has It Not Been Trusted?

Perceptions and Misunderstandings

• Preconceptions

• Misunderstood contexts

2. Why CAN It be Trusted?

The Historical Accuracy of God’s Word

• There is eyewitness testimony

• The biographies (gospels) and letters were accurately preserved

• There is credible evidence outside of biographies

• Archaeological evidence still confirms the reality of Jesus

Transformed Lives

If the Bible has been used to hurt you, it breaks the heart of God. God’s word may convict, but it is always used to bring us healing.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

Trust will always require an element of faith.

“Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.” –E. Paul Hovey

Response:

• Spend this week meditating on the trustworthiness of God. Psalm 1:1-3

• Choose a challenging passage in the Bible and study it to gain other perspectives.

• Share with people in your oikos what biblical thoughts you are processing this week.

If you want to dig in more on this, I want to encourage you to purchase some books to read:

1. The Case for Christ – written by Lee Strobel

2. Letters from a Skeptic – where a follower of Christ shares a series of letters he wrote back and forth to his atheist dad.

3. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus – where a devout Muslim comes to faith in Jesus after looking through the Scripture and evidence.

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's Passage: Proverbs 2:1-6

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)