In John 20, Thomas revealed his struggle with a big hurdle to faith–and Jesus reached out to him, meeting him where he was, but challenging him upon receiving answers, to believe. (It seems to me that in the church, Thomas has been used as a negative example of doubt instead of an example of Jesus reaching out and communicating with someone who had barriers to belief.)
Today church people forget or simply don’t realize that a large portion of those in our society, and those coming into our churches, don’t automatically accept the reliability, authority, and truth of the Bible. People have struggles and questions on the issue. How can we reach out to this like Jesus did to Thomas? How does this challenge those of us who are Christ-Followers to value and use the scriptures we hold so dearly? Do we read them and study them and live by them–apply them to our daily lives?
In this message we addressed the following serious questions that people have:
- How can we know that this bible is truly of God and not a human invention?
- Hasn’t the Bible been distorted by human writing methods over hundreds of years?
- Aren’t there errors in the thousands of copies and translations?
- How did we get this compilation of the books that we call the Bible?
- Can we trust the men who wrote the various parts of the Bible?
What do you think?
Pastor Pete – Thanks for putting together the awesome time gap, authorship and error data together, encouraging people to process the reliability of the Bible and Christianity intellectually as well as by faith.
That goes ditto for me! Very grace filled.
Great message. One question I have about the inter-testamental period. I know that several books were written then and that some denominations accept them (i.e. 1 and 2 Maccabbees) but why are they not widely accepted? My follow up question is this: why did God stop giving revelations at that time (approx. 400 years)?
Jake
It was very helpful for me to hear a justification of our currently accepted canon of the Bible. I have no trouble accepting the validity of the bible but have had disagreements with individuals who discount the usefulness of other sources of information.
My first question would be why we give these books a higher status than other contemporary or classical works? There are many resources available for us.
It is helpful to see that there was a justification for the decision, but it still feels a little arbitrary.
My second question is why would some groups reject all other areas of knowledge not derived directly from the Bible?
I have friends at work who discount the validity of my wife’s training as a professional counselor because she was taught principles that are based in part on physiology and the secular practice of counseling. I feel understanding the science of human behavior can help us relate to the body of Christ better.
Understand I am not speaking of RLC, but seeking to understand people of other groups who hold these views. I hope that with your experience you will be able to speak to this area.
Jake, I ‘d like to comment on your question and also touch on Jimmy’s as well because I do believe you both have touched on concerns of persons who usually believe God revelation had ended at the finish of the Book of Revelation or believe that other truths couldn’t not have come from divine relation but from study or human discovery. But, if we believe Scripture, Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Since Jesus claims to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life; we have this confidence that IF it is truth, it is a revelation from Jesus. IF it is a lie, it will get exposed. My sons have many questions which I have always told them, to search it out and find the truth, because so doing, you will find Christ. And Jake, God has not stop revealing Himself to mankind; I Cor 13 says that we see in part, prophecy in part, but when the Perfect comes, we shall see clearly. Because I am confident that perfection has not arrived, we still have a whole lot of discovery left to search. God has put the task for us to do some digging. He said, “You will find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Since Jesus is THE TRUTH, when we truly are seeking the truth, in the end, if it is truth, we will find Jesus there waiting for us.
Jimmy,
I have had disagreements with Christians about the usefulness of extra-biblical sources, too. For example, I think the Apocrypha contributes to a richer understanding of Jewish history. As a result, it reminds Christians to keep interpretation within a historical/social context, although I do not think the Apocrypha is inspired, yet I do think the Holy Spirit could use extra-biblical sources to reach someone because the creative power of the Holy Spirit creates the conditions for the reception of God’s truth. God is truth, so all truth is God’s truth.
To this end, your second question presupposes the tension between faith and reason, of which this tension is evident in the history of Christianity. Some Christians bifurcate faith and reason because they are unsure how to reconcile truth outside of the Bible. Paul uses philosophy and logic in some of his letters. Also, Justin Martyr, St. Augustine, and Thomas Aquinas all work toward demonstrating the relationship between faith and reason. Christians need to embrace the relationship between faith and reason .
Today, Pentecostals and others are exploring this relationship. Amos Yong and F. LeRon Shults are two theologians that I know who are opening this dialogue further to all faiths. Shults just released Christology and Science. (I think you would like this book.) All truth is God’s truth; therefore, we should cautiously and critically examine the sciences to discover how we can emerge faith and reason, of course acknowledging the limitation of reason. It’s my opinion that God has provided philosophy, psychology, sociology, etc for Christians to explore and engage their faith with these disciplines. I am reminded of Jesus’ words, “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind…” May Christians continue to use their minds in discipleship.
Dana
Good morning, Pastor Pete!
Sorry we/I cannot make it this morning.
This series has been well-received. I’ve been challenged in my way of thinking and in various aspects of my life.
An elephant for me was addressed last week. THANK YOU TO WHOMEVER LIFTED THE CURTAINS! !
I understand for music and drama they need to be closed. However, it was very pleasant listening to the message and having natural light in the sanctuary. Seeing the colors of the trees and the sky was visually appealing as well.
I realize this is “off topic” from the other comments, but wanted to share.
have a blessed day — Aaron