1. THE MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY
2 Peter 2:12-21

2. The Certainty of Scripture
Peter told us to make our calling and election sure v.10
Then he gives the resource to make it possible
The word of God in written form v.12-15
Written by chosen eyewitness apostles v.16-18
Written prophecies fulfilled and confirmed v.19-21
Scripture is God’s inspired word v.21, 2 Tim. 3:16

3. THE BIBLE OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT 1500 B.C. to 400 B.C.
HEBREW and ARAMAIC
20-35 writers
EGYPT, CANAAN, BABYLONIA, PERSIA
LAW, PROPHECY, POETRY
A.D. 50 to A.D. 95
GREEK
7 writers
PALESTINE, ROME, GREECE, ASIA MINOR
BIOGRAPHY, HISTORY, LETTERS, PROPHECY
In spite of all the variety of years, writers, languages, backgrounds, the Bible is harmonious as one whole story for one purpose from one Source

4. How do we know we have the truth?
Attacks have been made against the Bible for years
Even before the Bible was finished
Isaiah 41:1-4 God challenges the idols
Isaiah 41:6-7 God challenges the worshippers of idols
Isaiah 41:21-27

5. Isaiah 41:21-27
Every belief system should be required to give reasons for its beliefs v. 21
V. 22 two signs of divinity:
Telling the truth about the past
Telling the truth about the future
The idols say nothing v.24,26
God makes a prediction v.25,27
Isaiah 44:28 Cyrus would rebuild Jerusalem

6. Cyrus A very specific prophecy Leader named Cyrus
Would authorize building of Jerusalem and temple
All the more fascinating because Jerusalem has not yet been destroyed!
Written before 725 B.C.
Jerusalem fell 586 B.C.
Cyrus ordered rebuilding 536 B.C.

7. The Cyrus Cylinder

9. Isaiah 44 Isaiah 44:6-7 a parallel challenge
Isaiah 44:9-20 a parallel rebuke
Isaiah 44:21-28 remember God because of His powers
Isaiah 44:28 a parallel prophecy
Isaiah 45:1-6

10. Example of Jeremiah Jeremiah 27 Very unpopular 20:8-10
Persecuted for his message
Unpatriotic
A message of surrender
Also a message of LIFE
Hananiah contradicted him 28:1-17
The difference between truth and error is life and death!

11. The Truth Leads to Life Jesus predicted the future
John 13:18-20, 16:1-4
Jesus is the truth and the life 14:6
His word is the standard of judgment John 12:48
His gospel is God’s power to salvation Romans 1:16
He is the author of salvation Hebrews 5:8-9

12. What Jesus Says
Mark 16:16
Luke 13:3
Matt. 10:32
John 3:5