1. PART I HOW DO WE KNOW THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD?

2. The Bible Claims to be God’s Word:  “Thus says the Lord…” Isa. 66:1  “God says…” Jer. 3:1  “The Word of the Lord…” Jer. 2:1  “All Scripture inspired by God” 2 Tim. 3:16

3. The Bible stands the test of time:  Manuscript – “A hand-written book or document.” Rules for copying:  No word or letter could be copied from memory. Each scribe had to have an authentic copy in front of him.  Each word must be pronounced before copying it.

4. The Bible Stands the Test of Time: Rules for Copying:  One mistake on one sheet meant you condemned the entire sheet. Three mistakes on one sheet meant you started over from scratch.  Every word and letter was counted, if a letter was missed, a letter added, or two letters touched one another… that manuscript was condemned.

5. The Bible Compared to other Texts: WriterDate Earliest Copy #MSS Plato380 BC 900 AD7 Aristotle384-322 BC 1100 AD200 Caesar60 BC 900 AD10 Homer900 BC 400 BC643 The N.T40-97 AD 125 AD 24,000

6. PART II HOW CAN WE BE CERTAIN THAT BUDDHISM AND OTHER “PEACEFUL” RELIGIONS ARE NOT WHAT GOD WANTS US TO FOLLOW?

7. Definitions: What is peace? 1.The absence of war or other hostilities 2.An agreement or treaty to end hostilities 3.Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmonious relations 4.Public security and order

8. What is Peace?  Revelation 21:1-4  Revelation 21:24-27

9. 3 Critical Truths that set Christianity Apart from all other Religions: 1.Nothing is achieved by our works:. John 14:6. Ephesians 2:8-9. Romans 3:21-31 2. God seeks after us:. Luke 19:10. Romans 5:8. Ezekiel 34:16

10. 3 Critical Truths that set Christianity Apart from all other Religions: 3. The Cross and Resurrection:. John 19:30. Luke 24:1-7. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

11. To Sum it up:  We cannot work our way to salvation  We did not save ourselves  Christ willingly laid down His life for us

12. PART III IF THERE ARE SO MANY PRACTICES FROM THE O.T THAT WE NO LONGER NEED TO FOLLOW, WHAT MAKES THE NEW TESTAMENT CURRENT?

13. Importance of the O.T Law:  O.T is meant to point us to Christ:  Leviticus 1-6 (Sacrificial system)  Exodus 12:5-7  John 1:29  Romans 8:2-3

14. Why the New Testament?  The New Testament calls us to move forward with Christ  Matthew 28:19-20  Ephesians 2:19-21  John 14:25-26

15. So what??  The Bible is 100% God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation.  God sent His own Son to willingly die on the Cross and 3 days later raise Him up again.  When we are in Christ we are called to live everyday in the power of Christ and to proclaim Him everywhere we go.