1. “Why Believe the Bible?” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 February 15, 2009

2. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every god work.”

3. I. There is external collaboration that validates the Bible. Jewish historian Flavius Josephus – He was not a Christian or follower of Jesus – He lived in the first century at the time of Christ. – He writes about the crucifixion of a man called Jesus from Galilee

4. I. There is external collaboration that validates the Bible. Scientific collaboration – The circle of the earth – Isaiah 40:22 – Archaeological discovery of Noah’s ark – Historical evidence

5. I. There is external collaboration that validates the Bible. Impact on people throughout history – The manner in which the disciples died – Converts to Christianity – Our founding fathers

6. II. There is internal evidence that I accept as true. What the Scriptures say – John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” – Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

7. II. There is internal evidence that I accept as true. A collection of books woven together – 40 different writers – Span of 1500 years – Perfect harmony

8. II. There is internal evidence that I accept as true. Discoveries such as the Dead Sea scrolls – Discovered near the Dead Sea between 1947 and 1956 – Fragments of every book of the Old Testament were found (except Esther) – Revolutionized textual criticism

9. Conclusion “We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the infallible rule of faith and conduct. It is profitable for doctrine, teaching, correction and training in righteousness.”