Summary

In this sermon, the pastor addresses why Christians should trust the Bible as the authoritative word of God. He presents multiple proofs for the Bible's reliability, including its manuscript evidence (15,000 pieces within a few 100 years of writing), archaeological confirmations, fulfilled prophecies, and transformative power in people's lives. The pastor emphasizes that what we believe about the Bible determines our beliefs and actions - if we believe it's authoritative, we must follow what it says.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand the truth and authority of Scripture. Help us to see Your Word not just as an ancient text, but as Your living message to us. Guide our conversation and help each person here to receive what You want them to learn today. May we leave with a deeper appreciation for Your Word and a stronger commitment to live by it. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What was the first Bible you ever owned, and do you still have it? If so, what condition is it in?

Key Verses

• Judges 21:25

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• 1 Thessalonians 2:13

• Matthew 5:18

• Luke 4:16-21

Questions

• The pastor mentioned that 'what you believe about the Bible will determine your beliefs and actions.' How have you seen this play out in your own life or in the lives of others?

• What evidence for the Bible's reliability mentioned in the sermon did you find most compelling, and why?

• The sermon mentioned how familiarity with Scripture can sometimes cause us to lose our sense of wonder. When was the last time a passage of Scripture deeply moved you, and what was it?

• How would you respond to someone who says, 'The Bible is just an ancient book with good moral teachings but not the actual word of God'?

• The pastor suggested reading different translations to gain fresh perspective. Have you ever tried this approach? What insights have you gained from reading different translations?

• How does Jesus' own view and use of Scripture (as described in the sermon) influence how you approach the Bible?

• The pastor mentioned that we should not just read the Bible but apply it. What's one specific way you've applied a biblical teaching to your life recently?

• What obstacles do you face in regularly reading and studying the Bible, and how might you overcome them?

Life Application

This week, choose a familiar passage of Scripture that you've read many times before. Read it slowly in a different translation than you normally use. As you read, ask God to help you see something new that you've never noticed before. Write down any fresh insights and how they might apply to your life right now. Then, find one specific way to put that insight into action before our next meeting.

Key Takeaways

• The Bible is the best attested ancient text in the world with 15,000 manuscript pieces within 250 years of its writing, far exceeding any other ancient document.

• Scripture describes itself as God-breathed, inerrant in its original manuscripts, infallible, illuminating, and authoritative for the believer's life.

• Jesus viewed Scripture as authoritative and regularly read, quoted, and fulfilled it, demonstrating its importance.

• We must guard against familiarity with Scripture causing us to lose our sense of wonder and impact from God's Word.

• What we believe about the Bible will determine our beliefs and actions - if we believe it's authoritative, we must follow what it says.

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for the gift of Your Word. We are grateful that You have not left us to figure out life on our own but have given us Your perfect, trustworthy Scripture to guide us. Help us to approach Your Word with reverence, wonder, and obedience. Give us hunger to read it, wisdom to understand it, and courage to apply it. May we not just be hearers of the Word but doers also. As we leave this discussion, empower us to live as people who truly believe the Bible is Your authoritative Word. In Jesus' name, amen.