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HOW CAN I KNOW THE BIBLE IS A "UNIQUE" BOOK?

1. It is one book consisting of 66 individual books --- both Old & New Testaments but with one theme, unity, purpose and no contradictions.

2. About 45 authors wrote over a period of time over 1500 years, from over 6 different languages, cultures, empires (ie, Egypt, Israel, Assyria, Babylon, Greece, Rome) and all with differing backgrounds -- fisherman/doctor/shepherd/kings/tax collector/preacher, etc...

3. Archaeological finds -- People (nations and individuals), Cities, Towns, Countries, Coins, Languages, Bones, Buildings.... some specific examples:

    

   a. The Hittites were not discovered until 1906 by Hugo Hinkler

   b. Belshazzar was not proved factual until 1870 by Sir Henry Robinson

   c. Sodom and Gomorrah were not found until 1925 by Kyle & Albright

   d. Joseph's Palace in On (Genesis 41:45) was found in 1912

   e. The water concourse from 2 Samuel 5:8 was found in 1886

   f. Proof of Pontius Pilate was not found until 1962

   g. Acts 13:7 uses the term "deputy" which led to much dispute until a coin was found in 1877 with Sergius Paulus's name & face

   h. The Moabite Stone found in 1686 includes the story of Moab's King Mesha also found in 1 Kings 16:16, from 850BC

    

4. Scientific Truths - The Bible is not a "science textbook," but is correct in every mention of scientific evidences:

    

   a. The 5 Principles of Science are seen in Genesis 1:1 - Time, Space, Matter, Force, Motion.

   b. Genesis 3:15 - Both male & female possess the seed of life

   c. Isaiah 40:22 - the earth is round

   d. Leviticus 11 - This chapter lists 30 animals that transmit disease

   e. Job 28:25 - air has weight

   f. Genesis 2:21 - the first time people were put to sleep for surgery

   g. Genesis 6:15 - the dimensions for Noah's ark are still used in shipping today

   h. Job 26:7 - black hole in space

    

5. Psychology - Real answers for who we are, where we've come from, what our purpose is, how to have real peace, how to live in harmony in our relationships, how to deal with guilt/stress/fears.....

6. Contact Points to "Prove-able" Secular History - names, places, people, battles, buildings: Caesars, Tiberius, Nero, Herod, Nebuchadnezzar, Tiglath Pileser, Sennacherib, Xerxes, Darius, Cyrus.....

7. Pagan Historians - People that were not Christians (may have even been opposed to Christianity) but their telling of their contemporary history verifies the Biblical record --- Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, Josephus......

8. The Test of Time - Many have tried to stamp out the Bible, tried to destroy, burn, hide, discredit, mock, and ignore it and those who try to translate, print & distribute it, but the Scriptures  stand stronger and longer than any of its opponents!

9. Fulfilled Prophecy - The Bible is full of Predictions of the future events, all of which came true, except those regarding end of times and the return of Jesus for His Church, which are yet to take place. The test for a prophet is seen in Deuteronomy 18:21,22 - Does it come true....every time? The Old Testament has 1275 prophecies about the Messiah, all being fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. Isaiah 35 has 8 prophecies alone! The odds of fulfillment of 8 from one Old Testament chapter are 1 in 57 trillion (12 zeros) -- Just imagine the odds of 1275 being fulfilled perfectly in one man! Here's just a few examples:

a. Genesis 49:10 - Messiah would be from the Tribe of Judah/Jesus was - Matthew 2:6

b. Micah 5:2 - Messiah would be from Bethlehem/Jesus was - Mathew 2:1

c. Hosea 11:1 - There would be an escape to Egypt/Jesus did as an infant - Matthew 2:11

d. Zechariah 12:10, 13:6 - Messiah would have his hands and feet pierced/Jesus did - Matthew 28:6

 

     This is what separates the Bible from every other religious book. They are historical documents from that particular group written by their religious leaders. The Bible is inspired by God and thus has the capability to accurately predict the future whereas mere man has no idea of the future events with any accuracy at all. The Bible truly is the Greatest Story Ever Told and very worthy of our time to study and apply it!

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Have Faith - Christ died for our sins expressing God's love. We must trust him as our savior. John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6; Acts 16:31. Not faith alone. James 2:14-16

Repent - A change of heart and mind. Have sorrow for our sins and decide to do God's will. Luke13:3; Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:11; II Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 4:23-24

Confess Christ - Let others know of your feelings and convictions about Christ. Matthew 10:32; I John 4:15; Romans 10:9-10; Mark 8:28

Be Born Again -  Born into the family of God through baptism (immersion) John 3:5; Romans 6:4-11; Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12 Matthew 28:19-20.

Stay Spiritually Alive -

     By Worship: Hebrews 10:21-25

     By the Lord's Supper: Acts 2:42; 20:7

     By Prayer: James 5:16; Ephesians 6:18

     By Bible Study: II Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17

     By Faithful Stewardship: I Corinthians 16:2

     By Faithful Living: II Peter 1:5-12; Revelation 2:10