This week we circle back after our series on the cross to finish off “A Case for Christianity Series” - asking the question “Is the New Testament Reliable?” If it is not, then the New Testament should be treated like any other piece of literature – old or new – filled with great ideas and lofty ideals, but not ultimately significant. If it IS reliable, this library is a world-changer! So, should you trust it?
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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES
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WARM UP
Why do you think many people dismiss the New Testament?
READ
I Corinthians 15:3-7; Luke 1:1-3; Mark 6:52, 14:37; Acts 12:1; Isaiah 53:6-8; Matthew 24:1-2; Romans 1:16
TAKEAWAY
Crucial Questions:Does Truth Exist? (January 7), Does God Exist? (January 14), Are Miracles Possible? (January 21), Is the New Testament Reliable (this week)
Evidence for the Reliability of the New Testament: Early stories, Eye-witness details, Embarrassing stories, Excruciating deaths, Expected predictions, Extra-biblical writers, Explosive growth
Question: If there is a loving God, don’t you think he’d want to communicate life-saving truths accurately?
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Explain in your own words why God’s love and power are crucial in trusting the reliability of the New Testament.
2. Don’t look! If someone said, “I don’t believe the New Testament is accurate,” how would you answer them?
APPLICATION
What evidence for the reliability of the New Testament do you find the most compelling personally? Why?
FOR MENTORING
What is your greatest doubt regarding the New Testament? Why? What helps you with that doubt?
