People are on edge with the war in Ukraine, extended droughts, destructive floods, and increasingly violent storms in 2022. The sense of security in what is "normal" has been shaken. Thousands, maybe millions, suffer from anxiety and mental health issues. And most leaders growl and argue, blaming one another rather than helping those that suffer.

 Is Doomsday approaching? Now, those somewhat familiar with the Bible ask, "Does this mean the end of the world is coming? Is Jesus coming soon?"

 Some are excited that Jesus is coming; others are afraid. Others scoff, saying, "People have talked for years about Jesus' return, yet I haven't seen even a whisker of His face."

 These mockers don't realize that they are fulfilling prophecy. [Check out 2 Peter 3:3-7].

 Almost everything that Jesus said would occur before He returned seems to be happening now [Luke 21]. Jesus is coming soon, and His return is getting closer by the day. But if you ask me if He is coming tomorrow, I have to say, "...

Why is the Bible so important? Why must a person consider the claims of the Bible carefully? In other words, what's the point of the Bible?

We've previously talked about letting the Bible speak for itself and considering what it says about itself. These include the claims that:

•  The Bible is a record of the revelations of God given to men.
• The Bible is inspired; God showed the various authors what to write down.
• The Bible is inerrant.
• The Bible has received divine protection to ensure its existence continues throughout history.

However, numerous lies and distortions concerning the Bible's teachings are still bandied about. One often repeated fallacy is that the God of the Old Testament is not the God of the New Testament. Richard Dawkins, in his book The God Delusion, states,

The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a ...

Publishing houses have repeatedly declared that the Bible is the most published book. Originally written on papyrus and leather scrolls, the Bible is not available in various sizes, languages, exterior colors, and translations. Online and d editions of the Bible also exist.

Yet it is also true that the Bible is one of the most neglected books in the Western hemisphere. Even among those who call themselves believers, few can honestly say they have time set aside daily for Bible Study.

The younger generation often ignores the Bible, while this generation chases spirituality through various causes, occultic practices, and strange religions. Yet the Bible still speaks. It speaks with authority and power to those who will listen to its words. It defines a narrow road that leads to righteousness and eternal life and debunks the claims of other religions.

The Bible also declares it has its supernatural origin. The Bible proclaims its unique status as a document that speaks to each generati...

Recently a local church posted billboards around the city declaring that the Bible is God's editorial or love letter to humanity. This view of the Bible as a fiery or affectionate, informative message is undoubtedly true. In some ways, the Bible does resemble a newsy letter from a distant loved one. The Bible is informative, explaining: 

• creation of both the universe and mankind (Genesis 1-2), 
• God's concern and interest in mankind (Genesis 1:28, Micah 6:8), 
• the introduction of sin and death (Genesis 3),
• and information about long-lost relatives (2 Samuel, book of Chronicles). 

 However, the Bible is more than just a compilation of written records collected some 2000 years ago. It is more than an affectionate letter or a fiery editorial about modern behavior. Unlike other collections of writings, the Bible is more than just paper, cloth, animal skins, and various inks. The Bible is not like any other ancient or modern book; the Bible speaks to the ages.

Psalm 119:89-91—Your ...

The Bible claims to be a unique writing, a writing that contains the thoughts and plans of the Elohim. This Biblical claim forces humanity to face a series of “If” questions: 

• If the Bible is the Word of God, then a person had better pay attention to It (Isaiah 34:16). 

• If the Bible is truly God's Word, then this communication from God is more important than one's home, job, or present circumstances. Even one's concern for others whom one might love or hate pales next to the significance that Almighty God desires to instruct an individual (Isaiah 1: 18-20). 

• If the Bible is God's Word, it is vitally important that the individual knows what information is in the book (Psalms 119:104). 

• If the Bible is God's Word, then the Bible alone can fully explain man's feelings of confusion and lostness over his existence (Genesis 3), and the Bible alone will contain the solutions to the questions one faces. 

• If the Bible is God's communication to man, it alone states God's p
...

In our last discussion, we looked at how the Jews of the Old Testament, especially the Psalmist, viewed the Scriptures as the "Word" of God in written form. This reverence and respect for the Scriptures carried over to believers in the New Testament era. 

In the Acts of the Apostles, two words, "λόγος," [logos] and "ῥῆμα" [rhema], are words that translate into English as the term "word." However, only three times—in Acts 10:37, 11:16, and 28:25—does the word "ῥῆμα" appear. The Greek word ῥῆμα means ".. …an utterance (individual, collective, or speculative). . .used to refer to matter or topic . . ." (Strong's Concordance). Throughout the rest of Acts, Luke uses the term "λόγος." To Luke, the term Greek word "λύγος

referred not only to specific individual words said by  Christians (Acts 8:25, 10:44, 13:5.7) but also to a topic “. . . of discourse doctrine, preaching. . . , speech . . . , tidings . . . ." and even the 'work' the apostles themselves."

For Luke and the other early Chris...

Like Moses, David, and even Jesus, the Psalmist treasured the written Word of God.

The Psalmist also knows that he can trust God to protect him and © fulfill His promises (Ps. 56:4). God had already demonstrated the power of His truth (Ps. 33:4) and His covenant promises. God had spoken and acted upon these promises throughout the ages (Ps. 105:8, 147:19). Thus, the promises of God, contained in His Word, give men hope during various trials. "My soul fainteth for salvation, but I hope in Thy Word." (Ps. 119:8l see also 119:116. 107, 154, 41). Over and over again, the Psalmist declares that

• " I hope in Thy Word." (Ps. 118:81).
• "I trust in Thy Word." (Ps. 119:423).
• "I have hoped in Thy Judgements" (Ps. 119: 43),
• and "in His Word do I hope." (Ps. 130:5).

God's Word also brings comfort and renewal during trials and afflictions (Ps. 119:50, 67, 82). Thus, when the Psalmist needs God's help and protection, he turns to God's Word and His promises as a basis for his pleas for help. "...

Psalm 119 is the longest in the Bible. This psalm speaks of the power of God's Word and the blessings of studying the Bible. A study of God's Word fills a person's heart-hunger to know more about God. The examples of past saints and sinners found in God's Word reveal how one should act in a given situation and reassures one that there is always hope in God.

Ps. 119:30—I have chosen the way of truth; Thy judgments have I laid before me.

When a person makes Jesus his Lord and Savior, the Scriptures show that person how to obey and please God. The Scriptures direct our actions and give us a standard of accountability.

Ps. 119:34—Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart,

Man must have the eyes of his understanding opened (Ep. 1:18)to gain spiritual insight. It was through the guidance of the Holy Spirit that the Scriptures were given, and the Holy Spirit alone can reveal the true meaning of the Scriptures.

Ps. 119:4l--Let thy mercy co...

It was recently revealed that Communist China is rewriting the Bible to control Christians and deceive them into giving their allegiance to the Communist Chinese party.

• The Chinese Communist Party, China's ruling regime, has been on a mission to rewrite the Bible. This quest has reportedly resulted in shocking distortions of Scripture and Gospel truth. [https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/2022/february/china-rsquo-s-communist-government-is-reportedly-rewriting-the-bible-and-calling-jesus-a-lsquo-sinner-rsquo-but-that-rsquo-s-not-all-hellip,
• "The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced plans to update the Bible to 'keep pace with the times.' The revisions will include adding 'core socialist values' and removing passages that do not reflect communist beliefs," a VOM Facebook post read.
  [https://gospelnewsnetwork.org/2022/02/18/chinas-communist-government-is-reportedly-rewriting-the-bible-and-calling-jesus-a-sinner-but-thats-not-all/]
• The Chinese Communist Party is demanding that the Bib
...

I have written about the supernatural nature of Scripture, focusing on the revelatory nature of God's Word. I have also written about how humanity "got the message" [so to speak] of God's revelation. Through the process of "inspiration," God directed men to write down what He revealed to them.

Authority of Scripture

Today, let us consider the authority of Scripture. The Bible claims to be authoritative because it reveals God's decrees and laws.

• The Scriptures are the commandments of the Lord (1 Co. 14:37; Heb. 1:2). Since God created humanity, we must obey the old and New Testaments as God's orders to us. The primary revelation "in these last days" is Jesus. Jesus demonstrated by His life, as well through his words, the love of the Father. The New Testament writings of Paul, Peter, and others serve as part of this Written revelation concerning Jesus that helps to clarify Jesus' sacrificial role and to prepare the Church for Jesus' return.
• Over one-third of the Bible consists of p
...