Christianity 101: Part 3 - 'What is the Bible?'

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
Here are some questions to consider:

Readings:

2 Timothy chapter 3 verses 14 - 17

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.


Matthew chapter 5 verse 18

For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.



Prayer and Reflection:

Loving God, we thank you for your Spirit-breathed, holy and living word, the Bible. Thank you that by your Holy Spirit, it reveals you to us in the person of Jesus. Thank you for the wisdom, correction and comfort that you, Lord, give to us through your holy word. Amen.

Amen.



Questions to Consider

1. How would you describe the Bible in one sentence?
2. Clearly God is without error, and Jesus declared that “not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.”  As the ancient Hebrew and Greek writings that we have remaining have since been translated into English (and many other languages), and those translations vary, what do you make of the idea of ‘Biblical inerrancy’?
3. What do you do when you struggle to understand a passage of Scripture?
4. The Baptist Declaration of Principle says that Jesus himself is the ‘sole and absolute authority’ in all matters of faith, rather than the Bible, which reveals this Jesus to us. What do you make of the distinction and why might it be important?
5. How often do you read the Bible? Do you follow a particular plan?
6. Do you keep any Bible verses about your home or place of work? Can you remember any ‘by heart’?
7. What are some Bible verses that you have found most helpful, and why?