"How do I know the Bible is Accurate"

[Leafrivermac]

"How do I know?"
"How do I know the Bible is Accurate"
October 20, 2002 - Pastor Mike Barnett
Every piece of literature must go through 7 forms of criticism to be considered authentic:
Textual criticism "“ is the attempt to determine the original text of the biblical books. This is done by comparing various extant manuscripts.Literary source criticism "“ Is the effort to determine the various literary sources upon which books of the Bible are based or from which they derive.Form criticism - is the endeavor to get behind sources of the Bible to the period of oral tradition, and to isolate oral forms that went into written sources. Redaction criticism "“ is a study of the activity of the biblical authors in shaping, modifying, or even creating material for the final product which they wrote.Historical criticism "“ employs all the above and, in addition, draws upon the data of archeology and of secular historical sources. The aim is to determine the author and date of the biblical books, and the establishment and interpretation of what actually occurred historically.Comparative "“ religious criticism assumes that all religions follow certain common patterns of development. It explains the history of the Judeo "“ Christian faith in terms of these patterns. A common assumption in this endeavor is that religions develop from polytheism to monotheism.Structural criticism - attempts to investigate the relationship between the surface structure of the writing and the deeper implicit structures that belong to literature as such. These implicit structures are the formal literary possibilities with which the author must work. [/ol] Once a biblical piece of literature passes the test from these 7 criticisms a two fold process consisting of Exegesis and hermeneutics is employed when interpreting the message of any given book of the Bible, paragraph, or sentence.
The first step is"¦
Exegesis "“ Is the careful, systematic study of scripture to discover the original, intended meaning. This is basically a historical task. It is the attempt to hear the Word as the original recipients were to have heard it, to find out what was the original intent of the words of the Bible. What did the speaker or author mean to say to the first audience that read or heard it. [/ol] The second step is"¦
Hermeneutics "“ seeks to discover the contemporary relevance of ancient texts and looks for its significance and applicability for today. [/ol] Through this process of using sound Exegesis and hermeneutic practices, it is possible to discover what each book in the Bible was intending to accomplish when it was originally written and how it can be practically applied to our lives today, 2000 years later.
When these discipline are performed in a professional matter one begins to see how consistent and even applicable the Bible is even today in our culture, and in our unique circumstances.
How do I know that the Bible is accurate?
Consider the evidence. [/ul] Aristotle "“ of his writings, we find them originally written at about 343 B.C., and yet the earliest copy we have is dated A.D. 1100, nearly a 1,400 year gap. And only 5 manuscripts are in existence today.
Caesar "“ composed his history of the Gallic wars between 58-50 B.C. and yet the earliest copy we have is dated 1,000 years after his death. Only 9 copies now exist.
The NEW TESTAMENT "“ is almost embarrassing in contrast. After the early papyrus manuscripts were discovered, an abundance of others came to light. We have manuscripts dating just 3 generations after the actual life of Jesus, only 40-60 years after they were written by the apostles. And not 5 or 9 copies exists, but 24,363 manuscripts are in existence today.From extra biblical writings (writings outside of the New Testament), we find the entire New Testament quoted in other writings "“ all but 11 verses. They quote 232 times the writings of the gospels and epistles. How about that? And that is outside the Bible! [/ul] IMPLICATIONS: So many manuscripts of the New Testament have been found that Bible scholars have been able to tell when the meaning of a sentence has been altered either intentionally or unintentionally by a scribe dozing off to sleep.
Because there was no printing press 2000 years ago, the Bible was copied by hand. This work was done by monks in monasteries "“ they were called scribes and that is what they did from morning to sun down. They made copies of the Bible for others to read. Sometimes the scribes would get very tired and make mistakes, like leaving out a word here and there. Bible scholars have detected these flaws because there are so many early and reliable manuscripts to compare them to. These errors especially came to light after the finding of the Dead Sea Scrolls 50 years ago.
By comparing the Bible (as we had it) to the Dead Sea scrolls scholars discovered two observations:
How much of the Bible was accurate from the older manuscripts.Small errors were detected like left out words which are now added to newer translations of the Bibles like the NIV. [/ol] NOTE: In this process hower, there were a few isolated cases were the scribe blatantly changed what the Bible originally said by adding and deleting words and sentences. Scholars know this because among the Dead Sea Scrolls were manuscripts dating back to the 2nd century. By comparing the earlier 2nd century manuscripts to later manuscripts written in the 4th century and beyond, scholars were able to clearly see where the scriptures had been tampered with "“ and there were a few cases. All of which have since been changed in newer translations like the NIV.
The Bible you hold in your hand this morning is incredibly accurate, more so than any other document ever writtenNo other piece of literature in the history of the world has been so harshly scrutinized as the Bible and yet it has passed with flying colors time and time again. [/ul] QUESTION: What about all the other books that were discarded and not added into the Bible?
It is true that a select of qualified council of men were chosen in the 4th century to make a decision on which books should be recognized as authentic biblical literature and included in New Testament canon. The Evangelical, protestant position is not for the church to establish the Bible as in the Roman Catholic church, but to recognize which books are already biblical and stand on their own merit. The primary basis for recognizing a book as being biblical was: Is the book consistent with other scripture. All the books that were consistent were added. Books that were perceived to have strayed from the consistency of other scriptures were not added to the New Testament canon.Many of those books that were not added to the New Testament canon were believed to be written by heretics/cults that were trying to undo the teachings of Christianity. Some books did not make it because they didn"™t add any new insights to what was already written. They were just later copies of books that were already accepted as biblical literature.This process has been scrutinized by critics for generations and seen as man"™s attempt to manipulate what is considered biblical literature for political purposes and for self-propaganda"¦.However"¦ [/ul] THE BIBLE CONVINCES THE CRITICS THROUGHOUT THE AGES AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO:
In the early 18th century, two individuals at Oxford University were determined to attack the very basis of Christianity. Lord George Lyttleton set out to prove that Saul and Tarsus never had been converted to Christianity; and Dr. Gilbert West, to demonstrate that Jesus had never risen form the dead. Later, when they met to discuss their findings, each found that the other had come to the opposite conclusion than which they set out to prove. They then got together and wrote a book entitled, Observations on the History and Evidences of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.Simon Greenleaf of Harvard Law School ended up proving the exact same thing in his work on Christianity in relation to rules of evidence in courts of Justice. More recently, Dr. Frank Morrison, a British Journalist and lawyer set out to disprove and refute the truth of Christianity and came up with the opposite conclusion. Dr. J.N.D. Anderson, Professor of Oriental Law and Director of Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the University of London wrote a book proving the same thing"¦Christianity stands the test. [/ul] The internal evidence test:
Now that we see the accuracy of the recorded message of the New Testament, this next test is concerned with the credibility of it.
Aristotle"™s dictum: "the benefit of the doubts to be given to the document itself, and not arrogated by the critic to himself.In other words, If I tell you that I own a blue shirt "“ it is up to you to prove that I do not, and until then, it must be assumed that I indeed do own one. [/ul] QUESTION: So what did the Apostles say in their writings?
At least 23 different times, the New Testament writers recorded that they were eyewitnesses.They said they were eyewitnesses. [/ul] 16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1John 1:1-3
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilledn among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, Luke 1:1-3
:1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3
"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter,n and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God". 1 Corinthians 15:3-9
20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 31 But these are written that you mayn believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:20, 31
39 "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. Acts 10:39-42
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 1 Peter 5:1
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 1:9
48 You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:48
32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Acts 2:32
15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. Acts 3:15
33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33
32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." Acts 5:32
:39 "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 4 Acts 10:39
41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. Acts 10:41
31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people. Acts 13:31
4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter,n and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 1 Corinthians 15:4-9, 15
2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 1 John 1:2
15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:15
AC 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." Acts 23:11
16 `Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. Acts 26:16
22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. Acts 2:22
:24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." 25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Acts 26:24-28
The Apostles also really "went out on a limb" in terms of rules for debate practice. They would appeal to the knowledge of their hearers when speaking of Christ"™s resurrection. They spoke of it as a fact, as common knowledge, which you must not ever do if there is even a faint chance of your being wrong. They wrote about actual people, places, things and times "“ that all would have been silenced immediately by the opposition if any of it was false, but it"™s still around in the 21st century. And the message of the gospel has shown up in ancient literature outside of the Bible too! [/ul] EXTERNAL EVIDENCE TEST
(Material outside the Bible)
There are a least 21 widely accepted documents found by archaeologists outside the Bible, which all confirm the message of the New Testament.Some of these Christian and non-Christian men were Conrnelius Tacitus, Lucian of Samosata, Flavius Josephus, Suetonius, Plinius Secundus, Tertullian, thallus, Phlegon, Marabar, Serapion, Justin Martyr, the Jewish Talmuds, Polycarp, Eusibus, Irenaeus, Ignatius, Origen, Clement of Rome, Cyprian, and HIppolytus and others. [/ul] OBJECTION "“ Even with all the facts, one can still say:
"I don"™t see how you can trust that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and how can you trust that Jesus really is the Son of God?"
Let"™s look at the following logical outline:
The Message"¦
The message of the apostles in the New Testament is basically that"¦ [/ul] Jesus Christ is the Son of God, died on a cross to purchase a place in heaven for sinners and that He was risen from the dead after three days. The message was either true or false
It was false, and"¦
They knew it (It was a plot of some kind) [/ul] It was a big lie, a hoax. But since all of them had the same message they must have gotten together to plot it all out, then gone out all over the world to preach this lie to make a lot of money"¦to make a killing as evangelists.
The problem is..instead of "making a killing""¦ they were killed.
Eleven of the twelve apostles died a martyrs"™ death preaching that Jesus was the Son of God and was risen from the dead. [/ul] The fate of the 12 Apostles:
1. Peter "“ Put to death by crucifixion
2. Andrew "“ Put to death by crucifixion
3. Matthew "“ Put to death by sword
4. James (son of Apheas) "“ Put to death by crucifixion
5. Philip "“ Put to death by crucifixion
6. Simon "“ Put to death by crucifixtion
7. Thaddeus "“ Put to death by arrows
8. James (brother of Jesus) "“ Put to death by being stoned
9. Thomas "“ Put to death by spear
10. Bartholomew "“ put to death by crucifixion
11. James (son of Zebedee) "“ Put to death by sword
12. John "“ Also staked his life on the Gospel, but when he was dipped in boiling oil several times, he just wouldn"™t die "“ so they exiled him on the Island of Patmos because they thought he was a God or something that should not be messed with.
And the reason why John did not die is because God still wanted to use him to write the book of Revelation "“ which he did on that island he was exiled to.Most importantly, they often proclaimed the fact of Jesus Christ and His resurrection to hostile listeners who could have and would have stopped their terrible rumor, had it been false"¦but they didn"™t. [/ul] OB JECTION: Just because the disciples were martyred doesn"™t mean it was a worthwhile cause, people die for stupid causes all the time like the alcaieda terrorist group for example.
ANSWER: True, but every year 2000 - 4000 people are still being martyred for their Christian faith every year around the world.
In fact, no other movement in history as had such a prolonged and consistent list of martyrs willing to die for their faith 2000 years after the movement first began.
Or maybe"¦
2. The message of the gospel was false and they did not know it. The Apostles somehow got the idea that Jesus was really "somebody", but were misled.
Jesus claimed to be the way to God"™s love"¦the way to forgiveness of sin"¦and the way to eternal life! [/ul] "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". John 14:6
47 I tell you the truth; he who believes has everlasting life. John 6:47
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26
61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ,n the Son of the Blessed One?" 62 "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Mark 14:61-62
41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, `I am the Son of God.' " Matthew 27:41-43
25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." John 4:25-26
30 I and the Father are one." 31 Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" 33 "We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." John 10:30-33
"He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him". John 5:23
When Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness (Luke 4:8), he said, "you shall worship your God, and only him"¦" And yet, when Thomas first saw him after the resurrection, he cried out: "My Lord and my God!""¦and Jesus freely received that worship. [/ul] BUDDHA ON HIS DEATHBED
From history, we learn that when Buddha was on his deathbed, centuries ago, his followers asked him the question: "Master, show us the way of life! How do we find it?"" He answered, "People, I am still searching myself." [/ul] CONFUCIOUS ON HIS DEATHBED
Confucius was asked the same question and he gave a similar answer, while on his deathbed. [/ul] JESUS HAS THE ANSWER FOR HIS FOLLOWERS
However"¦In the 14th chapter of John"™s gospel, one of Jesus"™ followers asked him the same question, except Jesus replied very affirmatively: "I am the way "“ and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me." [/ul] JESUS BEAT THE ODDS!
ILLUS. In the Old Testament there are 60 major messianic prophecies and approximately 270 ramifications that were fulfilled in one person, Jesus Christ. Using the science of probability, we find the chances of just 48 of these prophecies being fulfilled in one person to be only 1 in 10. (10 to the one hundred and fifty seventh power.) this task of "singling out" becomes even more unique when you consider the fact that these prophecies were written down at least 400 years before he was to appear.
ILLUS. The odds of these 60 major messianic prophesies coming true is the same as filling the entire state of Texas with silver coins 2 feet deep, and then marking one of those coins when a red pen, blinding folding a man and having him pick out that one coin out of the entire state of Texas in just one try.
Of all the major prophecies in the Bible at least 88% have been fulfilled.For example the Bible predicted the nation of Israel would be scattered and then come back together to their homeland. And for 3000 years the Israelites had no land to call their own until 1948 when they formed the nation of Israel once again.By the way, the next prophecy to be filled on the list is the return of Jesus Christ. All the prophecies that had to be filled before the return of Christ have already happened. [/ul] THE BIBLE IS EXTREMELY RELIABLE AND DIVERSIFIED:
The Bible was written over a 1500 year spanWas written over 40 generations Was written by over 40 authors from every walk of life including kings, peasants, philosophers, fisherman, poets, statesman, scholars, etc. Written by men with different personalities and temperaments Was written in different places, including situations in the wilderness, in dungeons, in palaces, inside prison walls, while traveling, on lone islands, in the midst of war, etc. Was written at different times, some at times of peace, others in battle. Was written during different moods, some writing from the heights of joy and others writing from the depths of sorrow. Was written on three different continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. Was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Covers diversified subject matter including hundreds of controversial subjects, yet with harmony and continuity from Genesis to Revelation. There is one unfolding, consistent story throughout the entire 66 books of the Bible: "God"™s redemption of man through Jesus Christ his son". [/ul] When it comes to salvation:
The world"™s religions = do.
Christianity = done.
Christianity is the only religion on earth that advocates that there is nothing a person can do to be saved "“ they can only receive the gift. [/ul] "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith "“ and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God "“ not by works, so that no one can boast". Ephesians 2:8-9
Humanity is caught in the performance trap "“ trying to earn love and acceptance from God, people, ect. [/ul] Man could never think of the concept of "saved by grace through faith alone" on his own
THE BIBLE IS GOD"™S WORD, NOT MAN"™S. [/ul] 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians. 3:3
THE WORD WILL ACCOMPLISH GOD"™S PURPOSE WHEN SPOKEN. [/ul] ""For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my Word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands". Isaiah 55:11-12
THE WORD IS POWERFUL "“ JUST LOOK AT THE RESULTS. [/ul] 29 "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" Jeremiah 23:29?
THE WORD IS DIRECTION FOR LIFE. [/ul] "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" Psalm 119:105
THE WORD WILL PROTECT ME FROM SIN AND DANGER. [/ul] "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you God, O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I will rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoice3s in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word". Psalm 119:9-16
THE WORD IS SHARP AND CUTS OFF UNNECESSARY BAGGAGE THAT WEIGHS ME DOWN IN LIFE. [/ul] 1" For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart". Hebrews 4:12
THE WORD IS APPLICABLE FOR TODAY AND PRODUCES SPIRITUAL GROWTH. [/ul] 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
THE WORD MATURES MY FAITH. [/ul] "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" Romans 10:17
THE WORD IS JESUS! [/ul] "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,n who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1-2,14
THE WORD IS ALIVE TODAY. [/ul] "Jesus (the word) is the same yesterday and today and forever". Hebrews 13:8
THE WORD WILL ENDURE FOREVER BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD THAT WILL FADE AWAY AND PERISH. [/ul] 5 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35
THE WORD IS THE ONLY THING IN THIS WORLD THAT IS STABLE AND WILL BE AN ANCHOR FOR ME IN TIMES OF DISTRESS. [/ul] 24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash". Matthew 7:24-27
CHALLENGE: If you doubt the validity of God"™s word, then do the following assignment:
Read the New Testament every day for 30 minutes and pray that God will confirm what you read is true.
THE RESULTS WILL SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
****WATCH OUT FOR THE WORD THIEF
3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." 9 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, "they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'n " 13 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop--thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." Mark 4:3-20

[Rebel Hog]

ORIGINAL: Leafrivermac


[ul][/ul]
EXTERNAL EVIDENCE TEST
(Material outside the Bible)
There are a least 21 widely accepted documents found by archaeologists outside the Bible, which all confirm the message of the New Testament.Some of these Christian and non-Christian men were Conrnelius Tacitus, Lucian of Samosata, Flavius Josephus, Suetonius, Plinius Secundus, Tertullian, thallus, Phlegon, Marabar, Serapion, Justin Martyr, the Jewish Talmuds, Polycarp, Eusibus, Irenaeus, Ignatius, Origen, Clement of Rome, Cyprian, and HIppolytus and others.

Great to know!Thanks brother for posting this info!

[Chuck7]

Good stuff my man Leaf,You are also on my list of wanting to meet .
C7

[dabowhunter]

Excellent post