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I'm just looking into Christianity and believe that you base your faith on the 'fact' that the Bible is inspired of God.  How do you go about proving that to someone that is an unbeliever?

Thank you :)

You can't.  1Cor 2:14

Mandy,
As Shaka said, "You can't." Look at the verse-
1 Cor 2
14   But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

One thing is important for you to know. You do not have to convince someone that the Bible is the inspired word of God. The Bible will do that itself. If you read it and ask God for understanding He will prove it Himself. If you have a willingness to do what Jesus tells you to do then you will know that the Bible is the word of God.

John 7
17   If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

In other words Jesus said: "If you really want to obey God, you will know if what I teach comes from God or from me."

Mandy, if you are unsure, tell Jesus about it and ask Him to help your unbelief.

If you already are sure and want to know how to share with your friends, do'nt worry about trying to convince them that the Bible is the word of God, but, rather, pray for them.

God Bless You,

asaph

Because the bible itself testifies such:


The "breathed out" phrase is what is meant by the KJV's "inspiration."  Scripture is God-breathed.  Inspired.  Note also...


Scripture, though written by man, was wrought by God.  He moved them along to write what He wanted.

The only problem then is, do you believe what God said about His word?

       Mandy;
     The Bible has Thousands of Prophecys, the only ones that have not been fulfilled are End Time Prophecys, whitch we may see fulfillment in our life time.

Thats real good stuff Asaph!

Thank you for posts everyone :)

This about sums it up for me:


Hmm I hadn't thought about praying to Jesus (which would be how to tell Jesus about it?)

I need to start to get to know Jesus first.  I do believe he exists (therefore *did* exist and always will exist), but I'm so new to this I haven't even said my first prayer yet, something is stopping me and I don't know what it is.  I guess I'll work it out.  Anyway,

I was wondering if anyone knows of any archeaological (sp) and/or historic evidence that supports what the Bible writers tell us about.

Thank you again for your posts.  

How about living proof..

Not,  that this would bring people to Jesus.

However Jesus spoke of Lazarus and the Rich Man, in (Luke 16:19-31)

Notice, what He said Moses replied to the Rich Man, who was  in pain and torment in hades.

If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.


So, Jesus rose from the dead, and confirming the Word of God  and promises God made to Abraham.

But, since does not stir people up, enough to repent.

Why would archeological or historical proof be sufficient?

Anyhow,  the living proof I had in mind, is the Nation of Israel, they are a historical nation, and their is much archeological proof that they existed as a nation in the Land given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by the Lord.

In accordance with prophecy concerning this nation, after a dispersion throughout all the nations of the World for centuries, they are now assembled in the same land, in accordance with the Word of God.

All Christians, should become familiar with Israels history, they are the apple of Gods eye; unless God delivers on every promise He has made them, we have no hope; but we know the God we serve, will keep every preomise He has made to Abraham and the nation,  such is our faith.

Remember Gods promise to anyone that blesses Israel;

Gen 12
3  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Blessings,
Petro

 Hello Mandy.
There is a ton of biblical archaeological finds that corroborate the bible accounts.
As a matter of fact, there has not been a single dig that has disproved a single biblical account!! That is truely amazing!
There is also loads of non biblical, historical documentation.

Here is a link to biblical archaeology...
www.christiananswers.net/archaeology/home.html (http://www.christiananswers.net/archaeology/home.html)

 And here is a link to historical evidence of Jesus and the bible.
www.biblehistory.net/Chap1.htm (http://www.biblehistory.net/Chap1.htm)

Keep on this track...you will live forever to be glad you did!

Do not take your beliefs to the Bible. Get your beliefs from the Bible.  ;D

We all gotta start somewhere my brother.

What does that suppose to mean, Bronzesnake? ???

I agree - we all do have to start somewhere, at the beginning, which is where I am at.

What do you guys think of this quote?

"For the Fathers, authority is not only the Bible, but the Bible plus those glorified or divinized as the prophets and apostles. The Bible is not in itself either inspired or infallible. It becomes inspired and infallible within the communion of saints because they have the experience of divine glory described in the Bible."

Professor John Romanides of the University of Thessaloniki

Mandy,

Frankly, I don't think much of it.

What does this statement mean?? It just sounds like gobble di gook.

I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock on someone's statement unless they are coherent and show biblical doctrinal understanding.

I have no idea who this fellow is.

Blessings,

Petro

 I agree with what Ambassador4Christ said, but at the same time, we don't all grow up with Jesus. It is so much easier to be introduced to Jesus when we are children; children don't have any pre concieved ideas in their heads, and tend to accept Jesus without much question. However, for some adults, if we first understand that Jesus and the bible isn't just a bunch of "nice stories", that there is a load of corroborating archaeological and historical evidence that prove these biblical events and characters are real, then it becomes much easier to become a true believer. So in a sense, it's a way for some of us to get our "foot in the door". People who are searching for the truth will have legitimate questions, and they deserve to be answered truthfully and intelligently. Jesus doesn't mind how we find Him, just as long as we find Him.

~quote~
However, for some adults, if we first understand that Jesus and the bible isn't just a bunch of "nice stories", that there is a load of corroborating archaeological and historical evidence that prove these biblical events and characters are real, then it becomes much easier to become a true believer.
~/quote~

I think that's reasonable and about where I'm at. :)

Mandy,

I believe that God uses a great number of ways to draw people to His Son and a saving faith in Him and Him alone.  Do you think that this kind of evidence is helping you become a true believer?  If so, here's a verse that may well help you along:


You may well find evidence that corroborates the bible, and that may well give you a better feeling about believing it.  However, when it comes down to it, it's still a matter of faith.  We see God in nature the bible tells us:


We have evidence of His existence.  But when it comes down to it, it's faith that brings us into that relationship with Him.  Where then does this faith come from?


God may very well be using this evidence to bring you to Himself.  The question isn't then, "Do I believe in God because of nature or the bible," but rather "What am I going to do with this belief?"  Are you at this point perhaps?

I think Shaka's original answer was pretty good:  I Corinthians 2:14:  

"The unspiritual man does not receive the the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."


I think specifically, you CAN be sure the bible is inspired, because it is spiritually discerned.  (um, known as "joy", um, in some circles......hehe).

Hmmm - can you define the phrase 'spiritually discerned' please - I'm missing something here *grins*

It's once bitten twice shy in my case.  Been there, had a religion, got sucked in, got abused, in fact it's a minor miracle that I'm opening up again. This time I'll need more than isolated scriptures taken out of context and a sense of wanting to believe to convince me (and believe me I *want* to believe). I think age has something to do with it too, I was more ready to take the leap of faith that seems to be required in my early twenties. I'm 37 now and a bit older and wiser.

Allinall :)


That's what I'm hoping for.  Working towards an improvement  in knowledge.  So far this has been the most convincing article I have found http://www.biblemagazine.com/magazine/vol-9/issue-4/evidence.html

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Hi Mandy,
Have you talked to Jesus yet? If you do He will not turn you away. Talk to Jesus daily and read the Bible. A good way to read the Bible is to "pray read" it.

Example:
Psalm 1
1   Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Jesus, teach me to walk stand and sit in your presence. Help me to love sinners yet not get trapped in what they do.

2   But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

As I read your words from the Bible make our fellowship sweet. Give me understanding, let your law be my delight.

3   And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Today I want to drink from your river of delights. I long to bear much fruit, fruit that is pleasing to you. To enjoy you is my prosperity.

4   The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Let my life be like you, like whole wheat, not like windblown chaff.

5   Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Let me be gathered with your people at the coming of Jesus. In the mean time, while I wait, let me have sweet fellowship with others in your name today.

6   For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Know me and my ways, keep me and preserve me forever.


asaph :)

'Spiritually discerned' Means that the things of the Spirit of God are recognized or understood only by the Spirit of God, in whom all Christians have.  There must be congeniality between the perceiver and the thing perceived.  So since we have the Holy Spirit, we can now, by the Spirit (spiritually) recognize (discern) the things given to us by God.

Thank you Asaph and Shaka.

Asaph:  No I haven't talked to Jesus yet, something is holding me back.  I think maybe I am coming from a far too logical viewpoint but I'm getting there slowly.

Thank you for the prayer example :)

Shaka :) Thank you for your reply, that really helped clear things up for me.

Mandy,
Whatever is holding you back is not from the Lord Jesus. It could be your imagination that is holding you back. The spirit that is now at work in the world is confusing your mind to keep you from coming to Jesus, but it can prevail only if you let it. My advice to you is to reject outright that spirit and go forward to Jesus. Jesus will take down any walls that might stand in the way. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Resist the devil and he will run from you.

2 Corinthians 10
 4   (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5   Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

You have God on your side, and if He is for you who can be against you. Prayers are being said for you.

asaph  :)