What do you do?

[seminarywifealicia]

I have a question for all my Baptist brothers and sisters who believe in the inerrancy of the bible.

How do you witness to people when they don't believe scripture is God breathed? My family is lost and I try to live a life that shows God's love but when they ask me why I do or don't do something and I quote scripture they say how do you know God said that..I'm sure I should know this but I can't think of what to say....

HELP?!

 

[timbrown]

I have a question for all my Baptist brothers and sisters who believe in the inerrancy of the bible.

How do you witness to people when they don't believe scripture is God breathed? My family is lost and I try to live a life that shows God's love but when they ask me why I do or don't do something and I quote scripture they say how do you know God said that..I'm sure I should know this but I can't think of what to say....

HELP?!

Alicia:

There are two kinds of doubt -- the kind that leans toward belief and is just looking for evidence, and the kind that is leaning toward unbelief and that no facts or "proof" will resolve. My prayer for your family is that they are just looking for evidence.

Entire books have been written to answer questions such as yours but I think the main point has to do with evidence demonstrating the supernatural nature of scripture based on fulfilled prophecy as well as its' reliability which has been demonstrated through hisory and archaeology.

Just taking 10 of the prophecies Jesus fulfilled (which we KNOW were written before they were fulfilled) including some which He would have had "no control" over such as where He was born, His clothes being gambled over, etc. it has been calculated that the odds of that occurring are I think 1 in 10 with 17 zeros after it:

so 1 chance in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000.

I'd have to check to see who calculated this, but the chances are one in 10 to the seventeenth power that Just 10 prophecies could be fulfilled in one person. To get a grasp on this, imagine the entire state of Texas being covered three feet deep ijn silver dollars. Mark ONE with a red 'x'. drop a skydiver from the air at some random spot. Try picking the marked coin up with the first attempt.

And that is only considering ten of the HUNDREDS of prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.

No one seriously doubts the veracity of Homer's Iliad. Yet we only have roughly 600 manuscripts for that work. For the Bible, we have approximately 24,000!

The Bible was written by 40 authors from various lifestyles over a very long period of time. They all wrote about a very controversial subject -- God. They didn't collaborate. They couldn't. Yet they are in agreement. Does that help?

If that isn't enough, The Bible has been repeatedly shown to be historically accurate. Doubters have repeatedly tried to say "Thus and so never happened" then some archaeologist digs up something that proves otherwise.

I have a number of books on this. The one that immediately comes to mind is "why I believe the Bible" by John MacArthur as well as "You Can Trust the Bible" by Erwin Lutzer.

You can give them one of these books and challenge them to read it. You will find out which way they are leaning.

OR, you can share the Gospel with them in a way that bypasses the issue. Address the conscience. The Law is written on every human heart. Hold the Ten Commandments up to them and see what happens. An example can be found at http://www.needgod.com.

This method skips the head arguments and goes straight to the conscience. Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron have a ministry that I learned this method from: http://www.wayofthemaster.com.

In the case of someone who doubts the Bible, you can say "Just suppose this is true...Just SUPPOSE...would you be concerned about how you stand before God?"

Again, my prayers are with you. Sharing with family can be very awkward.

Tim

​

 

[ScottishDawn84]

I would simply say, "Because I have faith in Him and I choose to believe in what His word says."

You don't need a great, fancy, philosophical answer, just say what's in your heart. Why do you believe it?

If you want something a little deeper, I highly recommend reading Know What You Believe, it's really helped me a lot! :hugs: I know sometimes it can be rough being around unsaved family members.

 

[arunma]

I have a question for all my Baptist brothers and sisters who believe in the inerrancy of the bible.

How do you witness to people when they don't believe scripture is God breathed? My family is lost and I try to live a life that shows God's love but when they ask me why I do or don't do something and I quote scripture they say how do you know God said that..I'm sure I should know this but I can't think of what to say....

HELP?!

Yes, I understand. My family is lost also (in paganism, actually). The way I see it, we should simply preach Christ crucified and resurrected. Our faith is not in the Bible, but in Jesus Christ. We believe in the Bible not because it bears witness to itself, but because the Holy Spirit testifies to its accuracy.

I think that if someone comes to know Christ (who is the Word of God) as his Lord, belief in God's written word will follow.

 

[timbrown]

Yes, I understand. My family is lost also (in paganism, actually). The way I see it, we should simply preach Christ crucified and resurrected. Our faith is not in the Bible, but in Jesus Christ. We believe in the Bible not because it bears witness to itself, but because the Holy Spirit testifies to its accuracy.

I think that if someone comes to know Christ (who is the Word of God) as his Lord, belief in God's written word will follow.

Well, sometimes we need to be able to (as Peter said)
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..) 1 Peter 3:15.

Certainly there are those who are converted by a simple presentation of the Gospel, sometimes others need to gain understanding about the reliability and historicity of the the Gospel and God's Word to get past one or more hurdles. The word he uses is "apologia" which means to explain...or give an 'apologetic' (not an apology) for what we believe. Not just say "I just choose to believe it".

Luke understood the importance of this when he wrote in Luke 1:3 "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, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." In other words, he was appealing to historical accuracy of his writings.
The Christian faith is intellectually satisfying as well as emotionally satisfying. It's not invalid to ask "show me a reason for what you believe." And it's not wrong to provide it.

There are many professing Christians who buy into the post-modern idea that "it's true because I believe it". No. I believe it because it is true. And giving evidence for what we believe has that goal in mind. To show reasonable evidence as to why we can trust the Scriptures.

I hope I haven't misunderstood any one.

Out of time, have to run...

Blessings,

Tim

 

[arunma]

Well, sometimes we need to be able to (as Peter said)
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..) 1 Peter 3:15.

Certainly there are those who are converted by a simple presentation of the Gospel, sometimes others need to gain understanding about the reliability and historicity of the the Gospel and God's Word to get past one or more hurdles. The word he uses is "apologia" which means to explain...or give an 'apologetic' (not an apology) for what we believe. Not just say "I just choose to believe it".

Luke understood the importance of this when he wrote in Luke 1:3 "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, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." In other words, he was appealing to historical accuracy of his writings.
The Christian faith is intellectually satisfying as well as emotionally satisfying. It's not invalid to ask "show me a reason for what you believe." And it's not wrong to provide it.

There are many professing Christians who buy into the post-modern idea that "it's true because I believe it". No. I believe it because it is true. And giving evidence for what we believe has that goal in mind. To show reasonable evidence as to why we can trust the Scriptures.

I hope I haven't misunderstood any one.

Out of time, have to run...

Blessings,

Tim

I agree that we should give an account of why we believe in Biblical inerrency. What I meant to say is that it is better to focus our testimony on Jesus Christ than on the Bible. After all, the Bible is so valuable not because it is the Bible, but because by it we can see Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

 

[seminarywifealicia]

You all have been very helpful, thank you so much!

 

[Flicker]

I think it is always important to remind people that apart from faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, God shall render an infinite penalty upon them for the violation of God's law. Believe it because otherwise God shall destroy them.

 

[rural_preacher]

I Corinthians 2:4-16

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
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.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ."


-

 

[ChristIsTHEKing]

Just like any unbeliever, ask them why they think this or that. When they make a statement, ask them why .... ? Keep doing this until you've gotten them to reveal the real reason behind their statement. It could be many different reasons, so it's important to understand why before you attempt to answer.

 

[talitha]

I haven't really thought of it this way before, but something just occured to me - and I realize that I'm not on my home turf, so y'all bear with me as a sister in Christ, please?

I personally believe that we often are testifying to something other than the gospel - we are talking about doctrine when what we have to offer is so much more than doctrine -- it's a relationship with the living God! Doctrines are best taught spirit-to-spirit, and it's really not possible to teach spirit-to-spirit when the other person's spirit is dead. In order for us to testify to the gospel we need the power of the Holy Spirit; in other words, we need (like Jesus) to only do what the Father is already doing. We just join in with Him (I'm sure there are those of you who went through the Experiencing God study; this is the same sort of thing.....). When the Spirit of God is already at work, there is some progress in the regeneration process, and the Spirit of God will agree with the gospel. Then we have the state described by the writer of Hebrews -- they "believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." (11:6)

Am I making sense here to anyone besides myself? lol....

 

[arunma]

Am I making sense here to anyone besides myself? lol....

Yes, you are!

 

[seminarywifealicia]

I haven't really thought of it this way before, but something just occured to me - and I realize that I'm not on my home turf, so y'all bear with me as a sister in Christ, please?

I personally believe that we often are testifying to something other than the gospel - we are talking about doctrine when what we have to offer is so much more than doctrine -- it's a relationship with the living God! Doctrines are best taught spirit-to-spirit, and it's really not possible to teach spirit-to-spirit when the other person's spirit is dead. In order for us to testify to the gospel we need the power of the Holy Spirit; in other words, we need (like Jesus) to only do what the Father is already doing. We just join in with Him (I'm sure there are those of you who went through the Experiencing God study; this is the same sort of thing.....). When the Spirit of God is already at work, there is some progress in the regeneration process, and the Spirit of God will agree with the gospel. Then we have the state described by the writer of Hebrews -- they "believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." (11:6)

Am I making sense here to anyone besides myself? lol....

Yes you're making perfect sense and I get that. I can't save them God can. It's just frustrating for me that they think I'm a looney.. I'm going to spend a whole lot of time praying for them. I've also realized that regardless I need to know Why I believe what I believe in a way that I can explain it well so I'm going to take some of your advice and read up. Thank you all, you've put this whole situation in perspective!

Blessings and He is Risen!

 

[aReformedPatriot]

I have a question for all my Baptist brothers and sisters who believe in the inerrancy of the bible.

How do you witness to people when they don't believe scripture is God breathed? My family is lost and I try to live a life that shows God's love but when they ask me why I do or don't do something and I quote scripture they say how do you know God said that..I'm sure I should know this but I can't think of what to say....

HELP?!

Cross the street and ask Dr. Mohler

Chances are if your family has the presupposition that is either pluaralistic or even athiestic you aren't going to get them to easily regard inerrancy. In your situation, the question is essentially a catch 22 that demands you to prove the existence of God in the first place which you cannot do.

Im sure others have given you longer better answers but this is where your at. How you get from A to B is dependant on the Lord.

 

[seminarywifealicia]

Cross the street and ask Dr. Mohler

Chances are if your family has the presupposition that is either pluaralistic or even athiestic you aren't going to get them to easily regard inerrancy. In your situation, the question is essentially a catch 22 that demands you to prove the existence of God in the first place which you cannot do.

Im sure others have given you longer better answers but this is where your at. How you get from A to B is dependant on the Lord.

I didn't want to bother Ol' Al with my problems. LOL! Just kidding, he's wonderful! You're right, and that's exactly what Derek said. The Lord is in control on this one....I just have to wait patiently and follow his will...

 

[DeaconDean]

The Bible says this about itself in the Old Testament:

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." -Psa. 19:7-8

In the New Testament the Bible says this about itself:

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." -Rom.15:4

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." -2 Tim. 3:16-17

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." -Heb. 4:12

I applaud your desire to witness and see your family come to the Lord. Wouldn't it be blessed to come to heaven and see all our loved ones standing there waiting on us? That's what all of us would love to see. All you can do Sis is to present the gospel to them, and live the life that they can see. I would say when they question you on the inerrancy of the Bible, I'd use the 2 Tim. 3:16-17 scriptures. Just continue to live the life, walk the walk, and talk the talk. Sometimes when witnessing doesn't do the trick, our lives speak more volumes than we care to know. Keep the faith and keep witnessing and living the Life that is acceptable to Him.

God Bless.

 

[edie19]

I think one of the areas where Christianity has gotten sidetracked is in the area of apologetics. We tend to rely on our "feelings" or our "experiences" rather than on the evidence. Not sure why - I think to a certain degree we've gotten lazy - but give me the strong, sound arguments of a Michael Horton, John Warwick Montgomery, C.S. Lewis or Francis Schaeffer any day over someone's "personal experience." Since the apostles didn't rely on their experience - but rather preached Christ and Him crucified, that's good enough for me. As far as the conversion of non-confessing family and friends - that's in God's hands, in His timetable.

edie

 

[JPPT1974]

I didn't want to bother Ol' Al with my problems. LOL! Just kidding, he's wonderful! You're right, and that's exactly what Derek said. The Lord is in control on this one....I just have to wait patiently and follow his will...

The Lord is in control
No matter what occurs
May He bless us all
Just lean on the Lord!

 

[MbiaJc]

I have a question for all my Baptist brothers and sisters who believe in the inerrancy of the bible.

How do you witness to people when they don't believe scripture is God breathed? My family is lost and I try to live a life that shows God's love but when they ask me why I do or don't do something and I quote scripture they say how do you know God said that..I'm sure I should know this but I can't think of what to say....

HELP?!

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

If they don't believe this scripture, then you live a life before them that they will be envious of. That way you are not telling them, you are showing them it is true.

Just my two cents worth.

May the Grace and Peace of God be with you.

 

[seminarywifealicia]

Thanks so much. I'll walk it out as they say.. Pray for me as I work on this. Thank you so much!