There is an excellent site and organization whose goal appears to be to further the knowledge of the Christian and have a few souls place their faith in Jesus (a good thing). The Our Daily Bread Christian University is found at: www.christianuniversity.org. The university offers free and credited courses. Most of the free courses are presented in a “survey” type presentation but the presentation is good information. My only concern is I wished these people used the pure Word of the King James Bible (KJB). They like most other use a hodgepodge of different Bibles which they feel gets their point across to the student or reader. The below comments are my notes I made reviewing ODB’s Ten Reasons to Believe the Bible. There may be some text from the site below. That is what happens when you take notes. Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. With that being said, the source is the above web address.
Human nature is hostile to God and therefore His pure Word. In this discussion, when I address “pure Word” I am talking about the KJB. Psalm 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
In my studies (soon I will publish the list), there is no more evidence of this hostility than the printing of the over 200 additional English version Bibles such as the NIV, NASB, TLB, etc.. Mankind hates God’s pure Word because God documents the sin of man without coloring or softening its effects. Only man colors and softens sin’s effect. What God calls fornication, man calls immoral. What God calls adultery, man calls an affair. There are many more examples but this is not the point of this writing. But thanks to God the pure Word tells us there is a way to Salvation and Eternal Life through the precious blood of Jesus!!
ODB addresses the following Ten Reasons to Believe the Bible: The Evidence of History; The Evidence of Preservation; The Evidence of Divine Claim; The Evidence of Miracles; The Evidence of Accuracy; The Evidence of Unity; The Evidence of Endorsement; The Evidence of Prophecy; The Evidence of Survival; and The Evidence of Changed Life.
ODB states the writers of God’s Word under leadership of the Holy Spirit had to make a claim there were writing for God. This is shown throughout the Old Testament (OT) through the use of such phrases of “the Lord spoke,” “Thous says the Lord.” “God spake,” “Lord spake” “There came to Word of the Lord,” etc.. A Bible which does not speak on behalf of God could not become the foundation of the Christian faith. What I found interesting is the importance of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The presentation placed much emphasis on these documents a validating the Word. I find this interesting; people have more faith in the Dead Sea Scrolls validating the Word than God own statement or his ability and statement to preserve the word in Psalm 12:6-7. The presentation seems to acknowledge it is important to know what the Bible says about itself. So why don’t we except the Word by “faith?” I’m very happy to find ODB states Scripture is not a great book among many. It claims that it is the very Word of God and His very revelation and not man’s revelation. I was concerned with the evidence or the relying upon “miracles” versus “signs.” These are two difference items although they may be same at a specific event. Scripture is clear the Hebrews required a sign to validate the act or statement was of God. God does not validate Himself with signs today since He has given us His pure Word. His Word was published around 100 AD and we respond to it by faith. Read Matt 12:38-39. This is not to be confused with the signs which followed the Apostles in Mark 16. It is important to note God is still in the miracle business where He steps out into our time and accomplishes a feat to which there is no logic or reason other than that of a miracle. Some specific miracles addressed in the presentation: OT exodus and parting of the Red Sea; Jesus’ resurrection (This is important since Paul states in 1 Corth 15:14-17 with this as a Christian there is no basis of our faith.); resurrection of many at Jesus’ crucifixion; and healings accomplished by Jesus.
The ODB presentation points out the accuracy of the Bible as being validated by archeologist. The presentation did state archeology could not validate specific words but it does support the times and events. I believe this may be the weakest argument for the reality of the Bible. In my reading, I come to understand the depictions in the Bible are often more times more reliable that scholars or historians. ODB says the most fascinating about the Bible is the unity. Its unity is a miracle. There were 40 different authors from different background and communities over a 1,600 plus years wrote the 66 books of the Bible. Beginning with creation, the Bible flows with record of man’s problems and sins, experiences, kingdoms, wars, peace, promises of a future Messiah, Jesus, and finally his Kingdom on earth.
What I found in the presentation most affirming is the evidence of the Bible’s endorsement. Our Lord made it clear that He believed the OT in verses as Matthew 4:1-11, Matthew 5:17-19, and John 5:39-41. Jesus believed Scripture; therefore the Scripture deserves our respect. The Scriptures prophesy about kingdoms which came and went and the presentation of our Lord and Saviour is rated at 100 percent. There are no other works claiming to be the Word of God as the Bible does of itself. Prophecy is its validation. Look to Micah 5:2, Daniel 9:25-26, Isa 53:5-6, and Matthew 16:21. The Bible has existed long before the writing of the Hindus and Muhammad. It is the book against which all others are measured. Like some 200 new English Bibles today are always measured to the KJB. The KJB is attacked more than any other book by “so-called” Christians and Satan alike.
The ODB’s final and best evidence for the truth in the Bible is a changed lift. History of full of people who have changed their lives because of the Bible. My life included. It is a book we as a “CULTure” get is moral pinning from in the 10 commandments. We find comfort in Psalms. We feel and know love from 1 Corth 13. Individuals, towns, tribes, and nations have been changed by the Bible. The power for this change is in the message of scripture about God’s love for us.
So, my recommendation is take the time and do the course. You will not regret it.
The Pure King James Bible (KJB) 