P2 - The Bible is God's book by virtue of it being alive

2 Peter 1:19 "So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts."

Introduction:

What makes the Bible worthy of the title "Book of God"? Today's post will attempt once again to unpack Peter's words here in 2 Peter 1:16-21 by noting three reasons why we can consider the Bible as God's Book. We looked the last time at the first reason why the Bible is God's Book: namely by virtue of its authority. Today we will consider a second reason: namely that the Bible is an alive book. 

The Bible is a living Book

When we say the Bible is alive, what do we mean? As testimony to itself, the books of the Bible tell us that in regards to how the Word of God functions in a person's life - it operates like a living person! Consider for example Proverbs 4:20-23  "My son, give attention to my words;Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body.
23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life." Notice what the text says in verse 22 - "For they are life...". Or again consider an even clearer text, Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Peter himself describes the Bible as having living qualities in 2 Peter 1:19 "So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts." The scriptures are the "prophetic word", quite literally the voice of God in written form, shining light and confirming the matters of God to the heart and soul. 

In reflecting on these passages, I'm reminded of a quote I heard a preacher say one time: "My Bible has hands that grab me, feet that chase me, eyes that sees me and breath that revives me." All other books of religion and philosophy prescribe ways of living, but as I read the Bible, it is the only book in the world that lives through me. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 notes in its first article on the Bible: "All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation." People give testimonies. The scriptures have this same trait and are referred to as the testimony of God (see Psalm 19:7ff). As a living book, the Bible is the instrument used by the Holy Spirit to convert sinners (Psalm 19:7; 1 Peter 1:23) and strengthen saints (Psalm 19:8-12; Colossians 3:16). 

Henceforth we can say the Bible in all its books and whole is the Book of God by virtue of its authority and by it being alive. In the next post we will consider one final reason from 2 Peter 1:16-21 as to why the Bible is the book of God. 

P1 - The Bible is God's Book by virtue of its authority

2 Peter 1:19 "So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts."

Introduction:

What makes the Bible worthy of the title "Book of God"? These last couple of posts have dealt with the doctrine of sacred scripture. We have looked at the character of the Bible as "The Holy Bible". We also considered practical reasons why anyone ought to retain the attitude of the old children's song: "The B.I.B.L.E, yes that's the book for me". Today's post will attempt to unpack Peter's words here in 2 Peter 1:16-21 by noting three reasons why we can consider the Bible as God's Book. Notice first of all that the Bible is the....

Authoritative Book.

Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:16-18 of how he and his apostolic associates did not follow "cleverly devised tales" nor deliver to his readers second-hand information. Rather, everything is written from an eye-witness perspective. The Bible as the Book of Books is set-apart by God as His authoritative written revelation. 

As we have seen already in previous posts, the Bible throughout its history was treated as a set-apart or holy Book. As each book of the Old and New Testament was revealed, inspired and delivered to God's people - they immediately or almost immediately received it as God's authoritative, written revelation. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 explains this idea of Biblical authority in its first article: "It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried."

When one reads the early church records of the early church fathers like Irenaeus of Lyons or Eusebius, we discern several ways in which the people of God recognized the 27 books of the New Testament and the 39 books of the Old Testament as God's authoritative, inscripturated record. 

a. Was it composed by a prophet/apostle or an associate

b. Correspondence with earlier revelation

c. Containing prophecy and evidence of fulfilled prophecy

d. Converting power for the soul

e. Clearly show Jesus Christ

Jesus Himself viewed the Old Testament in this fashion as seen by how He explains it as revealing things about Himself (Luke 24:44) as well as setting it over and against the traditions of men (Matthew 19). Paul too took the scripture to be the authoritative embodiment of God's voice to the people of God in shaping their lives and his preaching (Ephesians 2:20; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Then of course we see Peter codifying the New Testament letters of Paul as being on par with respect to their authority to that of the Old Testament in 2 Peter 3:16. 

Tomorrow we will consider how the Bible is the Book of God by virtue of it being an alive book. 

A children's lesson: How The B.I.B.L.E is the Book of God

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."

Introduction:

Today we consider once again some reflections on important truths from God's Word that can be taught to children. Our template for these lessons derives partly from the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. In a past post we considered how we could teach children about how the God of the Bible is made known to everyone, and how they - knowing about Him - can come to know Him on a personal level. The link for that first lesson is found here:http://www.growingchristianresources.com/2016/05/a-childrens-lesson-how-everyone-knows.html

In today's post we are not only considering the "God of the Book", but also "The Book of God". How can we communicate the truth contained in the first article of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 about the Bible so that children can grasp the character of sacred scripture? 

A simple way to begin explaining how the Bible is God's revealed Word might be through two old-familiar songs. The first is the beloved children's Sunday School Song: "The B.I.B.L.E". Once we introduce children to this song, we can then lead them in a second song, such as the one we as adults have either sung or heard others sing in times past: "Jesus loves me". These two songs capture in sum the total teaching of the BFM 2000 article on the Bible: namely that the Bible is the Word of God and that it's main point is to reveal Jesus Christ. Here is the link to the BFM 2000 on "The Scriptures" for adult teachers to study themselves as they break it down for children in the proposed lesson below: http://www.sbc.net/bfm2000/bfm2000.asp 

Once the teacher begins the class with songs such as these, the lesson can begin to unfold. As the opening passage in today's post suggests - we ought to be passing on to the next generation not only the truths of God's Word, but God's Word and ways in which to study it and apply it to one's life. 

Proposed children's lesson: The Book of God - How the "B.I.B.L.E" is the Book of God

1. Begin with two songs: "The B.I.B.L.E" and "Jesus Loves Me"

2. Have a flashlight, an apple or ball and a towel. Have the children guess what is under the towel before revealing the object. Then take the flashlight and shine it on the towel while taking the towel off to reveal the object. This can be used to show children how the Bible reveals to us what God wants us to know. The Bible uncovers His good things for us, just as the towel uncovered the apple or ball, which are good for us. (This corresponds to the first sentence in the BFM 2000 article on "The Scripture")

3. Have the children take turns drawing as straight of a line as possible. Have them hang their pictures on a wall or lay them out on a table in the class room. Then take a ruler and compare their drawings to the ruler. Remind them that we cannot know what is a straight line unless we have a ruler. We cannot know the truth about God and His plan to rescue us from our sins by Jesus except by the Bible. Explain how this illustrates what we call "truth". The Bible is true and doesn't make mistakes nor contain any mistakes. (This is a suggested way of introducing children to the concept of inerrancy, an emphasis in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 article on "The Scripture).  

Conclusion:

It is hoped that this suggested lesson can be used to introduce children to such vital concepts as the Bible being God's revelation to human beings and it being totally true or without error. The Bible's point of revealing salvation in Jesus Christ ought to be emphasized. Without a doubt, closing out the class with a Gospel presentation that is age-appropriate is also suggested. May God be glorified as we aim to communicate His Word to the next generation.  

The B.I.B.L.E is the book for me

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

Introduction:

I can recall growing up as a child and singing in Sunday School: "The B.I.B.L.E.". It went something like this: "The B.I.B.L.E, yes that's the book for me, I stand alone on the word of God, the B.I.B.L.E.". In our last post we considered what is meant by the term "Holy Bible". Today I want to look further into the character of the Bible itself by taking that acrostic "B.I.B.L.E" and briefly express why it should not only be the book for me, but also for you. 

Book of God

This was the primary focus of yesterday's post. As the "Holy Bible", the Bible is God's book. Henceforth it is holy because it is set-apart as unique from all other religious and non-religious books. It is also holy because of its Divine authorship. Then finally, the Bible is the Holy Book of God due to the fact the like the nature of its author, it contains no errors. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 states: "The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy."

Inspired by God

Inspiration is the act whereby God places the revelation of His mind to men into the words of men. Passages such as 2 Peter 1:20-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16 speak to this point. Under the heading of inspiration we can include other "in" words: "inerrant" and "indestructible".

Book of men

This third reason for why the B.I.B.L.E is the book for me is because it is a book of men. What do I mean by this? It is important to realize that in as much as the Bible is the Book of God revealed by God, it is a book of men through which God so composed His words. Just as the gulf stream runs its course from the Atlantic into the Gulf of Mexico, affected by the mighty ocean and yet at the same time affects storms blowing in from East to West, so we see the mystery of God's Sovereignty and human volition working together in the production of scripture. As a book of men, the Bible is the only international book that claims to be Divinely inspired. It is written in multiple languages, on multiple continents and covering nearly two millennia with respect to its authorship. God saw fit to use 40 different people to ensure that His message would reach as many people as possible. 

Living Book

The Bible is the Book of God, Inspired and is also a Book - containing books - Divinely inspired through men (hence "a Book of men"). But lets add a fourth thought - namely, the Bible is a living book. Passages such as Isaiah 34:16 and Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Bible is not a static book - but an influencing, living, breathing book. The Person of the Holy Spirit oversaw its composition through the 40 authors and ever-attends in its preaching and teaching. I may read all other books which tell me how to live, but the Bible is the only book that can live through me.

Exalts Jesus Christ

I love the final sentence of the BFM 2000 concerning the Bible: "All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation." All other so-called holy books claiming to be Divinely inspired or about Jesus refer to Him, but do not focus on Him. The Book of Mormon may mention their version of Jesus here and there, however, Jesus is more like a footnote to their portrayal of history. Moreover, the Book of Mormon proceeds about 3/4 of the way through before one even gets to see Jesus - which is a different Jesus altogether when read against the backdrop of Mormon doctrine. The Bible on the other hand from Genesis to Revelation points to and focuses upon Jesus Christ. Think about it in this way:

The Law points to Jesus

The historical Books prepare for Jesus

The poetic books praise Jesus

The prophetic books predict Jesus

The Gospels portray Jesus

The Acts preach Jesus

The epistles explain Jesus

The Revelation exalts Jesus.

These five reasons are why the B.I.B.L.E is the book for me. I pray they may be the reasons for the Bible to be the book(s) for you too. 

What is meant by the term: "The Holy Bible"

2 Peter 1:16-21 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”—18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Introduction

The first sentence of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 reads as follows: "The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man." When the Apostle Peter above was recounting by memory, through the Holy Spirit, his experiences with the Lord Jesus Christ - he tied the revelation of Jesus Christ to the revelation of scripture. Undoubtedly the Bible is unique. It is authoritative. The scripture carries a weight unlike any other book - whether it be religious or otherwise. 

I am sure readers have seen on the spines of Bibles or on the cover the following words: "The Holy Bible". What is meant by this phrase "The Holy Bible"? The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 sees fit to begin its first article on the scriptures by right-away using this familiar but perhaps not-often-thought of phrase. Today's post will aim to unpack what we mean when we say the Bible is a book that alone is worthy of the title: "The Holy Bible".

1. The Holy Bible is a "set-apart" book 

Anything holy means to be set-apart

The idea of being "set apart" is the most common way of referring to the concept of holiness. The Bible is really a collection of 66 separate books individually revealed by God to His people through the Biblical authors (i.e inspiration), who in turn received them, recognized them as such (i.e canonization) and henceforth has been regarded as the final authority of faith and practice.  Throughout the history of the revelation, inspiration and canonization of the books of the Bible, there has been a "setting apart" - first by God and then by God's people. As Dr. Loraine Boettner writes:  "Hence we can hardly over-estimate the importance of a correct doctrine of scripture."  

2. The Holy Bible alone is a Divinely revealed book

This second point deals with the source of the scriptures - namely God Himself. The Baptist Faith and Message notes in its first sentence that: "...and is God's revelation of Himself to man." To elaborate on this particular sentence, the BFM 2000 makes further statements such as: "It has God for its author..." and "It reveals principles by which God judges us" and "All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of Divine revelation."  

These sentiments capture what Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:20-21 "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." So when we say the Bible is "The Holy Bible", we refer to it as set-apart - in a class by itself; as well as it being Divinely inspired and authored by God as He worked through the nearly 40 human authors. Now notice a third meaning of this term "Holy Bible".

3. The Holy Bible alone is a set of books without error

To revisit briefly what we mean by the term "holy", at times a holy thing can refer to that which is set apart for God's use. On other occasions, a "holy thing" speaks of how it is sourced in God Himself. In other words, whatsoever comes in contact with God or that is sent by God comes with a measure of His approval. The scriptures come without measure. This third use of "holy" in the phrase "Holy Bible" speaks of its purity - i.e inerrancy. 

The Baptist Faith and Message asserts in three different ways this important truth of the Bible being without error as originally given. 

In the second sentence we read this phrase: "It is a perfect treasure of Divine instruction". From the scriptures given below the BFM's first article, texts such as Psalm 19:7 would reflect this type of wording. 

The third sentence states this same truth negatively: "without any mixture of error, for its matter". This statement tells us what the Bible is not: namely a book prone to error (which touches on what is sometimes called "infallibility). Then the BFM 2000 rounds out its three statements on inerrancy with a final positive statement: "Therefore, all scripture is totally true and trustworthy".  

Joseph D. Wooddell in his contribution to a recent commentary on the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, notes: "The question of whether the doctrine of inerrancy is reasonable seems easy enough to answer. If God is maximally perfect and has written a book, then that book probably would be inerrant. It certainly seems reasonable that a maximally perfect person could write such a book. This assumes that such a person would have character, knowledge, and power for doing so. But, of course, this is precisely what orthodox Christians believe about God. So, on an orthodox construal of God, it seems reasonable to believe scripture to be inerrant."

Closing thoughts

Today we traced out what is meant by the commonly seen phrase: "The Holy Bible". We noted three observations:

1). The Holy Bible is a set apart book

2). The Holy Bible alone is Divinely authored

3). The Holy Bible alone is without error

The importance of spiritual authority in the Christian life and the local church

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

Introduction:
Who is in charge? To whom or to what standard do people answer? No one considers the importance of authority until there is either a decision to be made, a crisis or a major transition in life. Today's post will attempt to tease out three distinctions with respect to spiritual authority in the Christian life and the local church. When we speak of spiritual authority, it is helpful to consider three headings:

1. God is the Divine Authority
2. The Bible is His definite authority
3. All other authorities are delegated authorities.

God is the Divine Authority

Ultimate authority is possessed by God and God alone. Psalm 47:7-8 reminds us - "For God is the King of all the earth;Sing praises with a skillful psalm. 8 God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne." Such authority is called by scripture and Bible teachers "God's Sovereignty". Psalm 103:19 for example states - "The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all." In the New Testament we find this same truth echoed in 1 Timothy 6:15 - "which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords." The Sovereignty of God is uncontested in the Bible. Most people pay lip service to the idea of God's Sovereign, ultimate authority. People have no problem with a God running the affairs of the world as long as they still retain their own, personal, self-perceived autonomy. The moment God's authority is brought to bear on a personal level - people begin to shift in their seats. Famous general George Patton once quipped: "All human beings have an innate resistence to obedience." 

The defining authority of all faith, practice and life is the Bible

When we speak of God's Sovereign final authority, how is it that such authority is brought to personally bear directly on a person? Certainly God delegates His authority to civil governments to exercise justice and maintain order in societies (Romans 13). A city government can enact laws to tell a man to not spit on the sidewalk, however civil government cannot convince the man that this is the preferrable course of action. At best, government can curb evil behavior and keep crime to a tolerable minimum. The Bible alone has the authority to not only prescribe right behavior, but is vested with God's authority and power to change lives. This is why we can say that Bible has definite authority. We will say more about this in a moment. For now, we have before us God as our Divine authority and the Bible as our definite authority. However, there is a third heading to consider when speaking about spiritual authority.

Delegated authorities derive their authority from the Bible and God

When we come to the church - who is in charge? What holds sway over the conscience of a man - the one place where right and wrong are inscribed? Such authority can be deemed final authority when it wields the same type of authority as God Himself. Pastors are delegated the authority by Christ to lead the church - however they are not the final authority. Pastors are accountable to the churches they shepherd. 

The congregation of God's people function as God's delegated governing authority - however churches need to be led by competent, Biblical shepherds.  Both types of leadership and authority co-exist in a local church as delegated authorities with different roles - and yet neither one can be deemed "final authority". 

Further thoughts on the Bible as the defining authority of faith and life

Having observed the distinctions between Divine, definite and delegated authorities, lets speak further on the second of these - namely that the Bible is God's definite authority. When we say the Bible is God's definite authority, by what do we mean?

First and foremost, the Bible is deemed "The Word of God". The title "Word of God" means that the Bible's 66 books are God's voice in written form. 

Secondly, throughout the Bible on hundreds of occasions we find the phrase: "thus says the Lord" closely attached to the words of the prophets. 

Thirdly, no other book or written document in the world functions in the unique capacity of final authority like the Bible. The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 defines in more precise terms what is meant by the Bible being called "the final authority of all faith, practice and life: "Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation." The Bible is thus the only authority that is final. It is definite.1

Closing thoughts:
We briefly considered the subject of spiritual authority in today's post. we noted the following distinctions:

1. God is the Divine Authority
2. The Bible is His definite authority

3. All other authorities are delegated authorities.

As we grasp the distinctions between these three and how they relate to one another, we will lead better and more effective Christian lives as Christ-followers and churches. 

Endnotes:
1. Theologian Charles Hodge in Volume 1 of His Systematic Theology, page 159, summarizes beautifully how the Bible functions as the written form of God's authoritative voice: "Prophecy, i.e., what a prophet said, was not human, but divine. It was not the prophet’s own interpretation of the mind and will of God. He spoke as the organ of the Holy Ghost."

Hodge then later writes: What the Prophets said God said....it is another decisive proof that the sacred writers were the organs of God in the sense above stated, that whatever they said the Spirit is declared to have said. Christ himself said that David by the Spirit called the Messiah Lord. (Matt. 22:43.) 

David in the 95th Psalm said, “To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart;” but the Apostle (Heb. 3:7), says that these were the words of the Holy Ghost. 

Again, in (Hebrews) ch. 10:15, the same Apostle says, “Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord.” Thus quoting the language of Jeremiah 31:33, as the language of the Holy Ghost."

Hodge then concludes his argument demonstrating how the Bible is the final authority of all faith, practice and life, insofar as it functions as God's verbalized authority to men in general and the church in particular: In Acts 4:25, the assembled Apostles said, “with one accord,” “Lord thou art God Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage?” In Acts 28:25, Paul said to the Jews, “Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers.” It is in this way that Christ and his Apostles constantly refer to the Scriptures, showing beyond doubt that they believed and taught, that what the sacred writers said the Holy Ghost said."

A children's lesson: How Everyone Knows About the God of the Bible

Psalm 8:2 “From the mouth of infants and nursing babes, You have established praise….”.

 
Introduction: How children know about God, how they typically react to Jesus and why that is important
Over the past two days we have considered God’s power and goodness revealed in general revelation and the specific revelation of Himself in Jesus Christ and the scriptures. But how can one communicate such vital truths to children? As we reflect on the above opening verse, a very important point is made about how knowledge about God is an inborn knowledge. When this knowledge gleaned from general revelation is brought into contact with the remarkable life and ministry of Jesus Christ - the connection is made that the God of sacred scripture was revealed in the Person of Son incarnating Himself in human flesh. 

Amazingly, little children oftentimes are fascinated by Jesus - even if they are not yet to the point to where we can say they have actual saving faith operating inside of them. Such little ones (at least among Baptist people) are said to have not yet reached the age of accountability - which is defined as that point where a child connects "right and wrong" as having to do with God. Jesus connects this link by citing Psalm 8:4 in Matthew 21:15-16 during His triumphal entry: "But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?”

I have marveled over the years when hearing small children express profound truths about God that is undoubtedly operating at a deeper level than their immediate awareness and reason. Children are the most open to such properly basic knowledge due to the fact that they are operating under what Bible teachers call “common grace”. When we talk about properly basic knowledge, we refer to how we know things apart from arguments and evidence. Common grace is God’s goodness extended to all people whereby that know about Him, even though such grace does not lead anyone to trust in Jesus. 

Such grace operates among all people and includes such things as knowledge about God’s existence, awareness of right and wrong, knowledge about the external world and other such information that does not require argument and evidence to show it as true knowledge (see Psalm 19:1-6; Acts 14:17; 17:22-25; Romans 1:18-20; 2:15).

The knowledge about God ought to be discussed with children, since again, they are the most open. When we consider how we would communicate the posts of the last couple of days with children who are elementary age, where would we begin? Below is a sample lesson that would take the 1st sentence of the Baptist Faith and Message and then break down the posts of the last two days into a format that small children could understand.

Children’s Lesson: How everyone knows about the God of the Bible 

Basic idea: God talked to people about Himself through the Bible. (Note: This basic idea breaks down the first sentence of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 which reads: “The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man”.)

First main question: So children, what can we say about this God?

Follow-up question#1: How many of you know it is wrong to lie? Is it wrong to pick on your brother or sister? Should you always be thankful? Is it better to be mean or nice to other people? 

Think about this children, the fact that you know that lying is wrong, or that it is better to be nice to people shows that you know deep down right and wrong. This is because the God of the Bible is real, He is what we call a Good God.

If I had all of you children draw the straightest line possible on a piece of paper, could you do it? Now if I hold a ruler next to each of your lines, do you think your lines would match the ruler. God as a good God is how we know what is good and bad. 

Follow-up question #2: Have you ever looked at the stars at night? Does the sky seem really, really big to you? How big is big? Did you know that God is so big and so strong that He made everything we see, including you?

Conclusion about the kind of God we find in creation and in the Bible: God is all-strong and all-good. Every child and adult knows about God being all-strong and all-good. But how can you know this God?

Second major question: So how does Jesus show us this all-strong, all good-God?

Point #1: Jesus was so awesome in how He made people feel better and no longer be sick. Jesus did the things that only God could do and even claimed Himself to be God. Jesus was a man who was also God at the same time.

Point #2: Jesus’ dying on the cross shows how good God is. God in His love gave Jesus.

Point #3: When Jesus became alive three days after dying on the cross, He showed that the God He claimed to be and the God He talked about to others is real!

Closing thoughts: The God of the Bible is shown through and by Jesus. This same God made everything. God’s goodness is why you and I know right and wrong to be true. If you will trust in Jesus, you will know God and love God.