Is the bible real? Is there proof?
/Now I am an absolute believer in tea tree oil. If you don't want to hear about it, don't tell me about your athlete's foot, ear infection, flea problem or toothache. I will unwaveringly tell you of my experience with the oil, and give proof. I will proudly tell you of studies I have read, to back up my advice, but I will also show you how it works by using the product itself.
There are two kinds of people that ask if the bible is real. One comes from the camp of seeker. That doesn't mean they are a believer, but it does mean they are open for debate, with a heart intent on knowing the truth. The other asks to argue. They ask so they can tell you what they already believe and that is, that the bible is fake, written by many different people, re-edited and translated so many times, you could not possibly trust such a source.
These people have copy and pasted someone else's argument, because it justifies their decision to not want to know the truth. You bring out the bottle of tea tree oil, and they say, "I told you, I don't believe in that stuff, I don't want to see if it will cure my jock itch. I had an uncle that said it doesn't work."
That is when I politely reply, "Then keep scratching, and remind me not to wear your underwear."
If your argument is you need more studies, more proof, more evidence other than the bible itself to prove it is real, you might not be entertained with this post, and think we are running a dog and pony show. But I will list some links at the bottom for you. So, scroll while you scratch........
Psalm 119 was todays focus for devotional. This Psalm in its original form was an acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet. It was written by King David. Some think it is contradictory because, David grossly sinned against God, and this is proof, what he wrote before that incident (ps. 119) is a load of bunk. Yet, I see 119 as proof positive that it is true, and the beauty of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles is that it does not gloss over his sin. It is recorded in the bible for all to see. The bible isn't proof that his children are better than others. It is evidence that 2+2=4 or the world without God is hopeless and sinful.
Psalm 119 tells us that God's word remains true. It tells us that we will not get offended with others, if we believe his word. That scripture pops me in disciplinary love all the time.
"Am I offended? 2+2=4 right? Well, vs 165 says those that love his law, have great peace and will not be offended. So, I have to do a self audit. What part of God's word am I not honoring or obeying that is leading me to be offended with others?" I find it every time!
One time in my life, I had to break ties with someone that had been very hurtful. It was an unhealthy relationship. I removed myself, but they tried to find other ways to still be a part of my life. I then realized they were reaching out to people they knew were my friends or family. They did not personally know my friends but, would befriend them on social networks. It infuriated me. I could be all sanctified and say "I immediately knew something was wrong in my heart, and I checked myself." But that would be a lie.
God spoke to me when I was praising him for his word and the beauty of it. I was butt naked in the shower and not in some grand position of prayerful enlightenment. I was just content in my pride that I had his word and reflecting on that as I went to shower. Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "Why are you then offended that that person is in touch with other believers? You know I can use good and evil for my purposes. This person is seeing scripture every time they read their newsfeeds. You are not the only person that can reach people with my word."
I wasted valuable time worrying about the ill motives of someone instead of remembering God's unfailing love. Had I not loved God's word, more than me being right, that moment of peace would have run right over my head. Delighting in God's law takes the burden off the human of needing to perform. It takes the drudgery out of obeying his law. Some are okay with not stealing, not murdering etc....but adultery is a acceptable for some reason or another. This is because their spirit is still asleep. It hasn't been awakened by God himself. You can't force someone to love God's law if they have not found God's grace. You can't expect people to agree with the bible if they haven't come to agreement with Jesus.
That is the hardest part for most. This part is coming to the law, commandments, or bible and looking at their life in comparison. Acknowledgement of sin. Deciding the law is right, and that no lie should be told (no matter how white), because lying is wrong. No one likes to be lied to unless you're a woman and gained a few pounds. If we as a human race, have made a decision that being lied to is wrong, how much more of a grievance is it to God of the Universe? The reason we hate being lied to is because we were created in God's image. If we pick certain parts of the law without honoring all of it, we are guilty of all. IF we don't want to be lied to, we must not lie. Sin is the beginning, not the end or your fate.
Psalm 119 has 2+2's that if you apply, you will see the fruit. It is a snapshot of the road of a believer's life. David knew what would keep him at peace. Delighting in God's law would have kept him safe from erring in taking too many wives, taking another man's wife, murdering to hide his sin, or taking a census. Many times in this psalm the writer says, "rescue me, save me, don't give up on me."
The last verse: "I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands."
Do you want to know if the bible is real?
Vs 15. I will study your commandment and reflect on your ways.
Vs 2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
Are you a seeker? Are you wanting the black and white truth? Well, the only thing that will give you that assurance of black and white truth is a little bit of red splashed in. That is the blood of Jesus. Despite our sin, he loved us enough to ransom us from the death our sin deserves. If you know you have sinned, but aren't quite sure that Jesus is real, I would encourage you to continue seeking without asking the opinions of other naysayers. God said ,"Come now, let us reason together. Though your sin be as scarlet, I will make you white as wool." He didn't say come let me bash you over the head.
Vs 130 The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.
You don't have to be a scholar to understand the bible, if you come to God with a heart that is seeking.
We have public service announcements warning of the danger of alcohol, but proverbs warns of "strong drink being a mocker." It speaks of the consequences of dealing with an angry spouse after an affair. It is better than any psychology text out there.
Test his word and see it come alive. Coming to terms with the depravity of human nature isn't too hard. Wouldn't it be nice if there were a black and white answer? There is. Test the actual product. Stop looking for studies on it. I am more confident in the bible defending itself than my eloquent words...