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Study & Preparation Guide

Is the Bible Reliable?

Evidence Every Christian Should Know

A one-hour personal study plan — six sections totaling 60 minutes of preparation. Work through each section, read the talking points, study the key verses, and review the preparation notes. All scripture references are written out in full (KJV). Print this guide and use it to prepare at your own pace.

5,800+

Greek Manuscripts

300+

Fulfilled Prophecies

40+

Bible Authors

1,500

Years of Writing

Teaching Outline

  • 1Welcome and opening prayer
  • 2State the question plainly: Can we trust the Bible?
  • 3Acknowledge the skeptic's position with respect
  • 4Preview the four lines of evidence: historical, archaeological, prophetic, manuscript
  • 5State the thesis: The Bible is the most reliable ancient document in existence

Talking Points

  • We live in a generation that questions everything — including Scripture. That's not new; Thomas did the same thing.
  • This is not about blind faith. God gave us evidence. 'Come now, let us reason together' (Isaiah 1:18).
  • If the Bible is reliable, it changes how we live, how we die, and where we spend eternity.
  • If it's not reliable, Christianity is just another philosophy. Everything hinges on this question.

Complete Scripture References

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"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."

Isaiah 1:18

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

2 Peter 1:20-21

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

Study & Preparation Notes

  • ◆The Bible makes claims about itself (2 Tim 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21) — but we must also test those claims externally.
  • ◆Three tests of historical reliability: bibliographic test (how many copies?), internal test (does it contradict itself?), external test (do other sources confirm it?).
  • ◆Approach: present the evidence calmly and let it speak. The facts are overwhelmingly in Scripture's favor.

Cross Life School of Divinity — Equipping faithful leaders for Kingdom service

Prepared for the August 10 webinar • Pastor Larry Fisher, Director of Academics • All scriptures KJV