Why the Bible isn't just Fairy Tales

Through my trial of Migraine issues, I have developed a great dialog with my Neurologist about the Bible.  I go into appointments prepared for discussion.  And even if I don't bring up Spiritual topics or books, He Will!!! That's incredible to me that he loves the discussion as much as I do considering his stance as an Agnostic/Atheist. Since I am studying the Book of Revelation through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and just completed a Sermon Series by Voddie Baucham on "Why I Choose to Believe the Bible," I decided to write down my thoughts for him to read later.  We don't always have time for lengthy discussion (He does have a job you know).  And I can't seem to get him to do his homework...  So I started writing a note for him to read.  I was up until Midnight last night with thoughts pouring out and ended up with 5 pages of material.

As I considered this today, I felt like I had so much information in my hands that I couldn't just hand it over.  I needed this information available again, even for myself in the future.  I needed to take a picture of it, copy it, or SHARE IT.  So from the burning in my soul, here's my thoughts on why you can believe the Bible and why I've chosen to believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah; foretold in the Old Testament and come to life in the New.

"I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eye witnesses, during the lifetime of other eye witnesses, and they report supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies, and they claim to be divine rather than human in origin." - Voddie Baucham

His answer was developed based on 2 Peter 1:16-21 when the author was reminding the new believers why their faith was valid.  The Bible is comprised of 66 Books.  These are historical documents, not just spiritual documents.  It was written on 3 Continents, in 3 languages (Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic... FYI, if you are reading in English, you are reading a Translation), by nearly 40 different authors over approximately 1,500 years.  There were books from other authors who claimed their words were from God.  But the original compilation of the Bible was very rigorous. If the books didn't pass strict criteria, it was excluded from the Bible.  (For example, not being true eye-witness of the events described, written in a time period too far from the events, written in a location too removed from events, etc.)  Only the most trusted books were kept.  There was not a "picking and choosing" process as some may claim.  The most trustworthy documents were kept and their content aligned naturally.
(More information on this process is available through Lee Strobel's Books The Case for Christ, for Faith, for the Real Jesus, for the Creator, etc)

The Gospel of Luke actually starts by saying "I have carefully investigated everything from the beginning.  I too decided to write an orderly account for you, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."  His book is written in Chronological order.  And the Bible as a whole provides names, places, dates, kingdoms, wars, events, etc. that can be verified by other non-religious historical documents.  Even the existence of a man named Jesus can be found from non-religious documents.  He lived.  He was a person.  The choice you have is to decide whom you believe he was.

There have been over 23,000 Archaeological digs that have only been able to prove the Bible's truth rather than be able to discredit it.  There are over 6,000 manuscripts or portions of manuscripts of the New Testament.  There are no originals, but the oldest manuscript is dated approximately 120 AD, within 2.5 decades of the events they record.  This is far beyond the manuscripts available for other widely renowned pieces of literature such as the writings of Socrates (only manuscripts we have are what Plato documented), Homer's Iliad, etc.  The Bible is also the most translated and most frequently purchased book in the entire world.

Some people say they can't believe the Bible because they are just too intelligent or too scientific to believe those stories.  There is a flaw with this argument though; The Bible never suggests that a person have blind faith.  That's why the stories are documented and eye witness testimonies are included.  Furthermore, you can't use the Scientific Method to evaluate History at all.  In order to use the Scientific Method, the occurrence has to be observable, measurable, and repeatable.  That doesn't work with events of history, a person's existence, a crime, etc.  Historic events (like the existence of Jesus) require historic evidence, like you would see in a courtroom.  You hope for eye witnesses to the event, documented testimonies of what they saw, testimonies that corroborate the same story, verifiable evidence of times, place and people.  And that is EXACTLY what the Bible provides for us.  Documented evidence of the history of Israel and the Jewish Nation, prophecies of Jesus and coming events, and eye witness testimony of those who walked with him.

On the cross, Jesus quoted "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me."  This is a quote from Psalm 22 which amazingly describes the crucifixion that was to come.  The Psalm goes on to describe exact elements of Jesus' death.  He was scorned by everyone, mocked, and insulted.  "Let the Lord rescue him" they yelled.  He was poured out like water (when he was pierced and bled).  All his bones were out of joint (which was a consequence of that type of death).  He was thirsty, had a dry mouth, and was parched.  "Dogs surround me" (Dog was a term for Gentiles - Romans).  They pierce my hands & feet (exactly where Jesus was nailed to the cross).  His bones were on display, clothes were divided, and he was naked.  Then they cast lots for his garments.  Those were all filled literally at his death.  You can read Psalm 22 for David's poetic writing of an event he didn't understand.  But all of this describes Jesus' crucifixion in 33 AD.  It was written and prophesied 1,000 years earlier, by a man who knew nothing about a Roman Crucifixion because that form of death and punishment had not been invented yet.

There are over 400 prophecies in the Old Testament (the portion of Scripture that is widely accepted as historically accurate) which point to a coming Messiah, his life & his death.  Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled every one of those prophecies.  The odds of someone doing that who was NOT the Messiah are impossible to even figure.  Statistically speaking, Jesus is the ONLY one who could be the Messiah.  He was born in Bethlehem, by a virgin.  His hands and feet were pierced.  He was alive during the existence of the Temple which was destroyed in 70 AD.  He was from the lineage of David.  The probability of Jesus fulfilling just 8 of those 400 prophecies is estimated at 1 x 10^17 (christiananswers.net).

Anyone can make predictions and record them. But having those prophecies fulfilled is vastly different.  Jesus of Nazareth had 456 identifying details indicating HE WAS the Messiah and He fulfilled ALL OF THEM.  This is statistically impossible. A person who rejects Jesus Christ as the Son of God is rejecting a fact proved perhaps more absolutely than any other fact in the world. (via biblebelievers.org.au "Mathematical Probability that Jesus is Christ)

62 out of 66 Books of the Bible contain Prophesy.  Biblical prophesy connects the Old Testament Prophesy to the New Testament truth of who Jesus was and is.  27% of the entire Bible involves prophesy.  There are 737 separate prophetic topics included.  And 50% of those prophecies have already been fulfilled.  In the Bible, Jesus says "I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you will believe."  The Prophet Jeremiah also said that a prophet is only recognized as from the Lord if his prediction comes true.

According to the Scriptures also provides a list of prophecies from the Bible, where they are listed in the Old Testament and the passage where they were fulfilled in the New Testament.  The number of prophecies listed in the Old Testament, New Testament, and directly related to Jesus Christ can vary based on how they were counted.  For example, His hands and feet will be pierced... Is that 1 or 2 prophecies, could it be 1/2 filled?  So take the figures loosely and focus on the elements described instead.

Fulfilled prophesy confirms that the Bible is God's Word and is absolutely trustworthy.  History is the final interpreter of prophesy, for it is when it comes to pass that we fully understand the meaning.  The Bible IS a reliable historical document.  It points to and explicitly states that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.  The world cannot refute Biblical eye witnesses, historic, scientific, & archaeological evidence presented.  And it is because of God's perfect record of doing what He said He would that His people can trust Him to fulfill His promise of the Lord's future return, the Second Coming.  But the Bible also confirms that sin has consequences and will be judged by God.  So what will you do with the evidence presented?  Will you choose to believe that the Bible is the Word of God?  And who will you decide Jesus of Nazareth truly was; a man, a prophet, a lunatic, or the Son of God?  

(Credit to BSF International and Voddie Baucham for much of the information presented here.)

L-O-V-E

God is sneaky.  Technically, the Bible doesn't use that description for Him.  But in the "New Casey Standard Version" it clearly states that God is sneaky.  I've gotten the same "message" from 4 sources in 1 week.  That doesn't happen by chance.  God is sneaky.

On Tuesday, 10/13/15, I wrote this note in my Prayer Journal. (See Need for Love #1)
"Help Jake and I to be patient & kind to one another, even when we're tired & frustrated."
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

We have a 2 & 4 year old.  We are tired... a lot.  And when your body is tired, your attitude is 'vulnerable.'  That's my sweet way of saying short-tempered.  So it takes a God-size love to be kind & patient consistently.

The next day, I heard this song.  It's on my iPod.  I've heard it before.  But have I ever listened to the words?  How did I miss these lyrics? (Insert Love Tip #2)

"Try" by Amber Sky Records

You mean more to me, than winning the fight.

I'm letting it go, yeah I don't have to be right.

I wanna build you up, and so I'm giving in.

Because it's not about whether or not I win.

'Cause you mean more to me than that.

Then I went to  Community Group last night where we're studying "Christian" by Andy Stanley.  And once again he emphasized how love is the most vital commandment of all.  That showing love is the greatest witness we could give.  We discussed how truth should always be wrapped in Love.  Truth without love is just judgement.  And we are not called to judge the world.  We are called to love them.  Who would ever be drawn to a church that judges instead of loves first?  (Love Emphasis #3)

And Finally, Bible Study Fellowship.  We are studying the Book of Revelation.  I Did NOT expect the Love pattern to continue.  But Chapters 2 and 3 in Revelation include Letters to 7 different churches.  This week we are analyzing the letter to Ephesus and these were some of the notes I read this morning.

"One serious problem afflicted the church of Ephesus.  They had forsaken their first love.  When an expert in the Mosaic Law once asked Jesus which was the greatest command, the Lord replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."  The night before the cross, Jesus told His disciples, "A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.".... This kind of love for others flows only out of a deep love for God....the Lord Jesus saw that while they continued to pursue truth, love for God was no longer their driving motive.  To fight for biblical truth without a love for God and others is to miss the truth.  Love should characterize EVERY church and EVERY believer." (Truth AND Love Point #4)

Love is needed to fill my prayer request.  Love is necessary to value a person over winning a fight.  Love is the greatest witness to Jesus Christ that we can offer the world.  And by THIS, by LOVE, everyone will know that you are my disciple.  Not by your knowledge of the Bible.  Not by your intelligent debate.  The Truth is worthless if it is not wrapped and presented in LOVE.

A Parenting Revelation

It hit me today like a crashing wave that I didn't see coming.  Like I'd been blind for weeks and I finally saw clearly.  My children's behavior in the last few weeks has nothing to do with my parenting; not my awesomeness and not my failings.  I don't need to wake up earlier, stay up later, or work harder.  I don't need to add more activities, more educational tools, more attitude adjusting tactics, or more emotional investment.  Seriously guys, I'm all in.  How do you get MORE IN?

But then I saw the words... on a preschool handout for Bible Study Fellowship...

In September, I joined the band within our Millennial Ministry called Incurrent.  My husband and I also started leading a Community Group for Incurrent and we've now added members of all ages.  Have you ever heard that when you step up in leadership, you paint a target on your back?  Satan doesn't have to fight the complacent church member sitting on the pew, he fights those who have stepped up to battle.  He aims for those who have stepped into the light.  He shoots for the leaders to take down the multitudes.

In addition to that, my girls and I have joined Bible Study Fellowship for the first time and we're studying the Book of Revelation.  This isn't a study about history.  It's a Book like none other because it has yet to be fulfilled.  It is literally the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

 "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near" Revelation 1:3

And it's NOT just the adults studying this topic, it's the preschoolers too. Yes, teaching 2-5 year olds about the truth of Jesus Christ and His eminent return.  It's powerful.  And it's investing in the kingdom for the next generation.  I'm not satisfied sitting on the sidelines, I'm raising up an army.  I've got 2 arrows in my quiver and I am aiming well.

I am leading worship with a generation of people who are tired of mediocrity, desperate for some authentic Christians to rise up.  People who don't want to punch an attendance card but come boldly in and worship a God who is completely Holy.  People who take off the church mask and lay themselves at the feet of Christ.  That is my purpose.  That is the fuel in my fire; to burn brightly for His Name.  To worship wholly and fully.  To be a vessel that is completely available to God and all He has laid out for me.

So yes, Satan has reason to target me.  I'm not hiding.  I'm not afraid.  I am bold and determined.  And WHERE is the best place to hit a SAHM... at home, with her children.  But now I see it.  Now it's obvious.  I don't feel like I'm flailing in the ocean anymore.  I don't wonder what I'm doing wrong and why I'm failing.  I will press on when the days are long and hard.  I will love my children in the midst of tantrums.  I will teach them the Word of God because it is our weapon in this spiritual war.  I will pray over them and for them.  And Satan, you better watch out, cause you just poked the Mama Bear.

All Hail the Brownie That Makes Me Lose Weight

All credit for these Brownies go to Shan.  She found the recipe from THIS blog.  And then turned it into a THM Recipe.  I am NOT convinced I could lose weight eating them.  I was however so full and satisfied after just a 3"x3" piece.  They are so rich, so delicious, and SO heavy in your stomach.  Just what a girl needs on a Friday night.  I had to brush my teeth so I would stop "tasting" them. Jake votes these Brownies as the best THM dessert so far!

Sinfully Dark Chocolate Brownies (S)

Makes 9-12 brownies in an 8×8 pan

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 C. Truvia
2 large eggs
scant 3/4 cups 100% Hershey’s Dark Cocoa
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 C. Almond Flour

1/2 C. Golden Flax
1 C. Semi Sweet Morsels

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 8″ x 8″ pan.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat (or in the microwave) then remove from heat. Add the sugar and stir to combine. Return the butter mixture to the heat (or microwave) briefly, just until it’s hot, but not bubbling. It will get shiney as you stir it.

In a smaller bowl, crack 2 eggs and beat them with the cocoa, salt, baking powder, and vanilla.

Stir the hot butter mixture into the egg mixture until smooth.

Stir in the flour and chocolate chunks (or chips) until just combined. (Note: If you want the chips to remain intact in the baked brownies, rather than melting in, let the batter cool in the bowl for about 20 minutes before stirring in the chips.)

Pour the batter into a lightly greased 8″ x 8″ pan and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean, with some moist crumbs but no loose batter. Cool before serving.

THM Zucchini Brownies (S)

These Brownies were found on Pinterest in a "Whole Foods Mama" type blog.  I took her ideas and did some THM Tweaking.  This recipe has been tested and approved by 6 fellow THMers.  So I'm going to call it a win.  Hope you enjoy!

Chocolate Fudge Zucchini Brownies

    1/2 Cup Shredded Zucchini (Shred in Food Processor)

    1 1/4 Cup Water

    2 tsp pure Vanilla Extract

    1 Cup Coconut Oil

    1/4 Cup Golden Flax

    3/4 Cup Hershey's Dark Cocoa Powder

    1 Cup Coconut Flour

    1/2 tsp Salt

    1/2 tsp Baking Soda

    1 Cup Truvia

    1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet or 86% Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350F, and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the Wet Ingredients.  Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour wet into dry, stir until evenly mixed, then add the chocolate chips.  pour into the baking dish. press down very firmly until the brownie batter evenly covers the pan. Bake 19-20 minutes (brownies will look dry around the outside and wet in the middle, but they ARE done), then pat down with a pancake spatula to flatten.  Let zucchini brownies sit 15 minutes before trying to cut into squares. Makes 20-24 squares.  They crumble easily, so I recommend using a fork.

Jake covered his in Peanut Butter and SF Cool Whip... Technically, that's okay too :)

I enjoyed mine as it was.  They are SO filling and will make you guzzle water.  Then they keep you satisfied for hours.  Not too shabby for a weight loss meal huh?

 

THM Basic Baking Mix for MIMs

I do not claim this recipe as my own, so I can't take any credit for it.  But it is SO handy.  I loved the concept of a Muffin in a Mug (MIM) etc.  But I hated pulling out so many ingredients just for 1 serving or snack.  Then someone on the THM Facebook page shared this recipe.  It is so easy to keep on hand and create a dessert or muffin of choice whenever the urge hits.

Basic Coconut Flour Baking Mix (S)

Measure into med bowl:

1 cup Coconut Flour
2 cup Flax Meal or Golden Flax
1 cup Truvia

 2 Tbs + 2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Mix thoroughly, smashing any lumps. Spoon into container. Label and date. Store in fridge.

*****************************************************************************************

To bake a Breakfast Bread for One or Dessert

1 Tbs coconut oil or butter, melted
1 whole egg
2 Tbs water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Add:

1/4 cup of Basic Coconut Flour Baking Mix

Stir with fork until combined.
Pour into a greased 2 cup bowl.
Bake in a 350* oven for 12-15 minutes or microwave 45-60 seconds.

*********************************************************************

Pick Your Flavor

Chocolate–add 1 Tbs cocoa powder, 1 Tbs homemade Truvia, 1 tsp water

Peanut Butter–add 1 Tbs peanut flour, 1 Tbs homemade Truvia, 1 tsp water

Italian Cream– add 1 Tbs unsweetened dried coconut, 1 Tbs pecans, chopped, 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Vanilla Strawberry Shortcake– add 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/4 tsp almond extract, **top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream

Carrot Cake– add 2 Tbs grated carrot, 1 Tbs pecans-chopped, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Blueberry Buckle– add 1/4 tsp almond extract, sprinkle top with 1/4 cup blueberries before baking

Banana Bread–add 1/2-1 tsp banana extract (to taste), 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

 Apple Spice– add 1/4  green apple–diced, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger

German Chocolate– add 2 tsp cocoa powder, 1 Tbs homemade Truvia, 1 Tbs pecans-chopped , 1 Tbs unsweetened dried coconut

Lemon Poppy Seed– add 1 tsp lemon extract (or 2 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice), 1 tsp poppy seeds