Bible
What is prophecy? Why is it important in proving the reliability of the Bible?
Prophecy is a message from God concerning the future.
The Bible contains thousands of prophecies that were written before the event. Thousands have come to pass, while some others have yet to come. None have been proved errant.
If someone said Jesus didn't exist, what could we say to them?
Virtually all scholars (Christian and non-Christian) believe Jesus existed.
What is the difference between micro and macro evolution?
Micro is small scale adaptation- change of characteristics
Macro is change of kinds- fish to mammals, apes-humans
There are two parts to the problem of evil and suffering. What are they?
Intellectual and emotional
What can we say to a relativist who says "there is no absolute truth"
Are you absolutely sure?
What is a manuscript? And how many have been found for the New Testament?
A hand written copy of a text. Over 25,000 manuscripts have been found of the New Testament.
People claim Jesus is simply "just a good person," or even a prophet. Explain the only three options that Jesus can be (100)and why (100)
Liar, lunatic, Lord.
He claimed to be God.
Give one example of the fine-tuning of the Universe
Gravity, distance from sun, earth on proper axis, enough water on planet, etc.
Why is the presence of evil not in a logical conflict with an all-powerful and good God?
God allows us to have free will, and with our free will we do evil.
If there was no evil, we would all be stopped from thinking any evil, and we would be no different than a robot, programmed to obey commands.
What can we say to a relativist who says that Christianity is too "narrow-minded"
Even a completely relativstic view is narrow-minded, because your version of the truth excludes my version as well as billions of others.
What are the Dead Sea Scrolls?
Who found them?
The oldest manuscript copies we have of the OT. (Some scholars estimate the oldest are from 250BC!)
Found by a Muslim Shepard in 1947.
The OT text he found lines up with the OT we have today!
What happened to Jesus' disciples after His resurrection? Why is this important?
All of His disciples were persecuted and subsequently executed. Only one was not, but he was banished to an island.
This is important because the Disciples never recanted their faith. Would you die for a lie?
In regards to the Universe, what is the strongest evidence that points to a creator?
Fine Tuning
Why does evil actually point to evidence of God?
We know evil because we know there is good.
Without God, there can be no objective morality.
What can we say to someone who doesn't believe in God because they don't like something that God said.
Basically that God's knowledge and wisdom is much greater than our own. It is our job to bring our opinions into alignment with the truth, not for the truth to bend to our wills.
What are the four keys to proving the bible is Reliable?Explain/ Give an example for each.
Composition, History, Archaeology, and Prophecy
What is one example of Jesus claiming to be God? (Bonus points if you can reference a verse)
-Before Abraham, I am.
- Son of Man
- Giver of eternal life
- Jesus accepts worship
Why does "Science" and Naturalism conflict?
Naturalism teaches us we are material things made by unguided dumb luck.
If we are purely material things made by random chance, why would we ever trust our brains to do science? Why would there be natural logic, or any sort of inherent morality?
What are some answers that can help us with the emotional side of evil and suffering?
God has empathy in our suffering, as He suffered too.
God can bring purpose and good out of suffering for those He loves.
In heaven He will wipe every tear from our eye. This life is short, heaven is forever.
What is the verse we reviewed at the very beginning of this series?
1st Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.