Romans 10:17 So then faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of Christ.

The strength of your faith is in direct proportion to your knowledge of the Word of God.

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GOD“In the beginning, GOD”

1.CAUSE: Rom 1:20-2120 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, (even) his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened.

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GOD1. CAUSE: God has spoken

Heb 1:1-2God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by many portions and in many manners, 2 has at the end of these days spoken unto us in (his) Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;

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GOD1. CAUSE: God has spoken

Revelation: 1 Cor 2:10-1310 But unto us God revealed (them) through the Spirit: for the Spirit searchs all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him? even so the things of God none knows, save the Spirit of God.

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GOD1. CAUSE: God has spoken

A: Revelation: 1 Cor 2:10-1312 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God.13 Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Spirit teaches; combining spiritual things with spiritual (words).

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GOD1. CAUSE: God has spoken

B: Inspiration: 2 Tim 3:16-1716 Every (all) scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

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1. ALL – plenary meaning - FULL2. Scripture – verbal meaning - WORDS3. Given of God – Source of Authority4. Profitable – Supreme value5. Man of God: holy purpose6. Furnish completely unto every good work

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AGENCY:A. Prophets:

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Deut 18:18-2218 I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto you; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

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Deut. 18:18-2220 But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die. 21 And if you say in your heart, How shall we know the word which Jehovah hath not spoken? 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which Jehovah hath not spoken: the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously, you shalt not be afraid of him.

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1)Angels: Judges 6:6-11 “because of the Midians2)Dreams: 1 Kings 3:5,15 “Solomon”3)Visions: 1 Samuel 3:15 “Samuel”4)Audible Voice: Deut. 34:10-8 “Moses”5)Nature: Deut 18:9-22; Num. 12:6 “Pillar of

cloud”

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2 Peter 1:20-2120 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. 21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spoke from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

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B. SON – Heb 1:2

2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in (his) Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;

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Luke 24:44And he said unto them, These are my words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

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Acts 2:2222 You men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know;

PROOF: during His ministry -1.Mighty works2.Wonders3.Signs

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CROWING PROOF: RESURRECTIONActs 2:3232 This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses.

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John 3:3434 For he whom God hath sent speaks the words of God: for he gives not the Spirit by measure. John 7:1616 Jesus therefore answered them and said, My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me.John 8:2828 Jesus therefore said, When you have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know that I am (he), and (that) I do nothing of myself, but as the Father taught me, I speak these things.

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John 12:4949 For I spoke not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.John 14:1010 Do you not Believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works.John 14:2424 He that loves me not keeps not my words: and the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me.

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Mark 9:1And He was saying to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come with power."

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Luke 24:48-4948 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry (sit) you in the city, until you be clothed with power from on high.

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Acts 1:4-84 and, being assembled together with them, he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, (said he,) you heard from me.: 5 For John indeed immersed with water; but you shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.6 They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, do you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within His own authority.8 But you shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

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The Lord’s instructions:1) not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father,2) but you shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.3) But you shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: 4) And you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

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FULFILLMENT: Acts 2:1-4And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

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2 Thess. 2:14-1514 whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.

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Hebrews 2:1-4Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away (from them). 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard; 4 God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.

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1. JESUS: “first spoken through the Lord”2. WORD: “ confirmed by them that heard”3. EPISTLES: “ God bearing witness with them” a. by signs b. wonders c. manifold powers d. gifts of the Holy Spirit

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1. The Ministry of Jesus contains: a. Historical events: three years of ministry b. Discourses: Sermon on the mount c. Parables: Sower, Tares, Good Samaritan d. Miracles: including 3 raised from the dead

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1. The Ministry of Jesus contains: a. Historical events b. Discourses c. Parables d. Miracles 2. Work of the Holy Spirit: a. Baptism b. Promises c. Gifts

LIMITED: 1 Cor 13:9-10 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; 10 but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

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1. The Ministry of Jesus:2. The work of the Holy Spirit3. EPISTLES: “God bearing witness with them” Canonization: Autograph or original writings.

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Mark 16:17-2017 And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.

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Events in the Book of Acts confirmed:1.Cast out demons: Acts 19:14 - Sceva2.Speak in tongues: Acts 19:6 – the 12 men3.Serpents: Acts 28:2-6 - Paul4.Lay hands on sick: Acts 5:15; 9:37; 19:12; 28:8

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Eph, 3:3-53 how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words,4 whereby, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; 5 which in other generation was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

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CANONIZATION: Autograph: original writing by inspired men. 2 Peter 1:20-2120 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. 21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

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CANONIZATION: Autograph: original writing by inspired men. 1. Selection: John 20:30-3130 Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in his name.

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CANONIZATION: Autograph: original writing by inspired men. 1. Selection: John 20:30-31 2. Reading: 1 Tim 4:13 “ Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. ‘

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CANONIZATION: Autograph: original writing by inspired men. 1. Selection: John 20:30-31 2. Reading: 1 Tim 4:13 3. Circulating: Col 4:16 16 And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the epistle from Laodicea.

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CANONIZATION: Autograph: original writing by inspired men. 1. Selection: John 20:30-31 2. Reading: 1 Tim 4:133. Circulating: Col 4:164. Collecting: 2 Peter 3:15-1615 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you; 16 as also in all (his) epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as (they do) also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

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CANONIZATION: Autograph: original writing by inspired men. 1. Selection: John 20:30-31 2. Reading: 1 Tim 4:133. Circulating: Col 4:164. Collecting: 2 Peter 3:15-165. Quotation: 1 Tim 5:1818 For the scripture says, You shalt not muzzle the ox when he treads out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire. Deut 25:4 You shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out (the grain). Luke 10:7 And in that same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

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CANONIZATION1.Inspiration by God2.Recognition by men of God3.Collection and preservation by faithful men.

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THREE METHODS OF TRANSMISSION1.Manuscript copies: a. Hebrew Manuscripts: Cairo Codex 895 A.D.

Leningrad Codex 916 A.D.Leningrad Codex 1008 A.D.Dead Sea Scrolls 1948 A.D.

b. Greek Manuscripts: (over 5,000 total)Septuagint (O.T.) 277 B.C.Vaticanus 1481 A.D.Sinaiticus 1844 A.D.Alexandrian 1627 A.D.

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THREE METHODS OF TRANSMISSION1.Manuscript copies2.Translations: Jerome – Latin Vulgate - 386 A.D. There were other translation from different areas of the ancient world like Syria and Egypt.

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THREE METHODS OF TRANSMISSION1.Manuscript copies2.Translations3.Quotations: There are quotations from every book in the New Testament by the early Christian “fathers” in the first two centuries.

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WHY THE DOMINANCE OF THE KING JAMES VERSION?1.Gk & Heb. Scholarship had greatly increased in England during the past 400 yrs.2.The revision was NOT done by a single man nor single school.3.During the past 40 yrs, English literature reach extraordinary new heights.

From 1611 to 1613, a basket full of printer’s errors (about 400) were noted and changed.In 1701, the chronology of Archbishop Ussher was introduced.In 1762, 383 marginal notes and other changes were noted (Cambridge Bible)In 1769, Dr. Barclay introduced 76 changes including weights, measures and coins.

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CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A BIBLE:

SCHOLARSHIP:Individual versus group

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CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A BIBLE:

TRANSLATION:Literal versus paraphrase

A translation of the Bible means that word for word (as close as possible) from the Greek and Hebrew into English.

A paraphrase is when the translator reads from the original manuscript and give the sense of the meaning in his own words, rather than word for word. It is his own interpretation of the meaning.

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SIDE NOTE: Because of the controversies over different question regard BAPTISM, There are ONLY TWO New Testaments that translate the Greek word for baptism: 1) the Living Oracles by Alexander Campbell 2) the American Bible Union by a Baptist group (which was quickly recalled).

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CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A BIBLE:

SCHOLARSHIP:Individual versus group

TRANSLATION:Literal versus paraphrase

THEOLOGICAL BIAS:Liberal versus conservativeCalvinism versus free will

Pre-millennialism versus AmillennialismKing James Only versus any translation

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There is no translation of the Bible that does not have mistakes in it.

USE:King James or the New King JamesAmerican Standard or the New American Standard

AVOID: the Living Bible, New International, and Holmes Christian versions.

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THE BEST TRANSLATION:Four preacher were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the old King James best because of its beautiful and poetic English. Another liked the American Standard best because of the greater accuracy of is translation of the original Hebrew and Greek. Still another like one of the modern speech translations best for its up-to-date vocabulary.The fourth preacher was silent. When he was asked to express his opinion, he replied, “ I like my mother’s translation the best.”The other three men expressed surprise. They did not know that his mother had translated the Bible. “Yes, she did.” he replied. “ She translated it into her daily life and example. That is the most convincing translation I have ever seen.”

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