Opening Question: What is the best way to prove that something is true?
Q: Why do you think some people think the Bible is untrue? (Don’t read it, seems farfetched, it contradicts itself)
- One of the most common reasons = “The Bible contradicts itself”
- Going to look at several seemingly contradictory passages in the Bible:
1. Matthew 5:43-44 <=> Luke 14:25-26
Q: What do you think Jesus is saying in each of these scriptures?
Q:Is it possible for someone to be a Christian and hate their enemies? What about if they love their families MORE than God?
Q: What is an example of persecution?
Q: What does it look like to love God more than your family?
Q: Do these two scriptures contradict each other? (No, just misunderstood)
2. I Corinthians 1:10 <=> Luke 12:51-53
Q: What does the Bible teach in each of these scriptures?
Q: Are all divisions bad?
Q: Why do you think that there are so many divisions in “Christianity” today?
Q: Do these two scriptures contradict? (No, talking about two kinds of divisions)
3. Ephesians 2:8-9 <=> James 2:14-19
Q: What does the Bible teach in each of these scriptures?
Q: Can you be saved by your works? Without works? (Ephesians 2:10)
Q: What are some works that would evidence someone being saved, or someone’s Christianity?
Q: Do these two scriptures contradict each other? (No, they are misinterpreted)
Q: Why do people CLAIM that the Bible contradicts itself?
Challenge: If you think the Bible contradicts – or even if you feel like you don’t know the Bible well enough to defend it – Study the Bible with us!