In this week’s review of a previous class presentation we will look at the answers to the Bible study questions from last week. We will also practice some Bible apologetics using the acronym MAPS-S that will help us give evidential reasons for believing in the Bible’s historicity, reliability and authenticity. Knowing what we believe, and why we believe it will help us more confidently share our faith with others. Each week’s class will include prayer, review, a presentation and a homework assignment.

Watch this week’s class presentation:

Overview Notes from the presentation

MAPS-S

Prayer and Reflection

1.  Write out your prayer cards and exchange them at the end of the class.

2.  What is the importance of cross-referencing the Bible (from last week’s class)?

A Christian Apologetic Tool

MAPS-S

M=Manuscripts

• Estimate of 17,000 ancient Old Testament manuscripts and over 25,000 early New Testament manuscripts with 5800 in the original Greek language – the scholarly field of textual criticism finds a 98% agreement for Old Testament and 99.5% agreement for New Testament – add in early lectionaries and quotations from the 1st – 3rd century leaders we can assert 100% accuracy.
• The Bible is a primary source document and contains multiple eyewitness accounts of events, including hostile witnesses, and the New Testament accounts of the first century (AD/CE) life of Jesus and the early Church were written within the lifetime of the people involved in the events (completed by the mid to late first century AD/CE).
  • Bibles today, like NASB, NIV or KJV, have only been translated once from the original language.
    • Old Testament = Hebrew (some parts of Daniel and Ezra are in Aramaic)
    • New Testament = Greek

A=Archeology:

• Over 25,000 (and growing) archeology finds that have confirmed Biblical accounts.
• None have been found that disprove any historical account in the Bible.
• Coinage, pottery and other physical items support Biblical dates, people and events.

P=Prophecy:

• 300 (plus) specific and incidental prophesies from the Old Testament were fulfilled in the life and times of Jesus Christ.
• If even 8 of these prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus it would be equivalent to 1 chance in 10 to the 17th power or 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000!
• None of the Old Testament prophecies have been disproven and many are still to come.

S=Science:

• The Bible makes no claims that are considered scientific absurdities.
• The Bible has amazing scientific authenticity in the areas of cosmology, biochemistry, medicine, health, nutrition, geology, and the Laws of Nature vs. other so-called Holy Books.
• The evidence found in the “Cosmological and Teleological Arguments” also supports the Creation account vs. evolution.

S=Saved Lives:

• Millions of saved lives are seen through the centuries evidenced by changed lives confessed by the saving work of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
• Individual stories like your cannot be disputed.

Bible Study

Each week we will have Bible study following the presentation. There will be questions presented here on the weekend, and basic answers will be part of the next presentation or posted mid-week for your review, depending on the topic. This can also be used to make a leader’s guide for your own small group and future studies!

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.

Review of Class Topic:  Before getting into the Bible study questions, discuss today’s class presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.

Read Genesis Chapters 12:10 through 17 then, to the best of your ability, answer these questions:

1.  (Genesis 12:10-20) Why did Abram go down to Egypt and what happened when he went there? (You can just summarize the story) Discuss: Considering the culture at the time, do you think Abram had other options? What would you have done?

2.  (Genesis 13:1-18) Why did Abram and Lot separate and where did they end up settling? What part of the Covenant did God reaffirm with Abram at this point, and why (v. 13-18)?

3.  (Genesis 14:1-16) Why was there a war between the kings, and what brought Abram into this war? Discuss: What was the outcome of the war and why do you think Abram would not take any of the spoil offered by the king of Sodom after the war (v. 21-24)?

4.  (Genesis 14:17-20) Who is Melchizedek and what happened between him and Abram? Cross-reference by reading Hebrews 6:20 through 7:28 – What does it say about Melchizedek in reference to Jesus?

5.  (Genesis 15:1-21) In ancient cultures there was a practice of cutting animals in half and passing through them to confirm an agreement between men – in this case it is only God who passed through, signifying Abram could do nothing on his part to gain God’s promise. What specific parts of the Covenant is God confirming here with Abram (you can reference back to Genesis 12:1-3)?

6.  (Genesis 16:1-15) In ancient cultures (and some still today) taking a second wife, or a concubine, was not forbidden by law, especially when child bearing was necessary for a family’s tribal survival and inheritance. Summarize the story of Abram, Sarai and Hagar then discuss the following questions:

a.  What was wrong with what Abram and Sarai did from God’s view? Can you think of other stories in the Old Testament with similar situations that have heartbreaking consequences?

b.  How did God counsel Hagar, how did she respond, and is it different than you might have responded?

c.  Cross-referencing: Where do you think Hagar came from originally, and could that have any implications for how things unfolded here (review the story in 12:10-20)?

d.  Going Deeper: Do a study on the term “Angel of the LORD” and discuss what you learned about this person who met with Hagar.

7.  (Genesis 17:1-8 and 17:15-16) What new names did God give Abram and Sarai, and why? Research the differences in the meaning of their old and new names.

8.  (Genesis 17:9-27) Circumcision was not an unusual practice in ancient cultures, but God had a specific purpose for it here. What was the purpose of the Covenant of circumcision and how did Abraham respond to God’s command? Application: God was still promising a son directly to Abraham and Sarah but they were 99 and 89 respectively. How do we respond when it seems impossible that God will provide?

Please join us each week as we continue our Case for Christianity!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15