Beyond the Weekend

May 26 | Trusting the Sources

May 26, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Luke 1:1-2

Read: Luke 1:1-2
Listen:
Luke 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

It is pretty standard for ancient texts to be written centuries after the events. This isn’t true of the New Testament. The sources Luke and others used are trustworthy in part because they were written so close to the time events happened. Luke used actual eyewitnesses as his sources. This is a big deal. First, Luke admits he isn’t an eyewitness. He doesn’t try to embellish or say he was there because he is concerned with the truth. Second, many eyewitnesses were alive at the time of writing so any inaccuracies could be set straight.

It’s easy for us to take this historical information for granted. However, the quality of sources for the Bible is unique. In comparison, the best texts about Alexander the Great came 120 years after he had died. Even Caesar during the life of Christ, the best sources about Tiberius came 80 years after his death. But the texts about Jesus come 20-60 years after his death. There are very good sources for the Bible when we look at it with historical eyes. People were so committed to Jesus and the truth that they passed on what they saw. God used these people to tell his beautiful story of love. God gave our doubting hearts the Bible that we can trust and build our life around.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Spend time in gratitude today for the Bible. Thank God for appointing people who took the responsibility to pass along the truth seriously. Then thank him for giving us the Bible, which is solid and trustworthy.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

MATTHEW 22:37-39
Jesus 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.’


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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