There is at work in our society and around the world a deliberate push away from God. There is a world view or perspective on life that is in opposition to Christian teaching. And it is pervasive. You can see its beliefs on TV, in movies, books, in politics, in schools, colleges and universities.

It is a secular world view, that sees religion as superstition. It sees a God as something believed in by uneducated people. It sees religion as part of the problem - maybe THE problem.

Contrast: Two very different world views: one says the Bible is harmful the other; essential.

It is important to know: What do you believe? Why do you believe what you do? The most significant question for Christians, what do you believe about the Bible Is the Bible true? Is it from God? all of it? Some parts? Is the Bible relevant today? Is it to be taken as a work of fiction or fact?

I. The Bible claims to contain the very words of God. It contains more than 3,000 occurrences of, "thus says the Lord."

Giving the Old Testament Law to Moses (Exodus 24:12)

In Old Testament wisdom literature (Psalm 2:7)

In Old Testament prophecy of the fall of Babylon For thus the Lord said to me: (Isaiah 21:6)

In the New Testament (Matthew 2:13)

II. The Bible itself claims to be "God-inspired" or "God-breathed." All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬)

What does it mean that the Bible was "God-inspired" or "God-breathed"?

"Inspiration does not mean simply that the writer felt enthusiastic, like Handel composing "The Messiah." Nor does it mean that the writings are necessarily inspiring, like an uplifting poem. As a process, it refers to the writers and writings being controlled by God. As a product, it refers to the writing only, as documents that are God's message." - Norman Geisler

1. Inspiration means God wrote the Bible through people.

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬)

1. Inspiration means the Holy Spirit is the author.

“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David... (‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬a)

And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and he said to me, “Say, Thus says The Lord... (‭Ezekiel‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬a)

1. Inspiration means God's Word is to be our final authority.

For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust. (Psalm 33:4)

Two important words about inspiration: 1. Verbal: God inspired the words, not just the ideas. (Matthew 5:18; 22:43-44 - Jesus based his argument on the single word "Lord.")

1. Plenary: God inspired all, not just part (see 2 Timothy 3:16) This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭30‬)

Inspiration has been affirmed throughout Christian history. "We must not suppose that the language proceeds from men who were inspired, but from the Divine Word which moves them." Justin Martyr (100-165 A.D.)

Key question: Is the Bible meant to be taken interpretively or authoritatively?

Two applications of inspiration for life; 1. Understanding God's inspiration increases my confidence in the Bible.

1. The truth behind inspiration is that I can trust his a Word above my feelings, values, opinions, and culture.

"We must make a great difference between God's Word and the word of man. A man' sword is a little sound that flies into the air, and soon vanishes; but the Word of God is greater than heaven and earth, yea, greater than death and hell, for it forms part of the power of God, and endures everlastingly." - Martin Luther (1483-1546 A.D.)