Can I Trust The Bible?



			Author ---Mike Raley

			There are not many things or people I trust. 
			A few of them are my wife and my family. 
			Although when I first met my wife I did not
			have the trust I do now. Why? Because trust
			is gained through many years of familiarity
			with a person or object. I also trust people
			in a given field such as medicine. I wouldn't
			trust my health to a first year medical student
			as opposed to a practicing medical physician
			because the student has not earned the credentials
			to practice medicine.

			As I read Gods Word I find myself in a position
			to trust its commandments by means of obedience.
			I can say I "trust" the Bible, but unless it is
			acted upon it really isn't trusted. I hope as we
			recognize the Bible's unique credentials, it will
			inspire us to gain more familiarity with it as well
			as to develop a trust that will lead to obedience.

			The historical reliability of the Bible is crucial
			for Christianity because the salvation it offers is
			based upon events which historically have taken place
			such as the resurrection and the ascension. The 
			salvation other religions offer is based on what the
			founder taught - not on what the founder did.
			I trust the Salvation teaching found in the Bible
			because it is based on the historical fact that Christ
			died on the cross and rose again three days later.

			The historical facts of the Bible have greater 
			significance when witnesses outside the Bible testify
			that what happened really did happen. Historical figures
			such as Josephus and Ignatius who lived immediately after
			the time of Christ have testified in writing that Christ
			truly was physically resurrected just as the Bible explains.

			The Bible also has survived the test and trials of time,
			persecution and higher criticism. No writings in religion
			contain any prophesies foretelling the arrival of man such
			as the Bible does. Of course the matter of changed lives 
			assests to the uniqueness of the Bible. I talk to people
			in churches and while on visitation who tell me their lives
			have been changed through the doctrines found in God's Word.
			This is the reason that BBN is commited to sharing the Bible
			every day with our listeners.

			Surely, there is no such book that has had a greater impact
			on human history than the Bible. Surely, such a book must 
			come from the mouth of God.

			Now the question arises "Can God trust you with the Bible?"
			Can God trust you to dig deep into His Word for insights
			yet to be discovered, to learn and live by its commandments
			everyday, and to teach others by it in Godly living? 
			I cannot tell you to trust this Holy Book which is God's Word. 
			You must spend time with it, and in it in order to truly trust
			and act upon the promises found in it. Spend time in it today.