God Has Spoken IV 2 Peter 3:15-16; Rom. 3:21-26

Recap of Issues The Bible is unique in its clarity and unity and thus demonstrates God Has Spoken Jesus taught that Scripture was penned by men but that God spoke through them His Words (2 Tim. 3:16) INSPIRATION

Recap of Issues The Bible has been preserved over time We know we have the original words of the authors There is no other ancient document that compares with the preservation of Scripture

Interpretative Concerns You can interpret the Bible any way you want. (Just because one can do something does not make it something one should do) I just read the Bible and God speaks to me as I encounter Him. What He says to each is equally valid. (This is reader response and wrong).

Interpretative Concerns You cant really understand the Bible All of these issues have to do with the discipline of HERMENEUTICS REMEMBER GOD HAS WRITTEN TO COMMUNICATE WITH US

Four Big Questions What Type of Literature? –We interpret the Bible LITERALLY –Literasletter (We pay attention to the literature) –The Bible is written in regular human forms of writing.

Four Big Questions Is it: Poetry, Historical Narrative; a Letter; Apocalyptic, Allegory, Prophecy, Wisdom? For example: Romans is an epistle; a letter Letters are written to be straightforward

Four Big Questions What Did It Mean Originally? –We look for the authors intent; what he was seeking to communicate with his original audience –Grammatical/Historical Method

Four Big Questions Does the Interpretation Conflict with Other Scripture? –analogy of faith –Scripture interprets Scripture and Scripture does not ultimately contradict itself

Four Big Questions How Does It Apply Today? –Are there commands to obey? –Questions to answer? –Something to grasp or understand?