We Believe The Bible Is True

We Believe the Bible Is True John 1:1 

• John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

• At Faith and Victory Church, we believe that the Bible is true 
• That Scripture is fully trustworthy and the final authority for faith and life
• We believe that the Bible is the living Word of God 
• We believe that the Bible is the true Word of God to us, and it dictates every part of our lives 
• Who we are at Faith and Victory comes from the Bible 
• The Bible has called us to be: 
  • Passionate 
  • Faithful
  • Generous 
  • Authentic 
  • Devoted
  • Spirit-Led
• This is the core of who we are as a church and a people!

1. The Word of God is powerful 

• Isaiah 55:10-11(AMP)- For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, Making it bear and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater,11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth;
  It will not return to Me void (useless, without result),
  Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it

• Charles Spurgeon said this regarding the Bible – The Word of God! “”You don’t need to defend a lion. Just let it out of the cage, and it will defend itself.”
• God’s Word is effective all on its own. It doesn’t return empty or ineffective

• Hence the Bible say in Revelation 22:18-19 (NLT) And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book

• You don’t have to hype the Bible or hide some of its stuff – It’s not like a product- you should do ice bath, Keto diet, watch this movie, go to this place – we all exaggerate human stuff
• There are countless people out there who have gone to prove the Word of God is false only to be confronted by so much truth that they become Christian
• One person that comes to mind is Nabeel Qureshi – who wrote Seeking Allah, finding Jesus 
  •  Raised in a loving, devout  Muslim family
  • Trained from a young age to defend Islam and challenge Christianity
  • In college, became close friends with a Christian named David Wood
  • Engaged in respectful debates and deep discussions on faith over several years
  • Studied the historical claims of Christianity vs. Islam
  • After years of research and spiritual wrestling, he accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior
  • Became a Christian apologist
• I love that we live in a time where we learn and try things for ourselves – Meaning, I can say – let me google it – or chatgpt it, or actually dig into the History and see if what I believe in is true 
• Here at FVC we Know and Believe that the Bible-The Word of God has enough evidence of truth that there is no denying its Power!
• There is enough spiritual and physical evidence that the Bible is true! 
•  Archaeological Evidence – archaeologists have found real evidence—like the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Pool of Bethesda, and the Tel Dan Stele—that match what the Bible says. These discoveries support the Bible’s accuracy by confirming real places, people, and events mentioned in it.
• Manuscript Reliability – With over 5,800 New Testament manuscripts (some dating within decades of the originals) and well-preserved Old Testament texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Bible stands as the most textually reliable ancient document in history
• Fulfilled Prophecies – Hundreds of biblical prophecies especially those about Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection were fulfilled in detail 
• External Corroboration – Writers and records outside the Bible—like Tacitus, Josephus, and ancient inscriptions mention people and events also found in the Bible. This shows the Bible lines up with other history
• Internal Consistency – Despite being written by over 40 authors across 1,500 years, the Bible maintains a unified message and consistent historical and theological content, showing remarkable coherence
• Cultural and Historical Accuracy – The Bible accurately reflects ancient customs, political structures, and geographic locations, matching historical records and archaeological findings
• Eye-Witness Testimony – Many New Testament writers were eyewitnesses or interviewed eyewitnesses, and their willingness to die for their testimony adds credibility to their accounts

2. The Word of God changes lives

• There was a man who persecuted Christians, and one day he was going to persecute even more Christians… The Bible says: 

• Acts 9:3-4 (Hcsb) As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

• This man encounters God as he was on a Mission – not to find God but to kill and imprison Christians 
• And since that moment the Bible says in Acts 9:15 – This man is my chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites
• And from this moment, the Word of God – changed his life 
• Paul would spend the rest of his life 
  • Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ 
  • Planting churches 
  • Writing 2/3 of the new testaments – letters to churches 
  • Mentoring others -Timothy, Titus, Silas, Barnabas
  • Suffering for the gospel as he spread the gospel 
• Paul is not the exception in the Bible
• Moses – A Murderer turned God’s best friend

• • Exodus 32:9-14(Nkjv) And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a [a]stiff-necked people! 10 Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may [b]consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.”Then Moses pleaded with [c]the Lord his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’ ” 14 So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people

• Nehemiah – A servant turned a great leader to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall and restore the Glory of God 
• The Disciples – ordinary men who went to show the Power of God in ways it never seen before 

• • Acts 4:13 (Nkjv) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

• David – a young forgotten shepherd boy – Goes to become one of the greatest King. Also, a great song writer that shows us the beauty of Gods heart and what a relationship with God looks like – All because He listened and held on to the Word of God!
• Gideon – a young man hiding in the winepress during the time the Midianites had oppressed Israelites 
  • An angel appears to Him in that weakness and fear and says to him 

• • Judges 6:12-14(Nkjv) – And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”13 Gideon said to Him, “O [a]my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”  

• The Bible says that “Elijah was a man like you! – Called fire from heaven & ran faster than chariots of horses 

• This call has gone out to many ordinary people and when they heard the instruction of God and followed it their lives were changed 
• Lives are changed and end up impacting who we are today as Christian – Because we heeded the WORD of God!
• And we have seen this in our congregation here at Faith and victory
  • Rough dudes, come to Christ and now they mentor and point others towards God 
  • Women who have had crazy pasts- they encounter Jesus, and their lives/families are changed forever 
  • Young people fighting drugs, depression, anxiety, loneliness – they come to Christ and the Word of God is proven again to be sharper than a two-edged sword, that has nothing that can stop it 
  • People that have come here with one goal but end up being redirected toward the things of God – the old is dead and a new life full of God’s purpose is born 
  • We have seen people pray over each other (as the Word of God commands us) and we have seen healing, people set free from all kinds of bondages
• Here at FVC we Know that the Word of God come to live and change lives 

• It turns ordinary men and women to great vessels of God!

• Ephesians 3:20 (Nlt) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think

• Our lives have been changed, and God will continue to touch many other lives in Jesus Mighty Name 

3. The Word of God is for your benefit 

• I love what Pastor Jay said this last Wednesday- When we read the Bible, we get answers to everything 
• From beginning to end, the Bible is God’s invitation to restore our relationship with Him-for our benefit
• As Pastor Jays said – We must Read and know the word of God 
• The word of God has promises for those who Read it, knows it and does the will of the Father 
• Matthew 6:30-34 – But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32 For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
• This verse – Specifically Matthew 6:33 – Is my anchor verse in everything I do – My story 
• When you Read and Meditate on the WORD of God you will find: 

1. Promises that will never fail 
   • 2 Peter 1:4 (Nlt) – And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires
2. Healing – The Word of God brings spiritual, emotional, and physical healing
   • Proverbs 4:20-22 (NLT) – My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body
3. Correction – Scripture disciplines and sets us on the right path
   • 2 Timothy 3:16(NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right
4. Wisdom – God’s Word teaches us how to live wisely and honorably
   • James 1:5 (NLT) If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking
5. Protection – God’s Word shields us from spiritual and physical deception and dangers 
   • Proverbs 30:5 (Ampc) – Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him
6. Purpose – God uses His Word to guide us into our calling 
   • Ephesians 2:10 (Amp) – For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
7. Cleansing – The Word purifies our hearts and minds from sin and guilt
   • Psalm 119:9 (NLT)-How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word
   • Psalms 119:11(NLT) – I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you
8. Renewal of our minds – The Word of God transforms our thinking to align with God’s truth and desires 
   • Romans 12:2 (Nlt) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect
9. Peace – Peace is an umbrella in the Word of God – The byproduct of everything we spoke about is Peace 
   • Philippians 4:6-7 (Amp) Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]

4. The Word of God demands a response 

• The Word of God demands a response – it’s not passive. Just like anything else in life, you don’t get results by doing nothing. 
• The Word is a contact sport. You have to engage it, act on it, and wrestle with it until it changes you.
• Too many people treat the Word like a motivational quote – nice to hear, easy to ignore. 
• But Scripture was never meant to be read and shelved. It’s meant to be obeyed, applied, and lived out. Faith comes by hearing and success/fruit comes by doing

• James 1:22 (NLT) But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves

• The Bible talks about that IF you ……then you will!

• Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT) When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.

• The Word of God is food to your soul – I see people who come here spiritually/physically weak, no hope – and soon they start feeding on the Word of God and they start sitting up right, then there is a smile, then they are moving their body as they worship, next time- they don’t care about who is listening, they are singing at the top of their voices- soon their marriages get better, their health get better, their whole lives change 100%
• Study the Word of God daily – (Study =Full meal, Read = snack) (Olu style)

• Joshua 1:8 (Ampc) – This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good [a]success.

• Psalm 1:2-3(Nkjv) – Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he [b]meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the [c]rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper

• Pray – you want to know how to pray? Read your Bible and Meditate on the Word of God, then you will know Who to pray to, how to pray, what to ask and what to expect in return, and how to be thankful when you receive your prayer 

• Pray and Fast – Matthew 6:16 says – “And when you fast, …….Its a requirement but you can’t know why and how unless you read your Bible 

• Leviticus 19:2 (NLT) Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy

• All the how is detailed very well in the Bible
• But here is the hack- Even though it’s all written down, you don’t have to do it by yourself. You only must be willing – and the Holy Spirit is like lets goooo! – I will help you understand 

• John 1:12 (Nkjv) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the [a]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name

• This Right comes with great benefits from our Father in Heaven- and they are all written out so there is no confusion 

• Luke 11:28 (NLT) Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.

• 1 John 5:3 (Nkjv) For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome

• John 14:15  (Nkjv) If you love Me, keep My commandments

• Now FVC go and live your lives according to the Word of God!

Call

Nicodemus: Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you

 Jesus: unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God

Nicodemus: How can a old man go back into his mothers womb and be born again?

Jesus: For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life 

Jesus: God sent His son not to judge the world but save the world through Him

Jesus: There is no judgments against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged