what does it mean?

authority

Authority of the BibleAuthority of the BibleTo describe in what way the Bible has authority

To explain why the Bible has authority

To explain how the Bible gets its authority from the Church

Which of these would you believe to be true:

1. The sun and the stars were made after the land and the sea

2. Noah’s ark could fit well over two million animals, 150,000 worms, and countless billions of insects

3. The first man Adam lived “800 years”

4. When 2 bible verses contradict each other: Jesus tells Peter that Peter will have denied him three times, before the cock crows twice Mark 14:30, before the cock crows once Matthew 26:34

***If there are unbelievable “facts” in the Bible, does that mean anyone can pick and choose what you believe from the Bible ?

“The Church teaches that in matters of faith* and morals**, the Bible is inerrant***”.

1. Write out this definition, including the starred words.

For each starred word, add a “key” using one of the definitions below to explain it.******

2. Now write 3 quiz questions for your partner about what the Bible can be correct or incorrect about.

Eg. Can the Bible be wrong about historical details ? Eg Can the Bible be wrong when it calls Jesus the Son of God ?

• Means does not make any mistakes• Means it’s about how to live well• Means it’s about what to believe

about God

We’ve seen that the Bible has authority in matters of faith and morals. But where does it get this authority from ?

From God. Certain holy people were inspired by God. The Bible’s

authority comes from being inspired by the Holy Spirit.

But who decides whether something is

inspired ? There are lots of ancient stories about Jesus and people who say God spoke to them. Not all of

them are in the Bible !

The Bible has authority for 2 reasons:1. Complete this sentence:The Bible has authority and you should believe what it teaches about faith and morals because….

2. Draw your own version of the 3 pictures showing why the bible has AUTHORITY.

the CHURCH has approved it.

it is inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT

+Authority of the Bible

Was it written by an Apostle, or someone

close to the Apostles? Or by someone publically

recognised as holy ?

Does that person’s writings say the sort of things that the Holy Spirit would say?

Did the early Christians use those writings?

YES NO

But how does the CHURCH decide what goes in the Bible…?

It becomes part of the Bible…

The Quiz Questions

• Ask you partner your 3 quiz questions...• Ask someone in the class