There is plenty of internal and external evidence that the Bible is true, and contains a message from God that is important to us. But it’s also important to remember that the Bible doesn’t claim to be a history or a science book, and there are uncertainties in translation and interpretation. For example, how do we disentangle literal from figurative, which translation should we use, and does the Bible contain any errors? None of this should detract from the key messages that God communicates to us through his word, the Bible.
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I think we should view prophecy a bit like supporting England in a major football tournament. Each time we believe that this time could actually be it. This time I think we actually have a decent squad and a good manager and our build up has been really exciting and positive. When the first whistle starts we genuinely believe that in four weeks’ time we will be lifting the trophy. Devastatingly quickly it becomes obvious that we were wrong, our star players flounder, the youthful hopefuls get overwhelmed by the occasion and it’s clear we still haven’t practised our penalties and we go out. Once again, this time wasn’t it. Do I feel tricked by all the positivity beforehand? No, not at all. I loved all the build-up and even though in the back of my mind there were major doubts, I allowed myself to be caught up in the seeming impossibility of a victory. But one day I know that my belief in the English football team will be rewarded, one day we will win a tournament and I will not regret those previous disappointments at all. In fact, they will make the final victory in a World Cup final all the sweeter.
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