The Word - Pastor Alex

Based on the provided text, it discusses the importance of trust in the Bible and the process of determining the canon of scripture. It highlights the concepts of revelation, inspiration, and the verification of the Bible's divine origin through prophecy fulfillment and historical accuracy. The question of how we know we have the right books in the Bible is also raised, considering the existence of additional books in other faith traditions. The term "canon" refers to the collection of books that comprise the Bible. It is a topic of discussion and inquiry. The early New Testament Church played a significant role in accepting certain writings as authoritative scripture. They would come together, read the letters out loud, and discern whether they believed it to be legitimate and from God. They used criteria such as matching the teachings of Jesus, having high moral and spiritual value, being quoted by early church leaders, and being read and expounded upon. The New Testament Canon, consisting of 27 books, was not determined by a council but rather recognized and collected by the people of God. They rejected writings that came later, such as the Gospel of Thomas or the Gospel of Judas. The Bible is not a random collection of writings but a carefully selected compilation. It emphasizes that the Bible is God's word and reveals His salvation and the good news through Christ. The text also mentions the interconnectedness of the verses and chapters in the Bible, depicting a unified story. It highlights the various aspects of Jesus portrayed in different books of the Bible. Overall, the message is to trust God and His word, and to draw near to Him through Christ.