The Bible - Fact or Myth?: Does the Bible Contradict Itself?

By Sue Ellen Poe

Know God and His Word in a new way by discovering fifty years' worth of revelation knowledge packed into one book as Sue Ellen Poe uncovers the truth about the Bible while studying history and examining the scriptures with the Holy Spirit as her guide.

Have you ever been at a loss of words to explain Bible discrepancies to new believers or

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: May 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685563691

Sue Ellen Poe

Sue Ellen Poe was called by God to write this book at this precise moment, for a time like this. So what, professionally speaking, qualifies Sue Ellen to author any book? Literally nothing in this natural world! She is but a willing vessel, although reluctant at first. However, the Lord saw her God-given talents differently than she saw herself. Once again, God picked the most unlikely vessel to bring forth His plans.

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The Bible

Fact

or Myth?

Does the Bible Contradict Itself?

Sue Ellen Poe

The Bible—Fact or Myth?

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright © 2022 by Sue Ellen Poe

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Version (AKJV). Public domain.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network. For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Manufactured in the United States of America

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 978-1-68556-368-4

E-ISBN: 978-1-68556-369-1

www.UnveiledWordMinistries.org

Table of Contents

Foreword

Chapter One: Is the Bible True?

Chapter Two: Where is the Proof?

Chapter Three: The Bible’s Origin

Chapter Four: The Layout of the Bible

Chapter Five: The Attributes of the Bible?

Chapter Six: Jesus—Man or God?

Chapter Seven: Putting on the Armor of God

Chapter Eight: What Are the Attributes of God?

Chapter Nine: What Does Salvation Include?

Chapter Ten: The Role of the Holy Spirit

Chapter Eleven: Do Christians Become Jews?

Chapter Twelve: Kingdom Period vs. Grace Period

Chapter Thirteen: The Rapture

Chapter Fourteen: Contradictions

Chapter Fifteen: Don’t Just Read It, Study It!

Chapter Sixteen: Summary

Personal Testimony

Appendix I

Appendix II

Notes

Bibliography

About the Author

Foreword

I have known Sue Ellen Poe for many years. She is not only a teacher of the Word of God, but she walks it out in her own personal life. She is always striving to display the qualities of Christ in her personal, family, and business dealings. I believe you could even go as far as to say that she portrays the heart of God. Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed her experience blessings and trials alike, but no matter what transpires, she always manages to keep Jesus Christ at the forefront of her life.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

— Matthew 6:33

This book will help you experience the manifest presence of God throughout the study of His Word, making this book relevant for young or mature adults alike. Even for the doubting or unbelieving masses, it demonstrates that God’s Word is indeed the truth. Likewise, it is an essential read for the Christian no matter what their maturity level. It completely removes any contradictions by bringing forth true revelation knowledge. Furthermore, this book is not based on opinion or conjecture, but it is based on the true Word of God.

I have no doubt that Sue Ellen Poe was called by God to write this book at a moment such as this, for a time like this, in this current church age. Therefore, time is short! The Father is getting ready to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to retrieve His people and bring them home. Making this a compelling, must-read book for this present time and a necessary addition to any personal library.

— Connie Anderson,

Ordained Pastor and Sister in Christ

Chapter One

Is the Bible True?

Introduction

Why don’t more people read the Bible to see if it is true? Some will say that they don’t believe that God even exists. Others profess that they can’t believe in a God that allows bad things to happen to good people. Still, others don’t think that it has any merit.

What about the Christians? Why don’t more Christians read their Bible on a regular basis? Most will tell you that when they do read it, it’s too confusing and hard to understand. It seems to be a book of contradictions, which frustrates them, so they choose to let their pastor or a theologian decipher it for them.

In this book, we will further explore the answers to all these questions with factual proof.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

— 2 Timothy 2:15

This verse in 2 Timothy tells us to not only read the Bible but to study it. This is the principle that we will use throughout this entire book to determine if the Bible itself is true, if the things that we have been told about the Bible and God are true, and to clear up any misperceptions that we may have about the Bible.

This verse goes on to say that we are to be workmen, which is someone who does manual labor, so it takes time and energy to study God’s Word. Reading is easy but studying, not so much. It takes effort; however, this is one of the best ways to build your relationship with the Lord. Thus, spending time studying His Word and communicating with Him is how you do this. It doesn’t matter what you or I think, but what do the facts say about it? Our opinions shouldn’t alter our beliefs; always check out God’s Word before you decide.

Clarification

Let me digress for a moment and point out from this point forward, when referring to the Bible as the Word, a capitalized W (Word) will be used, and when referring to God as the deity, all pronouns will be capitalized (He, They, and Him), further clarifying what or who we are talking about. Also, all scriptures are taken from the Authorized King James Bible.

____________________

Chapter One Questions

What are three general reasons why more people don’t read the Bible?

Why do more Christians not read their Bible?

Should our beliefs be based on our opinions? Yes No

In 2 Timothy 2:15, it says, we should read our Bibles to be approved by God. True False

Chapter Two

Where is the Proof?

Proof Found Outside the Bible

First and foremost, the validity of the Bible as a whole needs to be addressed. Is the Bible composed of truth or fiction? Did Jesus really exist, or is He just a fictional character? What evidence is there to actually support the Bible’s validity?

All these questions need to be addressed with factual evidence from outside the Bible.

Historians

In the book Jesus Outside the New Testament, two famous historians are discussed, neither of which were Christians. Josephus was a Jew, and Tacitus was a Roman. Both of these historians view all four Gospel accounts as being fairly accurate. Josephus, who lived in Palestine during the first century, confirms there was a man named Jesus, who some believed to be the Messiah, who won over Jews and Greeks as followers, was disliked by Jewish authorities, and executed by an order from Pilate.

Lawrence Mykytiuk, a Purdue University associate professor, in his article from the Biblical Archeology Review, has verified that fifty-three individuals mentioned in the Bible, starting with King David, actually existed. Lawrence Mykytiuk is not only passionate about his research but concludes that there is substantial evidence, even among the non-religious researchers, of biblical credibility, confirming people found in the Bible actually existed.

Archaeologists

Likewise, archaeologists have uncovered over 20,000 handwritten manuscripts in various languages, making the Bible one of the most, if not the most, preserved ancient books of all time.

The Bible has numerous authors, and yet it fits together like a hand in a glove. Attesting to this fact is a non-believing Bible scholar by the name of Bart Ehrman, who reports the discrepancies found in these various manuscripts are minor and do not alter the Christian beliefs in the text.

Well-known and respected archaeologists such as William F. Albright, Nelson Glueck, and G. Ernest Wright developed high esteem for the historical accuracy of the Scriptures as a result of their work. In addition, an archaeologist, Millar Burrows, who is an expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, believes without question that the scriptural record is accurate.

In 1995, archaeologists discovered a 9th century BC inscription about the house of David in Galilee. Jeffrey Sheler, US News & World Report journalist, reported that never before have there been records to prove King David’s existence or the Bible itself. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Shushan Palace, where Queen Esther resided, was discovered in present-day Iran.

Furthermore, as I was penning this book, several new finds were discovered by archaeologists. Amanda Borschel Dan, the editor for The Times of Israel’s Jewish world and archaeology, reported in an article that parts of the Old Testament books of Nahum and Zechariah and a 6,000-year-old mummified child were among the stunning finds from a Judean Desert find.

Notorious Individuals

Likewise, there have been many well-known people who have declared the Bible as being not only true but the inspired Word of the God Almighty. Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest minds in history, acknowledged, "There is more proof today of the Bible’s authenticity than any other time in history. Britain’s Queen Victoria stated about the Bible, That book accounts for the supremacy of England. US President Andrew Jackson declared, That book, sir, is the rock on which our republic stands. US President George Washington concluded, It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. France’s Napoleon proclaimed, The Bible is no mere book but a Living Creature with a power that conquers all who oppose it" (Halley p. 18–19).

Proof Found Inside the Bible

Now that we have examined the evidence from outside the Bible, let’s take a look inside the Bible for more proof. Let’s revisit 2 Timothy again in more detail.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

— 2 Timothy 2:15

This verse not only calls the Bible the Word of Truth, but it also says in order to show yourself approved (favored or accepted), you need to study it.

What is one of the most often New Year’s resolutions made, at least by Christians? It is to read through their Bible in a year. Do most of them finish this resolution? No. Why not? By just merely reading through the Bible, you will miss all the treasures hidden inside.

Many people believe if you read the entire Bible from front to back like a novel, then there is nothing else to gain from reading it again. I’m not saying to never read the Bible all the way through, but I’m saying if that is all you do, you will miss out on the gems within. Furthermore, just reading it may make it seem boring and contradicting. Therefore, just reading the Word is not enough; we want to study it. So let’s get started by looking at the following scriptures:

But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth.

— Daniel 10:21

In this verse, the Bible is referred to as the Scripture of Truth. What is the definition of truth? The word is defined as honesty, accuracy, factualness, or authenticity. It is associated with the gospel as in the gospel truth.

Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

— Psalm 119:140

Here, the Word is called pure (untainted, uncorrupted, or untouched), and that is why, as believers, we love God’s Word. Although Satan and man will take God’s Word and twist it, in the original text, it is not tainted.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

— John 17:17

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.

— Colossians 1:5

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

— James 1:18

Begat means to procreate or reproduce offspring. Let’s further unpack the verse in James.