Searching for Truth: The Illustrated Gospel 1683440331, 9781683440338

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Searching for Truth – The Illustrated Gospel

If God is good, why is there so much suffering? Do you really believe the Bible is true?

When life meets truth…

From the door of the Ark to the door of Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, Searching for Truth demands a response from readers.

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In a cultural climate that exalts personal preference above all else, here is a dramatic, visually stunning story that addresses issues and concerns of utmost importance as life meets truth. Discover why the Bible can be trusted as God’s Word, including its prophetic revelations, evidence of the supernatural, consistency over time, and the scientific and historical accuracy of its text. What makes the Bible unique and its account of truth different from all other religious writings is discussed through thoughtprovoking questions.

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YOUNG ADULT NONFICTION/Comics & Graphic Novels/Social Topics RELIGION/Christian Theology/Apologetics $15.99 U.S.



ISBN-13: 978-1-68344-033-8

EAN

Tim Chaffey Illustrator Colin Dyer Author

First printing: April 2017 Third printing: August 2022 Copyright © 2017 by Answers in Genesis– USA. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, copied, broadcast, stored, or shared in any form whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. For information write: Master Books, P.O. Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638 Master Books® is a division of the New Leaf Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-68344-033-8 ISBN: 978-1-61458-293-9 (digital) Library of Congress Number: 2017902899 Written by Tim Chaffey Illustrated by Colin Dyer Scripture referenced in this book is based on the New King James Version, New International Version, English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, and the New English Translation. Please consider requesting that a copy of this volume be purchased by your local library system. Printed in China Please visit our website for other great titles: www.masterbooks.com For information regarding promotional opportunities, please contact the publicity department at [email protected].

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Hey guys, what do you think of the World Religions class so far?

Well, it’s very different than what I believe.

There are so many religions. How could anyone know what to believe?

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Andre, how is it different from what you believe?

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I believe the Bible is true and that Jesus is the only way to heaven.

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How can you believe in a book that has so many errors?

Yeah, do you really believe the Bible is true? Let’s talk after class.

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…The Bible is full of contradictions— written by people with no knowledge of science.

The earth isn’t 6,000 years old, and there’s no way the millions of species of animals could fit on Noah’s Ark… …The Bible wasn’t even put together until the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. It’s gone through countless revisions and translations. There’s no way to know what was originally written...

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Based on what Professor Harris just said, how can you believe the Bible is true?

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Because it’s the Word of God. She said the Bible is just like any other religious book,

but that’s not true. It’s unique. It was written by over 40 different authors, in three languages, from three continents, over the course of more than 1,500 years, and yet it proclaims a consistent message and has no errors.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Hmm. No errors? A consistent message?

The Doctrine of Inerrancy Andre expressed an idea known as the doctrine of inerrancy. In its most basic formulation, this teaching states that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, were written without error in the original manuscripts. This idea only applies to the copies insofar as they are faithful to the original writings. Unique Characteristics of the Bible: ~ The Bible is a collection of 66 books. ~ The 39 books of the Old Testament were originally written in Hebrew, with the exception of some small sections of Aramaic, most notably in Ezra and Daniel. ~ The 27 books of the New Testament were originally written in Greek. ~ The Bible was written by at least 40 different authors, many of whom were eyewitnesses, over a span of at least 1500 years from three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe).

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You said the Bible doesn’t have errors. How could that be since it was written by people, and people make a lot of mistakes?

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Gabriela, We do make mistakes, but we don’t always make them. Isn’t it possible for a person to write a book without errors? How much more so if that writing was inspired by God?

Besides, if we can’t trust books written by people, then we shouldn’t trust our textbooks, right? Here, let me show you one of my favorite websites that addresses objections to the Bible.

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Can you prove that the Bible is from God?

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I think one way to demonstrate the Bible’s supernatural origin is to look at prophecy, because only the all-knowing God of the Bible could accurately tell the future. The Bible contains lots of detailed prophecies written centuries before they were perfectly and clearly fulfilled. No other book does this.

For example, more than 400 years before the events occurred, the Bible said that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be born of a virgin in Bethlehem, that He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, die for our sins, and rise from the dead.

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MESSIAH’S BIRTH Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting. Micah 5:2

MESSIAH’S DEATH Then I said to them, “If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.” So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. Zechariah 11:12

For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet. Psalm 22:16

MESSIAH’S RESURRECTION And they made His grave with the wicked— But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. Isaiah 53:9

For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. Psalm 16:10

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What if Andre’s right, Ryo? I mean, what if the Bible really is from God?

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Then why would there be so many versions of it? Remember when Professor Harris said that the Bible is just a copy of a copy of a copy? Christians can’t even know if they have the original message.

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Check this out. That website Andre mentioned has a video discussing this topic.

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the “Hill of Beans” video contrasts the manuscript evidence for the New Testament with the manuscript evidence for other ancient writings. Each row includes the date of authorship followed by the date of the earliest copy.

To watch the video, and to learn more about this topic, please visit www.ArkEncounter.com/Beans.

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God, if you are good, why did you let my dad die? Why did he suffer so much?

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There’s nothing more we can do. I’m very sorry.

When God created this world, it was perfect. There was no cancer and no death, but we wrecked it through our sin. Terrible things happen because of sin—they are our fault. This isn’t the end for me. Where I’m going there is no cancer and no death. More than anything, I want you there with me forever, but you must believe in Jesus. Gabby, don’t blame God for this.

Oh Daddy!

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Hmm, this book says, “The Bible is not technically a science or history textbook, but it is accurate whenever it addresses these subjects.”

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The images below and on the next two pages are from a slideshow that Gabriela views while studying in the library. They represent a small fraction of scientific and historical evidences consistent with the Bible.

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the following week

What am I doing here? This just isn’t working.

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A few hours later...

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!!

ch n u R C

scree

ch!!!

get off the road, you idiot!

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Ryo, slow down! i don’t want to die!

beep!

!

m vah..roo

! k on

h 34

bang! 35

! p po ! h nc

u r c

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wee-ooo! wee-ooo! wee-ooo!

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Hey guys, glad to hear that you’re okay. The nurse said it’s a miracle you weren’t killed in that wreck. God must have been watching out for you.

God? Do you think everything is about God? Why didn’t He stop me from getting in an accident? And why do you even think He is so good? You believe He killed everyone with a Flood.

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Ryo, I understand that you’re upset and have been through a lot. I can try to answer your questions, but let me ask you something first. If I could answer every objection you had against God and the Bible, would you trust Him?

I don’t know. Probably not.

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Then can I take a few minutes to explain why the Bible is so important to me?

Sure. Whatever.

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You mentioned the Flood, which is a vivid reminder that God judges sin. But God is also loving and merciful. The parts of the Bible that we might call bad news are important for understanding the good news. Let me illustrate this by talking about some of the doors mentioned in the Bible. These doors highlight God’s love and mercy throughout history.

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The Bible tells us that men had become exceedingly wicked— they thought of evil continually—so God planned to Flood the earth and wipe them out. He told Noah to build an Ark and to put a door in its side. When God shut the Ark’s door it illustrated His justice and His mercy.

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You see, the wicked world outside of the Ark would perish. Those in the Ark, Noah’s family, were spared. That Ark door serves as a picture of something far greater, as do other doors mentioned in the Bible.

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About a thousand years after the Flood, God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.

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The night before they were set free, the Lord instituted the Passover. Israelites were told to sacrifice a lamb without blemish, and then put some of the lamb’s blood on the frames around their doors.

Those who faithfully followed the Lord’s instructions were spared from the tenth plague—the destruction of the firstborn. They were protected from God’s judgment by the blood of a lamb.

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Nearly 500 years after Moses, King Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem. Two doors were placed at the entrance to the inner sanctuary where God’s presence was.

The Israelites were able to temporarily have their sins covered through the sacrifice of a goat, and thus receive God’s mercy. Though the blood of these animals could never take away man’s sin, they pointed forward to the most important sacrifice of all. Jesus obtained eternal redemption for us through His once for all sinless offering of Himself to God.

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Because sin separates us from God, only the ceremonially clean high priest could enter these doors once a year to offer sacrifice for the sins of the people.

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Jesus said, “I am the door of the sheep.... If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture… I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly ” (John 10:7, 9–10).

Shepherds rested in the entryway to the sheepfold serving as the door.

As the good shepherd, Jesus said He would die for the sheep, a reference to His sacrificial death on the Cross— the only means by which a person could be saved.

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Because each of us has sinned against God, we need His forgiveness, but the blood of animals could never take away our sins. We needed a perfect substitute to die in our place. For God so loved the world, that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to become a man to pay for our sins through His sacrificial death on the Cross. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is our Passover whose blood can take away all of our sins.

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Three days after being crucified, Jesus Christ rose from the dead just as He promised. On that morning, an angel descended from heaven and rolled back the stone from the door of the tomb… “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said ” (Matthew 28:2–6).

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This spectacular miracle confirmed that Jesus Christ was exactly who He claimed to be— the Son of God. The Resurrection also demonstrated His power over death, guaranteeing the hope of eternal life to all who repent of their sins and believe in Him.

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The last two doors are mentioned in the famous Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it ” (Matthew 7:13–14).

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This teaching highlights an important truth. Most people are on the wide path that leads to judgment and the only way for them to be saved is entering through the narrow gate that leads to eternal life.

Jesus died so that we can be forgiven. You can keep raising objections to the Bible, but eventually you need to decide what you believe about Jesus. Will you turn from your sins and give your life to Him?

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God, I don’t know what to say. Daddy taught me to live for you, but when he died, I became so angry at you for letting it happen. I know I’ve sinned against you over and over again. Please forgive me. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. I want to live for you just like my dad did. Please help me.

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several days later...

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Ding!

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Ding!

Ding!

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Then the Lord said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and your whole family, for I have found you righteous before me in this generation” (Genesis 7:1).

the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live. And when I see the blood, i will pass over you, and the plague will not fall on you to destroy you. (exodus 12:13).

It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Hebrews 10:4).

I am the good shepherd. the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). For God made him who never sinned to be sin for our sake, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26).

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Will You Enter the Door that Leads to Life? What will you do with Jesus Christ? Your answer to that question has eternal consequences. Each of us is guilty of sinning against our holy Creator. Because He is holy, God must judge sin. Take an honest look at your life. Have you ever lied, stolen anything, disrespected your parents, or failed to honor God? If so, then you are a sinner in need of a Savior. There was one door into the Ark that saved Noah and his family from the Flood. Similarly, there is only one “door” that can save us from eternal judgment. Jesus Christ is that door. He is the only way to be saved from sin. The Bible states that now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). If you have not already done so, will you turn from your sins and call on the risen Lord to save you? Enter the only door that leads to eternal life today.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

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Color one of the most popular attractions in the United States! Here is an opportunity to let your imagination guide you through a beautiful coloring tour of the Ark Encounter. Explore exhibits and presentations of the Ark’s incredible interior designs, intricately recreated for your enjoyment. What color would you choose for the family’s clothing? What artistic expression would you use for the family’s living quarters? Imagine Noah’s world — before the Flood and during the journey. Experience this inspiring biblical history as you relax and enjoy this one-of-a kind coloring book!

RELIGION/Biblical Studies/Old Testament ART/General

$7.99 U.S.

ISBN-13: 978-0-89051-934-9

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SEEING IS BELIEVING Now you can go behind the scenes and see the dream come together beam by beam in The Building of the Ark Encounter, discover the ancient technology and systems that Noah could have used in Inside Noah’s Ark: Why It Worked, and get answers to the top question asked in How Many Animals Were on the Ark? You can also get creative with the Expedition Ark Journal and An Encounter with Noah’s Ark adult coloring book.

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