How do we know the Bible is inspired

Randy Farris preaching at Anchorage City Church today offered a number of interesting proofs for the rational mind. Faith, of course, is not a matter for the rational mind -- which is a major stumbling block for many -- but that's another story.

Anyway, here are some that he suggested:

1. Unity -- the Bible does not contradict itself, even `tho it is actually 66 different books written over a period of more than sixteen hundred years by many different authors.
2. Accuracy -- It accurately pins historical events that we know about from other sources.
   
3. Enduring popularity -- the Bible is the world's most popular book, and has been for many years.
4. Fidelity to early manuscripts -- comparison of the scriptures we have today to recently discovered ancient manuscripts correspond amazingly well.
5. Archaeological support -- archaeology continues to turn up new support for the words of the Bible
6. indestructability -- a 19th century writer HL Hastings put it this way: "When the French monarch proposed the persecution of Christians in his dominion, an old statesman and warrior said to him, 'Sire, the church of God is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.' So the hammers of infidels have been pecking away at this book for ages, but the hammers are worn out, and the anvil still endures. If this book had not been the book of God, men would have destroyed it long ago. Emperors and popes, kings and priests, princes and rulers have all tried their hand at it; they die and the book still lives."
7. Transforming power -- The Bible continues to change lives. Some are healed, some are saved, some are transformed from hopeless slavery to sin to abundant life.