Can a book that has parts nearly 4000 years old really be something we should base our lives around?  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to base our lives on something that has withstood the test of time, something that proved itself to be true through patterns of evidence?  Yes!  

But what if we are wrong?  If we base our lives around something untrue, we have wasted our lives.   Whatever you believe, isn’t it important to know the truth?

Skepticism is Growing

The skepticism of the Bible seems to increase every day.  There is no doubt that we live in a post Christian era.  Our world has come a long way since the church-going days of our parents’ youth.  In order for the world of today to accept something, they want scientific and archeological evidence, patterns of evidence.  

Timothy Mahoney spent 12 years studying the archeology of Egypt, trying to keep an open mind.  He was greatly disturbed by the idea that others were not finding proof to support the Bible stories that he grew up believing.  Then he put his findings in a documentary called Patterns of Evidence.  

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 ESV

Patterns of Evidence: The Documentary

Some stories of the Bible are so big that there must be historical evidence left behind.  The book of Exodus is an example of one of these stories.  Science and archeological history can actually support the Bible when you continue to dig and examine the facts.   Here are some of the most interesting patterns of evidence that stood out…    

Israelites in Egypt  

It’s not just Christian archaeologists who discover evidence to support the Bible.  Agnostic Egyptologist David Rohl sees evidence of Joseph from the Exodus story in Egyptian history. He, like many archeologists, thinks there is no evidence of Israelites being in Egypt during the time of Rameses the 2nd.  This is the time period that most scholars assume the Egyptians were present in Egypt.  Interestingly, archeologists have most likely been looking in the wrong time period.

Rameses was mentioned in the Bible.  Many think Rameses refers to the 2nd Pharoah Rameses. The name was actually used in the Bible writings that spanned 200 years. There is no way all the writings could have been talking about the same person. This means the story of the Israelites could have happened during a different period.  There is evidence that correlates with a slightly different period of time–400 years earlier.  Once you open your mind to this possibility, there is quite a bit of evidence.  

The Significance of 12

12 tombs and 12 pillars were found together in Egypt, one of which had a statue like those of people who were powerful Egyptians.  The 12 is significant because Jacob had 12 sons . A tiny bit of paint on the statue revealed a multi-colored coat, which was symbolic of Joseph.  The bones were missing from the grave, but grave robbers don’t take bones.  Only those who are reverent take the bones.  In the Bible, the Israelites were told to take the bones of Joseph with them during the exodus.  

A Strong Semitic Slave Population

Archeologists have found an extensive list of semitic (Jewish) slaves.  The fact that Israelites continued to grow as a people group even though they were oppressed through slavery and horrible living conditions, gives reason to believe that there was some kind of divine favor.  

Evidence of Power

You can see evidence of great wealth spread throughout Egypt. It appears that at one point in time, the wealth all became concentrated around the pharaoh.  This correlates with what it would have been like if there was a great famine and people were coming to Egypt, and Joseph, for food.  

Many years later the great power of Egypt disappeared.  This would correlate with the fact that they had been devastated from the plagues and their slaves were gone.  

The Importance of Apologetics

I won’t tell you all the interesting facts included in Patterns of Evidence.  I will suggest that you watch it for yourself.  If you have older children, this would be a great documentary for them too.  Our children will come up against so much that seems to contradict biblical beliefs, arm them with truth and reasons to believe.  You will be encouraged in your faith!  

Discover the Truth for Yourself

The best way to decide which scientific and historic beliefs you will hold is to compare it to the Word.  Join us this school year as we read the major stories of the Bible with our families. You will get a great overview of the powerful story of God.  Join the Minivan Ministries Brigade and download the reading plan.   

What are your favorite apologetics resources?

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