Hi Michelle
When it comes to the Holy Scriptures, the one test that proves it is not just made-up bedtime stories, is prophecy. There is no way that the prophecies of the Scriptures could be fulfilled against the massive mathematical odds, except by Divine intervention. That's a mathematical fact.
Also there are about two thousand New Testament manuscripts that are in remarkable agreement.
Secondly, Jesus is mentioned in documents outside of the Scriptures:
1. References to Jesus in the Jewish Talmud. The Tannaitic Period mentions the hanging (on a cross) of "Yeshu the Nazarene."
The miracles of Jesus and key historical facts are confirmed in the Jewish Talmud by the very people bent on stopping Him.
2. References to Jesus by the Jewish historian Josephus.
3. References to Jesus by the historian Tacitus.
4. Reference to Jesus by the historian Pliny the Younger.
5. References to Jesus by the historian Suetonius.
6. Reference to Jesus by the historian Phlegon.
7. Reference to Jesus by Lucian of Samosata.
Remember that it is by faith that we believe in God and His Son, not by sight or physical proof/evidence, although it is there if one digs a bit. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
It is also God that gives us that faith, it is a gift not given to the ALL in this age.
Many (not all) are
called, but...
few are
chosen, in this Age.
Also, you cannot convince anyone of the truth if God is not calling them at this time. It will be like coming up against a brick wall. We offer the truth/facts to them and then leave it to God to do the rest if it is in His will.
Three main areas that helped me get a firm foundation of understanding was: learning about the uniqueness of the Scriptures, the scientific fact that evolutionary mythology/religion is a hoax and Ray's material and how to use the Hebrew and Greek to check for errors in various bible translations.
The truths of God are not for everyone now, but all will come to a full knowledge of the truth in the next age/s to come.
This is all I can think of now, I'm sure others here will be able to help you out more, enjoy your journey for truth.
God's peace be with you.
Andrevan.