Division within the religious community… A great deal of religious division exists among those who profess that Jesus is the Christ… John 17:20-26 (that is not what Jesus prayed for) 2 Peter 3:14-18 (Peter says some will twist the Scriptures… so be on guard!)

The Need for Bible Authority John 17:20-26

What is the Bible? Is it just another man made book? Is it the inspired word of God? Let us consider what the Bible says of itself!

The Bible itself proclaims its Holy Attributes! Hebrews 1:1-3, Jesus is God’s final Spokesman. Colossians 1:17-18, Jesus is the Head of the church. John 17:6-8, Jesus gave the apostles the words His Father had given to him. John 16:13, The apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit in their work.

The Bible itself proclaims its Holy Attributes! 1 Corinthians 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (NKJV)

The Bible itself proclaims its Holy Attributes! Ephesians 3:3 “how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:” (NKJV)

The Bible itself proclaims its Holy Attributes! 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (NKJV)

“Inspiration of God” G2315 θεόπνευστος theopneustos theh-op'-nyoo-stos From G2316 and a presumed derivative of G4154; divinely breathed in: - given by inspiration of God. -STRONG’S

“What is the Bible?” God Speaks Thru His Son Jesus Jesus Speaks Thru His Apostles & Prophets Apostles & Prophets Spoke and Wrote (Guided by the Spirit) The Bible eel

The Need for Bible Authority Colossians 3:15-17 1Peter 4:11“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (NKJV) 2 John 8-11

Summary… Jesus prayed that His followers would be united. Yet, Peter says that twisting the scriptures will lead to destruction. Therefore we cannot be united just for the sake of being united… We cannot compromise the Scriptural message!

“What is the Bible?” God Speaks Thru His Son Jesus Jesus Speaks Thru His Apostles & Prophets Apostles & Prophets Spoke and Wrote (Guided by the Spirit) The Bible eel

All you have to do is believe… and that is it?! Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”(NKJV) James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” (NKJV)

All you need to do is ask Jesus into your heart to be saved?! Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NKJV) Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(NKJV) Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (NKJV)

Say the “sinner’s prayer” and you will be saved?! Acts 2:40 “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (NKJV)

Baptism isn’t necessary… It is just an outward show of your faith?!! 1Peter 3:21 “There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. Acts 22:16 “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (NKJV)

You can be sprinkled or immersed when baptized… it doesn’t matter?! Ephesians 4:4 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (NKJV)

Once saved, always saved?! 2 Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. (NKJV)

The Need for Bible Authority John 17:20-26