Introduction

• Acts 1:1-8

These are inspired, authoritative books.

• I Corinthians 2:13
• Acts 8:18 – The apostles could bestow spiritual gifts on others.
• Galatians 1:1
• The New Testament was written by:

• II Peter 1:13-21 – Peter wanted them to remember these things after he was gone.
• This is the word of God they were passing on!
• II Peter 3:1-3, 15-16 – Peter was referencing Paul’s writings as authoritative.
• We must also respect these words as authoritative.
• Colossians 4:16

They are full of practical instructions.

• John 20:30-31
• Romans 1:5 – These books were written so that people would obey.
• Romans 12:9-14 – These are practical instructions.
• James 1:22-27 – Be “doers of the word.”
• We need to be reading the Bible for the right reasons.
• Luke 7:24-26; 3:10-14 – John’s instructions were simple and practical.
• Let us not alienate the average person trying to understand the Bible by overcomplicating the language we use to talk about it.

Christians 2,000 years ago were struggling with the same problems we face today.

• I John 2:15-17
• III John 1:9 - Diotrephes was lifted up with pride and wanted to rule.
• Jude 1:3-4 – People were trying to turn God’s grace into a license to sin.
• Every generation faces the same sins. They may be dressed up a little differently, but the underlying temptations and sins are the same.
• This is timeless wisdom!
• Ecclesiastes 1:9-10; 12:13-14