Scripture You Can Stand On

God has not stuttered. He has spoken clearly, sufficiently, and truthfully in His Word. Scripture is God-breathed, true in all it affirms, historically reliable, and morally binding (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:19–21; John 17:17). We read literal history where the Bible presents history, poetry as poetry, prophecy as prophecy, and we honor authorial intent under the Spirit’s inspiration.

This confidence shapes how we answer hard challenges. Jesus Himself anchored faith and obedience in God’s unbreakable Word: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, God’s Word is the foundation for life and mission (Psalm 119:160; Matthew 5:18; Acts 20:27).

- The Bible is coherent and Christ-centered (Luke 24:27).

- It is historically rooted in space-time events (Luke 1:1–4).

- It is self-attesting, Spirit-illumined, and life-transforming (Hebrews 4:12; John 6:63).

Jesus: The Center and the Only Way

Christianity rises and falls on Jesus—who He is and what He has done. Scripture presents Him as fully God and fully man, the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:1,14; Colossians 1:15–20). He is not one path among many. He is the path. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Because Jesus is Lord, His cross and resurrection define salvation. He died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). He is the only Name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

- His person: truly God, truly man (John 1:1; Philippians 2:5–11).

- His work: substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, reigning King (Isaiah 53; Romans 4:25; Revelation 1:17–18).

- Our response: repentance and faith that bears fruit (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; James 2:14–17).

What the Gospel Solves: Sin, Death, and New Life

Humanity’s deepest problem is sin, not ignorance or environment. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin earns death and judgment, and no amount of self-effort can erase guilt (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–3).

God’s answer is the gospel of grace. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). We are saved by grace through faith, not by works, and we are created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:8–10).

- Christ takes our sin; we receive His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).

- The Spirit grants new birth and power to obey (John 3:3–8; Titus 3:4–7).

- Adoption brings us into God’s family (Romans 8:14–17; Galatians 4:4–7).

The Resurrection You Can Stake Your Life On

The Christian message is not wishful thinking; it is anchored in the empty tomb. The resurrection is publicly attested by eyewitnesses, an early creedal tradition, transformed lives, and the birth of the church (1 Corinthians 15:3–8; Acts 2–4). The same Jesus who was crucified alive again was seen, touched, and heard over forty days (Luke 24; John 20–21; Acts 1:3).

Because Jesus lives, hope is not fragile. Forgiveness is assured, death is defeated, and mission is urgent (Romans 4:25; 1 Peter 1:3–5). Our preaching, labor, and love are not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:12–20,58).

- Eyewitness testimony and multiple independent sources (1 Corinthians 15:5–7; Matthew 28; John 20).

- Early proclamation in hostile settings, appealing to public facts (Acts 2:22–36).

- Enduring transformation of skeptics and enemies (Acts 9; 1 Timothy 1:12–16).

Suffering, Sovereignty, and Hope

Suffering is real and often devastating, yet Scripture gives sturdy hope. The world is fallen through sin, so pain and death are not anomalies but intruders (Genesis 3; Romans 8:20–22). God is not absent; He is near the brokenhearted and works all things for the good of those who love Him (Psalm 34:18; Romans 8:28).

Christ crucified and risen is the clearest answer. In the cross, God proves His love; in the resurrection, He pledges restoration (Romans 5:8; 8:18–25). Present trials produce eternal weight, and future glory dwarfs current grief (2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Revelation 21:1–5).

- God’s character stands: good, wise, sovereign, and compassionate (Exodus 34:6–7; Psalm 145:8–9).

- Our calling remains: pray, persevere, do good, and entrust ourselves to Him (James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 4:12–19).

- The church walks together with comfort and courage (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:15).

Hell, Justice, and the Love That Warns

Hell is real, terrible, and just. Jesus spoke of eternal punishment and outer darkness, not as scare tactics, but as truth in love (Matthew 25:31–46; 10:28). Those who die in their sins face conscious, eternal judgment because God is holy and His justice is good (2 Thessalonians 1:8–9; Revelation 20:11–15).

The cross shows the depth of God’s mercy and the costliness of sin. Justice and mercy meet at Calvary, and every sinner who comes to Christ finds full pardon and new life (Romans 3:21–26; John 3:18,36). This is why we evangelize with urgency and compassion.

- God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11).

- Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

- The Spirit empowers bold, gentle witness (Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).

Science, Creation, and the God Who Speaks

God’s two “books”—Scripture and creation—do not conflict. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The heavens declare His glory, and by faith we understand the universe was formed at His word (Psalm 19:1–4; Hebrews 11:3).

Sound science observes God’s world; Scripture authoritatively interprets reality. Christians may debate age and models with charity while holding firmly to the Bible’s clear affirmations: God created, Adam and Eve were real, sin entered through the fall, and redemption centers on Christ (Genesis 1–3; Romans 5:12–21; Colossians 1:16–17).

- Miracles are coherent if God exists (Acts 17:24–25; Matthew 28:18).

- Creation is purposeful, ordered, and good (Genesis 1:31; Isaiah 45:18).

- Human beings bear God’s image and possess inherent dignity (Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 8).

The Old Testament Law, Hard Texts, and the Holiness of God

God’s law reveals His holy character. Jesus did not abolish the Law and the Prophets but fulfilled them (Matthew 5:17–18). Ceremonial and civil aspects foreshadow Christ and the new covenant community, while God’s moral law abides as the wise path of love (Hebrews 10:1; Romans 13:8–10; Galatians 3:24).

Difficult passages, including judgments and wars, must be read in context. The Judge of all the earth does right, pouring out justice on entrenched evil and preserving a redemptive line for the blessing of the nations (Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 7; Joshua 6; Genesis 12:3). The cross is the final word on both God’s justice and mercy.

- Read whole-Bible storyline: creation, fall, promise, Israel, Christ, church, new creation (Luke 24:44–47).

- Let clearer texts interpret the harder ones (2 Peter 3:16).

- See typology fulfilled in Jesus (Colossians 2:16–17; John 1:29).

Hypocrisy, Holiness, and a Church That Looks Like Jesus

Failures in the church grieve the Spirit and harm witness. Scripture never hides sin in God’s people; it calls for repentance, discipline, and restoration (Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1). Real discipleship closes the gap between profession and practice.

Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Holiness is not performance but Spirit-empowered obedience that produces love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Peter 1:15–16).

- Keep short accounts with God and one another (1 John 1:7–9; James 5:16).

- Practice accountable, multiplying discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 10:24–25).

- Pursue unity in truth, not unity at the expense of truth (Ephesians 4:1–6; Jude 3).

Answering With Grace and Truth

Our tone must match our message. We set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts and are always ready to give a defense with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). We speak plainly, love deeply, and rely on the Spirit’s power rather than rhetorical flash (1 Corinthians 2:1–5).

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). People are not projects. We listen, clarify, and bring every conversation to Jesus.

- Ask, listen, and learn before you answer (Proverbs 18:13).

- Keep the gospel central and clear (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

- Invite to Scripture, community, and next steps (John 1:45–46; Acts 17:11).

Standing Firm, Living Sent

This is a generation that needs courageous, joyful witness. Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). Contend for the faith with conviction and compassion, anchored in the whole counsel of God and the hope of Christ.

“Contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Stand firm in the Lord, put on the armor of God, and abound in the work of the gospel where you live, work, and serve (Ephesians 6:10–18; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 28:18–20).

God is one in essence and three in person: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not a contradiction but the Bible’s unified witness from Genesis to Revelation (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19). The Son is God, the Spirit is God, and yet God is one (John 1:1–3; Acts 5:3–4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

The Trinity is not abstract theology. It grounds salvation, prayer, mission, and love. We are adopted by the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit, into a family of love that reflects God’s own life (Ephesians 1:3–14; Romans 8:14–17).

- The Father plans, the Son accomplishes, the Spirit applies (John 6:37–40; John 17; John 16:7–15).

- Christian community mirrors triune love (John 13:34–35; John 17:20–23).

Can We Trust the Canon?

Scripture’s canon was recognized, not invented. God’s people received the prophetic and apostolic writings because they bore God’s voice, were tied to authoritative messengers, and aligned with the rule of faith (Luke 24:44–47; Ephesians 2:20). The New Testament writers already recognized one another’s writings as Scripture (2 Peter 3:15–16; 1 Timothy 5:18).

Luke’s orderly account, John’s eyewitness testimony, and Paul’s letters circulated early and widely (Luke 1:1–4; John 21:24–25; Colossians 4:16). God faithfully preserved for the church the very words we need for salvation and obedience.

- Apostolic origin or association

- Doctrinal coherence with the gospel

- Widespread, early, continuous use in the churches

Textual Reliability and Early Witness

God has preserved His Word through a wealth of manuscripts and ancient versions. Variants exist, yet they do not affect any doctrine, and careful scholarship helps us see the original wording with great confidence (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35).

Early creeds and hymns embedded in Scripture—especially the resurrection tradition—show how close to the events the church confessed core truths (1 Corinthians 15:3–7; Philippians 2:5–11). Archaeology and history frequently confirm the Bible’s details (Luke 3:1–2; Acts 18:12).

- Dense manuscript evidence for the New Testament

- Stable transmission of the Old Testament by a careful scribal tradition

- Public proclamation in living memory of the events

Ethics in a Confused Culture: Love and Obedience

Biblical love is holy love. God defines marriage, sexuality, and life’s sanctity, and His commands are for our joy and witness (Psalm 119:1–2; 1 John 5:3). From the womb to the last breath, every person bears God’s image and deserves protection and honor (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13–16).

Jesus affirmed the creational design for marriage and the goodness of the body (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6). The gospel washes, sanctifies, and justifies sinners, and the church walks with patience, clarity, and compassion (1 Corinthians 6:9–11; Galatians 6:1–2).

- Speak truth with tears, not taunts (Ephesians 4:15).

- Welcome strugglers; call all to repentance and faith (Mark 2:17; Acts 17:30).

- Pursue integrity online and off (Psalm 101:2–3).

God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

Scripture teaches both God’s sovereign grace and our real responsibility. God chooses, calls, and keeps; we repent, believe, and obey (Ephesians 1:3–14; John 6:37–44; Romans 9–10). The Bible holds both together without apology.

This truth fuels assurance and mission. Because God saves, our labor is never in vain; because people must hear and believe, we preach Christ everywhere (Acts 13:48; Romans 10:9–17; 1 Corinthians 15:58).

- Pray boldly because God reigns (Daniel 4:35; Matthew 6:9–10).

- Evangelize boldly because the gospel is God’s power (Romans 1:16; Acts 18:9–10).

Israel, the Church, and the Promise Plan of God

God’s promise to bless the nations through Abraham finds fulfillment in Christ and His church, even as God’s faithfulness to Israel stands (Genesis 12:1–3; Galatians 3:8,16,29). Jews and Gentiles are one new man in Christ, reconciled through the cross (Ephesians 2:11–22).

God’s story moves toward a united, redeemed people from every tribe and nation in a renewed creation (Revelation 5:9–10; 21:1–5). Hope rests on God’s covenant fidelity.

- Honor Israel’s story and God’s irrevocable gifts (Romans 11).

- Proclaim Christ to all peoples without partiality (Acts 10:34–35).

Miracles, Gifts, and Discernment

God still answers prayer, heals, and works as He wills (James 5:13–16; Hebrews 2:3–4). Scripture calls us to use spiritual gifts in love and order for the edification of the body (1 Corinthians 12–14).

Discernment guards the church. We test everything, hold fast to what is good, and submit all experiences to Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:19–22; 1 John 4:1–3).

- Pursue love above all (1 Corinthians 13).

- Exercise gifts to build up, not to perform (1 Peter 4:10–11).

Spiritual Warfare and Everyday Faithfulness

Our battle is not against flesh and blood. We stand firm in Christ’s victory, wearing God’s armor and praying at all times in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10–18; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5). Resist the devil, stand in the faith, and God will restore and strengthen you (1 Peter 5:8–10).

Ordinary faithfulness—Word, prayer, fellowship, sacrament, service—is spiritual warfare. The Lord uses simple obedience to topple strongholds.

- Saturate your life with Scripture (Colossians 3:16).

- Stay alert, stay humble, stay together (Hebrews 3:12–13).

Stewardship, Mercy, and Public Life

Christ’s lordship reaches every sphere. We steward creation, do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Genesis 1:28; Micah 6:8). We pray for leaders, advocate for the vulnerable, and labor for peace (1 Timothy 2:1–2; Proverbs 31:8–9; Jeremiah 29:7).

Our hope is not in princes but in the Lord. As salt and light, we engage without compromise and serve without fear (Psalm 146:3; Matthew 5:13–16).

- Work with excellence as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23–24).

- Practice generous, quiet, concrete love (Matthew 6:1–4; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8).

The Blessed Hope: Christ’s Return

Jesus will return bodily, visibly, gloriously to judge the living and the dead and to make all things new (Acts 1:9–11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10; Revelation 22:12–13,20). The dead in Christ will rise, and we will always be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).

This hope purifies, stabilizes, and energizes. We live watchfully, work faithfully, and encourage one another all the more as the Day approaches (Titus 2:11–14; Hebrews 10:23–25).

- Hold the line of truth and love until He comes (Revelation 3:11).

- Abound in the work of the Lord, knowing it is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).