A Bible-Believing Church
Ben Johnson - July 12, 2026
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Our beliefs aren’t based on CULTURE or FEELINGS; they’re shaped by God’s
UNCHANGING word.
Matthew 4:1-6 (NLT) – Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT) – Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
Matthew 4:6-11 (NLT) – Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Believing…
1. God’s word is our AUTHORITY.
A Bible-believing church doesn’t ask, “What do I FEEL?” It asks, “What has God SAID?”
2. God’s word is our DEFENSE.
Jesus never argued from REASON. He answered every temptation with, “The SCRIPTURES say...”
3. God’s word DIRECTS our PATH.
It keeps us ANCHORED.
It tells us WHO WE LIVE FOR.
It tells us HOW TO LIVE.
It tells us WHERE TO GROW.
Our faith is ANCHORED in God’s WORD— guiding, shaping, and grounding us in truth.
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: When you think about decision-making, are you more likely to rely on feelings, advice from others, your gut, or God’s leading? Why do you think that is?
DIGGING IN: Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Matthew 4:1-11together.
1. In Matthew 4, Jesus responds to every temptation with “The Scriptures say…”. What stands out to you about the way Jesus uses Scripture in a moment of pressure or weakness?
2. Where do you personally feel the strongest tension between what God’s Word says and what culture or feelings might be telling you (you don’t have to be overly specific—just share what area comes to mind)?
3. The message said, “A Bible-believing church doesn’t ask, ‘What do I feel?’ It asks, ‘What has God said?’” What does that look like practically in your daily life or decisions?
4. In 2 Timothy 2:15, we’re told to “correctly handle the word of truth.” What do you think it looks like for someone to handle Scripture well vs. using it poorly or out of context?
BRINGING IT HOME: Before you wrap up, take a few moments to pray for one another. Share any needs, burdens, or situations where you need God’s voice and direction. Invite group members, if comfortable, to pray for one another as we commit to God’s word as our authority, our defense and the directors of our path.