Walking With God: Episode 5

Episode 5: Firm Foundation – What the Bible Says About Everything

Section 1: Don’t Build Your Life on Sand

Let me ask you something:

Would you build a skyscraper on a beach?

Sounds ridiculous, right?

Imagine pouring steel and concrete, installing elevators, and putting offices on the 37th floor—while the whole foundation is shifting sand.

You could have the best design, top engineers, and the most inspiring floor plan ever… and it’s still going to collapse.

Why?

Because no matter how beautiful the building—it’s only as strong as what it’s built on.

That’s the spiritual crisis of our day.

People are building their entire lives—identities, marriages, political views, parenting, ethics, theology—on sand.

• The sand of culture
• The sand of feelings
• The sand of social media slogans
• Even the sand of spiritual-sounding but Scripture-ignoring religion

And then they wonder why everything’s falling apart when the storm hits.

Jesus said:

“Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock…” (Matthew 7:24)

The Bible is not optional. It’s foundational.

If you remove it—or treat it like a spiritual supplement instead of a supernatural foundation—your worldview will collapse.

You might still call yourself a Christian.

You might still go to church.

But when suffering comes, or culture shifts, or temptation knocks—you’ll sink.

Because you’ve been building on sand.

We’re told today that the Bible is:

• Outdated
• Optional
• Offensive
• Or just one voice among many

Even among Christians, the common vibe is:

• “I love Jesus… but not all of the Bible.”
• “It inspires me… but I wouldn’t say it’s all true.”
• “I follow the Spirit… not a book.”

But here’s the tension we’re tackling today:

If Scripture is not your foundation, something else will be.

And whatever that something is, it will eventually give way.

So in this episode, we’re going to ask the big questions:

• What is the Bible, really?
• Why do we believe it’s trustworthy?
• What does it actually claim about reality?
• And what happens when Christians ignore it—or pick and choose what to believe?

We’ll build a theology of Scripture—clear, doctrinal, and practical.

We’ll contrast biblical authority with cultural substitutes.

And we’ll walk away with a fresh awe for the Word that doesn’t just inform us—but forms us.

Let’s build something that won’t fall when the winds start howling.

Let’s get to the foundation.

Section 2: God-Breathed, Life-Shaping Scripture
Let’s open our Bibles to one of the most foundational texts about… the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (LSB):  “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

This is Paul’s final letter—written from a Roman dungeon.

He’s passing the baton to Timothy. And what does he emphasize?

The Scriptures.

Not just as encouragement.

Not just as tradition.

But as the very breath of God.

“All Scripture is God-breathed” – Theopneustos

That Greek word theopneustos is used only once in the entire Bible.

It means “breathed out by God.”

This isn’t Paul saying the Bible is poetic or inspirational.

He’s saying it’s divine in origin—from God’s mind to the page.

It didn’t evolve through tradition.

It didn’t emerge through human genius.

It was spoken—and it still speaks.

That’s why the Bible doesn’t just carry God’s ideas.

It carries God’s authority.

“Profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, training…”

In other words, this Book does something.

It’s not meant to sit on your shelf or live in your app folder.

It’s meant to form you.

Let’s break that down:

• Teaching – What’s true about God, the world, and us
• Reproof – Exposing what’s false or broken
• Correction – Setting things back in alignment
• Training – Developing habits of righteousness

Scripture doesn’t just give you information—it gives you transformation.

It’s not a reference manual. It’s a discipleship engine.

“Equipped for every good work”

Notice that phrase: every good work.

That means the Bible is:

• Sufficient for every season
• Relevant for every issue
• Authoritative in every arena

It equips you not just to think rightly, but to live faithfully.

That’s why we say the Bible doesn’t just answer spiritual questions.

It frames reality.

Big Idea:  The Bible isn’t just inspiring—it is inspired.

It tells us what is true about God, the world, and ourselves—and it equips us for every good work.

If you treat the Bible like a devotional buffet, you’ll end up with a spiritual diet that’s sentimental but shallow.

But if you treat it as God’s Word for life, you’ll find clarity, conviction, and courage.

Application: Scripture as Worldview Shaper

Let me make this plain:

If you want a biblical worldview, you need to start with the Bible.

Not podcasts.

Not political commentary.

Not spiritual intuition.

Not TikTok theology.

The Word of God is the lens through which we see everything else.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

It doesn’t just show you where to go.

It shows you what’s real, so you know where to stand.

Section 3: A Theology of Scripture You Can Stand On

Let’s define what we mean when we say:

“The Bible is our foundation.”

That’s not just a poetic metaphor—it’s a doctrinal statement.

And it’s one that depends on a proper theology of Scripture, often called Bibliology.

Here are six essential truths that define what the Bible is—and why it matters:

1. Inspiration – The Bible is the Word of God, not the words of men

“No prophecy of Scripture comes by one’s own interpretation… but men, moved by the Holy Spirit, spoke from God.” —2 Peter 1:20–21

The Bible didn’t originate from human creativity.

The authors weren’t religious geniuses—they were carried along by the Spirit.

This means the words of Scripture are fully divine and fully human—God breathed, through human personalities, in real history.

The result? A book with supernatural authorship and eternal authority.

2. Inerrancy – The Bible is without error in its original manuscripts

“The words of Yahweh are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace… purified seven times.” —Psalm 12:6

If God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and the Bible is His Word, then the Bible is true in everything it affirms.

That includes theology, history, science (when rightly understood), morality, and prophecy.

Inerrancy isn’t a modern invention—it’s the historic position of the church.

If we lose it, we lose confidence in everything else the Bible teaches.

3.  Authority – What Scripture says, God says

“So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty…” —Isaiah 55:11

The Bible doesn’t just contain God’s truth—it is God’s truth.

When you read it, you’re not hearing religious opinion—you’re hearing divine command.

That’s why Jesus quotes the Old Testament as final.

It’s why Paul writes commands with apostolic authority.

And it’s why we don’t get to edit Scripture to fit our preferences.

4.  Sufficiency – The Bible is enough for life and godliness

“His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness…” —2 Peter 1:3

The Bible isn’t exhaustive—it doesn’t tell you how to fix your dishwasher.

But it is sufficient—it tells you how to know God, walk in righteousness, and live wisely.

You don’t need a new revelation.

You don’t need to chase secret knowledge.

You need to open the Book and trust what God has already said.

5. Clarity – The Bible is understandable to the humble reader

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” —Psalm 119:105

You don’t need a PhD to understand the gospel.

Yes, some parts of Scripture are deep (see 2 Peter 3:16).

But the core message of salvation, God’s character, and faithful living is clear to anyone who humbly reads with a heart to obey.

Confusion usually comes not from the Bible, but from us.

6.  Necessity – We need God’s Word to live and grow

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” —Matthew 4:4

Just as your body needs food, your soul needs truth.

Without the Word, your faith will starve.

You’ll drift, weaken, compromise, and conform.

But with it? You’ll be anchored, nourished, and equipped.

Metanarrative Framework: Scripture Tells the Whole Story

The Bible doesn’t just give us disconnected truths. It tells one coherent story:

1. Creation – What the world was meant to be
2. Fall – Why things are broken
3. Redemption – How God rescues us
4. Restoration – Where history is heading

This story gives us categories for:

• Reality
• Meaning
• Morality
• Hope

And it’s not just true—it’s beautifully consistent.

Quote Worth Remembering:

“The Bible is not just true—it is the lens through which all truth is rightly seen.” — Francis Schaeffer

In other words: Scripture isn’t just a source of truth—it’s the framework that allows you to see the world rightly.

If you don’t start with Scripture, you’ll misread the world.

But if you do? You’ll begin to see life, pain, culture, identity, and eternity through the eyes of God.

Section 4: What Happens When the Bible Isn’t the Final Word?

Let’s talk about the alternatives.

Because not everyone who rejects the Bible does it loudly.

Sometimes, they just redefine it.

They treat it like a buffet—take what’s comforting, leave what’s convicting.

Let’s look at four common approaches to Scripture—and why only one of them holds up under pressure.

Liberal Christianity – “The Bible contains truth… but isn’t all true.

This is the “Jesus is great, but Paul had issues” crowd.

It treats Scripture like a spiritual diary—some parts inspired, others outdated or offensive.

The result? You get a Jesus made in your image, and a Bible that affirms what you already believe.

But if we get to decide what’s “God’s Word” and what’s not… then who’s really in charge?

This approach opens the door to endless reinterpretation—and ultimately, to apostasy.

Mysticism – “I don’t need a book. God speaks to me directly.”

This view elevates experience over revelation.

It sounds spiritual, but here’s the danger:

When personal impressions outrank Scripture, you’re just making God sound like your inner monologue.

Yes, the Spirit leads us—but He never contradicts the Word.

Personal revelation is always subordinate to Scripture.

Otherwise, your feelings become your Bible—and that’s a foundation made of fog.

Culture – “The Bible is one voice among many.”

This is the dominant worldview today.

The Bible is treated as inspirational, alongside Brene Brown, Deepak Chopra, and that guy from YouTube who talks about energy.

The message?

Truth is fluid. Morality evolves. God is cool with whatever works for you.

But when Scripture becomes just one voice in your playlist, it will eventually get muted.

The end result is moral confusion, doctrinal drift, and a church that mirrors the world instead of transforming it.

The Biblical View – “The Bible is the final authority.”

This view doesn’t make Scripture God—it simply treats it as God’s Word.

It starts with a posture of submission, not suspicion.

It trusts the Author more than the culture.

It understands that the Bible speaks clearly, authoritatively, and sufficiently to the issues we face.

And because of that, it offers:

• Clarity in a noisy world
• Stability when everything else shifts
• Discernment in an age of deception

Cultural Myth to Reject:

“The Bible is just one voice among many spiritual guides.”

That’s like saying gravity is just one perspective among many theories of falling.

If Scripture is true—really true—then it doesn’t sit next to other voices.

It stands above them.

Not because we’re arrogant. But because God has spoken.

And when God speaks, we don’t edit. We listen.

Section 5: The Scriptures Testify of Me

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that bear witness about Me.” —John 5:39

The Bible is not a textbook.

It’s not a rulebook.

It’s not a motivational manual for religious living.

It is a Christ-centered, Spirit-breathed, Father-revealing Word that points to one person: Jesus.

The Bible’s Central Plotline

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells one coherent story:

• Creation → A world made by God, through the Word (John 1:1–3)
• Fall → A world broken by sin, promised a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15)
• Redemption → A world rescued by the Word made flesh (John 1:14)
• Restoration → A world made new through the Lamb who reigns (Revelation 21–22)

It’s not a random collection of ancient scrolls—it’s a unified revelation.

And Jesus is the center of it all.

Luke 24:27

“Then beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.”

Imagine walking that dusty road to Emmaus with Jesus, as He opened the Old Testament and said:

“See that? That’s Me. See that promise? That’s pointing to My cross. That festival? That’s fulfilled in My resurrection.”

From the law to the prophets to the psalms—it’s all about Him.

The Bible isn’t a random anthology. It’s a Christ-centered masterpiece.

Hebrews 1:1–2

“God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days spoke to us in His Son…”

Jesus is not just the subject of Scripture.

He is the final Word—the full and perfect revelation of God.

You want to know what God is like?

Don’t look to opinion polls or feelings. Look to Jesus.

And to know Jesus? Open the Book.

The Fallen Condition: Elevating Self Over Scripture

Our problem isn’t that we don’t know where to find truth.

It’s that we often don’t want to submit to it.

We elevate:

• Feelings over facts
• Experience over exegesis
• Tradition over truth
• TikTok over Titus

But Jesus reminds us that God’s Word leads us to Him—not away from Him.

When we downplay Scripture, we don’t just drift from doctrine—we drift from Christ.

The Redemptive Solution: The Word Made Flesh

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” —Matthew 4:4

Jesus didn’t just quote the Word—He embodied it.

He lived in perfect obedience to it.

He fulfilled its every promise.

He gave it to His church as our guide, our guardrail, and our gospel lens.

When we walk with Christ, we walk in the Word.

And when we ignore the Word, we inevitably drift from Christ.

Why This Matters

A Christ-centered Scripture means:

• You don’t need to make the Bible “relevant.” It already is—because it leads to Jesus.
• You don’t need to fear the hard parts, because Jesus is the interpretive key.
• You don’t need to treat the Bible like a disconnected archive—it’s a living revelation of a living Savior.

So if you want to know Jesus more deeply, read your Bible more faithfully.

Not out of guilt. Not out of routine.

But because this Book leads you to a Person, and His name is Truth.

Section 6: Living by the Book When the World Isn’t

Let’s talk about what this looks like in real life.

Because it’s one thing to affirm “The Bible is my foundation”—and it’s another thing to live that out when:

• Your professor calls it oppressive
• Your coworkers call it outdated
• Your friends think you’re judgmental
• And your own emotions whisper, “Did God really say…?”

So let’s get practical. Let’s get personal.

Because worldview discipleship doesn’t happen in theory. It happens in crisis, decision, and daily life.

The Data: A Biblical Worldview in Name Only

According to the Cultural Research Center:

• Only 9% of professing Christians actually hold a biblical worldview
• Most say the Bible is important—but don’t read it, don’t trust all of it, or don’t interpret it correctly

That means we’re living in a time when many Christians love the idea of God’s Word…

but functionally live off memes, motivational quotes, and curated Instagram theology.

We’re not rejecting the Bible outright—we’re just quietly replacing it.

Cultural Examples: When the Bible Gets Misused

You’ve probably seen some of these on social media:

• “Don’t judge!” (Matthew 7:1) — used to silence all moral clarity
• “God is love” (1 John 4:8) — used to justify anything, so long as it feels sincere
• “Where two or three are gathered…” (Matthew 18:20) — used to validate brunch as church

These aren’t harmless misquotes. They shape how people think—and they erode the authority of Scripture by using it selectively and sentimentally.

What Happens When Christians Disagree with the Bible?

Here’s where it gets even more serious.

We’ve all heard someone say:

• “I follow Jesus, but I disagree with the Bible on sexuality…”
• “…on gender roles…”
• “…on marriage…”
• “…on hell…”

That’s not just a hermeneutical issue. It’s a lordship issue.

If Jesus is Lord—and the Bible is His Word—then we don’t edit. We submit.

When we disagree with Scripture, the question isn’t, “What’s wrong with the Bible?”

It’s, “What’s wrong with my heart, my mind, or my lens?”

Because the Word of God isn’t just a voice—it’s the voice that forms everything else.

Pastoral Word: What You Don’t Know Will Hurt You

If you don’t know the Bible:

• You will be discipled by the culture
• You will confuse emotion for conviction
• You will compromise in moments of pressure
• You will confuse spiritual enthusiasm with biblical faithfulness

Biblical illiteracy is not just a weakness—it’s a vulnerability.

Satan’s first tactic in Genesis was to twist the Word: “Did God really say…?”

If you don’t know what He said, you’ll fall for anything.

From the Colson Fellows: Worldview Starts with Scripture, Not Reaction

In the Colson Fellows worldview program, we teach this often:

“If your worldview is shaped more by headlines than by the Holy Word, you’re being catechized by chaos.”

Discipleship starts with immersion in Scripture, not reacting to culture.

You don’t just need to know what you’re against. You need to be rooted in what’s true.

Everyday Examples of Living Biblically

In conversations:  Instead of trying to sound smart or relevant, ask, “What does the Bible say about this?”

In your home:  Read Scripture out loud. Let your kids hear you wrestle with hard texts—and trust them.

In your devotions:  Don’t just look for a verse that makes you feel better. Ask, “What is this revealing about God? About truth? About how I should live?”

In your small group:  Encourage biblical literacy over just vibes and vulnerability. Real transformation requires truth applied.

A Warning: The Bible You Don’t Read Can’t Help You

The most dangerous Bible isn’t the one in another religion.

It’s the one you own… but never open.

The one you quote… but don’t obey.

The one you agree with… until it confronts your idol.

That’s why biblical worldview starts not with taking a stand—but with kneeling before the Word.

Final Cultural Tension: When the Bible Isn’t Welcome

More and more, the Bible will be mocked, marginalized, and eventually treated as hate speech.

Don’t be surprised.

Be ready.

And remember this:

God’s Word will not pass away. Culture will.

What’s popular now won’t be remembered in 100 years.

But the Word of the Lord endures forever.

Section 7: Pick Up the Book. Build on the Rock.

Let’s take a moment and breathe.

You’ve just spent the past hour digging into why Scripture is more than sacred literature—it’s the very breath of God. You’ve heard how it speaks with authority, coherence, and clarity in a world that says “truth is fluid” and “every opinion is sacred.”

But now it’s time to bring it home. Because conviction without action is just inertia in church clothes.

Let’s walk it out.

Truth to Remember:

The Bible doesn’t just inform you—it forms you. It’s your foundation.

You don’t build your life on social trends.

You don’t build it on podcasts—even this one.

You build it on the unchanging Word of God—the rock that has stood for centuries while empires, ideologies, and algorithms have all crumbled into dust.

This Book isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Lie to Reject:

“The Bible is outdated, unclear, or optional.”

That’s the cultural air we breathe:

• “It’s old.”
• “It’s hard to understand.”
• “It’s not relevant anymore.”
• “I love Jesus, but not all of what He said.”

Let’s be clear: those are not doubts.

They’re excuses.

The Word of God is eternal.

It’s not less clear—it’s less read.

It’s not less relevant—it’s less trusted.

And it’s not less powerful—we’ve just trained ourselves to prefer noise.

Three Steps You Can Take This Week:

1. Read one chapter a day.
   Pick a book—John or Romans is a great place to start. Write down:
   • One truth about God
   • One truth about yourself
   • One way it shapes your thinking this week
2. Ask a clarifying question:
   Each day, ask yourself:
   “Am I building my life on the Word of God… or just reacting to the world?”
   Be honest. What voices shape your thoughts more—Scripture, or the scroll?
3. Share a verse with someone.
   Text it. Write it. Say it over coffee. Don’t preach—just point.
   Let the Word speak. It’s sharper than you think (Hebrews 4:12).

Verse to Meditate On: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” —Psalm 119:105

You don’t need to see 10 miles ahead.

You just need to see the next step.

And God’s Word gives you the light to walk in the dark.

Prayer Prompt:

“God, give me eyes to see Your truth, a heart to love it,

and a will to obey it.

Help me build my life—not on preferences, not on pressure,

but on the foundation of Your Word.

Make me unshakable—because Your Word never fails.”

Final Word:

Here’s the bottom line:

You will build your life on something.

Might as well build it on what won’t crack under pressure.

• Not slogans.
• Not social commentary.
• Not spiritual vibes.

The Word of God.

So pick up the Book.

Open the pages.

Read it.

Wrestle with it.

Let it shape your worldview and steady your soul.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need to walk forward—one verse at a time, on the Rock that doesn’t move.

This is Walking with God.

I’m Chris Reighley.

Let’s keep walking—one step at a time.