Title: On This Rock I Stand – Part 6

Speaker: Bishop Calvin Hooper

Date: 100525

Main Text: Luke 6:46–49 (NKJV)

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:

He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.

And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house,

and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.

But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth

without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.

And the ruin of that house was great.”

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INTRODUCTION:

This week, we focus on the **Inerrancy of Scripture**, the second of five foundational truths being explored in this series:

1. The Authority of Scripture – How do we know the Bible is God’s Word?

2. The Inerrancy of Scripture – Are there any errors in the Bible?

3. The Clarity of Scripture – Can we all understand the Bible rightly?

4. The Necessity of Scripture – How much can we know about God without the Bible?

5. The Sufficiency of Scripture – Is the Bible enough?

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I. THE INERRANCY OF SCRIPTURE

**Definition:**

Biblical inerrancy means that the Bible, in its original manuscripts, does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 91).

The Bible always tells the truth in all it affirms.

**Key Scriptures:**

- 2 Peter 1:20–21 – The Bible is not from man’s will, but by the Holy Spirit.

- 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable.

**Why It Matters:**

- The Bible is unlike the Book of Mormon (edited 3000+ times) or the Quran (historical errors and contradictions).

- The Bible remains accurate, unchanged, and prophetically fulfilled.

- Its unity across 66 books and 40 authors over 1500+ years proves divine authorship.

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II. COMMON OBJECTIONS & BIBLICAL RESPONSE

**Objection:** The Bible has contradictions.

**Response:** The harmony of the Word proves otherwise. Scripture interprets Scripture.

**Objection:** The Bible is outdated.

**Response:** Its relevance is proven by fulfilled prophecy and spiritual transformation.

**Objection:** Truth is relative.

**Response:** The Word of God is the unchanging truth (John 17:17).

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III. SENSUOUS CHRISTIANITY VS. BIBLICAL FAITH

**Quote – R.C. Sproul:**

“Sensuous Christians cannot be moved to service, prayer or study unless they ‘feel like it.’”

**Key Characteristics of Sensuous Christians:**

- Driven by feelings, not understanding.

- Seek experiences, not truth.

- Value relationships and emotions over obedience to Scripture.

**Illustration:**

A man smashes a microscope because it shows bugs in his food. Just like some reject Scripture when it reveals uncomfortable truths.

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IV. THE LAST DAYS AND DISCERNMENT

**2 Timothy 3:1–7 Overview:**

- Describes the moral decline of society.

- Lists characteristics of those who appear godly but deny God's power.

- Commands believers to “avoid such men as these.”

**Clarification on Judging:**

- John 7:24 – We are to judge righteously, not superficially.

- Hebrews 4:12 – The Word of God discerns the heart and intentions.

**Churchgoer vs. Disciple:**

1. Churchgoers attend for feelings; disciples attend because it’s right.

2. Churchgoers want messages that relate to their situation; disciples want truth that leads to transformation.

3. Churchgoers go to church; disciples are the church.

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V. FIVE KEY REASONS INERRANCY MATTERS (From Answers in Genesis):

1. **Confidence in the Gospel**

- If Scripture has errors, the Gospel is unreliable (Romans 10:9).

2. **Faith in Christ’s Value**

- A flawed Bible undermines John 3:16 and the foundation of salvation.

3. **Response to Science**

- Inerrancy affirms God's Word over flawed human conclusions (Romans 1).

4. **Attitude Toward Preaching**

- Inerrancy builds faith and trust in God’s promises (Hebrews 11:1–3).

5. **Trust in God’s Character**

- The Bible reveals the righteousness and faithfulness of God (Romans 1:16–17).

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CLOSING ILLUSTRATION:

Imagine being lost in a forest with no phone, no map—just a perfectly calibrated compass. That compass always points north. Trusting it is your only way home.

**The Bible is your spiritual compass.**

- It doesn’t need calibration.

- It never leads you astray.

- It always points to Jesus, truth, and eternal life.

**2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed…”**

In a culture full of lies, confusion, and shifting values, the inerrancy of Scripture gives you a firm foundation.

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CALL TO ACTION:

- Accept the Bible as fully true and reliable.

- Let the Word be your measuring stick—not feelings or culture.

- Transition from being a churchgoer to a disciple.

- Walk in truth, boldness, and spiritual clarity.