Anchored in Truth: The Power of Scripture

Summary

In a world overflowing with information, opinions, and distractions, it’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, or even stuck. Yet, throughout history, God has called ordinary people to stand firm on unshakable truths—truths that have the power to anchor our lives when everything else is shaking. Centuries ago, during the Protestant Reformation, believers risked everything to hold onto five foundational truths, beginning with “Scripture alone.” These truths are not just relics of the past; they are as vital today as ever, especially as we navigate a culture where truth is contested and foundations are cracking.

Scripture is not just a book of information or a collection of ancient stories. It is the weighty, living Word of God—an anchor that holds fast when the storms of life threaten to sweep us away. The Bible is historically reliable, prophetically accurate, spiritually powerful, and internally consistent. Jesus himself trusted, quoted, and fulfilled Scripture, and he gave his followers the authority to carry on his message. In a world of endless voices and opinions, God’s Word cuts through the noise, offering clarity, direction, and a path worth following.

But knowing the Bible is not enough. Wisdom comes when knowledge gets in the car and drives—when we allow God’s Word to shape our decisions, actions, and character. Transformation happens not just by hearing or reading, but by submitting to and living out what God has revealed. The purpose of Scripture is not to control us, but to align us with our created purpose, leading us into a life of joy, meaning, and fruitfulness.

God’s will is not a hidden riddle; it’s often revealed step by step as we obey what he’s already spoken. When we build our lives on Scripture, we find a direction that holds, a hope that endures, and a joy that cannot be shaken. The invitation is simple but profound: open the Bible, listen for God’s direction, and take one unshakable step forward. In doing so, we discover a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing to him, and filled with the fullness of his presence.

Key Takeaways

- Scripture is the Anchor in a Shaking World
When everything around us is uncertain and truth is contested, Scripture alone provides a foundation that does not move. It is not optional or supplemental; it is essential and weighty, anchoring us when the storms of life come. The Word of God is not just information—it is the truth that holds us fast and produces fruit when we receive, believe, and live it out. [09:34]

- The Bible’s Reliability is Unmatched
Despite countless attacks and conspiracy theories, the Bible stands as the most historically reliable, prophetically accurate, and internally consistent book in history. Its preservation, fulfilled prophecies, and transformative power across centuries testify to its divine origin. Trusting Scripture is not blind faith, but a reasoned response to its enduring credibility and the example of Jesus himself. [14:25]

- Wisdom is Knowledge in Motion
God’s Word is not meant to sit in the glove box of our lives. True wisdom is when knowledge gets in the car and drives—when we act on what we know, even if we don’t fully understand the destination. Transformation comes not from accumulating information, but from submitting to and obeying God’s revealed will, allowing his Word to shape our daily decisions and direction. [22:54]

- God’s Will is Revealed in Obedience
We often search for signs or secret codes to discern God’s will, but he has already spoken clearly through Scripture. As we commit to living out what God has already revealed, his specific guidance becomes clearer in our lives. The path of obedience is not about control, but about aligning with our created purpose and discovering the joy and fullness found in God’s presence. [27:55]

- Spiritual Growth Flows from Gratitude, Faith, and Endurance
A life built on Scripture is marked by gratitude, faith in Christ, love for others, and hope anchored in heaven. Spiritual growth is not about knowing more, but about being filled with wisdom, strengthened for endurance, and living out our identity as those rescued and redeemed by God. In every season—whether weary, anxious, or uncertain—God’s Word invites us to draw near, ask for strength, and trust that we belong to him. [35:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Reformation Roots: Five Unshakable Truths
[03:40] - The Noise of Endless Voices
[06:18] - The Need for Direction in a Confusing World
[07:16] - Anchoring Our Lives on Scripture Alone
[09:34] - The Weight and Authority of God’s Word
[11:21] - Can We Trust the Bible?
[13:01] - Debunking Myths and Conspiracies
[14:25] - The Bible’s Reliability and Power
[16:19] - Jesus’ View of Scripture
[18:48] - Scripture as the Source of Life
[20:09] - The 5 for 5 Challenge: Starting with God’s Word
[21:47] - Wisdom vs. Knowledge: Living Out the Word
[25:50] - Knowing vs. Doing: The Call to Obedience
[27:55] - A Life Worth Living: Pleasing God
[32:08] - Responding in Prayer and Worship
[35:32] - Closing Blessing and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Unshakable – Scripture Alone

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### Bible Reading

Colossians 1:3-14 (ESV)
> We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
>
> And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Psalm 25:4 (ESV)
> Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
> For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Colossians 1:5-6, what is the result of receiving and understanding “the word of truth, the gospel”?
2. In Psalm 25:4, what does the psalmist ask God to do, and why might this be important in a world full of “endless voices”? [06:18]
3. The sermon describes the Bible as “weighty” and “an anchor.” What does it mean for something to be “weighty” in this context? [09:34]
4. Hebrews 4:12 says the word of God is “living and active.” What are some ways the sermon described the Bible’s power and reliability? [14:25]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The Colossians passage talks about being “filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” How is this different from just knowing Bible facts? [21:47]
2. The sermon said, “Wisdom is knowledge that gets in the car and drives.” What does this mean about the difference between knowing Scripture and living it out? [22:54]
3. The sermon mentioned that God’s will is often revealed “step by step as we obey what he’s already spoken.” How does this challenge the way people usually seek God’s direction? [27:55]
4. The message said, “The purpose of Scripture is not to control us, but to align us with our created purpose.” What does it look like for someone’s life to be aligned with God’s purpose? [27:55]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon described our world as “overflowing with information, opinions, and distractions.” What are some specific “voices” or sources of information that compete for your attention? How do you decide which ones to listen to? [06:18]
2. The message challenged us to see Scripture as “essential and weighty, anchoring us when the storms of life come.” Can you share a time when a Bible verse or story anchored you during a difficult season? [09:34]
3. The “5 for 5 Challenge” was to spend the first five minutes of your day in God’s Word. What would need to change in your morning routine to make this a reality? What obstacles might you face? [20:09]
4. The sermon said, “Wisdom comes when knowledge gets in the car and drives.” Is there a specific area of your life where you know what God’s Word says, but you haven’t acted on it yet? What’s holding you back? [22:54]
5. The message talked about “spiritual growth flowing from gratitude, faith, and endurance.” Which of these do you find most challenging right now, and why? [35:32]
6. The pastor encouraged us to ask, “What does this reveal about God? What does this call me to do?” when reading Scripture. Try this with one verse from tonight’s reading—what do you sense God calling you to do this week? [27:13]
7. The sermon said, “God’s will is not a hidden riddle; it’s often revealed step by step as we obey what he’s already spoken.” Is there a step of obedience you sense God inviting you to take right now? How can the group support you in this? [27:55]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help you not just hear his Word, but to live it out with wisdom, gratitude, and endurance.

Devotional

Day 1: Scripture Alone—The Unshakable Foundation

God’s Word is not just another voice among many; it is the anchor that holds steady when everything else is shaking. In a world overflowing with opinions, trends, and distractions, Scripture alone carries the weight of truth that does not change with the times. It is not optional or just “good advice”—it is essential, a source of life and direction that has stood the test of time. When you build your life on the Word, you are building on something that will not move, no matter how turbulent the world becomes. [09:34]

Colossians 1:5-6 (ESV)
"Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been relying on shifting opinions or trends instead of the unchanging truth of Scripture? How can you intentionally anchor that area in God’s Word this week?


Day 2: The Bible Is Trustworthy—Historically, Prophetically, and Spiritually

The Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings; it is historically reliable, prophetically accurate, spiritually powerful, and internally consistent. Despite countless attempts to undermine its credibility, the Scriptures have withstood scrutiny for thousands of years, transforming lives across generations and cultures. Jesus himself affirmed the authority and unity of Scripture, and the same Holy Spirit who inspired its words is still speaking today. You can trust the Bible as your source of truth and life. [14:25]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: What doubts or questions have you had about the reliability of the Bible? Take one of those questions and spend time today researching or praying for clarity, asking God to strengthen your trust in His Word.


Day 3: The Word Leads to Wisdom, Not Just Knowledge

God’s Word is not meant to fill your mind with facts but to fill your life with wisdom for real decisions. Knowledge alone is not enough; wisdom is knowledge in action, and understanding comes as you look back and see God’s faithfulness. The Bible is like a map and a guide, not just to be stored away, but to be used daily as you navigate life’s choices. When you submit to God’s Word and let it shape your steps, you move from information to transformation. [21:47]

James 1:22 (ESV)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

Reflection: What is one specific command or teaching from Scripture that you know but have not yet put into practice? What step can you take today to live it out?


Day 4: The Word Points to a Life Worth Living

God’s Word reveals a path to a life that is both pleasing to Him and deeply joyful for you. His greatest pleasure is your greatest joy, and following His ways leads to fullness of life, not restriction. God’s will is not a hidden riddle but is often revealed step by step as you obey what He has already shown you in Scripture. When you align your life with His Word, you discover purpose, direction, and joy that cannot be shaken by circumstances. [27:55]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: Where have you been searching for purpose or joy apart from God’s Word? How can you realign your daily routine to seek His presence and direction first?


Day 5: Ask God to Show You His Ways

In the midst of confusion, busyness, and endless voices, God invites you to seek His guidance through prayer and His Word. He is not hiding His will from you; He wants to lead you into wisdom, endurance, and hope. When you pray for God to show you His ways and teach you His paths, you open yourself to clarity, peace, and strength that the world cannot offer. Begin each day by asking God to guide you, and trust that He will make His direction clear as you listen and obey. [29:03]

Psalm 25:4 (ESV)
"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths."

Reflection: Before you start your day tomorrow, pray Psalm 25:4 and ask God to show you one specific way you can follow His path today. What step of obedience is He inviting you to take?

Quotes

The church had drifted. Truth had been buried. Power had replaced purpose. And in the middle of the chaos, over the next hundred years or so, there would be a generation of people, for God's purposes, in that time, and I believe that another one is right now, a generation of people, of ordinary people, that chose to stand. Not on politics, not on popularity, but they had five bold, unshakable truths that many of them gave their lives defending. [00:01:08] (30 seconds)  #GenerationOfUnshakableTruth Edit Clip

We're surrounded by opinions but we're starving for guidance. We chase vibes over values. We look at feeds over formation. Culture says follow your heart but let's be honest, how many of us even know what the heck is going on in here in any given moment, right? How am I supposed to follow that? It's going to look like a zig -zag scribble that you might get back from journey or something as the kids come back. [00:07:32] (21 seconds)  #StarvingForGuidance Edit Clip

If we don't care. If we just go, ah, I'm good. If we don't find God's direction, we spend our lives chasing distractions. And you'll waste years of walking in circles like the Israelites did when God had something so much better for them if they would follow his presence, his purpose, his plan. We wander. We question. We doubt. We waste years walking in circles. We miss the fruit God wants to produce in us. And worst of all, we might even manage to have a good life, but you miss the God life. [00:08:24] (31 seconds)  #WanderingWithoutPurpose Edit Clip

Our lives are built on scripture alone. It carries the weight of God's truth. That is what Paul was writing to a group of young believers in Colossae, to the Colossians, what marks them. They heard the truth, and they held on to it. It wasn't gone five seconds after they left church at Paradox, after they said, oh, that was a great message, and then we'd go on with our day. They heard the truth, they believed it, they received it, they held on to it, and it held on to them. [00:11:09] (28 seconds)  #HeldByScriptureAlone Edit Clip

You can trust the Bible. Here's why. It is historically reliable. The New Testament has over 5 ,800 Greek manuscripts with thousands more in Latin and other languages. Maybe that doesn't sound like a lot to you, but no other ancient document comes close in quantity or proximity to the original writing. Some fragments date within 30 or 60 years of the original. Most of the books that you read in high school and college are not questioned and scrutinized the way that the Bible has been and it stands. It stands. [00:14:53] (36 seconds)  #TimelessLifeChangingWords Edit Clip

We sing this song to our kids every single night. Jesus loves me, this I know. Why? Because I feel it all the time? No, I don't. I don't feel it all the time. Because culture tells me so? Because the patriarchy always is affirming? No. None of those things. Jesus loves me, this I know. No, because the Bible tells me so. That's it. That's it. That's it. That's what it means to say this is the source. [00:19:39] (22 seconds)  #WordLeadsToWisdom Edit Clip

``The Bible doesn't change you until you submit to it. Until you feel the weight on your shoulders going, man, but .God's word says this. I want to do this, but God's word says that. It's like it's weight. It's like, oh, I can't get away from it. I need to go in this direction, even though I don't understand it, even though it doesn't seem to make sense. [00:27:07] (19 seconds)  #PurposeRevealedInObedience Edit Clip

What voices are shaping your direction? Are you listening to culture, your own feelings, or God's word? What if you stopped looking for signs and started listening to scripture? What if direction, the direction that you're looking for, is already available to you, you just haven't picked it up, you just haven't consulted it? What is one unshakable step that you could take? Maybe for many of us, it's opening up the Bible and listening for God's direction this week. That's how he makes known to us his ways. It's how he teaches us his paths. [00:30:57] (34 seconds) Edit Clip