The Local Church Must Be Bible Based - We Are Biblicists

Temple Baptist Church - 9-27-2026

2 Timothy 3:13-17; Hebrews 4:12

 

Introduction: 

A. In both our texts, we find both the authority of the Bible and our dependance upon the Bible. I Timothy 3 speaks of following those who follow the Bible.  Not a “bible” but THE Bible.  One Bible that is the same brings about the revelation of one doctrine which is both the same and correct. 

 

B. We live in the day of creeds and non-denominational churches with no creed at all! 

 

1. The old denominations have changed for the worse over the past 100 years and the new “Pop Up Churches” have no defined doctrinal stand, therefore, they are the “Pietri Dishes” of modern religion where it does not matter what you believe.

 

2. Therefore, liberal, stand for nothing preachers “cherry pick” their sermons and never preach against anything so as to not to offend anyone. 

 

3. We are not intentionally offensive, but we are also not politically correct.  We are Biblicists!  We are to be Biblically correct. If God said it, that settles it and is the end of the subject.

 

C.  Biblicists defined: Biblicists are individuals who interpret the Bible literally and adhere strictly to its teachings. This term often refers to those who rely solely on the Bible as their authority and source of knowledge, applying its principles to all aspects of life. Biblicism emphasizes a literal reading of the text, suggesting that readers can understand and interpret the Bible through interpretation of and adherence to the context.

 

D. Why would not everyone who professes to be saved want to be a Biblicist?  People, by nature, want everything to agree with their wants and whims! Therefore, the reject the Bible for other “bibles” that are watered down with omissions and word changes!  If you look long enough, you can find one that does not mess with you or your way of life.

 

E. In Hebrews, we find the power, discernment, and division of the Word of God!  Thus, Hebrews 4:12-13 show us why the Bible is rejected as the Final Authority.

 

Hebrews 4:12-13  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (13)  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

 

1. The Bible is Alive!  It is a living organism that both lives and gives life.  “Quick” means to live or to have life!  Ephesians 2:1-3  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  (2)  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  (3)  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

 

2. The Bible is Powerful! It is active, operative, effectual, and it works! 1 Peter 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

 

3. The Bible is Convicting! John 8:9  And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

 

4. The Bible is Piercing!  It exposes who and what we are. Acts 7:54  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

 

5. The Bible is Dividing!  Asunder – disunite, separating, distribution. John 10:19  There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

 

6. The Bible is Discerning! It judges as it is the Final Authority.

 

F. 2 Timothy, one of the Pastoral Epistles, gives a full understanding of the Bible’s work in both Faith and Practice.

 

1.  Faith - 2 Timothy 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

1 Peter 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

 

2. Practice - 2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

a) Profitable for Doctrine! Biblicists adhere their doctrine to the Bible, not make the Bible adhere to their doctrine.

 

b) Profitable for Reproof! Biblicists stand corrected by the Bible. “Thou shalt” and “Thou shalt not” are well defined within the Bible!

 

c) Profitable for Correction! The Bible not only reproves us, but it is also a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path” as it directs us into a holy path.

 

d) Profitable for Instruction! The Bible has the answer to all life questions and decisions.

 

e) Profitable for Spiritual Maturity!  The Bible brings us to maturity which brings us to good works!

 

G. I said all that to say this: We at Temple Baptist, which is both fundamental and independent, are Biblicists! The Bible (Authorizes King James) is all we need and is all we want! We are Old Paths (follow the clearly marked paths of the Bible) and Old School (Conservative). We must maintain those two positions in an ever changing world that moves farther away for the Bible in both faith and practice.

 

H. Ask me what I believe and I will tell you what the Bible says!

 

a. The Holy Men Of Old Were The Vessels - 2 Peter 1:21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

 

b. The Holy Spirit Was The Vehicle - 2 Peter 1:21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

 

c. The Bible Is The Volume - Hebrews 10:7  Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

 

“The Bible is an Anchor in the Shifting Sands of Human Theology!”

 

Conclusion: I am no man’s enemy but, at the same time, unapologetic for believing that God’s Word is the final authority for faith and practice.  Temple Baptist Church, we are Biblicists!