Big Buts about the Bible
Message Listening Guide
Guiding Question: What do you do with Scripture when doubts, confusion, or dry seasons show up?
But I don’t feel anything—and I don’t want this to be legalistic.
James 1:22–25 - Feelings come and go in every meaningful relationship, including our relationship with God. Scripture isn’t primarily meant to change how we feel, but how we live, and repetition and discipline are not legalism when they flow from grace.
But the Bible is confusing and hard to understand.
2 Peter 3:14–18 - The Bible is true, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy—God spoke through real people in real cultures at real moments in ancient history. Understanding Scripture often requires study, tools, and community, and while the message of salvation is clear, the depth of Scripture and the God it points to invites lifelong learning.
But is the Bible actually reliable?
Luke 1:1–4 - The Bible is not one book but a library, and it’s wise to start small by beginning with the biographies of Jesus and asking the central question: “Who is Jesus?" Ultimately we trust Scripture not blindly, but because we trust Jesus.
The Point: Don’t quit the Word before it does its work.
- Stay with the Word this week: Continue with our churchwide reading plan. Formation happens over time, and this is exactly where God does His work—don’t quit too soon.
- Name and adjust for the barriers: What made reading Scripture difficult for you last week—time, distractions, dryness, or confusion? Identify one small, practical change you can make this week to lower that barrier and stay engaged.
- Read with openness to change: As you read, don’t only ask what the Bible says—ask what God may be calling you to change in your thinking or living.
Connection Group Conversation Guide
Get-to-know-you Question: Share your name with the group and the answer to the question: What’s one habit or routine you’ve stuck with, even when you didn’t feel like it (e.g. exercise, journaling, etc.)?
Opening Question: The message emphasized that Scripture changes us over time, not always immediately. Where have you seen this be true in your own life—even outside of Bible reading (habits, relationships, growth)?
Pray: Share prayer requests and open in prayer.
Review: Sunday’s message focused on the barriers we face when it comes to engaging with Scripture—specifically doubts, confusion, and emotional dryness. It addressed common objections like “I don’t feel anything,” “The Bible is confusing,” and “Can I trust it?” The teaching emphasized that Scripture is meant to transform our lives, not just our feelings, and that engaging with the Bible takes time, tools, and trust. The central takeaway: Don’t quit the Word before it does its work.
Discuss: When it comes to Scripture reading, which of the three “buts” do you most relate to at this stage of your life: not feeling anything, confusion, or questions about reliability?
Discuss: Our culture often prioritizes feelings and instant clarity—how might that shape (or distort) the way we engage with Scripture?
Read: Have someone read James 1:22-25
Discuss: James compares God’s Word to a mirror. When you read Scripture, do you tend to look quickly and move on, or linger and reflect about what needs to be changed in your life? Why do you think that is?
Discuss: What would it look like for you to read the Bible not just for information, but with openness to real change in your thinking or lifestyle?
Discuss: How did reading Scripture go for you this last week? Any highlights? Low points?
Discuss: What made it hardest for you to engage Scripture consistently this past week? Was the barrier more practical (time, schedule, distractions) or internal (motivation, confusion, dryness)?
Discuss: What is one small adjustment—not a major overhaul—that could help you stay with the Word this next week?
Scripture Study Resources:
Scripture Study Resources:
https://bibleproject.com/
https://www.blueletterbible.org/
https://www.youtube.com/mikewinger
Reliability of the Bible Resources:
https://www.wesleyhuff.com/can-i-trust-the-bible
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/reasonable-faith-podcast