Contending for the Word Q&A

The Christian life is not only about starting well. It is about continuing faithfully through trials, discouragement, weariness, and the changing seasons of life. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins considers Hebrews 12:1–2 and Galatians 6:9 to explain how Christians persevere by fixing their eyes on Christ, continuing faithfully when life is difficult, and trusting God to sustain His people. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Christians still face temptation, suffering, and spiritual opposition, but the outcome of the battle is not uncertain. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has secured victory over sin, death, and the enemy. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Christ's finished work enables believers to reject fear, stand firm in the gospel, and live with confidence in Christ alone. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

What does victory in Christ mean for believers today? Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The enemy remains active, but the outcome of the battle is no longer uncertain. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why Christians do not fight to earn victory. Instead, they stand firm in the victory Christ has already secured through His finished work. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Christians are called to stand firm in the midst of spiritual battle, but what does that look like in everyday life? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins considers Ephesians 6:13 and James 4:7 to explain how believers stand firm by submitting to God, resisting the enemy, remaining grounded in biblical truth, and pursuing consistency in their walk with Christ. Standing firm is not about dramatic spiritual experiences or relying on our own strength. It is a daily posture of choosing truth over lies, trust over fear, and faithfulness over compromise. God has not left His people without direction for spiritual battle. Christians resist the enemy by remaining under God's authority and steadfast in the truth of His Word. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Spiritual warfare is real, but God has not left His people unprepared. In Ephesians 6:13–17, Scripture describes the armor of God: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains that the armor of God is not a mystical formula or physical protection. It describes God's provision for His people to remain grounded in biblical truth and stand firm against temptation, discouragement, deception, and spiritual opposition. Christians are not called to chase the enemy or fight in their own strength. They are called to stand firm in what God has provided through His Word and grace. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Jesus Christ delivers sinners from deception, fear, and bondage through the saving power of the gospel. Doreen Virtue explains why the message that "Jesus loves you" or "Jesus died for your sins" must be understood within the Bible's teaching about sin, judgment, repentance, and reconciliation with God. Humanity's relationship with its Creator was broken through sin, and no human effort can restore it. Jesus lived a completely sinless life, bore the wrath sinners deserve on the cross, physically rose from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of the Father. Everyone who recognizes their sin, repents, and trusts in Christ is forgiven, reconciled to God, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit then sanctifies believers and produces His fruit in their lives. Through the gospel, Christ rescues His people from the deception of self-sufficiency and the bondage of attempting to live without God. This episode also encourages those unfamiliar with Scripture to begin reading the Gospel of John slowly and prayerfully. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Satan is real, but he is not equal with God. He is neither all-powerful nor sovereign. Scripture presents him as a created and limited adversary who opposes God, attacks the truth, and works primarily through deception. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins considers what the Bible teaches about Satan and his schemes. Drawing from John 8:44 and 2 Corinthians 11:14, Dave explains Satan's character as a liar, his use of deception, and why Scripture warns that he can disguise himself as an angel of light. Christians should neither ignore Satan nor exaggerate his power. Instead, believers are called to remain alert, exercise biblical discernment, and stay firmly grounded in the truth of God's Word. Satan is real, but he is limited. God alone is sovereign, and Christians can face spiritual warfare with clarity rather than fear because Christ and His grace are sufficient. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Spiritual warfare is real, but Christians are not called to live in fear or become consumed with speculation about the demonic. Scripture calls believers to be sober-minded, watchful, and firmly grounded in the truth of God's Word. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines what Scripture teaches about spiritual warfare. He explains why the Christian battle is not against flesh and blood, how the enemy works through deception and distortion of truth, and why biblical discernment is essential. Christians should neither ignore spiritual warfare nor see demonic activity behind everything. Instead, believers must recognize the reality of the spiritual battle while standing firm in Christ and trusting the sufficiency of Scripture. God has not left His people unprepared. He has given us His Word, and His Word is truth. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Suffering can make Christians feel alone and distant from God, but Scripture reminds us that our feelings are not the final authority. Psalm 34:18 declares, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." In this weekend reflection from Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why God's nearness does not depend on our circumstances or emotions. God does not merely meet His people after their trials. He is present with them in the middle of pain, confusion, and waiting. Through Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 1:20, and the person and work of Jesus Christ, listeners are encouraged to rest in the unchanging character and promises of God. Suffering is real, but so is God's presence. Even when His nearness is difficult to feel, He remains faithful to His people. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Prayer can feel difficult during seasons of pain, confusion, and emotional heaviness. Christians may know they need to pray while still struggling to find the words. Romans 8:26 teaches that the Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness, even when they do not know what to pray. Psalm 62:8 calls God's people to trust Him at all times and pour out their hearts before Him. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains that prayer is not about having perfect words or pretending everything is fine. Christians can come honestly before God, trust that He hears them, and depend upon His help because they approach Him through the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Pain can make it seem as though God is distant, silent, or absent. Yet Scripture assures Christians that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and that He will never leave or forsake His people. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why believers must anchor themselves in God's promises rather than allowing painful circumstances or overwhelming emotions to define what is true. God's presence does not depend upon whether we can feel it. He remains near, faithful, and actively at work in the lives of His people. Christians can honestly acknowledge their pain while continuing to seek the Lord, trust His Word, and walk by faith rather than sight. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Anxiety can make it difficult to think clearly, rest, or experience peace. Scripture does not ignore this struggle or offer shallow answers. Instead, God calls His people to bring their fears, worries, and burdens to Him in prayer. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Philippians 4:6–7 and 1 Peter 5:7 help Christians acknowledge anxiety honestly, examine where their trust is placed, and rest in the peace that God alone provides. Anxiety is real, but it does not have the final word. God does. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Depression is often hidden, difficult to explain, and deeply heavy. Scripture does not ignore this kind of emotional suffering. It speaks honestly about sorrow, turmoil, weakness, and even despair while continually directing God's people toward hope in Him. In this episode, Dave Jenkins considers Psalm 42:5 and 2 Corinthians 1:8–9 to explain why depression does not mean that God is absent or that faith has disappeared. Christians can be honest about their suffering, resist isolation, receive support from the people of God, and continue turning to the Lord even when doing so feels difficult. Depression is real, but it is not beyond the reach of God's presence, faithfulness, and care. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

What happens when a spiritually dangerous practice appears to provide physical healing or relief? In this Contending for the Word Q&A episode, Doreen Virtue explains how Satan uses counterfeit spiritual experiences to draw people away from Jesus Christ and the true gospel. Practices such as Reiki, qigong, shamanic healing, Christian Science, manifestation, and the law of attraction may promise healing or personal empowerment, but they direct people toward self-reliance and unbiblical sources of spiritual power. Doreen also considers why God does not always grant immediate physical healing and how the Lord may use suffering to produce greater dependence upon Him. Since Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, Christians must prayerfully compare every spiritual claim, experience, and apparent miracle with the teaching of Scripture. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians respond when suffering continues and circumstances do not make sense? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Scripture calls believers to respond to suffering with humility, trust, perseverance, and prayer. Christians may not understand everything God is doing, but they can trust His goodness, wisdom, care, and sovereign purposes. Suffering should not drive Christians away from God. It should lead them to humble themselves before Him, depend upon His strength, persevere through trials, and bring their fears and burdens to Him in prayer. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The fire is real, but so are God's presence and faithfulness. Trials often leave Christians wondering where God is and whether their suffering has any purpose. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us that the Lord does not abandon His people in the waters or the fire. He remains present, faithful, and at work even when His purposes are not immediately clear. In this reflection from Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how God uses suffering to refine His people, strengthen their faith, and deepen their dependence on Him. Because Jesus entered into suffering and endured the cross for our redemption, Christians can trust that their suffering is never outside God's sovereign plan or wasted in His hands. Whatever you are facing today, remember that God is with you in the fire.

Every Christian faces trials. Some arrive suddenly, while others remain far longer than we would choose. During these difficult seasons, believers often wonder what God is doing and whether their suffering has any purpose. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what James 1:2–3 and 1 Peter 1:6–7 teach about trials and testing. Scripture shows that trials are not random interruptions to the Christian life. God uses them to test the genuineness of our faith, produce steadfastness, deepen our trust, and lead us toward spiritual maturity. Counting trials as joy does not mean ignoring pain or pretending difficulties are easy. It means trusting that God is faithfully working through circumstances we may not yet understand. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Why does God allow suffering? This is not merely a theological question. It is often asked through tears, sickness, loss, betrayal, loneliness, and deep disappointment. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains that suffering exists because we live in a world affected by the fall. Yet God is neither absent nor powerless in the suffering of His people. He remains sovereign, present, good, and near to the brokenhearted. Scripture teaches that God uses trials to refine our faith, deepen our dependence upon Him, produce steadfastness, and conform us to the image of Christ. The cross provides the greatest example of suffering with purpose, as Jesus suffered to accomplish the redemption of His people. Christians may not receive an explanation for every painful circumstance, but they are never left without hope. God is at work even when His purposes cannot yet be seen. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

A biblical worldview is not merely something Christians believe or discuss. It should shape how they live every day. Drawing from Colossians 2:6–7, Dave Jenkins explains how walking in Christ affects our relationships, work, conversations, choices, and responses to life's challenges. Christians are called to remain rooted in Christ, established in the faith, and intentional about applying biblical truth to every area of life. Living out a biblical worldview does not require perfection, but it does require direction. As believers depend upon Christ and grow in His Word, their actions should increasingly reflect their convictions. This episode considers how Christians can remain grounded in Scripture, apply biblical truth to everyday decisions, pursue consistency between belief and conduct, and depend upon Christ for lasting spiritual growth. For more episodes and resources from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The world continually pressures Christians to adjust, compromise, or redefine the truth. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines the command of 1 Corinthians 16:13 to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act with courage, and remain strong. Standing firm in truth means thinking biblically, living consistently, speaking clearly, and acting humbly in every area of life. Christians do not stand through their own strength but through the grace of Christ as they remain rooted in Him and grounded in the Word of God. Faithfulness is not about perfection but direction: walking step by step and day by day in God's truth. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Every day, Christians encounter ideas through conversations, entertainment, social media, education, and the surrounding culture. Some ideas are true, while others are misleading. Many false ideas are especially dangerous because they initially sound reasonable and persuasive. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Deception is not always obvious. It often contains elements of truth, uses familiar language, appeals to emotions, and sounds reasonable. This is why Christians must learn to test every message by the Word of God. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines 1 John 4:1 and explains how believers can recognize deceptive ideas in culture, media, false teaching, and even their own assumptions. He also provides four practical ways Christians can grow in biblical discernment: knowing Scripture deeply, requiring biblical grounding, thinking carefully about what they hear, and asking God for wisdom. God has not left His people without guidance. His Word provides the clear and unchanging standard Christians need to distinguish truth from error. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Media is not merely entertainment. Every program, article, video, book, and social media post communicates ideas, values, and assumptions about life. Over time, repeated exposure can reshape what people consider normal, acceptable, and true. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines Philippians 4:8 and explains why Christians must think carefully about what they allow to influence their minds. Biblical discernment is not rooted in fear. It is the wisdom to evaluate everything according to the truth of God's Word. Christians should remain aware of how media shapes them, practice discernment about what they consume, intentionally fill their minds with Scripture, and ask the Lord for wisdom to think clearly. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Christians do not live in isolation. We live in communities, participate in society, and interact with a culture that is often opposed to biblical truth. Our faith, therefore, cannot remain confined to private life. In this weekend reflection, Dave Jenkins considers Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:14–16 and explains what it means for Christians to live as the light of the world. Faithful public engagement does not mean withdrawing from the culture or compromising with it. It means holding firmly to biblical truth, speaking with grace, acting with integrity, and engaging others with wisdom. The Christian's confidence does not rest in cultural influence, political control, or public approval. It rests in Jesus Christ. God uses the ordinary faithfulness of His people as they stand on truth, walk in grace, and reflect Christ through both their words and actions. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Idolatry is not limited to statues, temples, or false gods from the ancient world. An idol is anything we look to for ultimate identity, meaning, security, value, or satisfaction instead of God. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines modern cultural idols such as success, comfort, relationships, political identity, and personal freedom. He explains how even good things become spiritually dangerous when they become ultimate, why idols cannot provide lasting satisfaction, and how Christians can examine their hearts and return to the worship of God alone. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Science is a valuable tool for observing and understanding the natural world, but it was never intended to serve as humanity's ultimate authority. Scientism goes beyond scientific investigation by claiming that only what can be measured, tested, or observed can be considered true. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains the difference between science and scientism, the limits of scientific inquiry, and why scientism is ultimately a philosophical belief rather than a scientific conclusion. Science can help us understand how God's creation works, but it cannot answer ultimate questions about morality, meaning, purpose, or our existence. Christians must evaluate every claim through the truth of Scripture and remember that all truth ultimately comes from God. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

New Age deception often borrows Christian language, quotes Bible verses, and speaks about Jesus while presenting teachings that contradict the Word of God. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Doreen Virtue identifies several warning signs of New Age deception. She explains how New Age teachers promise healing, relationships, prosperity, success, and peace through simple spiritual methods. They may speak about Jesus while redefining Him as an enlightened teacher, a universal spiritual figure, or an example of "Christ consciousness." Christians must carefully examine every spiritual claim according to Scripture. True and lasting peace cannot be found through glorifying the self or searching for answers within. It is found only through the biblical Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Politics is an important part of life, but it must never become the foundation of the Christian's identity or hope. Christians belong first to Jesus Christ, and their political thinking must remain submitted to the truth of God's Word. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Scripture shapes the Christian conscience and guides believers in political decisions. He also considers why Christians may reach different conclusions on some political matters, why not every issue carries the same biblical weight, and why political engagement should be marked by wisdom, humility, and grace. Listeners will be encouraged to keep their ultimate allegiance rooted in Christ, hold firmly to what Scripture teaches clearly, and demonstrate charity where faithful Christians may disagree. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

\Everyone wants justice, but justice must be defined according to a fixed and righteous standard. Scripture teaches that true justice is not invented by humanity or determined by shifting cultural values. It is rooted in the perfectly righteous character of God and revealed in His Word. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins considers the relationship between law and justice, the instability that results when justice is separated from God, and the biblical balance of justice, mercy, and humility. Christians must evaluate every cultural definition of justice through Scripture and engage these important issues with wisdom, conviction, and care. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Government is established by God to maintain order, restrain evil, and promote justice, but it is never the highest authority. God is. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how a biblical worldview helps Christians understand the purpose and limits of government. He considers how worldview shapes political expectations, why every human authority remains accountable to God, and how Christians can engage public life faithfully while maintaining their ultimate allegiance to Jesus Christ. Learn more about Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Every human life possesses meaning, value, and dignity because every person is created in the image of God. In this weekend reflection from Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Genesis 1:27 provides the foundation for a biblical understanding of human identity. Our identity is not ultimately determined by cultural labels, personal experiences, accomplishments, or outward characteristics. It is rooted in the God who created us. Sin has distorted how people understand themselves and treat others, but the gospel renews believers according to God's design. Understanding the image of God helps Christians recognize their God-given purpose and treat every person with dignity. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

What gives human life value? Our culture often points to intelligence, ability, achievement, status, or usefulness. Scripture gives a very different answer: every person possesses inherent dignity because every person is made in the image of God. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains Genesis 1:26–27 and considers what it means for humanity to reflect and represent God, relate to Him, and live under His authority. Sin has distorted humanity, but it has not erased the image of God. Through Christ, believers are being renewed to reflect God more clearly. This truth shapes how Christians understand their own value, treat others with dignity, and respond to cultural ideas that reduce human worth to performance or identity labels. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Genesis 2:24 gives Christians the foundation for understanding marriage. Marriage is rooted in creation, designed by God, and established as a covenant that reflects His purposes and glory. Dave also explains why marriage matters today, how it provides clarity in a confused culture, and how marriage points beyond itself to the relationship between Christ and the church. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Few topics today generate more confusion than gender. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains from Genesis 1:27 that gender is rooted in God's created design, not self-definition or cultural opinion. Dave helps Christians think biblically about gender, identity, creation, and compassion, encouraging believers to speak the truth with clarity, gentleness, and care. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Identity is one of the defining conversations of our day, but Scripture teaches that true identity begins with God, not self-definition. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains why separating identity from the Creator leads to confusion, distorted truth, and misplaced purpose, while showing that genuine clarity is found only through Christ and His Word. Explore more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A at https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Our understanding of identity begins with creation. Genesis 1:26–27 teaches that every person is created by God, made in His image, and designed according to His purpose. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why creation provides the only stable foundation for human identity, dignity, and purpose. He also shows how the gospel restores what sin has damaged and brings our identity back into alignment with God's design. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A and additional biblical resources, visit https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Our culture encourages people to define their identity by feelings, experiences, or personal desires. Scripture teaches something entirely different. Identity begins with God. In this episode, Dave Jenkins examines Genesis 1:27 to show that every person is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity, value, and purpose because of their Creator. Learn why identity cannot be built on changing emotions or cultural expectations and how the gospel restores believers through union with Christ. Whether you're seeking clarity for yourself or looking to help others think biblically about identity, this episode provides a concise, Scripture-centered foundation for understanding true identity according to God's Word. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this weekend reflection from Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reflects on Romans 12:2 and the Christian calling to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. In a culture filled with competing voices and shifting ideas, believers must not drift with the world. Instead, Christians are called to have their thinking shaped by the truth of God's Word. This episode encourages listeners to examine what is shaping their minds and to stand firm in Scripture. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Doreen Virtue joins Contending for the Word Q&A to explain how Christians can discern false views of Jesus. She points believers to Scripture, especially 1 John 4, and urges Christians to test every teaching by the biblical confession of Christ. False teachers often distort Jesus by presenting Him as merely an ascended master, universal teacher, moral example, or source of "Christ consciousness." But Scripture reveals Jesus as fully God and fully man, the sinless Savior who died for sinners, rose bodily from the grave, and reigns at the right hand of the Father. This episode encourages Christians to keep studying the Bible, compare every claim to God's Word, and stand firm in the true Christ revealed in Scripture. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Not all false teaching sounds obviously false. Some errors sound close to the truth, use biblical language, and appear convincing while distorting the full message of Scripture. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why half truths are spiritually dangerous, how they distort our understanding of God, sin, salvation, and the gospel, and how Christians can guard themselves by knowing the full counsel of God's Word and testing everything by Scripture. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Doctrine is often dismissed today as unnecessary, complicated, or divisive. But Scripture teaches that sound doctrine is essential for knowing God rightly, understanding the gospel clearly, guarding the church from error, and living faithfully before the Lord. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why doctrine still matters, how it protects believers from confusion, and why what Christians believe shapes how they live. From Titus 1:9, we see that sound doctrine is not optional. It is necessary for teaching, correction, discernment, and faithfulness. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what happens when truth is rejected. Looking at Romans 1:21–22, Dave shows how rejecting God's truth leads to futile thinking, darkened hearts, moral confusion, and bondage. Yet the gospel offers true freedom through Christ, who said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses the relationship between feelings and truth. In a culture that often says to "follow your heart" and "live your truth," Scripture gives Christians a better foundation. Jeremiah 17:9 warns that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick. While the Bible acknowledges emotions such as joy, sorrow, fear, anger, and grief, it also teaches that our feelings must be brought under the authority of God's Word. This episode helps Christians understand why emotions matter, why they cannot serve as ultimate authority, and how God's truth brings clarity, stability, and wisdom. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Every day, our minds are being shaped by something. Culture, media, education, entertainment, conversations, and personal experience all press upon the way we think. Romans 12:2 calls believers not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why God's Word must shape how Christians think, believe, respond to culture, and pursue faithfulness to Christ. If Scripture is not shaping our thinking, something else will. This episode highlights the importance of daily time in God's Word, intentional discernment, testing ideas by Scripture, and asking the Lord to renew our thinking by His truth. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this weekend reflection from Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reflects on Psalm 119:160 and the enduring truth of God's Word. In a world filled with confusion about identity, morality, and truth, Christians are called to be anchored in Scripture. God has not left His people to drift with cultural trends or shifting opinions. He has spoken finally, fully, and sufficiently in His Word. This episode encourages believers to consider what is shaping their thinking and to build their lives faithfully on the truth of God's Word. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses the cultural claim that truth is relative. Many today say that everyone has their own truth, but Scripture teaches that truth is not created by us. Truth is grounded in God's unchanging character and revealed in His Word. From John 17:17, this episode explains why relativism collapses under its own claims, why God's Word provides a firm foundation for truth, and how Christians can speak truth with clarity, humility, and confidence in a confused age. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Doreen Virtue explains what the New Age means by being "awakened" or "waking up" and why this idea is a counterfeit of biblical salvation. New Age awakening points people toward oneness, non-duality, and the lie that humanity is divine. Scripture exposes this deception and points sinners to repentance, faith, and salvation in Jesus Christ alone. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Every person has a worldview, whether they recognize it or not. Our beliefs, decisions, opinions, and assumptions all flow from how we understand reality. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why Christians must examine their worldview in light of Scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches that we are either trusting in the Lord or leaning on our own understanding. A worldview shaped by feelings, culture, or personal opinion will eventually lead to confusion, but a worldview grounded in God's Word provides clarity, stability, and truth. This episode helps listeners understand why every person has a worldview and why believers must ask God to shape their minds according to His truth. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Every person sees the world through a lens. That lens shapes how we understand reality, truth, morality, identity, purpose, and the meaning of life. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins begins a month focused on worldview and culture by explaining what a biblical worldview is and why it matters for the Christian life. A biblical worldview means seeing all of life through the truth of God's Word. It is rooted in the Bible's story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, and it shapes how Christians think, live, and respond to the culture around them. Dave also looks at Colossians 2:8 and Romans 12:2, showing why Christians must guard their minds from empty philosophies and be renewed by the truth of Scripture. In this episode, you'll learn why every person has a worldview, what makes a biblical worldview distinct, why ideas matter, how Scripture explains reality, how Christians can grow in biblical thinking, and why worldview shapes how we live in the world. Pick up Dave Jenkins' book, The War of the Worldviews, from the Servants of Grace shop or on Amazon. Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this end-of-month reflection from Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reflects on a month of episodes focused on identity, sexuality, repentance, truth, love, and faithful Christian living in a confused culture. John 1:14 teaches that Jesus Christ is full of grace and truth. Christians are not called to choose between the two. Truth without grace can become cold and detached, while grace without truth becomes vague and disconnected from what God has said. In Christ, grace and truth are perfectly united. This episode calls believers to follow Christ, trust His Word, and reflect His character with conviction, compassion, faithfulness, and grace. Listen or watch more Contending for the Word Q&A episodes: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/