Contending for the Word

In this Reformation Month episode, Dave Jenkins exposes a subtle counterfeit gospel many Christians live by without realizing it: "God helps those who help themselves." Scripture teaches something far better—grace that saves, not assists. We'll uncover the false ladders of decisionalism, elitism, and self-improvement spirituality, and return to the biblical truth of sola gratia—that God raises the dead, grants faith, and keeps His people to the end. In This Episode • The hidden creed of "God helps those who help themselves" • Why grace doesn't meet us halfway—it makes us alive • The counterfeits: decisionalism, elitism, self-improvement gospel • Sola Gratia explained: regeneration, faith as gift, grace that keeps • Practical tools to reframe your testimony ("God did…") • Living in humility, assurance, and gratitude Key Texts: Ephesians 2:1–10 • Titus 3:3-7 • John 6:37-40 ________________________________________ Takeaway: Grace doesn't boost climbers—it raises the dead and keeps them. 📩 Subscribe to Contending for the Word on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube at: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

When culture says, "Go along to get along," Scripture calls believers to something better a conscience captive to the Word of God. In this week's The Weekly Watch, Dave Jenkins explains how Christians can stand kindly and firmly with conviction that is grounded in Scripture, not emotion or pressure. Learn what conscience is and isn't, how Scripture binds it, and how to navigate real-world moments of tension with calm clarity. Dave also shares three biblical tools full counsel, prayerful Pace, and plurality of Counsel to help you walk by the light of God's Word with wisdom and peace. Key Points: • The nature and role of conscience in the Christian life (Romans 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:2) • Why only God's Word binds the conscience (Psalm 119:105; Acts 20:27) • How to respond kindly and truthfully under cultural pressure (Romans 12:2) • A seven-step path for clear, kind conviction at work or school • Three tools for standing firmly with grace • Website: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

Many Christians live as though their acceptance before God rises and falls with their performance. But Scripture declares something far better: "Justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24) In this Reformation Month episode, Dave Jenkins explores the heart of Sola Fide—faith alone. He exposes the "Do-More Gospel" and its modern counterfeits (legalism, prosperity-lite, and therapeutic moralism), and re-centers assurance on the finished work of Christ. Listeners will learn how justification by faith alone frees weary souls from ladder-climbing religion and fuels grateful obedience as the fruit of grace, not the fee for favor. ________________________________________ Key Points: • God declares the ungodly righteous by grace through faith in Christ. • Counterfeit gospels confuse fruit with foundation and destroy assurance. • Justification by imputation relocates our verdict outside of ourselves—on Jesus. • Grateful obedience flows from assurance, not anxiety. ________________________________________ Takeaway: You are not accepted because you perform; you are accepted because Christ performed perfectly for you. For more from Contending for the Word visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-wordpage/

In this Reformation Month edition of The Weekly Watch, Dave Jenkins explores how to choose Sunday's songs so they form disciples, not just feelings. Using Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19, and Psalm 96:1–3, Dave walks through a simple three-part grid for every worship setlist: Text-Rich, Gospel-Clear, Congregation-First. Learn how to ensure your songs teach the Word, proclaim the gospel, and serve your people — not the production. You'll also hear practical 60-second audits for lyrics, key choices, and singability, plus a sample three-song set you can use this Sunday. Key Takeaway: Emotion is a gift, but truth must lead. We become what we sing — so let's sing the Word. 📖 Scripture Readings: Colossians 3:16 • Ephesians 5:19 • Psalm 96:1–3 🎧 Listen to learn: • How to evaluate every worship song with a biblical grid • Why theology must shape our emotions in worship • What "congregation-first" music ministry looks like • How to strengthen Sunday worship through Word-centered singing One Action for This Sunday: Print your setlist, circle lyrics tied to Scripture, write the references, and make sure one song clearly proclaims the cross and resurrection. 📬 Subscribe: For more episodes of Contending for the Word and The Weekly Watch, visit https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/ and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Is Scripture enough—or do we need "fresh words" to know God's will? In this Reformation Month episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins addresses the rise of "God told me" Christianity and measures it against the sufficiency, clarity, and finality of Scripture. You'll learn: • The difference between inspiration and illumination • What it means for Scripture to be sufficient, clear, and final • The biblical pathway of guidance: Precept • Principle • Prudence • Providence • Warnings from Scripture when new "words" replace God's written Word • Pastoral responses to common claims like "God told me…" Key Texts: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 1:1–2; Deuteronomy 4:2; Acts 17:11; Jude 3; 2 Peter 1:19; Proverbs 30:5–6; Revelation 22:18–19; Psalm 19:7–11. This episode calls Christians to confidence in God's Word, not cynicism, and equips them to test every claim with Scripture—because the Spirit illumines what He inspired, and God's people are safe when their consciences are bound to chapter and verse. For more from Contending for the Word visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

In this week's Weekly Watch on Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins begins Reformation Month by showing how the Five Solas are not relics of the past, but living truth for the Church today. Dave identifies five common counterfeits: 1. New revelation over Scripture 2. Performance-based acceptance 3. Grace reduced to assistance 4. Many sincere paths to God 5. Platform-driven ministry Each of these is answered with the timeless truths of the Reformation: • Sola Scriptura — Scripture Alone • Sola Fide — Faith Alone • Sola Gratia — Grace Alone • Solus Christus — Christ Alone • Soli Deo Gloria — Glory to God Alone 📖 Key Texts: 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Jude 3, Romans 3:24–26, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8–9, Titus 3:5, Acts 4:12, John 14:6, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 11:36 The Solas steady the Church by fixing our eyes on Christ and His Word. 🔔 For more, visit https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

True Worship in an Age of Counterfeits (Wrap-Up with Dave Jenkins) In this closing episode of our September series, Dave Jenkins takes us through the big picture of biblical worship. We've seen how mystical drift, theological liberalism, psychological counterfeits, and performance culture distort the church's worship. Today, we return to God's Word to see what true worship looks like, why it matters, and how we can guard against the counterfeits in our day. Scriptures: Genesis 4; Exodus 32; Isaiah 6; John 4; Hebrews 12; Revelation 4–5.

Welcome to Contending for the Word and this week's Weekly Watch. I'm Dave Jenkins. Today we're continuing our September series, True Worship in an Age of Counterfeits. For more from Contending for the Word visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-wordpage/ This episode, From Stage to Superstar: Why Worship Isn't a Performance, addresses the modern drift in many churches where worship shifts from reverence to performance. We'll define the problem, look to Scripture, consider dangers, reflect on church history, and apply biblical truth to our worship today. 📖 Key Scriptures: John 4:23–24; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 115:1 📝 Theme: Worship isn't entertainment or performance—it is the response of God's people to the greatness of God revealed in His Word and centered on Christ's finished work. For more from Contending for the Word, subscribe on YouTube, SermonAudio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

When worship downplays sin, avoids confession, and chases a feel-good "experience," God calls it noise—not worship. In this message, Dave Jenkins shows from Scripture why biblical worship requires repentance, truth, and formation—and why counterfeit positivity and false unity deform souls and distort the gospel. Key Texts: Isaiah 1:11–17; Amos 5:21–24; Leviticus 10; Jeremiah 6:14; Revelation 3:17; John 4:23–24; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 12:28–29; Psalm 51:17; 2 Corinthians 6:14–16; Galatians 1:6–9 Outline 1. Worship without repentance is rebellion 2. "Unity" that ignores truth isn't unity at all 3. Songs and liturgy form belief (Col 3:16) 4. What God seeks: worship in spirit and truth 5. Pastoral applications for pastors, leaders, and members Series: Contending for the Word — True Worship in an Age of Counterfeits For more from Contending for the Word visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

Streaming is a providential gift for the sick, shut-ins, and travelers. But it must remain a supplement, not a substitute for the embodied gathering. Dave contrasts the blessing of livestreams with the danger of passive, consumer-style "spectator worship," calling believers back to in-person fellowship, the ordinances, and mutual edification. Texts: Heb 10:24–25; Acts 2:42–47; 1 Cor 12; 1 Cor 14; Eph 4:16 For more from The Weekly Watch visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/weekly-watch/