Contending for the Word Q&A

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/