Contending for the Word Q&A

Can people really change? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explores what Scripture teaches about the transforming power of the gospel. While human effort cannot overcome sin, God provides forgiveness, new life, and ongoing transformation through Jesus Christ. Learn what the Bible teaches about sanctification, why lasting change is possible for believers, and how God's grace reshapes lives over time. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Freedom is one of the most celebrated ideas in modern culture, yet Scripture presents a very different understanding of what freedom truly means. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why freedom is not found in independence from God, self-expression, or following sinful desires. Instead, true freedom is found in Jesus Christ, who delivers sinners from the bondage of sin and enables them to walk in obedience to God. Learn how Jesus' words in John 8 reveal the connection between truth and freedom and why the gospel offers the only lasting freedom people truly need. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Many people view repentance negatively, associating it with shame, guilt, or condemnation. Yet Scripture presents repentance as good news. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains the biblical meaning of repentance, its relationship to faith, and how it leads to forgiveness, restoration, and transformation through Jesus Christ. Learn why repentance is not a message of despair, but a gracious invitation to receive God's mercy and walk in newness of life. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

A biblical response to same-sex relationships begins with the Word of God. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines God's design for marriage and sexuality from Genesis through the New Testament. He explains how Scripture consistently presents marriage as the covenant union of one man and one woman, addresses key biblical texts on sexuality, and highlights the hope of the gospel for all sinners. This episode calls Christians to stand firmly on biblical truth while extending the grace, compassion, and hope of Christ to others. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this Weekend Reflection, Dave Jenkins explains why a believer's identity is found in Christ alone. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:17, he explores what it means to be a new creation, the security of belonging to Christ, and how the gospel provides lasting stability in a culture marked by confusion and constant self-definition. Christians are not defined by their past, their failures, or their feelings, but by their union with Christ and His finished work. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Many people today assume that true compassion requires affirming a person's beliefs, identity, or choices. Yet Scripture presents a different picture. Jesus demonstrated both compassion and truth, showing kindness to sinners while calling them to repentance and faith. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains the biblical meaning of compassion, why compassion and affirmation are not the same thing, and how Christians can speak the truth in love while treating every person with dignity as an image-bearer of God. Listeners will learn how to practice compassion without compromising biblical truth and why genuine love seeks the eternal good of others through reconciliation with God in Christ. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

What happens to our identity when we follow Jesus Christ? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how the gospel transforms the believer's identity. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Luke 9:23, this episode explores what it means to become a new creation in Christ, why believers are no longer defined by sin, and how Christian discipleship involves repentance and ongoing transformation. Christians do not lose who they are when they come to Christ. Rather, they are redeemed, restored, and increasingly conformed to the image of Christ. Discover what the Bible teaches about identity in Christ, spiritual transformation, and living faithfully as a disciple of Jesus. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

What does the Bible teach about the relationship between love and holiness? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines the modern claim that love requires affirmation and contrasts it with the biblical teaching that love rejoices with the truth. Scripture never separates love from holiness because both flow from the character of God Himself. Christians are called to speak the truth in love, reject the false choice between truth and compassion, and point others to the transforming grace of Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Every Christian experiences temptation, but temptation itself is not the same as sin. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what Scripture teaches about temptation, desire, and the Christian life. Drawing from Hebrews 4, James 1, Matthew 26, and Galatians 5, Dave shows how believers can understand temptation biblically, resist sin through God's means of grace, and find encouragement in Christ, who was tempted in every respect yet without sin. Christians are not left to fight temptation alone. The Lord provides His Word, prayer, the fellowship of the church, and the power of the Holy Spirit to help His people stand firm and grow in holiness. Temptation is part of the Christian life, but God's grace is sufficient for every believer who seeks to follow Christ faithfully. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains Luke 9:23-24 and shows why self-denial is an essential part of Christian discipleship. This episode clarifies what self-denial is and what it is not. Rather than rejecting God's good gifts, self-denial means refusing to place our desires above God's will and submitting every area of life to the authority of Jesus Christ. As Jesus teaches, true life is not found through self-rule or self-expression, but through surrender to Him. Christians discover lasting freedom, purpose, and joy when they follow Christ and trust His Word. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/