Contending for the Word Q&A

One of the most common messages in modern culture is this: follow your desires, look within, and define yourself according to your feelings. But Scripture presents a very different foundation for identity. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines what the Bible teaches about identity and explains why our identity is ultimately found in Christ alone. Looking at 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Luke 9:23, this message explores the relationship between identity, desires, discipleship, and union with Christ. Christians are not defined by their struggles, feelings, or desires. Through faith in Christ, believers become new creations and receive a secure identity grounded in God's grace and redemption. In a culture searching for meaning and belonging, the gospel points us to the lasting hope and stability found in Christ alone. 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 explains why God's design for humanity, marriage, sexuality, and relationships is good. Looking at Genesis 1:31, this episode reminds believers that God's commands are not barriers to joy but guides that lead to life and flourishing. Even in a fallen world distorted by sin, the gospel offers hope through Jesus Christ, who restores what sin has broken and is making all things new. For more episodes of 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 explains why sin always presents itself as freedom while ultimately producing bondage. Drawing from Genesis 3 and John 8, Dave shows how temptation challenges God's authority, why sin never delivers what it promises, and how true freedom is found only in Jesus Christ. Learn why obedience to God leads to life, why sin leads to slavery, and how the gospel provides lasting freedom from guilt, shame, and the power of sin. For more episodes of 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 explains what Scripture teaches about the Christian body, holiness, and belonging to God. Drawing from Genesis 1 and 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Dave shows that believers were created by God, redeemed by Christ, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Because Christians belong to the Lord, the body is not for self-rule or self-expression alone, but for glorifying God in every area of life. Listeners will learn how biblical truth about creation, redemption, and holiness shapes Christian identity, sexuality, and daily living. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A and additional biblical resources, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Marriage is not a human invention or merely a cultural institution. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Scripture presents marriage as God's design, established in creation, affirmed by Christ, and ultimately pointing to the gospel itself. Drawing from Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4–6, and Ephesians 5:31–32, Dave explores why biblical marriage matters for understanding God's purpose for humanity and why Christians hold to a biblical definition of marriage with both conviction and compassion. Learn how marriage reflects God's created order, displays Christ's covenant love for His Church, and serves as a powerful testimony to the gospel. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Why does creation matter for identity? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Genesis 1–2 provides the biblical foundation for understanding identity, humanity, sexuality, and our relationship with God. Discover why Scripture teaches that identity is received from our Creator rather than invented by culture, and how the gospel anchors believers in their identity in Christ. This episode addresses modern confusion about identity while pointing listeners to the truth, hope, and clarity found in God's Word. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

What does the Bible actually teach about sexuality? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines sexuality through the storyline of Scripture—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Dave explains God's design for sexuality, the effects of sin, and the transforming hope found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 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 explains what Scripture teaches about identity, repentance, sexuality, and union with Christ. This episode carefully distinguishes between temptation, behavior, and identity while emphasizing that the believer's identity is rooted in Christ rather than sinful desires or past struggles. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Romans 6:1–2, Genesis 1–2, Matthew 19, and Ephesians 5, Dave explains God's design for marriage, the transforming power of the gospel, and the importance of speaking truth with both conviction and compassion. The gospel does not merely forgive sinners—it transforms them. Through union with Christ, believers are given a new identity and called to walk in repentance, faith, and obedience to God's Word. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Spiritual growth is often quieter and slower than many Christians expect. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how God faithfully grows His people through abiding in Christ, steady obedience, repentance, perseverance, and grace-driven transformation. Drawing from Psalm 92, John 15, and Philippians 1:6, Dave encourages believers not to confuse slow growth with no growth at all. God's work may sometimes feel ordinary or unseen, but He is faithfully producing deep roots, lasting fruit, and enduring faithfulness in His people. This episode explores: • Spiritual growth and sanctification • Abiding in Christ • Perseverance in the Christian life • God's faithfulness in the process of growth • Why slow growth is still real growth For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

What spiritual habits actually endure over a lifetime of following Christ? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how lasting Christian growth develops through steady dependence on Christ, faithful exposure to God's Word, prayer, fellowship, repentance, and obedience. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:7–8, Acts 2:42, and John 15:4–5, this episode encourages believers to pursue consistency over complexity and to abide daily in Christ through the ordinary means of grace. Spiritual maturity is rarely built through dramatic moments or emotional intensity. Rather, God forms His people through faithful habits practiced over time and rooted in Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/