Contending for the Word Q&A

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Doreen Virtue addresses claims that healing frequencies or sound-based healing are found in the Bible. Some teachers suggest that hidden codes or vibrational frequencies are embedded in Scripture and can be used for healing. These claims raise an important question: are these ideas biblical? Drawing from her past involvement in New Age practices, Doreen explains why these teachings are not rooted in Scripture and how they reflect a broader attempt to attach mystical concepts to the Bible. In this episode, you will learn: • Why "healing frequencies" are not taught in Scripture • The danger of hidden code interpretations of the Bible • How New Age beliefs distort biblical truth • How to respond when someone claims something is "biblical" • Why the authority and sufficiency of Scripture must guide all discernment Christians are called to test every teaching by the Word of God and to stand firm in the truth of the gospel. Our confidence is not in mystical techniques, but in Christ and His revealed Word. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

We live in a confused culture where truth is treated as subjective and Scripture is often reinterpreted to fit cultural expectations. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Christians can read the Bible faithfully by submitting to its authority, interpreting it carefully, and applying it with clarity and courage. This episode calls believers to stand firm on the sufficiency of Scripture and to live in obedience to 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 a foundational question for the Christian life: How does Scripture apply to everyday life in a way that is faithful, meaningful, and Christ-centered? Many Christians affirm the importance of God's Word, yet still struggle to understand how it shapes daily decisions, relationships, and priorities. Some fear misapplying Scripture, while others reduce application to vague encouragement. Drawing from Psalm 119:105, James 1:22–25, and Colossians 3:16–17, this episode shows that biblical application is not merely external behavior—it is the result of inward transformation through the Word of God. In this episode, you'll learn how Scripture: Shapes how we think by renewing the mind Directs how we live with wisdom and clarity Forms Christlike character over time Calls us to depend on God's grace, not self-effort God's Word is not given merely to be understood—it is given to be lived. As you walk through everyday life—work, relationships, decisions, and trials—Scripture provides guidance, direction, and stability rooted in Christ. 👉 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 it means to trust God when His Word challenges our assumptions. Focusing on Isaiah 55:8–11, this episode shows how God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours—and why believers must submit to Scripture even when it confronts their expectations. Rather than avoiding difficult passages or reshaping the Bible to fit personal preferences, Christians are called to trust the character of God and the sufficiency of His Word. This episode encourages believers to grow in humility, trust, and confidence in God's Word, knowing that it always accomplishes His purposes and ultimately points us to Christ. 👉 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians respond to difficult or offensive passages in the Bible? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses how believers can approach challenging texts with humility, careful study, and confidence in God's character. Drawing from Isaiah 55:8–9, Romans 9:14–18, and 2 Timothy 3:16–17, this episode shows that hard passages are not defects in Scripture, but invitations to deeper trust in the wisdom and authority of God. Listeners will be equipped to read Scripture in context, interpret Scripture with Scripture, resist cultural pressure, and rest in the goodness of God—even when His Word challenges their understanding. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Biblical prophecy is often surrounded by confusion, fear, and speculation. Some approach it with endless curiosity, while others avoid it altogether. But Scripture makes clear that prophecy was not given to confuse God's people, but to strengthen their faith and anchor their hope in His promises. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what biblical prophecy is, what its purpose is, and how Christians should read prophetic passages faithfully and biblically. Anchored in Deuteronomy 18:21–22, Isaiah 46:9–10, and Revelation 19:10, this episode shows that prophecy flows from God's sovereignty and ultimately points to Jesus Christ. Key truths in this episode: • Biblical prophecy is God's revealed Word, not human speculation • Prophecy reveals God's sovereign control over history • Prophecy calls God's people to repentance, faith, and obedience • Prophecy must be read in its historical and literary context • All prophecy ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ Rather than leading to fear or confusion, prophecy strengthens our confidence in God's faithfulness and directs our hope to Christ. As you listen, may your faith be strengthened, your understanding deepened, and your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of every promise of God. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians read the stories of the Bible? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how to read biblical narratives faithfully—avoiding moralism and learning to see God's redemptive purposes unfolding throughout Scripture. From Genesis to Acts, the Bible records real events involving real people in real history. But these narratives are not primarily given as examples to imitate. Instead, they reveal what God has done and how His purposes culminate in Jesus Christ. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why biblical narratives describe more than they prescribe • How to focus on God's activity in the text • How every story fits into the larger story of redemption • Why narratives are meant to deepen trust in God, not self-reliance Rather than turning Bible stories into moral lessons, this episode calls Christians to read Scripture in a Christ-centered way—strengthening faith, cultivating discernment, and anchoring their lives in God's faithfulness. 👉 Big Idea: Biblical narratives are not primarily about what we should do, but about what God has done and how His redemptive purposes unfold in history. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians read Proverbs and the wisdom books of Scripture? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how to understand Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job rightly. These books are often quoted—but frequently misunderstood. Proverbs are not guarantees of outcomes. They are expressions of wisdom, showing how life ordinarily works under God's rule. Wisdom literature teaches believers how to live faithfully in a fallen world, grounded in the fear of the Lord and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In this episode, you'll learn how to avoid common misinterpretations and grow in biblical discernment, humility, and trust in God's Word. 🔗 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Why does the Bible include genealogies, and what do they teach us about God, redemption, and the gospel? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why genealogies are not filler, but essential to understanding the storyline of Scripture. Though often overlooked, these passages reveal God's faithfulness, root the gospel in real history, and point directly to Jesus Christ. Drawing from Genesis 12:1–3, Matthew 1:1–17, and Luke 3:23–38, this episode shows how God's promises unfold across generations and culminate in the person and work of Christ. In this episode, you'll learn: How genealogies demonstrate God's covenant faithfulness Why Christianity is rooted in real history, not myth How God's grace is displayed through imperfect people Why every genealogy ultimately points to Jesus Christ Genealogies remind us that God keeps His promises, works through generations, and faithfully brings about His plan of redemption in Christ. 👉 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians understand the parables of Jesus? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what parables are, why Jesus used them, and how to interpret them faithfully according to Scripture. Parables can seem simple, but they are often misunderstood. Some overcomplicate them, while others reduce them to moral lessons. But as Jesus teaches in Matthew 13, parables both reveal truth to those who are humble and receptive and conceal truth from those who are hardhearted. In this episode, you'll learn: • What parables are and what they are not • Why Jesus used parables in His teaching • The importance of reading parables in their context • How parables expose the condition of the heart • Why every parable calls us to repentance, faith, and trust in Christ Parables are not riddles to decode or tools for self-improvement. They are earthly stories that reveal spiritual truths about the kingdom of God. When rightly understood, they lead us away from self-reliance and toward Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/