Contending for the Word Q&A

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Scripture calls believers to guard their minds in an age of constant information, social media influence, and spiritual noise. Anchored in Philippians 4:8 and 2 Corinthians 10:5, this episode shows that the mind is a spiritual battlefield and calls Christians to intentional discernment, biblical thinking, and obedience to Christ. In a world filled with competing voices, believers must be shaped not by noise, but by the truth of God's Word. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

We are living in an age where pressure to conform is constant—politically, socially, and spiritually. Every day, believers are being shaped by voices, values, assumptions, and narratives. The question is not whether culture influences us, but how—and whether we recognize it. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins answers: How do Christians resist being shaped by culture while still living faithfully in the world God has placed them in? Anchored in Romans 12:1–2 and Colossians 3:1–4, this episode explores: • What it means to not be conformed to this world • Why culture is never neutral • How the renewal of the mind happens • Why resistance must be faithful, not reactive • How devotion to Christ fuels discernment This is not a call to retreat from the world. It is a call to renewal through the Word of God. Christians resist cultural conformity not by fear, anger, or isolation—but by minds renewed through Scripture, hearts fixed on Christ, and lives lived under His lordship. Stand firm. Think biblically. Live faithfully. 🔗 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses the growing danger of syncretism—the blending of Christianity with secular ideas, cultural spirituality, pagan practices, and worldly philosophies. Drawing from 2 Kings 17:33–41 and Galatians 1:6–9, this episode explains why mixing truth with error corrupts the gospel and weakens the Church. Syncretism may appear spiritual or culturally relevant, but Scripture reveals it as compromise that distorts worship, creates another gospel, and leads believers into confusion. Christ does not share His glory. The gospel cannot be improved. Jesus plus anything is not the gospel. This episode calls believers to reject cultural blending, stand firm in biblical truth, and cling to Christ alone. 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, Samuel Farag examines the relationship between icon veneration, church authority, and salvation within Eastern Orthodox theology. By looking at the Seventh Ecumenical Council (Second Nicaea, AD 787), this episode explores whether icon veneration is treated as a required or salvific practice—and how those claims compare with the teaching of Scripture. Key topics include: • The Eastern Orthodox view of church authority and infallibility • The role of councils, tradition, and official decrees • The meaning and implications of "anathema" • Whether icon veneration is presented as necessary for salvation • A biblical response grounded in Mark 7:1–13 Scripture calls believers to test every teaching and to hold fast to the truth of God's Word alone. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a growing issue in modern evangelicalism—people claiming, "God told me." These statements carry emotional and spiritual weight. They influence decisions, shape church culture, and can even become tools of manipulation if left untested. Yet Scripture repeatedly commands believers to test every claim of divine revelation. Drawing from Hebrews 1:1–2, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Jeremiah 23:16–32, and 1 John 4:1, this episode explains why God's revelation is complete and final in Christ, why Scripture is fully sufficient for faith and obedience, and how Christians should evaluate claims of private revelation. Because Scripture is complete, sufficient, and final, all "God told me" claims must be tested by the Word of God. Any message that contradicts, adds to, or bypasses Scripture must be rejected. God has not left His people guessing. He has spoken clearly and finally in His Word. Stay anchored in Scripture. Stay discerning. Learn more about Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In today's digital age, Christian teaching is widely accessible through social media, podcasts, and online platforms. But influence does not equal faithfulness, and popularity does not equal biblical authority. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines the rise of celebrity Christianity and provides a biblical framework for discerning how believers should think about influencers, online teachers, and well-known pastors. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 1:12–13, Hebrews 13:7, Galatians 1:10, and Acts 17:11, this episode explores: • The danger of attaching ourselves to personalities rather than Christ • The difference between platform influence and biblical authority • Why local church accountability is essential • How popularity can pressure teachers to soften truth • Why Scripture alone must remain our final authority Christians must never substitute influence for faithfulness, popularity for truth, or platforms for biblical accountability. Christ alone is our Head, and Scripture alone is our authority. Stand firm in the Word of God. Test every voice carefully. Follow Christ above all. 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 addresses a pressing issue in the digital age: How should Christians evaluate teachers and ministries online? With unprecedented access to sermons, podcasts, and Christian influencers, believers must practice biblical discernment. Scripture commands us not to believe every spirit but to test what we hear (1 John 4:1). Jesus also warns that false prophets are known by their fruit (Matthew 7:15–20). In this episode, Dave outlines four biblical criteria for evaluating online teachers: • Test their doctrine against the Word of God • Examine their fruit and character • Look for accountability and transparency • Discern their motives and goals Faithfulness, not popularity, determines credibility. Online teaching can be helpful, but it is a supplement—not your shepherd. The Word of God remains the standard. Stay grounded in Scripture and anchored in Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians evaluate church tradition, councils, creeds, and long-standing practices? While church history can be helpful and instructive, Scripture alone is God-breathed, sufficient, and final. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why believers must test every tradition by the Word of God. Drawing from Mark 7:6–9, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Acts 17:11, and Jude 3, this message explains how Christians should evaluate church tradition by the authority of Scripture. It also shows why tradition must never stand above Scripture, how helpful traditions can serve the truth without binding the conscience, and why the faith once for all delivered to the saints is preserved in God's Word. Key Scriptures: Mark 7:6–9 2 Timothy 3:16–17 Acts 17:11 Jude 3 In this episode, you'll learn: • Why Scripture stands above every tradition • How Christians should evaluate church tradition biblically • The proper role of creeds and confessions • Why only the Word of God can bind the conscience Listeners will gain practical biblical principles for discernment, doctrinal clarity, and standing firm in the truth. 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, Doreen Virtue answers a listener's question about why she discarded her yoga mats after leaving the New Age movement. Are yoga mats spiritually neutral? Does symbolism matter? How should Christians think biblically about objects connected to false religion? Doreen explains why many yoga mats contain Hindu, occult, and New Age symbolism, why Christians should guard their consciences carefully, and the difference between simple stretching and yoga poses rooted in spiritual practices. She also discusses practical alternatives such as Pilates and physical therapy stretching. This episode is not about legalism. It is about honoring Christ, exercising biblical discernment, and standing firm on the sufficiency of Scripture in everyday life. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Many movements today claim revival—but Scripture gives clear marks that distinguish genuine revival from emotional or counterfeit movements. True biblical revival is often misunderstood today. Many gatherings are labeled "revival," but emotional intensity, large crowds, or spiritual excitement alone do not define the kind of renewal described in the Bible. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Scripture defines true revival and how believers can evaluate revival claims with biblical discernment. Looking at Scripture passages like Nehemiah 8–9, Acts 2, and Hosea 6:1–3, this episode shows that real revival is not driven by hype, personalities, or emotional intensity. True revival is a sovereign work of God that centers on His Word, produces repentance, leads to holiness, and exalts God above all. Listeners will learn the four biblical marks of genuine revival and how to recognize spiritual renewal that is truly from the Lord. Key Themes • Revival begins with God's Word • Revival produces repentance • Revival leads to holiness and obedience • Revival exalts God, not man • Discernment about counterfeit revival movements Stand firm in Scripture and pray for renewal shaped by truth, repentance, and reverent obedience to the Lord. If this episode helped you, consider following the podcast and sharing it with a friend who cares about biblical truth and discernment. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/