Contending for the Word Q&A

What is biblical discernment, and why is it essential for every Christian today? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what Scripture teaches about biblical discernment and how believers are called to test everything by the Word of God. Anchored in Hebrews 5:14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21, this episode shows that discernment is not suspicion or harsh criticism, but Word-centered wisdom shaped by spiritual maturity and love for truth. Dave walks through four biblical pillars of discernment, explaining how discernment protects believers from deception, strengthens spiritual growth, and helps Christians walk with clarity in a confused age. Truth matters. The gospel matters. Biblical discernment helps God's people stand firm in both. For more episodes and biblical resources 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 answers a vital question for Christian families: what does it mean to build a God-centered home? Many homes today are shaped by schedules, comfort, achievement, or cultural expectations. Scripture, however, calls believers to build their homes on a far stronger and lasting foundation. Anchored in Joshua 24:15, this episode explains that a God-centered home is not a perfect or conflict-free home, but one ordered by God's Word, shaped by the character of Christ, and strengthened by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Dave walks through five biblical pillars of a God-centered home: • Christ as Lord over the household • Scripture as the foundation • Prayer as a daily family rhythm • Grace, repentance, and forgiveness in relationships • Faithful commitment to the local church This episode provides biblical encouragement for parents, couples, and individuals seeking to honor Christ in their homes and cultivate faithful discipleship for generations to come. Key Scripture: Joshua 24:15; Colossians 1:18; Matthew 7:24–25; Ephesians 4:32 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 answers a vital question facing every Christian home: How does the hope of Christ strengthen families? Drawing from Romans 15:13, this message explains that biblical hope is not optimism or positive thinking, but confident assurance rooted in Jesus Christ—crucified, risen, reigning, and faithful in every season of life. You'll learn how the hope of Christ anchors families in God's unchanging promises, brings peace in trials and suffering, produces endurance through hardship, unifies the home in love and purpose, and fills families with lasting, gospel-shaped joy. For families walking through joy, sorrow, uncertainty, or pressure, this episode calls listeners to place their confidence not in circumstances or abilities, but in Christ alone—the only hope that never fails. Key Scripture: Romans 15:13 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Scripture gives a clear and loving warning against magic, spells, charms, and occult practices. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Doreen Virtue explains why the Bible consistently condemns sorcery, divination, and New Age practices—not as cultural preferences, but as acts that dishonor God and lead to spiritual deception and bondage. Drawing from Deuteronomy 18:9–14, Acts 19:18–19, and Colossians 1:13, this episode shows that genuine repentance leads believers to renounce occult practices completely rather than attempting to redeem or sanitize them. True freedom is not found in self-directed spiritual power, but in Jesus Christ alone, who delivers us from darkness and brings us into the light of truth and grace. This episode offers biblical clarity, pastoral wisdom, and a call to discernment for believers who desire to remain faithful to God's Word in a spiritually deceptive age. Key Scriptures: Deuteronomy 18:9–14 Acts 19:18–19 Colossians 1:13 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Wicca and witchcraft are increasingly presented as harmless, empowering, and even healing—especially through social media, pop culture, and so-called "self-care" spirituality. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Doreen Virtue explains how occult practices disguise spiritual rebellion as freedom, enlightenment, and empowerment. You'll learn: • How Wicca and witchcraft are normalized and marketed today. • Why these practices appeal to the vulnerable and wounded. • The danger of blending biblical language with occult ideas. • Scripture's warning about deception disguised as light (2 Corinthians 11:14). • Why believers must remain rooted in Christ and grounded in God's Word. This is a sober, pastoral warning, especially for parents calling Christians to discernment, biblical clarity, and faithfulness to Christ alone. Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 11:14 For more biblical resources, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The Bible repeatedly calls believers to guard their hearts—but what does that command actually mean? And how do we obey it in everyday Christian life? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines Proverbs 4:23 and explains why the heart is the control center of the Christian life. Scripture teaches that what shapes the heart shapes our thoughts, desires, priorities, and obedience to Christ. In this episode, you'll learn: • What the Bible means by the "heart" • Why guarding the heart is essential for spiritual health. • How sinful desires begin—and how to redirect them toward Christ. • Why protecting our affections matters. • How media, relationships, and influences shape the inner life. • How to resist sinful thoughts quickly and biblically. • Why filling the heart with God's Word is the only lasting protection against sin. Anchor Text: Proverbs 4:23 "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Guarding the heart is not optional for the Christian. It is a daily discipline of faithfulness, discernment, and devotion to Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Every Christian faces temptation, but temptation itself is not sin. Even Jesus was tempted, yet He responded every time with the Word of God. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how believers can fight temptation biblically and practically by using Scripture as their primary weapon. Drawing from Psalm 119:11 and Jesus' example in the wilderness, this episode shows that victory over temptation does not come through sheer willpower, but through knowing, believing, speaking, and obeying God's Word. You'll learn why temptation is part of the Christian life, how Scripture exposes the lies behind temptation, why speaking God's Word matters in moments of testing, how obedience flows from believing God's truth, and how Scripture reshapes our desires over time. Christian, you are not helpless in the face of temptation. You have the same weapon Christ used—the living and active Word of God. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Temptation is no longer distant or occasional. In a digital world filled with constant access, private screens, and endless distractions, Christians face unique challenges in pursuing holiness. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how believers can pursue purity in a digital world by grounding their lives in Scripture and walking in the grace of Christ. Anchored in Psalm 101:3, this episode shows that purity begins in the heart and is sustained through wise boundaries, godly habits, honest accountability, and delighting in Christ above all. Purity is not achieved through willpower alone, but through the power of the gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, and life together in the local church. If you are struggling, do not remain silent. Christ forgives, restores, and renews. Stand firm on the Word. Cling to Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Family life today is often busy, scattered, and stretched thin. Sports schedules, activities, and cultural pressures compete for our time and attention. In the middle of that pressure, the local church can slowly become optional. But Scripture presents the church very differently. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins answers the question: Why must Christian families not merely attend church, but treasure it? Drawing from Hebrews 10:24–25, this episode explains how God uses the local church to strengthen a family's faith, shape the character of children, provide spiritual protection, anchor believers in biblical truth, and surround families with a community of grace. The church is not an event, a performance, or a weekend add-on. It is the people of God gathered around the Word of God to worship the Son of God together. When families treasure the church, children learn to treasure Christ. When the church becomes optional, Christ soon does as well. Key Scripture: Hebrews 10:24–25 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

One of the greatest blessings and responsibilities God gives Christian families is the call to remain rooted in His Word. Yet in the busyness of daily life, Scripture can easily become something we visit occasionally rather than the foundation of the home. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how families can keep God's Word at the center of daily life through simple, intentional, and biblically grounded rhythms. Anchored in Deuteronomy 6:6–7, this episode walks through five practical habits that help Scripture saturate the home rather than be squeezed in: reading Scripture together, discussing it naturally, applying it intentionally, memorizing it faithfully, and prioritizing worship in the local church. This episode is not about perfection or lengthy devotionals. It is about faithfulness, consistency, and centering the home on Christ through His Word. Key Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:6–7 James 1:22 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/