Contending for the Word Q&A

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, we look at what it means to speak the truth in love as Scripture commands in Ephesians 4:15. Some avoid truth in the name of love. Others speak truth without compassion. But biblical communication reflects both the holiness of God's truth and the kindness of Christ's love. Together, we'll consider: • What it means to speak with biblical accuracy. • Why tone and posture must reflect the heart of Christ. • How to pursue the spiritual good of others—not personal victory. • Why faithfulness may still lead to misunderstanding or rejection. Christ calls us not to silence and not to harshness, but to a better way: truth with love, conviction with compassion, and boldness with humility. May this episode encourage you to communicate in a way that honors Christ and serves others. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode, Dave Jenkins addresses how Christians can stand firm in truth while showing grace in a culture that often opposes biblical teaching. Learn to fear God more than man, be anchored in Scripture, answer with gentleness and respect, and place your hope in Christ above cultural approval. Scripture References: • 1 Peter 3:14–15 – Stand firm, give a reason for your hope, yet do so with gentleness and respect. • Colossians 3:16 – Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Key Takeaways: • Firm conviction and gentle conduct go hand in hand. • Deep roots in Scripture give courage and discernment. • Your hope is in Christ, not cultural acceptance. Encouragement: Stand firm on God's Word, speak the truth with love, and trust that your ultimate approval comes from Christ alone. Links & Resources: • Servants of Grace Podcast Hub • Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter

Why must pastors and elders hold fast to sound doctrine? Titus 1:9 makes it clear: faithful shepherds guard the flock, teach the truth, confront error, and represent Christ with His Word—not opinion or cultural trends. A healthy church depends on leaders anchored in Scripture. Stand firm on the truth, love the church, and cling to Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians handle disagreement within the local church? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins teaches from Ephesians 4:1–3 and James 1:19 to show how believers can pursue humility, listen carefully, speak the truth in love, and maintain gospel-rooted unity. Biblical reconciliation is not optional—it's essential for the health and witness of the church. Key takeaway: Handle conflict with humility, careful listening, truth in love, and unity anchored in God's Word. Learn more and find more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A at Servants of Grace: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Church discipline is not harsh or punitive. It is a loving, restorative, biblical act rooted in the character of God Himself. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins walks through Hebrews 12, Matthew 18, Galatians 6, and 1 Corinthians 5 to show how church discipline protects the church, preserves the gospel, and restores the wandering sinner. Topics covered include: • Restoration versus punishment. • Protecting the holiness of the church. • Guarding the integrity of the gospel. • Reflecting the Father's loving discipline. • Why neglecting discipline harms the entire congregation. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Many today redefine unity as merely "getting along" rather than standing together on the truth of God's Word. But Scripture presents a different vision of unity—one that is doctrinally anchored, gospel-centered, and shaped by speaking the truth in love. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins walks through Ephesians 4:1–6 and outlines four biblical anchors that help guard the church against compromise, doctrinal drift, and counterfeit unity. True unity is not built on sentiment, silence, or shared preferences, but on Christ and His revealed truth. Key Passage: Ephesians 4:1–6 For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: 👉 https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Worship in Spirit and Truth: How Jesus Defines True Worship What does it mean to worship God in spirit and truth? In John 4, Jesus teaches that true worship is both Word-anchored and Spirit-empowered. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains: • What it means to worship according to Scripture. • Why true worship flows from a regenerated heart. • How to avoid empty ritualism and emotionalism. • Why Christ must remain at the center of all worship. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit Servants of Grace: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Why is expositional preaching essential for the local church? Dave Jenkins explains from 2 Timothy 4:1–2 why God commands pastors to preach the Word and why faithful, verse-by-verse preaching forms the backbone of a healthy, discerning, spiritually mature congregation. Topics covered include: • Hearing God's voice through Scripture • Maturity through systematic teaching • Receiving the whole counsel of God • Guarding the church against false doctrine • Strengthening believers through Christ-centered exposition Christ builds His church through His Word—and expositional preaching unleashes that Word with clarity, power, and authority.

What makes a local church spiritually healthy? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins walks through Acts 2:42–47 to explain the biblical marks of a church shaped by Scripture, led by qualified male elders, devoted to fellowship and discipline, and committed to worship, prayer, and mission. In this episode, you will hear about: • Devotion to the apostles' teaching and the whole counsel of God. • Expositional preaching and sound doctrine. • Biblically qualified elders who shepherd the flock (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1). • Membership, fellowship, and church discipline done in love. • Worship centered on Christ, prayer that depends on God, and mission that reaches the lost. • Why some churches drift and why it may be necessary to seek a faithful congregation. • How believers can commit to and strengthen the church where God has placed them. Healthy churches are shaped by the Word, shepherded by faithful leaders, and sent into the world in holiness and love. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The New Age movement promotes ideas that directly contradict the gospel, distort the identity of Jesus, and reject the authority of Scripture. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Doreen Virtue explains the core theological errors of the New Age and contrasts them with the truth of God's Word. Topics include: • The New Age denial of God's holiness. • False teachings about Jesus as an "ascended master" • Rejection of biblical authority and sufficiency. • Denial of sin, repentance, and the gospel. • New Age "self-salvation" vs. salvation through Christ alone. • The danger of ignoring spiritual warfare. A clear, biblical response for those seeking discernment. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/