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Church history helps Christians gain perspective, recognize recurring theological errors, and persevere in biblical faithfulness. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins draws together lessons from previous generations to encourage believers to stand firmly on Scripture. Discover how the victories and failures of earlier Christians sharpen discernment, why Christ's faithfulness is the central encouragement of church history, and how these lessons equip us to pass the gospel to the next generation. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Church history helps Christians recognize recurring errors, learn from faithful believers, and trust Christ's faithfulness to His church. Dave Jenkins explains how studying the past cultivates humility and strengthens biblical discernment. Learn four practical ways to benefit from church history while continually submitting every teaching and example to God's Word. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

This sermon examines the characteristics of those who reject false teaching, focusing on the necessity of remaining steadfast and holding to the foundation of God. It identifies the specific heresy of Hymenaeus and Philetus, who taught that the resurrection had already occurred, thereby undermining the faith of believers and confusing the church regarding eschatology. The message contrasts the destructive nature of such deceptive doctrines with the unshakable reality of the true church, which stands as the pillar and support of the truth. It emphasizes that God's elect are sealed by the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing their eternal security and sanctification despite the presence of apostasy. The sermon concludes with the assurance that while false teachers will face judgment, the firm foundation of God remains secure, calling believers to live holy lives in response to this divine guarantee.

What is the difference between the faithful servant and the wicked servant in Matthew 24? And when Jesus Christ returns, what will He find His servants doing? In Matthew 24:45-51, Pastor Casey Lewis concludes our study of the Olivet Discourse by examining Jesus' teaching about two very different servants—one faithful and wise, the other wicked and unprepared for his master's return. Throughout Matthew 24, Jesus has warned His disciples about deception, tribulation, judgment, and His future Second Coming. Now He illustrates what it truly means to stay awake and be ready. The faithful servant understands that he belongs to his master, follows his instructions, faithfully carries out his responsibilities, and seeks to please him. Being ready for Christ's return is not merely knowing what Scripture says about the end times—it is living each day in loving obedience to the Lord. The wicked servant, however, assumes his master will be delayed. He neglects his responsibilities, abuses his authority, and lives for himself. When his master unexpectedly returns, he faces judgment rather than reward. Pastor Casey also examines the parallel passage in Luke 12 and the sobering warning of eternal punishment for those who reject Christ. Ultimately, the question is not whether we can predict the day or hour of Christ's return, but whether our lives demonstrate genuine faith in Him. Which servant are you?

In this Haggai 1 expository sermon, Pastor Richard Caldwell urges us to Consider Your Ways. Discover how to align your priorities with God. When God speaks His truth, it imparts an immediate responsibility to those who hear it. It is impossible to receive the Word of God irreverently and expect to experience His blessing. True spiritual correction must begin at the heart level before it results in outward obedience. The Lord assessed His people in Haggai's day and exposed their misguided priorities. They had focused on building their own houses while the house of the Lord lay in ruins. This covenant disobedience brought material leanness, demonstrating the loving reproof of a sovereign God. Turning back to the Lord requires humble self-evaluation and a proper heart posture. The ultimate motive for our obedience must never be mere material relief or personal gain. True repentance is driven by a deep desire to please the Lord and seek His glory above all else. Key Biblical Takeaways: - Truth received is a responsibility received, requiring an obedient and reverent response. - Spiritual correction demands humble, penitent self-evaluation at the heart level. - The true motive for biblical repentance is to please and glorify God, not personal relief. - God lovingly uses our circumstances as reproof to draw our hearts back to covenant faithfulness.

This sermon examines the final instructions of Jesus to His disciples in John 14, focusing on the resolve to face impending trials with divine equipment. The central message highlights the ministry of the Holy Spirit as the primary tool for believers, detailing His roles in teaching, reminding, and providing peace that surpasses worldly understanding. Listen along as Pastor Gable emphasizes that receiving this ministry requires a foundational relationship with God the Father and faith in Jesus Christ, while also illustrating the necessity of personal responsibility to allow God's peace to rule over anxiety and fear. By analyzing Jesus' perspective, purpose, and path, the text presents Christ as the ultimate example of obedience and love for the Father, even when confronting darkness. The sermon concludes with a call to action, encouraging believers to rely on the Spirit's guidance and Christ's example to confidently step into the challenges God has placed in their lives.

The sermon examines the distinction between serving God out of mere duty and serving Him from a heart of love, using the parable of the unprofitable servant in Luke 17 as the central text. It argues that while duty is necessary to maintain consistency when love wanes, it should not be the primary motivator for the Christian life, as this leads to spiritual stagnation and burnout. The message emphasizes that true profitability in service comes from recognizing the privilege of being adopted into God's family and responding to His grace with wholehearted devotion. Several practical applications are drawn from other scriptures, urging believers to serve the Lord rather than sin, money, men, or religious tradition. The tone is pastoral and convicting, challenging the congregation to rekindle their first love and view their service as a joyful response to salvation rather than a burdensome obligation.

This sermon explores the theological foundations of worship as rediscovered during the Protestant Reformation, grounding the discussion in the apostolic instructions found in 2 Timothy. It argues that acceptable worship must be strictly governed by Scripture alone, rejecting human inventions and extra-biblical traditions that obscure the gospel. The central message emphasizes that worship is a response to God's gracious mercy, centered entirely on the glory of God and the person of Christ. Pointing to the solas, particularly sola scriptura and solus Christus, this message calls the congregation to examine their practices against biblical standards. Christians are called to engage in faithful, sober-minded devotion that reflects the objective truth of the Word rather than subjective human fancies.

In Acts 20, Paul is headed to Jerusalem. On his way, he calls the elders of the church in Ephesus to meet him. He charges them with their responsibility as leaders in Christ's church, and he reminds them of the example he set for them. Elders in Christ's church are to be serving the Lord, caring for the sheep, teaching the whole counsel of God's Word, and protecting the flock.

Whose burden could you make lighter? This message explores the gift of service, the value of practical care, and the humility and wisdom we need to serve faithfully without neglecting the responsibilities God has already given us. Truth Meets Real Life: A meal, a ride, or a shared responsibility can express Christ's love and make another person's burden lighter.