Contending for the Word Q&A

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...

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...

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 i...

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...

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...

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 literatur...

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...

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...

Luke 24:25–27 reveals one of the most foundational truths for reading the Bible: all of Scripture points to Jesus Christ. In this Weekend Reflection, Dave Jenkins walks through Jesus' encounter on the road to Emmaus and shows how a Christ-centered reading of Scripture guards against moralism, strengthens faith, and anchors believers in the finished work of Christ. For more from Contending for the...

How should Christians read the Bible? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a subtle but deeply influential issue: moralistic Bible reading. Many approach Scripture primarily as a guide for self-improvement, focusing on what we must do rather than what Christ has already done. But the Bible is not ultimately about human effort. It is about God's redemptive work in...

Is the Bible primarily about us or about Christ? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a question that shapes how many Christians read Scripture, often without realizing it. Drawing from Luke 24:25–27, Romans 11:36, and Colossians 2:6–7, this episode explains why the Bible is ultimately about God's glory revealed in Jesus Christ, not the elevation of ourselves. Whe...

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a foundational distinction that is essential for understanding the Bible and living the Christian life rightly: the difference between the law and the gospel. When the law and the gospel are confused, Scripture becomes distorted, assurance is weakened, and obedience becomes a burden. But when they are rightly distinguished, Scr...

How should Christians read the Old Testament? For many believers, the Old Testament can feel distant, unfamiliar, or difficult to understand. Some treat it as background material, while others focus almost entirely on the New Testament. But Scripture teaches that the Old Testament is essential for understanding Christ and the gospel. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins exp...

How does the entire Bible point to Jesus Christ? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a foundational question for understanding Scripture: how all the books, genres, and authors of the Bible ultimately center on Christ. Many read parts of the Bible, especially the Old Testament, as disconnected stories, moral lessons, or historical background. But Jesus Himself te...

How should Christians read the Bible in a way that honors Christ as the center of God's revelation? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why every part of Scripture ultimately points to Jesus Christ. Drawing from Luke 24, John 5, and Colossians 1, this episode shows how Christ-centered reading guards believers from moralism, legalism, and self-centered interpretati...

Psalm 19 reminds us that God has not spoken in riddles or left His people guessing. His Word is clear, trustworthy, and life-giving. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reflects on Psalm 19:7–11 and explains why Scripture can be understood with confidence. In a world filled with competing voices and interpretations, believers can rest in the certainty that God has spoken c...

Does the Bible mean different things to different people? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why Scripture has a fixed, intended meaning given by God. Drawing from Numbers 23:19, Matthew 5:17–18, and 2 Peter 1:20–21, this episode highlights the authority, clarity, and reliability of God's Word. Rather than reshaping Scripture to fit culture or personal preference...

Many Christians want to understand the Bible faithfully, yet common mistakes in reading Scripture can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and spiritual drift. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines several common errors believers make when reading the Bible and explains how Christians can approach Scripture with greater care, humility, and faithfulness. Drawing fro...

How can Christians know if they are understanding a verse of Scripture correctly? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how believers can read the Bible with confidence by interpreting Scripture faithfully, carefully, and humbly. Drawing from Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16, and James 1:22, this episode highlights key principles for faithful Bible interpretation, includi...

Christians who read the Bible faithfully will eventually encounter passages that are difficult to understand. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how believers should respond when they come across passages in Scripture that are not immediately clear. While God's Word is sufficient, trustworthy, and clear in its message of salvation and godliness, the Bible itself...

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains the foundational principle of biblical interpretation: Scripture interprets Scripture. Because God is the ultimate author of the Bible, Scripture is unified, consistent, and trustworthy. This means clear passages help explain difficult ones, and no verse should be interpreted in isolation from the whole counsel of God. In this e...

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Christians can read Scripture rightly by asking better questions of the biblical text. Many misunderstandings of the Bible do not come from bad intentions, but from asking the wrong questions—or asking the right question in the wrong order. Scripture calls believers to handle God's Word carefully, clearly, and faithfully. Dr...

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Christians can ask better questions when reading the Bible so they understand what God has actually said and intended. Using Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 10:26, and 2 Timothy 2:15, this episode shows how careful observation, context, and faithful interpretation help believers rightly handle the Word of truth and avoid common interpret...

What does it mean to truly love God? One of the clearest indicators of our love for the Lord is our love for His Word. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reflects on Psalm 119:97–105, where the psalmist expresses deep delight in God's law. Rather than viewing Scripture as a burden or obligation, the psalmist treasures God's Word, meditates on it throughout the day, and al...

Many Christians open the Bible with a sincere desire to understand God's Word, yet they often feel unsure how to approach the text. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why asking the right questions is an essential habit for reading Scripture carefully and faithfully. Scripture calls believers to approach God's Word with humility, attentiveness, and a desire to un...