Contending for the Word Q&A

Why does context matter when reading the Bible? Many well-known Bible verses are often quoted without regard for their original meaning. When Scripture is taken out of context, even sincere readers can misunderstand or misapply God's Word. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why understanding the historical, literary, and redemptive context of Scripture is essenti...

Interpreting Scripture correctly is essential for understanding God's Word and growing in biblical discernment. Many Christians read the Bible sincerely but feel uncertain about interpretation. Some assume the Bible can mean whatever it feels like to them, while others think interpretation is only for pastors or scholars. But Scripture teaches that God's Word has a clear meaning intended by God, a...

How should Christians read the Bible faithfully? Many believers read Scripture regularly but still feel uncertain about how to understand it, apply it, or make sense of difficult passages. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Christians should approach God's Word with reverence, careful attention to context, and a Christ-centered focus. Drawing from Psalm 119:1...

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reflects on the kind of character God forms in His people. Rooted in James 1:5 and Psalm 119:133, this episode reminds believers that wisdom, faithfulness, and courage are not self-produced, but gifts from God given to those who humbly depend on Him through His Word and grace. Rather than calling Christians to win arguments or carry unne...

Where should Christians place their confidence in a confusing and often hostile world? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reminds believers that our confidence does not rest in human leaders, cultural movements, or our own strength—but in the unshakable promises of Christ. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares that He will build His church and that the gates of hell will not p...

Why is biblical discernment an act of love? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why discernment is not rooted in suspicion, harshness, or argument, but in love for Christ, love for His truth, and love for His people. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13:6 and Ephesians 4:15, this episode shows that Scripture never separates truth from love. Biblical love rejoices in the...

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how biblical discernment protects and strengthens the believer's daily walk with Christ. Many Christians think discernment only involves identifying false teaching, but Scripture shows that discernment is far deeper. It anchors believers in God's Word, guards the heart from spiritual drift, and cultivates wisdom for faithful Chr...

What does it mean to contend for the faith biblically? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains Jude 3 and the biblical call for Christians to stand firmly for the truth of the gospel with humility, courage, and love. In an age marked by doctrinal confusion and theological drift, believers are called neither to compromise nor to be quarrelsome, but to faithful obedienc...

How does a local church remain faithful to Christ in an age of confusion and compromise? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains from Titus 1:9 and Acts 20:28–31 how churches guard sound doctrine through biblical authority, faithful leadership, and loving discernment. This episode helps believers understand why doctrine matters, how the church protects the gospel, and...

How should Christians respond when someone they love is caught in deception or false teaching? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Scripture calls believers to help others return to truth with humility, patience, and Christlike love. Grounded in 2 Timothy 2:25 and Ephesians 4:15, this episode explores the biblical balance of conviction and compassion when addr...

When deception touches someone we love, discernment becomes deeply personal. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses one of the most painful areas of Christian faithfulness: how to respond biblically when a spouse, child, friend, or fellow church member begins drifting from the truth of God's Word. Drawing from James 5:19–20 and Galatians 6:1, this message explains t...

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains the biblical difference between godly discernment and a critical spirit. Many Christians today hesitate to practice discernment because they fear appearing harsh or judgmental. Others excuse prideful criticism by calling it discernment. Scripture, however, makes a clear distinction. Drawing from Matthew 7:1–5 and Ephesians 4:29,...

How should Christians confront error without becoming harsh or prideful? In this Discernment Month episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how 2 Timothy 2:24–26 shapes a Christ-centered approach to correction. Biblical correction is necessary, but the manner of correction matters deeply. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Guard sound doctrine without quarrelsomeness Correc...

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 Ch...

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...

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 c...

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....

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...

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 in...

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 th...

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...

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 Christian...

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 Wor...

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why emotionalism cannot replace biblical truth in the Christian life. While emotions are gifts from God, they were never meant to function as our final authority. Drawing from key Scriptures such as Jeremiah 17:9 and Psalm 119:160, this episode explains why discernment, stability, and holiness must be grounded in the unchanging...

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a sobering and essential question: What does the Bible say about false teachers? From the warnings of Jesus to the letters of Paul, Peter, Jude, and John, Scripture repeatedly teaches that false teachers will arise, distort the gospel, and harm God's people. These warnings are not vague—they are clear, direct, and urgent. In th...