Contending for the Word

4.5 (22)
CHRISTIANITY
UPDATED WEEKLY

Contending for the Word is a podcast devoted to helping inform, educate, equip, and warn people about false teachers, false movements, and unbiblical philosophies.

2D AGO

Sola Scriptura Today: Why “God Told Me” Isn’t Our Guide

Is Scripture enough—or do we need "fresh words" to know God's will? In this Reformation Month episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins addresses the rise of "God told me" Christianity and measures it against the sufficiency, clarity, and finality of Scripture. You'll learn: • The difference between inspiration and illumination • What it means for Scripture to be sufficient, clear, and final • The biblical pathway of guidance: Precept • Principle • Prudence • Providence • Warnings from Scripture when new "words" replace God's written Word • Pastoral responses to common claims like "God told me…" Key Texts: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 1:1–2; Deuteronomy 4:2; Acts 17:11; Jude 3; 2 Peter 1:19; Proverbs 30:5–6; Revelation 22:18–19; Psalm 19:7–11. This episode calls Christians to confidence in God's Word, not cynicism, and equips them to test every claim with Scripture—because the Spirit illumines what He inspired, and God's people are safe when their consciences are bound to chapter and verse. For more from Contending for the Word visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

48 min
5D AGO

Five Counterfeits the Solas Still Expose

In this week's Weekly Watch on Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins begins Reformation Month by showing how the Five Solas are not relics of the past, but living truth for the Church today. Dave identifies five common counterfeits: 1. New revelation over Scripture 2. Performance-based acceptance 3. Grace reduced to assistance 4. Many sincere paths to God 5. Platform-driven ministry Each of these is answered with the timeless truths of the Reformation: • Sola Scriptura — Scripture Alone • Sola Fide — Faith Alone • Sola Gratia — Grace Alone • Solus Christus — Christ Alone • Soli Deo Gloria — Glory to God Alone 📖 Key Texts: 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Jude 3, Romans 3:24–26, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8–9, Titus 3:5, Acts 4:12, John 14:6, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 11:36 The Solas steady the Church by fixing our eyes on Christ and His Word. 🔔 For more, visit https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

11 min
SEP 30

True Worship in an Age of Counterfeits

True Worship in an Age of Counterfeits (Wrap-Up with Dave Jenkins) In this closing episode of our September series, Dave Jenkins takes us through the big picture of biblical worship. We've seen how mystical drift, theological liberalism, psychological counterfeits, and performance culture distort the church's worship. Today, we return to God's Word to see what true worship looks like, why it matters, and how we can guard against the counterfeits in our day. Scriptures: Genesis 4; Exodus 32; Isaiah 6; John 4; Hebrews 12; Revelation 4–5.

23 min
SEP 27

From Stage to Superstar, Why Worship Isn’t a Performance

Welcome to Contending for the Word and this week's Weekly Watch. I'm Dave Jenkins. Today we're continuing our September series, True Worship in an Age of Counterfeits. For more from Contending for the Word visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-wordpage/ This episode, From Stage to Superstar: Why Worship Isn't a Performance, addresses the modern drift in many churches where worship shifts from reverence to performance. We'll define the problem, look to Scripture, consider dangers, reflect on church history, and apply biblical truth to our worship today. 📖 Key Scriptures: John 4:23–24; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 115:1 📝 Theme: Worship isn't entertainment or performance—it is the response of God's people to the greatness of God revealed in His Word and centered on Christ's finished work. For more from Contending for the Word, subscribe on YouTube, SermonAudio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

11 min
SEP 23

Biblical Worship Requires Repentance (Not Just an Experience)

When worship downplays sin, avoids confession, and chases a feel-good "experience," God calls it noise—not worship. In this message, Dave Jenkins shows from Scripture why biblical worship requires repentance, truth, and formation—and why counterfeit positivity and false unity deform souls and distort the gospel. Key Texts: Isaiah 1:11–17; Amos 5:21–24; Leviticus 10; Jeremiah 6:14; Revelation 3:17; John 4:23–24; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 12:28–29; Psalm 51:17; 2 Corinthians 6:14–16; Galatians 1:6–9 Outline 1. Worship without repentance is rebellion 2. "Unity" that ignores truth isn't unity at all 3. Songs and liturgy form belief (Col 3:16) 4. What God seeks: worship in spirit and truth 5. Pastoral applications for pastors, leaders, and members Series: Contending for the Word — True Worship in an Age of Counterfeits For more from Contending for the Word visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

44 min
SEP 20

Streaming Worship & the Temptation to Spectate

Streaming is a providential gift for the sick, shut-ins, and travelers. But it must remain a supplement, not a substitute for the embodied gathering. Dave contrasts the blessing of livestreams with the danger of passive, consumer-style "spectator worship," calling believers back to in-person fellowship, the ordinances, and mutual edification. Texts: Heb 10:24–25; Acts 2:42–47; 1 Cor 12; 1 Cor 14; Eph 4:16 For more from The Weekly Watch visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/weekly-watch/

13 min
SEP 16

True Worship According to God’s Word

Worship is central to the Christian life, but it must be according to God's Word. In this episode, Dave explores John 4:24, Hebrews 12:28–29, and Colossians 3:16, showing that true worship is in spirit and truth, reverent and awe-filled, and saturated with God's Word. He also warns against counterfeit worship—idolatry, syncretism, and man-centeredness—that dishonors God and harms His people. For more from Contending for the Word please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

31 min
SEP 13

The Enneagram & Spiritual Formation: A Biblical Response to Counterfeits

In this episode of The Weekly Watch, Dave Jenkins examines the growing popularity of the Enneagram in Christian spiritual formation. Though many promote it as a tool for discipleship and self-discovery, its roots are steeped in occult and mystical practices. Dave contrasts the counterfeit promises of the Enneagram with the sufficiency of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit. True worship is Christ-centered, Word-driven, and Spirit-empowered—not personality-based or man-centered. Listeners will be equipped to discern the dangers of the Enneagram, understand why it appeals to Christians, and be reminded that our identity, growth, and worship must be anchored in Christ alone. 📖 Key Scriptures: • 1 John 4:1 • Luke 9:23 • 2 Corinthians 5:17 • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 • John 17:17 • John 4:23

9 min

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4.5

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22 Ratings

Contending for the Word is a podcast devoted to helping inform, educate, equip, and warn people about false teachers, false movements, and unbiblical philosophies.