The Gospel, Identity, and New Life in Christ

Identity in Christ: Leaving Sin Behind and Following Jesus

What happens to our identity when we follow Jesus Christ? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how the gospel transforms the believer's identity. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Luke 9:23, this episode explores what it means to become a new creation in Christ, why believers are no longer defined by sin, and how Christian discipleship involves repentance and ongoing transformation. Christians do not lose who they are when they come to Christ. Rather, they are redeemed, restored, and increasingly conformed to the image of Christ. Discover what the Bible teaches about identity in Christ, spiritual transformation, and living faithfully as a disciple of Jesus. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Love Rejoices with the Truth

What does the Bible teach about the relationship between love and holiness? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines the modern claim that love requires affirmation and contrasts it with the biblical teaching that love rejoices with the truth. Scripture never separates love from holiness because both flow from the character of God Himself. Christians are called to speak the truth in love, reject the false choice between truth and compassion, and point others to the transforming grace of Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How Christians Fight Temptation

Every Christian experiences temptation, but temptation itself is not the same as sin. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains what Scripture teaches about temptation, desire, and the Christian life. Drawing from Hebrews 4, James 1, Matthew 26, and Galatians 5, Dave shows how believers can understand temptation biblically, resist sin through God's means of grace, and find encouragement in Christ, who was tempted in every respect yet without sin. Christians are not left to fight temptation alone. The Lord provides His Word, prayer, the fellowship of the church, and the power of the Holy Spirit to help His people stand firm and grow in holiness. Temptation is part of the Christian life, but God's grace is sufficient for every believer who seeks to follow Christ faithfully. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Self-Denial and Following Christ

Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains Luke 9:23-24 and shows why self-denial is an essential part of Christian discipleship. This episode clarifies what self-denial is and what it is not. Rather than rejecting God's good gifts, self-denial means refusing to place our desires above God's will and submitting every area of life to the authority of Jesus Christ. As Jesus teaches, true life is not found through self-rule or self-expression, but through surrender to Him. Christians discover lasting freedom, purpose, and joy when they follow Christ and trust His Word. For more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Identity in Christ Alone

One of the most common messages in modern culture is this: follow your desires, look within, and define yourself according to your feelings. But Scripture presents a very different foundation for identity. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines what the Bible teaches about identity and explains why our identity is ultimately found in Christ alone. Looking at 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Luke 9:23, this message explores the relationship between identity, desires, discipleship, and union with Christ. Christians are not defined by their struggles, feelings, or desires. Through faith in Christ, believers become new creations and receive a secure identity grounded in God's grace and redemption. In a culture searching for meaning and belonging, the gospel points us to the lasting hope and stability found in Christ alone. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/