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Christians are called to contend for the faith with conviction, humility, and love. Drawing from Jude 3 and Ephesians 6:10–18, Dave Jenkins explains why God's revealed truth must be received, proclaimed, and guarded. This episode considers the centrality of the gospel, the importance of Christlike character, and the call to remain faithful to Scripture in the home, workplace, and local church. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

US government schools are failing. There's been a 24-point drop in math skills since 2009, and a 14-point drop in reading skills just since 2018. Why? According to a recent study, it is not a failure of academics – the real issue is student behavior. Chaos and violence in the classroom is an everyday occurrence that makes teachers' jobs "almost impossible." Kevin Swanson and Daniel Craig discuss what scripture says should be done to reform education. They talk about… - The unambiguous reason that teachers themselves identify for kids' bad behavior: it's their parents' fault - The place of corporal punishment…and whether it can be delegated to babysitters or daycare workers - Why anyone should have been able to predict that bifurcating character and academics would lead to disaster - What should be done about teachers' job satisfaction dropping from 62% to 18% in only 15 years - The three fundamental pillars of successful education that must be constantly woven together – and how government schools split them apart instead Got a topic you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected] Subscribe for more biblical analysis of world events from Generations. #GenerationsRadio #Generations #KevinSwanson #Homeschooling #AmericanSchooling

This sermon provides a verse-by-verse exposition of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, emphasizing that true blessedness is rooted in spiritual humility rather than material wealth or self-esteem. The speaker argues that acknowledging one's total depravity and sinfulness is the necessary prerequisite for salvation, citing David's confession in Psalm 51 as a model of honest self-assessment. Each beatitude is presented as a divine fact describing the character of God's saints, who mourn over sin, submit to God's chastening, hunger for righteousness, and extend mercy despite their own unworthiness. The tone is pastoral and convicting, urging listeners to rely entirely on God's grace and the finished work of Christ, while warning against the false security of self-righteousness or the world's approval. The message concludes by affirming that those who remain faithful in the face of persecution possess an eternal inheritance that no earthly loss can diminish.

In this lecture, Laying Down The Law, we will learn that God has given the law to man to keep him from attempting to save himself by his own efforts or works. We will find that God has given us the moral law to reveal His righteous character, reveal His standard of righteousness for man, to expose our sins, and lead sinners to Christ for salvation. Grab you Bible and join us as we continue our series in Christian Doctrine 101 and grow in our understanding of the basic teachings of Scripture.

This sermon examines the biblical qualifications for a 'widow indeed' as outlined in 1 Timothy 5, contrasting her spiritual maturity with the carnal lifestyle of those who live for pleasure. The central message emphasizes that true godliness is demonstrated through a consistent walk of trust in God, persistent prayer, and the fulfillment of familial duties, particularly the obligation of children to care for their aging parents. The text warns against the spiritual deadness that results from prioritizing rest and self-indulgence over the work of the Spirit, citing the church at Sardis as a parallel example. It further instructs the congregation on the importance of maintaining good works, such as hospitality and charity, which serve as evidence of genuine faith and protect the church from being burdened by those who have family support. The tone is instructional and convicting, urging believers to examine their own lives for signs of idleness, gossip, or a lack of duty, and to instead cultivate a character that honors God through practical love and self-sacrifice.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 75—especially explaining how the last six commandments apply the knowledge and love of God to how we love ourselves and others. Q75. What do the last six commandments teach? Our duty to our fellow men. This lesson explores the theological foundation of the last six commandments, identifying them as a summary of humanity's duty to fellow men. It clarifies that these commandments are not merely social rules but are rooted in the reality that all people are created in the image of God. The teaching corrects the modern notion of self-love as self-indulgence, arguing instead that proper self-regard and neighborly love are derived from, and defined by, God's law. By examining specific commandments regarding authority, life, marriage, property, truth, and desire, the lesson demonstrates how interacting with others is fundamentally an act of interacting with God. The central message emphasizes that our conduct toward neighbors is a direct reflection of our understanding of God's character and our own identity as His image-bearers.

This sermon explores the book of Philemon as a portrait of the gospel manifested in everyday family life, focusing on the first three verses to highlight the character of Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus. The central message emphasizes that faith is not merely a religious observance but a practical reality that transforms relationships within the home. Philemon is presented as a model of self-sacrificial love and active labor in ministry, while Apphia exemplifies loyalty and support for her husband and children. Archippus is described as a young believer who endures the hardships of spiritual warfare as a fellow soldier of Christ. The exposition concludes by asserting that even such a devoted family requires God's grace and peace to navigate the challenges of ministry and domestic life, urging believers to rely on divine help rather than human effort.

This sermon explores the biblical perspective on enduring hardship, emphasizing that trials are inevitable and serve a divine purpose in building spiritual character. The central message encourages believers to view diverse temptations with joy, not because suffering is desirable, but because it produces patience and reveals God's presence. The text highlights the necessity of seeking God's wisdom during times of crisis, warning against double-mindedness and urging a committed response to divine direction. It further illustrates God's providence in raising the lowly and humbling the rich, reminding the audience that earthly circumstances are temporary. Ultimately, the sermon points to the eternal reward of the crown of life for those who endure, urging believers to grow through resistance rather than allowing it to breed bitterness.

This sermon examines the narrative of Nabal and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25, contrasting the husband's stubbornness and evil deeds with his wife's wisdom and understanding. The preacher highlights how Nabal's harshness mirrors the stiff-necked behavior of Israel described in Judges, serving as a warning against suppressing known truth and acting in self-righteous vengeance. In response to Nabal's insult, David prepares for retribution, but Abigail intervenes with humility and provision, successfully averting bloodshed and demonstrating the power of wise counsel. The passage concludes with the Lord striking Nabal, illustrating that divine judgment is certain and operates on God's timing rather than human initiative. Ultimately, the sermon points to Christ as the greater David who endured revilement without retaliation, encouraging believers to trust in God's justice and avoid taking vengeance into their own hands.

Our imaginations can be quite vivid. It is important to seek to have the facts before drawing a conclusion. The nation of Israel faced a real test of character in our text. The good news is that they allowed God to direct them in the resolution to the challenge.

Has modern Christianity created a version of God who never gets angry with His own children? In an age when biblical masculinity, fatherly authority, and accountability are increasingly under attack, even our understanding of God's character has been distorted. Modern psychology and feminism have helped undermine the biblical role of fathers, while popular religious teaching often portrays God as a Father who is never angry with His children, regardless of their disobedience. But what does the Bible actually teach? Scripture commands, "Be ye angry, and sin not" (Ephesians 4:26). There is sinful anger, but there is also righteous anger. This message examines how much of today's parenting substitutes repeated threats, frustration, yelling, and uncontrolled anger for consistent biblical discipline. God's pattern of the rod and reproof, administered calmly and lovingly, teaches children to obey without endless arguments and threats, bringing peace and rest to the home. Yet there are also times when anger itself is justified, provided it remains governed by righteousness. And what about our heavenly Father? The Scriptures repeatedly reveal that God became angry with His own people. Paul specifically tells New Testament believers that these Old Testament accounts were written as warnings for US! From Israel's rebellion in the wilderness to the solemn warnings of Hebrews, Corinthians, and the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Bible presents a sobering truth: God's love does not mean He is indifferent to the sins of His children. But the message does not end with God's anger. There is a wonderful difference between God's temporary displeasure and His everlasting covenant love!

Psalm 11 is significant because it addresses the challenge of remaining faithful to God when society's moral and spiritual foundations appear to be collapsing. David faces advice to flee from danger, as the wicked prepare their weapons and attack the upright, prompting the question, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3). Rather than surrendering to fear, David declares his trust in the LORD, who reigns from His holy throne, sees everything, examines the hearts of humanity, and will ultimately judge the wicked while upholding righteousness. In the context of "Foundations Crumbling," this psalm reminds believers that although earthly institutions, moral standards, and human security may fail, God's throne and righteous character remain unshaken. Christians are therefore called to stand firm in faith, resist the temptation to despair, and trust in God's sovereign justice and enduring righteousness, knowing that the LORD loves the righteous and remains their ultimate refuge even in times of widespread corruption and uncertainty.

This sermon examines the qualifications for church leadership outlined in Titus 1, emphasizing that the selection of elders is the primary method for preserving order in a congregation. The central message argues that a leader's character is revealed through three distinct areas: the management of the home, the discipline of personal life, and the fidelity of teaching. The preacher highlights that while perfection is unattainable, a consistent trajectory toward godliness is required, specifically in areas such as marital faithfulness, self-control, and a rejection of greed or arrogance. The tone is instructional and pastoral, urging the congregation to recognize that these standards are not merely for pastors but represent the baseline for all Christian discipleship. The sermon concludes with a call for the church to actively identify, train, and support men who exhibit these traits, ensuring the spiritual health and continuity of the local body.

The second of a two part message, preaching on the right type of worship by the upright man.