Equipping You in Grace

God grows His people through ordinary, faithful means—His Word, the sacraments, prayer, and fellowship. In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins explains why these God-appointed rhythms anchor believers in grace, cultivate perseverance, and form Christlike maturity over time. For more biblical teaching and resources from Equipping You in Grace, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins continues the January series Anchored for a New Year by addressing why the local church is essential for Christian growth, perseverance, and faithfulness. In a culture shaped by convenience, isolation, and post-pandemic inconsistency, many believers struggle to reengage with the local church. Scripture, however, presents the church not as optional, but as God's ordained means for shaping His people through the Word, the sacraments, shepherding, fellowship, and discipline. This episode explores: • What the church is biblically. • How Christ grows believers through the ordinary means of grace. • Why perseverance in the Christian life requires community. • How wounded or drifting believers can reengage with wisdom, humility, and hope. • Why the local church is central to God's mission in the world. Key passages include Acts 2:42–47; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:11–16; Hebrews 10:23–25; and John 13:35. This episode offers pastoral clarity and biblical encouragement for believers seeking to remain anchored in Christ by committing to His church. For more from Equipping You in Grace, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

Prayer is not optional for the Christian life, it is essential. Scripture presents prayer not as a ritual or therapeutic practice, but as humble communion with the living God. In this episode, Dave Jenkins walks through why prayer is central to spiritual growth, how the Word of God shapes our prayers, and how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together as we pray. Drawing from Philippians 4, James 4, Romans 8, and the Lord's Prayer, this episode helps believers understand prayer as dependence on a sovereign Lord, rooted in the ordinary means of grace. Dave also addresses the crisis of prayerlessness in the church, practical rhythms for daily prayer, and how Scripture and prayer function together as the two lifelines of the Christian soul. Whether you struggle with distraction, discouragement, or dryness in prayer, this episode will help you anchor your heart in the truth that God delights to hear His children because of Christ. Key Themes Covered: – Prayer as communion with the Father through the Son by the Spirit. – The crisis of prayerlessness in the modern church. – How Scripture shapes and informs our prayers. – Why prayer is countercultural in a self-sufficient age. – Practical helps for developing a daily rhythm of prayer. – Encouragement for the weary and discouraged in prayer. – How the Incarnation gives believers confident access to God – Prayer and the Word as the two lifelines of the Christian life. Listen today and be strengthened in your walk with Christ as you grow in a life of prayer rooted in the Word of God. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

As we begin 2026, we're launching a new series: Anchored for a New Year. In today's episode, we talk about why Scripture intake isn't a religious checkbox—it's God's ordinary means of grace to renew your mind, steady your heart, and shape your worldview in every generation (Rom. 12:2). We'll cover: • Why spiritual drift often begins with neglect of God's Word • How Scripture transforms (teaching, reproof, correction, training) (2 Tim. 3:16–17) • Why a biblical worldview starts with revelation, not feelings or trends • Practical rhythms: read, meditate, memorize, apply • Hope for the discouraged Christian who wants to begin again 📖 Key Scriptures: Psalm 1; Psalm 119:9, 11, 18, 89, 130; John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16–17; Heb. 4:12; Isa. 55:11; Rom. 12:2; Col. 2:8; 1 Thess. 5:21 👉 Next episode: The Priority of Prayer — Cultivating Communion with God 🔔 Subscribe for weekly biblical encouragement and theological clarity at Servants of Grace: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

As we come to the close of 2025, many Christians sense a renewed desire to read the Bible more faithfully in the year ahead but often feel unsure where to begin or discouraged by past inconsistency. In this year-end episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins encourages believers to enter 2026 anchored in the Word of God. Rather than offering guilt or pressure, this message reminds us why Scripture is essential for Christian growth and how God uses His Word to shape our faith, strengthen discernment, and direct our lives. This episode explores: • Why regular Bible reading is vital for spiritual maturity. • The connection between biblical literacy and discernment. • How God grows His people through His Word. • The importance of choosing a Bible reading plan that fits your season of life. • Three realistic Bible reading options for 2026, including the M'Cheyne plan, a five-day plan, and Reading the Bible Daily with Dave. As we reflect on the incarnation of Christ, we are reminded that the living Word has made Himself known through the written Word. To know Christ, grow in Christ, and walk faithfully with Him, we must be shaped daily by the Scriptures. Progress in the Christian life is not measured by perfection, but by perseverance. As you begin a new year, may you be anchored in God's Word and rooted in the truth that leads to life and godliness. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

As we come to the close of 2025, this episode of Equipping You in Grace serves as an end-of-year ministry report for Servants of Grace. Anchored in 1 Samuel 7:12 — "Thus far the Lord has helped us," this episode reflects on God's faithfulness in sustaining and growing the ministry throughout the past year. This report is not about numbers or platforms, but about stewardship, gratitude, and the glory of God. In this episode, Dave Jenkins: • Reflects on how the Lord faithfully sustained Servants of Grace in 2025. • Expresses gratitude to listeners, readers, writers, prayer partners, and donors. • Reaffirms the ministry's commitment to biblical clarity, theological depth, and faithful discipleship. • Shares how the Lord is leading Servants of Grace as we look ahead to 2026. Servants of Grace exists to serve the church by faithfully proclaiming the Word of God not by chasing trends or softening truth, but by pointing believers again and again to the sufficiency of Scripture and the glory of Christ. We give thanks for what the Lord has done, and we press on with confidence, not in ourselves, but in the Lord who continues to build His church through His Word. "Thus far the Lord has helped us." — 1 Samuel 7:12 For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

On Christmas Eve, we are reminded that Christmas is not ultimately about sentimentality, tradition, or cultural celebration—it is about the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ. In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins continues the series The Incarnation and the Christian Worldview by expounding Luke 2:8–14. This passage draws our attention to the angelic announcement of Christ's birth and calls us to respond with reverence, joy, worship, and faith. This message considers: • The fear and awe produced by the holiness of God. • The good news of great joy announced in the gospel. • Why Jesus came as Savior, Christ, and Lord. • The humility of the manger and the path to the cross. • True peace with God through Christ alone. • Guarding our hearts against cultural counterfeits of Christmas. • Sharing the gospel with others during the Christmas season. The angels' proclamation reminds us that the heart of Christmas is "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is well pleased." May this episode help you keep Christ at the center of your Christmas worship and witness. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

As Christmas draws near, it's easy to become distracted by busyness, traditions, and expectations. In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins invites believers to slow down and prepare their hearts to worship Christ—the Word made flesh. Reflecting on Luke 2, Philippians 2, John 3:16, and other key passages, this message offers eight Christ-centered reflections on the humility of the manger, the greatness of God's gift, worship with gratitude, sharing the good news, family discipleship, resting in Christ's peace, and rejoicing in the joy of salvation. Christmas is not ultimately about activity or tradition, but about worshiping the Savior who came to redeem us. This episode encourages thoughtful reflection, quiet worship, and renewed joy in Christ as we prepare to celebrate His coming. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

The Incarnation is not merely a doctrine to remember at Christmas it is the foundation of the Christian worldview. When the eternal Word became flesh, God entered His creation to redeem it, reveal truth, and anchor reality as He defines it. In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins explains how the Incarnation affirms human dignity, upholds the goodness of creation, defines truth, grounds Christian ethics, exposes cultural idols, clarifies sin and salvation, and anchors the believer's hope. In a culture shaped by materialism, relativism, and confusion about Christ, the Incarnation calls us back to reality as God has revealed it in His Son. This episode encourages Christians to think biblically, live faithfully, and hold fast to the truth that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit our page at Servants of Grace: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins continues our December focus on the Incarnation and its implications for the Christian life. Today's theme is The Incarnation and Christian Worship a reminder that Christ's coming is not merely a doctrine we affirm but a truth that compels worship. From the angels in Luke 2 to the shepherds, the wise men, and Mary, Scripture shows us that every encounter with the newborn Christ led to one response: worship. The Incarnation reveals the glory, humility, and love of God in a way the world had never seen, and the right response is awe, gratitude, humility, and praise. In this episode, Dave walks through eight biblical reflections on how the Incarnation shapes our worship today, including: • The angels who lead the chorus of praise. • The shepherds who respond with joy. • The wise men who bow in reverence and offer gifts. • Mary who treasures and ponders in quiet devotion. • How humility, glory, eternity, and obedience shape true worship. This conversation will help you slow down during the Christmas season, reflect deeply on the meaning of Christ's coming, and respond in heartfelt worship—not just in song, but with your entire life. ________________________________________ 🔗 Scripture Featured Luke 2 • Matthew 2 • Philippians 2 • John 1 • Revelation 5 • Romans 12 ________________________________________ Takeaway The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The only fitting response is worship now and forever. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins continues our December series, The Incarnation and the Christian Worldview, by answering an essential theological question: Why did Jesus take on flesh? When we think about Christmas, we often picture the manger scene, but Scripture teaches that the birth of Christ is inseparably connected to His mission to redeem sinners. The cradle leads to the cross, the empty tomb, and ultimately to the return of Christ. In this episode, we explore: • Why redemption required the eternal Word to become flesh. • How Jesus fulfilled the law as the perfect representative of humanity. • Why the Incarnation was necessary for the cross. • How Christ's death defeated sin, death, and Satan. • What it means to be adopted as sons and daughters. • How the resurrection secures our justification and hope. • How redemption shapes the Christian life today. • How the Incarnation points to our final redemption and future glory. The Incarnation isn't a seasonal theme it is central to the gospel, the Christian worldview, and the believer's eternal hope. ________________________________________ Key Scripture: John 1:14 • Galatians 4:4–5 • Hebrews 2:14–17 • Philippians 2:5–11 • Romans 4:25 • 1 Corinthians 15 • Titus 2:14 • Revelation 21:1–4 ________________________________________ Key Truth: Christ was born to redeem. The manger leads us to the cross, and the cross leads us to the empty tomb and the glory to come. ________________________________________ More Resources: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins continues the December series on the Incarnation and the Christian worldview by examining why the deity of Christ is essential to the Christian faith. From the early church battles against Arianism to the modern confusion revealed in the State of Theology survey, the identity of Jesus has always been contested. Yet Scripture is clear. Jesus openly claimed deity. The New Testament writers affirm Him as the eternal Son of God. The early creeds defended this truth because the gospel depends on it. Dave walks through: • Christ's explicit claims to deity • Key biblical texts that reveal His divine identity • Early church controversies and the Council of Nicaea • Modern skepticism and cultural reductionism • Why only God can save • Why Christ's deity shapes true worship • How Christians can clearly and lovingly defend the biblical Christ If Jesus is not truly God, there is no salvation, no atonement, no resurrection, and no hope. But because He is the eternal Son of God, His death is sufficient, His resurrection is victorious, and His name is worthy of all worship. For more biblical resources, articles, and episodes, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

In this episode, Dave Jenkins continues the December series on The Incarnation and the Christian Worldview by examining how the birth of Jesus Christ fulfills God's promises spoken centuries earlier. From Isaiah's prophecy of the virgin birth to Micah's declaration that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, Scripture reveals the precision, reliability, and faithfulness of God's Word. Christ's birth is not a legend or seasonal tale but the unfolding of God's eternal plan in real time and real history. Dave walks through eight reflections on the birth of Christ, showing how fulfilled prophecy strengthens our confidence in Scripture, confronts skepticism, displays God's sovereignty over history, and shapes a distinctly Christian worldview. Whether you are wrestling with doubt, facing discouragement, or simply want to grow in your understanding of the Incarnation, this episode calls you to anchor your trust in the God who always keeps His Word. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

In this December series, Dave Jenkins walks through the meaning and wonder of the Incarnation the eternal Son of God taking on human flesh. This episode explores eight reflections on why the Incarnation matters, how it strengthens our faith, and why it is central to the gospel. Scripture: John 1:1–14; Matthew 1:22–23; Philippians 2:5–11; Hebrews 4:15. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

In this final November episode of our series, Gratitude and Grace in a Confused World, Dave Jenkins helps us look beyond the gifts we enjoy and trace every blessing back to the Giver. From James 1:16–18 and Psalm 103:1–5, we see that: • God is the source of every good and perfect gift. • His greatest gift is redemption through Christ. • Gratitude becomes worship when it glorifies the Giver above the gifts. As we enter Thanksgiving week, this episode calls us to thank God not only for His blessings, but for who He is. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

In this episode, Dave Jenkins continues the November series "Gratitude and Grace in a Confused World." Scripture teaches that gratitude belongs in seasons of joy, in seasons of trial, and throughout the entire Christian life. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3 and Philippians 4, Dave explores what true biblical contentment looks like and why gratitude is rooted in God's unchanging faithfulness. Topics Covered: • Gratitude in seasons of joy (Ecclesiastes 3:1–4). • Gratitude in seasons of trial (Philippians 4:11–13). • Gratitude across a lifetime of walking with Christ. • Insights from Augustine, the Puritans, and church history. • How gratitude shapes a biblical worldview in a confused world. Find more biblical teaching from Equipping You in Grace: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

Gratitude doesn't stop at words it moves into action. In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins explores how true gratitude overflows into generosity and humble service. From 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 and Mark 10:45, we see that thankfulness fuels a life of joyful giving and Christlike service. The world tells us to give only when it benefits us, but Scripture shows a better way: serving because Christ first served us. Gratitude transforms giving from a duty into a delight and service from an obligation into worship. Key Scriptures: • 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 — Gratitude produces generosity • Mark 10:45 — Gratitude fuels humble service Summary Points: • Gratitude produces joyful generosity rooted in God's provision. • Christ's example of service shapes our understanding of greatness. • The early church modeled sacrificial service out of thankfulness. Takeaway: Gratitude that stays private is incomplete. True gratitude moves outward in love, generosity, and service for God's glory. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave Jenkins continues our November series, "Gratitude and Grace in a Confused World." We explore how gratitude is not limited to extraordinary moments but extends to the ordinary rhythms of daily life worship, work, and relationships. Through Colossians 3:15–17, we're reminded that every moment is an opportunity to glorify God and experience His daily grace. Key Themes: • Gratitude in worship — thanksgiving as the atmosphere of true praise. • Gratitude in work and relationships — transforming ordinary moments into worship. • Gratitude in God's providence — recognizing His hand in the everyday mercies of life. Takeaway: Gratitude is not an occasional act but a daily posture of the heart. When thanksgiving becomes our rhythm, the ordinary becomes sacred, and all of life becomes worship unto God. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/ Visit ServantsOfGrace.org for articles, podcasts, and resources to help you grow in biblical clarity and daily faithfulness. #EquippingYouInGrace #ServantsOfGrace #Gratitude #BiblicalWorldview #DaveJenkins

In a world fueled by comparison, constant noise, and never-ending desires for more, the Bible calls Christians to a better way contentment rooted in Christ alone. In this episode of Equipping You in Grace, Dave explores what Scripture teaches about true contentment and how believers can rest in the sufficiency of Christ in every season of life. Key Texts • Philippians 4:10–13 • Hebrews 13:5 What You'll Learn • Why contentment must be learned through walking with Christ • How God's presence, not possessions, grounds lasting contentment • The danger of a culture built on comparison and consumerism • Insights from church history on cultivating a quiet and confident trust in Christ • Practical ways to grow in gratitude and rest in God's promises this week True contentment is not found in what we own or achieve, but in the unchanging presence and faithfulness of Christ who promises, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." No matter your circumstances today — whether in abundance or in need — Christ is enough. 🔗 Stay Connected For more from Equipping You in Grace and to subscribe for biblical teaching, daily encouragement, and gospel-centered resources please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

How do Christians persevere with gratitude when life is hard? In this episode, Dave Jenkins explores James 1 and Romans 5 to show how God uses trials to refine our faith, deepen our character, and anchor our hope in Christ. Learn how believers throughout history have embraced gratitude in suffering, and how you can walk with joy and confidence in every season of hardship. For more from Equipping You in Grace please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/