Contending for the Word

Many Christians today believe yoga is harmless just stretching, breathing, or a way to relieve stress. But yoga is not spiritually neutral. Its poses, philosophy, and origins are rooted in Hindu worship, idolatry, and counterfeit spirituality. When believers adopt these practices, they often open the door to confusion, deception, and spiritual warfare. In this important episode, Dave Jenkins is joined by Doreen Virtue to examine what yoga truly is, why it cannot be separated from its pagan roots, and how Christians can respond with biblical discernment. Doreen shares from her own 20-plus years inside the New Age movement, her testimony of coming out of deception, and her new book Yoga and Spiritual Warfare. Together they discuss: • The State of Theology findings and the rise of universalism. • Why "holy yoga," "Christian yoga," and "praise moves" cannot redeem pagan worship. • The spiritual meaning behind yoga poses, chanting, and meditation. • Why stretching is good, but yoga is not neutral. • How the gospel delivers us from deception into truth. • Why biblical discernment is an act of love for God and neighbor. This episode calls believers to test every practice by Scripture and to cling to Christ, the only Way, Truth, and Life. Scripture References: Romans 6–8, John 14:6, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Romans 1:25, Exodus 20, Jude 3, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Corinthians 10:5. For more from Contending for the Word please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/ For more from Contending for the Word please visit:

Today's Weekly Watch brings biblical clarity to spiritual warfare in a culture filled with counterfeit spirituality, occult practices, mystical deception, secularism, and confusion about spiritual authority. Dave Jenkins walks through Ephesians 6:10–20, the classic, historic, biblical understanding of warfare, the Puritans' insights into Satan's schemes, and Jesus' model of resisting temptation in Matthew 4:1–11. Christians are not left defenseless. God equips His people with His Word, His Spirit, His promises, His presence, and His armor. Believers fight not for victory but from Christ's victory. This episode helps you understand how to stand firm in the truth and walk in biblical discernment in an age of deception. For more from Contending for the Word please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins welcomes Doreen Virtue to discuss the Armor of God from Ephesians 6 and what true biblical spiritual warfare really is. Together they expose the errors of modern deliverance ministries, explain why Christians cannot be demon-possessed, and emphasize the believer's security in Christ. This conversation calls believers to stand firm in the sufficiency of Scripture, depend on God's grace, and put on the whole armor of God through faith, prayer, and obedience. Whether you are a pastor, layperson, or someone coming out of deception, this episode will encourage you to rest in Christ's finished work and walk in His strength. For more from Contending for the Word please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

In this episode of The Weekly Watch, part of the Contending for the Word podcast, Dave Jenkins examines how Satan disguises himself as an angel of light and how false spiritual "light" leads people away from the Christ revealed in Scripture. Many modern messages sound compassionate and enlightened, but at their core, they deny the sufficiency and authority of God's Word. From 2 Corinthians 11:13–15, we learn that deception doesn't always look dark it often appears bright, gentle, and persuasive. Dave explains how to discern false light in the New Age, in counterfeit "prophetic" movements, and even within the visible church. True light, he reminds us, humbles sinners, exposes sin, magnifies Christ, and aligns us with the Word of God. Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 11:13–15; Genesis 3; John 8:12; Ephesians 5:8–11; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 6:10–18; 1 John 4:1 Theme: Standing firm in biblical truth, testing the spirits, and walking in the light of Christ. Summary: Satan's deceptions don't come with horns and darkness they come disguised as light. This episode calls Christians to test everything by Scripture, reject spiritual counterfeits, and stand firm in the true light of Christ. For more from Contending for the word please visit our page at Servants of Grace: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

Today on Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins is joined by Doreen Virtue to discuss Counterfeits vs Christ: New Age to Jesus. In this conversation, Doreen shares her journey from New Age deception to saving faith in Christ, exposing the subtle dangers of counterfeit spirituality and showing how God's Word brings true light and freedom. Together, they unpack topics like manifestation, Reiki, emotional "vibes," yoga, and false peace—contrasting them with biblical truth, discernment, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Key Scriptures: John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 10:21, Psalm 119:105, Romans 3:23, Deuteronomy 18:10–12. Listen and be encouraged to stand firm in the truth of God's Word, test all things, and hold fast to what is good. 👉 More at servantsofgrace.org

In this week's Weekly Watch from Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins addresses a critical issue shaping much of modern Christianity: emotionalism, the tendency to elevate feelings above the unchanging truth of Scripture. The Bible teaches that emotions are a good gift from God, yet they make terrible masters. When emotions sit on the throne of our hearts, they distort our view of God, cloud discernment, and pull us away from biblical truth. But when submitted to Scripture, emotions become instruments of worship rather than sources of confusion. Through passages like Jeremiah 17:9, 2 Timothy 4:3–4, Psalm 42, John 17:17, and John 4:24, Dave explains how the Word of God renews our minds, shapes our affections, and anchors our discernment in Christ instead of in fluctuating feelings. This episode will help you: • Understand the difference between biblical emotion and destructive emotionalism • Test your feelings by the Word of God • Engage both heart and mind in worship • Pursue spiritual maturity rather than spiritual highs • Stand firm in the truth when emotions fluctuate If this episode encourages you, please share it with others. You can find more biblical resources at Servants of Grace and subscribe to the podcast or YouTube channel to stay updated each week. For more from Contending for the Word please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins and Marcia Montenegro examine Peter Scazzero's Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and the broader movement of emotional mysticism in the church. They explain how contemplative practices and psychology-driven spirituality replace the sufficiency of Scripture with self-focused introspection. Through biblical discernment and biblical clarity, Dave and Marcia call believers to stand firm on the truth of God's Word, to test every teaching by Scripture, and to grow through the ordinary means of grace: Word, prayer, fellowship, and worship. Topics Covered: • The roots and influence of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. • The danger of contemplative spirituality and mysticism. • The difference between emotional maturity and spiritual maturity. • How the Bible teaches us to steward emotions under the Lordship of Christ. • Encouragement for those coming out of deception. Key Takeaway: True growth in Christ is not found in emotional introspection or mystical practices but through the Spirit-empowered, Word-anchored life of obedience and faith. For more from Contending for the Word please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

In this Weekly Watch episode, Dave Jenkins examines the subtlety of deception how Satan's strategy has always been to twist Scripture, insert doubt, and direct hearts away from God's revealed Word. Through Genesis 3, Matthew 4, and multiple New Testament warnings, we learn that deception often sounds comforting, spiritual, and familiar — yet leads to self, not Christ. True discernment holds fast to Scripture, tests all things, and rests in God's sufficient Word. Stand firm. Christ will hold you fast. For more from Contending for the Word please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins is joined by Doreen Virtue to discuss her new book, Eve's Pagan Daughters. Together they expose how counterfeit spiritualities such as the New Age, mindfulness, contemplative prayer, and goddess worship are deceiving many, especially women wounded by trauma. Doreen shares from her professional background as a former psychotherapist and her journey out of New Age deception into faith in Christ. She and Dave explore how trauma, dissociation, and false peace offered by the enemy stand in stark contrast to the true peace found only in Jesus Christ. Listeners will learn why biblical discernment, gospel clarity, and the sufficiency of Scripture are essential for protecting the church from deception and how pastors and believers alike can shepherd with compassion and conviction. Key Texts: Genesis 3, Ephesians 6:10–18, 1 Peter 5:8, Philippians 4:6–9, Romans 1:16 Topics: New Age, trauma, mindfulness, mysticism, contemplative prayer, false teaching, spiritual warfare, biblical counseling, discernment, sufficiency of Scripture, gospel hope Call to Action: Subscribe to Contending for the Word on wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/ for more articles, podcasts, and resources to help you grow in discernment and hold fast to God's Word. Check out Doreen Virtue's podcast New Age to Christ (https://servantsofgrace.org/doreen-virtue/) and her book Eve's Pagan Daughters, available now on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4nATDkm

In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains why discernment is vital for Christians living in a world filled with confusion and deception. From the prosperity gospel to the New Age and contemplative practices, believers are called to test every teaching by Scripture and stand firm in the truth of God's Word. 📖 Matthew 24:24 | Hebrews 5:14 | James 1:5

Dave Jenkins closes Reformation Month by confronting the modern temptation to measure ministry by metrics and personality instead of faithfulness and God's glory. Drawing from Romans 11:36, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17, and 1 Peter 5:1–4, he exposes performance worship, celebrity pastoring, and brand-first decisions—and calls the church back to ordinary means, plural leadership, and Word-centered liturgy. Key takeaway: Success isn't metrics + personality; it's Christ proclaimed, people pastored, and God glorified. For more from Contending for the Word please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

What does it mean to be always reforming? Many think "reform" means chasing new trends or ideas—but true, biblical reform means being continually brought back to God's Word. In this Weekly Watch, Dave Jenkins explains semper reformanda as a posture of humility and dependence on Scripture, not innovation. He walks through a simple seven-day Reformation plan that families, small groups, or individuals can do in ten minutes a day—focusing on the Word, prayer, singing the cross, loving one neighbor, and expressing one gratitude. Website: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/ Podcast: Contending for the Word on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

In this Reformation Month episode, Dave Jenkins exposes a subtle counterfeit gospel many Christians live by without realizing it: "God helps those who help themselves." Scripture teaches something far better—grace that saves, not assists. We'll uncover the false ladders of decisionalism, elitism, and self-improvement spirituality, and return to the biblical truth of sola gratia—that God raises the dead, grants faith, and keeps His people to the end. In This Episode • The hidden creed of "God helps those who help themselves" • Why grace doesn't meet us halfway—it makes us alive • The counterfeits: decisionalism, elitism, self-improvement gospel • Sola Gratia explained: regeneration, faith as gift, grace that keeps • Practical tools to reframe your testimony ("God did…") • Living in humility, assurance, and gratitude Key Texts: Ephesians 2:1–10 • Titus 3:3-7 • John 6:37-40 ________________________________________ Takeaway: Grace doesn't boost climbers—it raises the dead and keeps them. 📩 Subscribe to Contending for the Word on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube at: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

When culture says, "Go along to get along," Scripture calls believers to something better a conscience captive to the Word of God. In this week's The Weekly Watch, Dave Jenkins explains how Christians can stand kindly and firmly with conviction that is grounded in Scripture, not emotion or pressure. Learn what conscience is and isn't, how Scripture binds it, and how to navigate real-world moments of tension with calm clarity. Dave also shares three biblical tools full counsel, prayerful Pace, and plurality of Counsel to help you walk by the light of God's Word with wisdom and peace. Key Points: • The nature and role of conscience in the Christian life (Romans 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:2) • Why only God's Word binds the conscience (Psalm 119:105; Acts 20:27) • How to respond kindly and truthfully under cultural pressure (Romans 12:2) • A seven-step path for clear, kind conviction at work or school • Three tools for standing firmly with grace • Website: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

Many Christians live as though their acceptance before God rises and falls with their performance. But Scripture declares something far better: "Justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24) In this Reformation Month episode, Dave Jenkins explores the heart of Sola Fide—faith alone. He exposes the "Do-More Gospel" and its modern counterfeits (legalism, prosperity-lite, and therapeutic moralism), and re-centers assurance on the finished work of Christ. Listeners will learn how justification by faith alone frees weary souls from ladder-climbing religion and fuels grateful obedience as the fruit of grace, not the fee for favor. ________________________________________ Key Points: • God declares the ungodly righteous by grace through faith in Christ. • Counterfeit gospels confuse fruit with foundation and destroy assurance. • Justification by imputation relocates our verdict outside of ourselves—on Jesus. • Grateful obedience flows from assurance, not anxiety. ________________________________________ Takeaway: You are not accepted because you perform; you are accepted because Christ performed perfectly for you. For more from Contending for the Word visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-wordpage/