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Old Errors, Unchanging Truth: Church History and Discernment
Many theological errors presented as new discoveries have appeared before. Learning church history helps Christians recognize these patterns, appreciate faithful doctrine, and remember that Christ has preserved His church through every generation.In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explores the relationship between church history and discernment. Drawing on Ecclesiastes 1:9 and Hebrews 13:7, he explains how learning from the past can strengthen our commitment to Scripture and encourage faithful Christian living.Listen or Watch
In This Episode
- Recognizing recurring errors beneath changing names and terminology.
- Learning from Christians who faithfully defended biblical truth.
- Cultivating humility and gratitude through historical awareness.
- Submitting every historical lesson to the authority of God’s Word.
Church History and Discernment Under the Authority of Scripture
We are not the first Christians to face difficult questions or defend the faith. Faithful believers throughout history remind us that biblical truth has been studied, proclaimed, and defended for generations.Their example encourages us to grow in wisdom and faithfulness. Yet church history serves us best when it directs us back to Scripture. Our confidence rests in the God who has revealed Himself through His Word.Scripture References
Ecclesiastes 1:9; Hebrews 13:7.For more biblical teaching, explore Servants of Grace at Contending for the Word Q&A and subscribe to the Servants of Grace YouTube channel.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
