⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
Contending for the Word
The New Apostolic Reformation, Modern Prophets, and Counterfeit Revival
Episode Summary
The New Apostolic Reformation promotes modern apostles, continuing prophetic revelation, dominion theology, strategic-level spiritual warfare, and revival movements centered on extraordinary experiences. These teachings raise a foundational issue for every Christian: Who possesses authority in the church?In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins examines the central teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation and contrasts modern apostolic and prophetic claims with the sufficient and authoritative Word of God. He also explains how genuine revival is marked by repentance, holiness, obedience, love for Christ, and renewed devotion to biblical truth.The church does not need celebrity apostles, new revelation, or counterfeit revival. Christians need Christ, faithful preaching, sound doctrine, biblical local churches, and confidence in the Word God has already given.Listen or Watch
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The defining teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation.
- Why the biblical apostles occupied a unique and foundational role.
- The dangers of modern apostles and continuing prophetic revelation.
- How prophetic culture shifts authority from Scripture to subjective experiences.
- What the Seven Mountain Mandate and dominion theology teach.
- The problems with territorial spirits and strategic-level spiritual warfare.
- The biblical difference between genuine and counterfeit revival.
- Why spiritual excitement is not the same as spiritual maturity.
- How Christians can test every spiritual claim by Scripture.
- Why faithful involvement in a biblical local church matters.
Key Scriptures
- Ephesians 2:20
- Jeremiah 23
- Acts 17:10–11
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17
- Jude 3
- 1 John 4:1
- Matthew 7:15–20
- 2 Peter 1:19–21
Stand Firm on the Sufficient Word of God
Christians must test every teaching, prophecy, supernatural claim, and revival narrative by the written Word of God. Our confidence does not rest in modern apostles, celebrity prophets, powerful personalities, or extraordinary experiences. It rests in Jesus Christ and the trustworthy, authoritative, and sufficient Scriptures.The ordinary means of grace are not spiritually inadequate. Through faithful preaching, prayer, the ordinances, fellowship, and committed participation in a biblical local church, the Lord strengthens and matures His people.More from Contending for the Word
Contending for the Word helps Christians develop biblical discernment, recognize false teaching, and stand firm in the truth of God’s Word.Visit the Contending for the Word podcast page: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/Watch more episodes on YouTube: Contending for the Word YouTube Playlist
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 (G3 Press, 2022), 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.
