God's Word calls Christians to give thanks in all circumstances. In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins explains how gratitude helps believers resist grumbling, entitlement, fear, and cynicism by remembering God's character, promises, and saving grace in Jesus Christ. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Romans 1, Philippians 4, Colossians, and Ephesians 6, Dave considers thanksgiving as an expression of faith and dependence on God. He also explains how gratitude shapes biblical discernment, helping Christians distinguish truth from error, recognize faithfulness, and correct others with humility and love. The episode closes with seven practical encouragements for cultivating gratitude through prayer, remembering the gospel, encouraging others, and participating faithfully in the life of the local church. Christians can grieve honestly while continuing to give thanks for the mercy of belonging to Christ. For more Contending for the Word, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

Christians can give thanks during suffering because God's character, promises, and saving grace remain unchanged. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins considers 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Philippians 4:6–7, and Romans 8:28 to explain how biblical gratitude and honest lament can exist together. Learn to remember God's faithfulness, bring your burdens to Him in prayer, notice His ordinary mercies, and look ahead to eternal life with Christ. Thanksgiving can come through tears as believers trust the God who remains faithful in every circumstance. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Dave Jenkins begins the November Equipping You in Grace series by examining God's sovereignty as the foundation of Christian contentment. From Psalm 115:3 and Romans 8:28–30, he explains how God's wisdom, goodness, and saving purposes sustain believers through suffering. Dave considers contentment amid grief, the meaning of God's promise to work all things for His people's good, and practical growth through Scripture, prayer, gratitude, the gathered church, and eternal hope. This episode encourages Christians to rest in Christ's sufficiency and live faithfully in difficult circumstances. For more from Equipping You in Grace, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

This discussion explores the intersection of Christian faith and mental health, highlighting the distinct role of biblical counseling in addressing anxiety and depression. The conversation identifies contributing factors to rising mental health issues, including social isolation, digital overstimulation, and the erosion of trust in societal institutions. It emphasizes the unique pressures faced by pastors, such as loneliness and the burden of leadership, while advocating for the use of professional resources like the Granbury Counseling Centers to support both congregants and ministry leaders. The dialogue underscores the importance of recognizing behavioral changes as warning signs and encourages a culture of openness where seeking help is viewed as a step toward spiritual maturity rather than a failure. Ultimately, the message promotes a holistic approach to well-being that integrates professional care with the ongoing process of sanctification and reliance on God's purpose.

Justin Peters welcomes Todd Friel to discuss Go Serve Your King: The Key to Extraordinary Purpose in Everyday Life. Drawing on 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Hebrews 1:3, they consider how Christ's lordship shapes work, relationships, rest, and ordinary responsibilities. Their conversation also addresses biblical warnings about false teachers, the joy of obedience, and the importance of connecting sound doctrine with love for Christ and godly living. They share encouragement from faithful pastors and discuss concerns about using AI to write sermons. More from Justin Peters: https://servantsofgrace.org/justin-peters-sound-theology/ Book information: https://fortisinstitute.org/king/ This video first appeared at Justin's YouTube and is posted here with his permission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZSYw_O2EQg

Christian Khanda - Public Reading of Scripture

(Sunday Service) 1 Peter 1:1-2: "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you."

11/01/2026 "The Aroma of Holiness" 1 Peter 1:13-19 Main Point: Look to Christ and pursue holiness in every area of life.

Take Heart; It Is I | Mark 6:45–56 Why does obedience to Christ sometimes lead us into suffering? Where is Jesus when we struggle against the winds of difficult providence? And how should Christians respond when fear threatens to overwhelm their faith? In Mark 6:45–56, Jesus sends His disciples into a storm, watches over them in their struggle, and comes to them walking upon the sea. His words, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid," reveal far more than His power over nature. They reveal His divine identity, sovereign care, and faithfulness toward His people. This expository sermon examines three truths: 1. Christ sees His people in their struggle. His apparent absence never means neglect, and His delays are governed by perfect wisdom. 2. Christ reveals Himself as the Lord of the sea. Our confidence rests not in improved circumstances but in the person, power, and saving work of Jesus Christ. 3. Christ exposes our forgetfulness and calls us to faith. Remembering God's past mercies, especially the cross and resurrection, strengthens believers to trust Him in present trials. The sermon also considers Christ's continuing intercession, the Spirit's work in sanctification, the hope of bodily resurrection, and the church's responsibility to bear one another's burdens. When the wind is against you, remember the loaves, remember the cross, and hear the Savior's words: "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."

Just as Christians have died to sin we have died to law. Law breaks down due to the rebellion of our sin nature. Just as law fails in Justification (Romans 3:20-25) it fails in sanctification (Romans 7:5).

Steven Kestner - Select Psalms