Word Matters, The: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age

“My friend Dave Jenkins has written a solid book on biblical authority.”
John Frame

“Dave Jenkins clearly shows that the foundation of Christianity is the authority of God’s Word, the inspired and inerrant Scriptures, and if we build our lives on this bedrock, we will never be shaken.”
Joel R. Beeke

Many Christians are operating under a faulty understanding of what the Bible is and the role it plays in our life. The Word Matters is a robust yet accessible primer for every Christian to deepen their understanding of infallibility and inerrancy and biblical inspiration and authority. It also serves as a crash course in the importance of biblical doctrine as it touches everything from our salvation and sanctification to our relationships with others. This is a great book to hand to a new Christian, but it is also a good reminder to every Christian of the value and beauty of biblical authority.

Alisa Childers
Author of Another Gospel: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity

The Word Matters by Dave Jenkins is written with the breadth of a historian, the precision of a theologian, the perspective of a worldview scholar, and the clarity of an author who writes to serve his readers. Jenkins asserts that the Bible matters, and he provides reasons that back up his claim. Throughout, the thoughtful reader will learn how to think biblically and skillfully employ the Bible in the face of non-Christian philosophies. A trustworthy Bible means that there is a foundation for true, life-giving hope. I commend this book to you!

Ray Rhodes Jr.
Author of Yours, till Heaven, the Untold Love Story of
Charles and Susie Spurgeon
and Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon

Martyn Lloyd-Jones stated in referring to the Christian, “He is a man of one book; he starts with it; he submits himself to it; this is his authority.” The Word of God is truth, and it is our standard and definition of truth. In his most excellent, informative read, The Word Matters, Dave Jenkins lays out for us the importance of why we need to have a correct theological understanding of the doctrine of Scripture. When we grasp what terms like inerrancy, infallibility, and inspiration mean, it equips us to live out our daily lives in a way that honors the Lord. I’m grateful how Dave walked us through these terms and so many more issues and challenges we face as believers as we find ourselves in a world where the Bible is under attack. The Word Matters is a helpful, practical read that gives us a clear picture of what it looks like when God’s Word is your authority for all of life. My favorite reminder he gives us is “Doctrine is not only to be believed; it should adorn our lives.”

Marci Ferrell
Blogger and Podcaster at ThankfulHomemaker.com

We live in a world where compromise is king and personal liberty is regarded as a cherished right. Indeed, many are doing what is right in their own eyes (Judg. 21:25). The Word Matters by Dave Jenkins takes a radically different approach. With the mind of a seasoned theologian and the heart of a caring pastor, Jenkins urges readers to submit themselves to Scripture. The result is a worshiper who is fully surrendered to God. Jenkins’s fine work raises the bar of biblical authority by examining the critical doctrines of inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility. Additionally, he militates against the diabolical dogma of theological liberalism and exposes the underbelly of this pernicious system. In the end, The Word Matters challenges readers to cling to the timeless truth that resides in God’s Word. Rather than compromise the truth, Jenkins calls readers to accept it wholeheartedly, unreservedly, and joyfully!

David S. Steele
Senior Pastor, Christ Fellowship, Everson, Washington

The Word of God does matter—most professing Christians would claim to believe this. Unfortunately, far fewer can tell you why, as the doctrine of Scripture is rarely taught in today’s churches. This has led to a myriad of laymen within the church without a basic understanding of God’s Word. What Dave has done in this book provides an intellectually stimulating primer while simultaneously infusing an easily understandable explanation with scriptural, personal, and historical illustrations. This is one of my favorite aspects of his writing; he seamlessly blends church history when giving examples while still providing copious amounts of biblical verses. It connects the topic at hand with saints that came before us, which makes it feel as though we are learning doctrine alongside them. While expounding on the doctrine of Scripture, this book also shows why this doctrine is so very important. Once again, Dave has done a fantastic job clarifying the theological implications of ignoring or misunderstanding important doctrinal beliefs. This primer is absolutely perfect for believers, new or old, who want to deepen their understanding of the doctrine of Scripture.

Lauren Hereford
Host, Tulips and Honey Podcast

Every generation has had to affirm and defend the truth and authority of the Bible, the Word of God. In our day, we need more and not fewer, efforts to respond to objections to the Bible and to help believers understand the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. For this reason, we may be grateful for Dave Jenkins’s accessible and personal survey of the doctrine of Scripture, and for his helping readers to see the practical implications of this doctrine for Christian living.

Guy Prentiss Waters
James M. Baird Jr., Professor of New Testament
Reformed Theological Seminary