Biblical Counseling Podcast

"For my people have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters." Jeremiah 2:13. God was grieved that His very people have turned aside from God's living water and counsel for cisterns that could not hold water. A major threat that we face as biblical counselors and among the body of Christ is when internal God's people are forsaking the Wonderful Counselor. It is not the psychological theories of the world, it's the inside of the church. In this episode, we want to talk about walking away and ignoring our Wonderful Counselor. So many Christians underestimate the counsel that the Lord can bring. Join us and interact in the community section and share your thoughts about this topic. ---- PS: Overcoming Trials, Difficulties and Impossibilities God's Way is now open for enrollment. https://www.jeffchristianson.com/trials

"…do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you might prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2. Aren't we surprised that the word of God is so sufficient? It is so relevant to the culture that we are living in the world today no matter what part of the world you live in. The Lord has made it clear that it is His will for you and for the people that you counsel. We need to be renewed in the very spirit of our minds. We don't want to be conformed to this world but we want to be transformed. We are continuing the topic of Renewing the Mind in this episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast with Pastor Jeff Christianson. Listen to the full episode and don't forget to join the community in the comments section. ---- PS: Enroll in Overcoming Trial God's Way, a self-paced mini tutorial to help you gain a perspective in the midst of your trial. https://www.jeffchristianson.com/trials

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 This is how we help those that we disciple. When we care for a soul, we point them to the scripture. We need to be transformed. As biblical counselors, this is one passage that helps us understand these things. We should give it consistent attention when we live for Christ. Live and think God's way. In this episode, Pastor Jeff Christianson explains the value of "renewing the mind" for biblical counselors and church leaders. Join the discussion and leave us your comments. --- PS: New course: Overcoming Trials God's Way. Enroll now jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Today, we continue to talk about our identity in Christ. In this episode, we will describe the opposite of who we are in Christ and what the world would describe as "self-esteem philosophy". See Mark 8:34-35 Listen to the full episode and leave a comment in our community section. ---- PS: A self-paced mini-tutorial. Overcoming Trials God's Way. https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

What do people seek in life? Who are we in Christ? Who am I? Who am I really? What is my life supposed to be about? Until we know Jesus as Lord and Savior, we will be spiritually dead and under the control of Satan himself. Ephesians 2: 1-3 In this episode, Pastor Jeff Christianson shares his experiences and thoughts on accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Listen to the full episode and leave your comments in the community section. --- PS: Overcome trials, difficulties and impossibilities God's Way! Course now available https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Open your Bibles to (Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV) 31. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

We are living in the last days. Jesus said if you see these things begin to happen, look up. Your redemption is drawing near. Look to the heavens and be reminded. This is what you, as biblical counselors, remind those who are in the biblical counseling office. It is important that we have a strong understanding of our position in eschatology. Because of what we are seeing in our culture and our world today, we're living in the signs of the times. There is a place for the end times events and eschatology in Biblical Counseling. What does the end times have to do with biblical counseling? Join us in this podcast as Jeff Christianson discusses "Counseling and the Rapture." --- PS: Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Worry is anticipating future suffering. However, it's anticipating without anticipating the grace that God has promised to those who suffer. There's always a remedy and biblical answers. In psychological theory, sometimes it is helpful to learn from our past but there is a point in time where need to press on and forget those things behind but Jesus said to His disciples, "Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34. In today's episode, join Pastor Jeff Christianson as we talk about worry, anxiety, and fear. Join in the discussion and share us your thoughts! -- PS: Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:2-4 "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." Romans 7:24-25

What is counseling with a gentle voice? In order to understand whether a person should receive confrontation or comfort, we must consider the characteristics, purposes, and uses of law and grace. We will see that the law of God is related to counseling by confrontation, while the grace of God is related to counseling by comfort. Join us as Pastor Jeff Christianson, and guest Jennie Christianson discuss counseling with a gentle voice! --- PS: Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counsel in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Do you feel that you are mature and have you trained yourself and has God trained you in effective spiritual discernment? In this podcast episode, Pastor Jeff talks about having the discernment and maturity to counsel others. More than just gifting alone, becoming an expert biblical counselor or an instrument of God's counsel requires that you mature on a regular basis. People might be gifted and the Lord might use you. You would want that to grow because you are maturing spiritually so that you will be used to your full potential. 1 John 3:16, "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." --- PS: Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

"You are especially abounding the highest goodness, richly supplied with perfect knowledge, and competent to counsel one another." Romans 15:14 In this podcast, we will talk about, "Are You Called to Counsel God's Way?" based on Romans 15:14. Every single believer is to be involved in the counseling and discipleship ministry. Are YOU called to counsel? Find out in this new podcast from Pastor, Teacher, and Biblical Counselor Jeff Christianson! Join in the discussion and share your thoughts with us. --- PS: Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counsel in God's Way? https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

There is a spiritual foe that comes after us and wants to destroy our life just like a lion would its prey. He desires to rip us off, wipe us out, and tear us down. This is spiritual warfare, and it is what often drives people to seek the counsel of biblical counselors. In this episode, Pastor Jeff Christianson talks to us about spiritual warfare and the counselor. Listen to the entire podcast and leave your comments in the community section. We would love to hear from you! --- PS: Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

What does the Bible say about anxiety? How do you self-counsel and help others who are facing despair? How do you assess if anxiety is sinful and how do you walk in life when anxiety strikes? In this podcast episode, Pastor Jeff Christianson is joined by Mark Baker of hopeforlifeonline.com as they talk about self-counsel and anxiety. "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:25-26 ----------- PS: Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

In this episode, we continue our conversation about self-counsel as we fall into trials. The Lord wants to develop steadiness and depth in our faith walk so that we are equipped to help others. What questions do we need to ask ourselves to help with our anxiety and fear? How can you find strength, healing, and hope in the midst of your suffering so that you become equipped to better counsel and help others? Join us as Pastor and Teacher Jeff Christianson discusses the topic of self-counsel and join the discussion. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33. --- PS: Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counsel in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Have you gone through a trial and thought you have no way of getting out of it? The struggle, inaccuracy, and pain are common, "Do not think it is strange." People face trial because they are in a fallen world. God says it is not strange and your trials have a purpose. But as a biblical counselor, we are asked to go back to the Scriptures as in 1 Peter 4:12. Before you can counsel somebody else about their trials, you must have good theology and the ability to self-counsel. Walk-in God's counsel for your own edification, maturity, and growth. If you are not walking in victory during your trials, how are you going to help others? In this episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, Pastor Jeff Christianson will talk about the importance of self-counsel during trials. -------- PS: Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

In this episode, we are going to talk about God's resources for biblical counseling. You cannot effectively serve the Lord with your own energy, strength, intellect, and will power instead of drawing from Christ (the Head). It is a matter of source or resource. Where are you sourcing the power, wisdom, guidance, and direction from? Let us talk about God's heavenly resource and man's limited resource. Join us for another Biblical Counseling Podcast from Pastor and Teacher Jeff Christianson! ----- PS: Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counsel God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Let us continue our discussion from the last two podcasts about covering or confronting an offense. In this podcast, Pastor Jeff talks about the advantage of personal conversation in conflict resolution. If there is an issue which is important enough to correct, then it is important enough to do it lovingly and face to face. ------------- PS: Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

A question that you may ask is, "When do I cover an offense with love, and when do I confront another's sin?" Some passages lead us to overlook another's sin (Prov. 19:11). Others passages teach us to confront someone (Luke 17:3). Listen for answers to these seemingly contradictory statements. ---- PS: Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Jesus said, "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return" (1 Pet. 2:23). He will equip you to respond in ways that reflect His love. Navigate painful situations with faith and wisdom when people slander your reputation. --- PS: Get started on the right foot with your Biblical Counseling Training. The Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course is now enrolling: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Join us as Pastor Jeff discusses "The Unregenerate Man and the Born Again Man." Death Spread to All Men/All Sinned. "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned." Romans 5:12 ----- PS: Get started on the right foot with your Biblical Counseling Training. The Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course is now enrolling: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

There are some troubling trends in the Biblical Counseling Movement. In this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, we invite you to compare scripture with scripture like the Bereans who, "...search the scriptures daily, whether those things were so...." Acts 17:11 and participate in the discussion. Join the community in the comments section and let's hear your thoughts about these trends. ------ Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counsel in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

How do you deal with conflict resolution and repentant Christians? Maybe you faced the difficult task of trying to resolve conflict with those who will not change their behavior, or they've sinned, but they will not repent or just divisive, won't come under church leadership or they will not cooperate. What do you do? Join us in this episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as Pastor Jeff talks about Conflict Resolution & Unrepentant Christians. ------ PS: The Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course is a series of step-by-step video instructions practically designed to get you started on the right track with your Biblical Counseling Training. Learn more about it here: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Join Pastor Jeff Christianson as he discusses the topic of "Best Practices in Discipleship". Let's talk about Ministering God's counsel. Listen to the full episode to discover best practices in biblical counseling and what questions to ask in a counseling situation. --------- PS: Get started on the right foot with your Biblical Counseling Training. The Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course is now enrolling: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Join us as Pastor Jeff Christianson talks about the Position of Eschatology in Biblical Counseling in this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast. #1. Studying Bible prophecy helps me to remember that God is in control of all events in the world today. #2. It gives you a heavenly perspective. #3. If you really believe that Christ could come back at any time, it will affect you in the way that you live. 1 John 3 says that "He that has this hope of the Lord's return purifies himself even as he is pure." ---------- PS: The Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course is a series of step-by-step video instructions practically designed to get you started on the right track with your Biblical Counseling Training. Learn more about it here: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Join us as Jeff Christianson discusses "Practical Questions For Counseling Conflicts." These are questions you could ask the party you are in a conflict with, or questions you can lead two other people who are having a conflict in asking these questions between themselves and talking it out. "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out." Proverbs 20:5 -------------------------------- PS: Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counseling in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Join Pastor Jeff as he discusses "Evangelism and Counseling" in Passion Week! In this episode, we discuss the value of one-on-one discipleship and the steps on how to go about it. ​Now, more than ever, we are to bring the gospel with people who are not born again or who are unsure of their salvation. Often, people don't know God in a personal way.

Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Join Pastor Jeff as he discusses Examples of the Flesh In Conflicts. The Weakness of the Flesh: Romans 6:19 The Christian's Battle With the Flesh: Romans 7:14-15, 18-19 Romans 8:5 The Christian Needs to Become Aware: Matthew 26:41 A great verse about dealing with the flesh: Hebrews 4:12 Quenching the Holy Spirit, and Grieving the Holy Spirit: 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Ephesians 4:30

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 In ministering to others or serving God, we are not sufficient of ourselves, and nothing is to be from ourselves. That is the flesh. In this podcast, pastor and teacher Jeff Christianson discusses Seven Evidences of the Flesh. Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counseling in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Biblical Teaching of What the Flesh is: Let's look at an unfolding of scripture, laying out for us what the flesh is. We will get a biblical understanding of the flesh. In the Flesh Nothing Good Dwells: Romans 7:18- For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.

An interview with Michael Baker on pre-marital counseling.

Psalm 32:8, Psalm 73.24, Colossians 2:2-3 One of the distinctive features of The Biblical Counseling Academy is our unwavering stand for the super-sufficiency of God's Word in dealing with every issue of life. Check out the Biblical Counselors Starter Course here https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Matthew 28:19 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations." Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. One of the distinctive features of The Biblical Counseling Academy is our unwavering stand for the super-sufficiency of God's Word in dealing with every issue of life. Check out the Biblical Counselors Starter Course here https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

"Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-- For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:12-17 Man's problem: sin. God's remedy: grace.

Jude says, "(3) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (4) For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ."

On this Inauguration Day we pray for our new President. A prayer inspired by: KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... Matthew 28:19

The Bible calls Christians to abide in God's Word, hearing His Word, as a regular diet for our lives. Words and teaching affects the way we think. Thoughts lead to beliefs, actions, and a way of life. Words and thoughts are powerful. In Ephesians 4 we are called to have our mind renewed from the way we thought before we were Christians. We are called to think with the mind of Christ and not think like the world thinks. Ephesians 4:14-15, 17-18, 22-23

This Christmas will be different from any other for some who are not able to spend it with their loved ones. Remember that God has everything in His control and realize the gift God gave us when He sent His Son. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything [in all circumstances] give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. In this episode, Pastor Jeff Christianson will bring light into how we can handle a Covid Christmas and ways to make our focus joyful and peaceful as we enter the New Year. Join in the community discussion! Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counseling in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Whenever you are feeling stressed, one of the best things to do is just to pause and take a new perspective of the situation. Remember that God is bigger than the trial or problem. Pray. Cast your burdens on the Lord. Allow Him to give you His peace. Hearing God's Word will build your faith and trust, which are weapons against stress and anxiety. Pause. Remember what Christmas is about again. Pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Make the Christmas traditions meaningful in your home. Spend time on those priorities- the things that will rejuvenate you. Letting our hearts be focused on Jesus at Christmas is the ultimate stress reliever. Let us be filled with awe again, at the fact that the Lord of glory came in the likeness of men, in order to redeem humanity. Because of this, we as Christians can shout, "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as Pastor Jeff Christianson discuss ministering during Christmas. Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counseling in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Colossians 3 is a beautiful snapshot, spiritually speaking, of what life together in the church is to be. How it ought to be and can be as we allow the Lord to live among us. We cannot grow without the body of Christ. Because of God in our hearts, when we gather together, we are like family with the same father. We can have mercy, kindness, humility just because God is within us. Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counseling in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

In this episode, we will be talking about Law and Grace or "Flesh and Spirit" in biblical counseling. 1 John 4:7, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God" Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counseling in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Luke 9:23, "23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.""

As biblical counselors, we study the scriptures from God's perspective to get to know the human heart, understand sin, and understand how people live and react to God. In the Kingdom of God, He is the ultimate counselor. He uses as instruments of His counsel. In verse 5-6, we depict an image of a sheperd anointing the injured or needy sheep, in such a way that it overflows with blessings. When we walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, that's the remedy for you as the instrument in the Redeemer's hand. Join us in this episode as Pastor Jeff Christianson continues with the topic about the Lord as Counselor. Get started on the right foot with your Biblical Counseling Training. The Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course is now enrolling: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counseling in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

(Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV) (1) A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. (3) He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. (4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

Isaiah 9:6, "And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor."

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (12.) "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (13.) "These things we also speak, not with words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

In this podcast, Pastor Jeff discusses the passage from Galatians 5:16-23 as it correlates to with Romans 5 through 8. Here we're given an insight of important the Holy Spirit is in our lives. It serves as our guide, otherwise we are left to our own devices, fleshly indulgences. We'd never do the things we wanted to do if we were not able to be led by the Spirit and not be under the law. Under the law, we always fail. Led by the Spirit, we can grow in Christ. This is great spiritual truth as we counsel and are counseled. This is about the Holy Spirit in counseling. This is a great section on the Holy Spirit in counseling. Counseling isn't the context, but counseling is a major arena of application of these truths. Do you sense a calling to become a Biblical Counselor? Are you being led to become part of a team that desires to Counseling in God's Way? This is the perfect place to start: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse