Biblical Counseling Podcast

Those who are counseling, formally or informally, and those who are being counseled need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18, "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit..." 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 foot with your Biblical Counseling Training. Learn more about it here: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Real disciples live in the Word of God and they're set free by the truth of God. But it's the Spirit who guides them into that truth that they might be discipled and liberated. The Spirit of Truth leads us into the truth of discipleship, which liberates our lives from bad thinking and bad behaving and bad relating. 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

The Holy Spirit is required in biblical counseling. If God is ultimately the counselor and Jesus is not here, we are to rely on the Holy Spirit for counseling. God is going to use you through the power of the Holy Spirit to minister and disciple others. We can pray to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Power is given from God through the Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are evident today. The Holy Spirit has the power to change others, far beyond what we can do apart from the Spirit. The Spirit of truth is our guide and we need to look to him for guidance and direction. 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

Are you interested in getting formal training in the Bible? Calvary Chapel University has academic programs that can help equip the saints for ministry. Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast where Jeff Christianson and his good friend, Chaplin Marsh share about what God is doing at Calvary Chapel University. 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

Part 2: The Word of God for the Hard of Hearing In today's session we will all be reminded what a joy it is to see God's sufficient Word at work for a time such as ours. God, having breathed out His very Word through the writing of His Apostles has left us a living Word that changes those who, by the Spirit of God, are desirous of being conformed into the likeness of Christ. We see, however that some have become hard of hearing where spiritual matters are concerned and suffer the consequences. How do you help those who have become "hard of hearing"? Are they lost for good or does God call us to reach out to them in compassion and truth? Be ready to be challenged to "preach the Word" whether you feel like it or not to one person or to many by His power and for His good purposes. 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

From Jeff Christianson and Bill Hines Greetings, Conference Attenders and Friends, On the heels of the International Association of Biblical Counselors annual conference Jeff Christianson and I thought it would be fun to give an overview of 2 Timothy for Counselors and Disciple Makers (remember all Christians are called to disciple). We invite you to watch Part 1 entitled: Stand Strong as You Stand for Christ. You may access this podcast, complete with video here. In this episode we see an aging Paul writing a young Timothy to encourage him not to give up even while faced with fighting from within the Church and from enemies outside of the Church. The reader is struck by the tender relationship between the great Apostle and his son in the faith. In prison for his faith Paul assures young Timothy that God has all things well in His control and that Timothy's task is to continue steadfast without wavering. The listener to this podcast will be challenged as to the legacy he or she leaves behind to friends, family, natural children, or children in the Lord. You will also be challenged to be a Discipler of those God brings into your realm of influence. Part 2: The Word of God for the Hard of Hearing will be released in a week and a link sent to you at that time. 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

As we contrast the field of psychology with the word of God, it's important to make the distinction of theories vs the truth. In psychology we are talking about theories. Christian psychology is integrating theology, but it also integrates the so-called discovered truth: social sciences. The idea that "all truth is God's truth" wants to elevate human wisdom to the same level as God's wisdom. But, social theories are not equal to God's truth. 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

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." ( Timothy 2:1-2) Did you know we are currently enrolling at the BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com? Check it out!

Who is competent to counsel? How has Psychology taken over the responsibility that rightfully belongs to the Church? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast to hear Pastor Jeff continue his series on "Contrasting Psychology and the Bible." Did you know we are currently enrolling at the BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com? Check it out!

In this podcast Pastor Jeff helps us understand a key difference between Psychology and Biblical Counseling. Psychologists have said that the answer to man's problems is within them and that the job of the therapist is to help them bring it out. The Bible tells us something very different, "I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in a man who walks to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds." (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Looking inside of us for the answer is not what we should be doing. We need to look to Christ and His Word. How does the message of Psychology contrast with the Bible? How is Psychology a competing worldview? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast to hear Pastor Jeff address the topic, "The Message of Psychology Contrasted with the Bible." ENROLL NOW: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

The basic meaning of the word psychology is the study of or knowledge of the psyche. It includes the human soul, the mind, the mental life, and the personality. Also, it's about our natural human understanding and resources. A "soulishness" thinking of soul, mind, emotions, and will—that region called the psyche. It's a study of the mind, and feelings, and will power, and personality. It is a matter of the soul. ENROLL NOW: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Psychology and the Bible - it's a matter of religion versus the faith. And this is the thing about psychology, it's not fully a medical science, though it has some medical applications because many are medical doctor's who can prescribe medicine and all. And it has some scientific applications or implications because there are some areas where it is just observable, documentable, quantifiable issues. But again, that is not what we are concerned with. We are concerned about this great huge arena that is kind of like a religion. ENROLL NOW: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Psychology in the church is getting people to think in a way that is NOT biblical, but is filled with biblical overtones! It is probably one of the most subtle forms of heresy. Also, it is so important to Biblically warn pastors and the shepherds because they are the ones feeding the sheep. Especially because they learn these integration techniques in seminary. The churches are where many lives are touched and some of the most critical lives too. Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

When was the last time that you needed to confront someone? How comfortable are you with using God's Word to challenge Christians who are pursuing sin? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast to hear Pastor Jeff address the topic, "Help for Admonishing Others." ENROLL NOW: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, where Jeff Christianson explains how Biblical Counseling is Discipleship Counseling. Pastor Jeff reminds us from Colossians 1:28 that the goal is to help people mature in Christ Jesus. "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ." (Col. 1:27-28). Taking someone down the path of infancy to maturity is painful and hard. After someone is spiritually born, they must grow up to Maturity. 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

A relationship with Jesus Christ is the anchor of Biblical Counseling. We must look to His Word, the Bible. "For the word of God is living and active," (Hebrews 4:12a). What the Bible says is true and authoritative for our lives. It is clear, trustworthy, inerrant (without error), and inspired by God. It truly is sufficient for our lives. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations," (Matthew 28:19a). We must look to Jesus Christ and point others to Him, the Wonderful Counselor. What is counseling from a Biblical perspective? Listen to the latest podcast from Jeff Christianson, who explains how Jesus Christ is our Wonderful Counselor. A relationship with Jesus Christ is the anchor of Biblical Counseling. 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

After reviewing the two previous episodes, Pastor Jeff reminds us from 1 John 4:7 that biblical counseling is a ministry defined by divine love. In biblical counseling, we draw upon God's love to seek God's best for others. It can be difficult to fulfill God's commands to love one another within the body of Christ. When God commands Christians to love one another and biblical counselors seek to help others grow in discipleship, God also supplies the power for Christians to fulfill this ministry. God's love for us must mark our ministries within the body of Christ. Want to learn more from Pastor Jeff? Listen to this podcast to hear Pastor Jeff address: The foundations and principles of counseling within the life of the church Church life, COVID-19, and loving others through challenging times 1 John 4:7 and how biblical counseling draws upon divine love in order to minister to others within the body of Christ Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

In this podcast, Pastor Jeff Christianson shares some helpful tips for Christians who want to grow in their capabilities to admonish others. We can have confidence that God's Word is sufficient to address any transgression, digression, or rebellion. When admonishing or confronting another Christian in sin, we should show the Christian the path the Christian is walking, what God says about the Christian's actions and choices, and the dangers of the Christian's sins. Then, we should ask the Christian to explain his or her actions in light of Scripture. This approach centers the confrontation on God's Word rather than the opinions of men. Want to learn more from Pastor Jeff? Listen to this podcast to hear Pastor Jeff address: Knowing when to admonish and when to comfort others Reflections upon Romans 15:14 on admonishing others in sin Practical tips for bearing the burdens of others Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

What makes biblical counseling different from secular counseling? What are unique benefits of having biblical counseling within the context of the local church? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as Pastor Jeff continues the mini-series, "The Context of Counseling: Church Life." "But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians 4:15-16 NKJV 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

How do I know if I am counseling man's way or God's way? What does God's Word say about where discipleship and counseling should occur? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as Pastor Jeff begins a new mini-series called, "The Context of Counseling: Church Life." "...but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- (16) from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." - Ephesians 4:15-16 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

For many people, 2020 has been an unusually challenging year. Some may be tempted to question whether Scripture can help us understand times like 2020. Are we ever in "strange times"? Are the trials that Christians may face abnormal? Does God's Word have anything to say about how we should respond to these trials? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as Pastor Jeff reflects upon 1 Peter 4:12 to remind listeners that trials are never strange, no matter how challenging they may seem in the moment. 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

When Jesus cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?", it is not that He didn't know the ultimate answer. He was quoting out of Psalm 22, which was the answer. He was being made sin for all of us, and the only way out of that was the faithfulness of the Father. "Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit." Everything depended on the faithfulness of the Father at that moment. We can get into places in which it becomes so clear to us that there is no way to go on or no way out, unless the Father comes through. Maybe some of you are there right now. 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

When America locked down to protect its citizens from COVID-19, the pandemic scattered many Christians into social isolation. These extraordinary times call for serious reflection. Events like COVID-19 remind us about necessary timeless truths for personal revival. How can Christians stay faithful and Spirit-filled in these unique days? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as Pastor Jeff discusses the necessity of extraordinary measures for personal revival during extraordinary times. 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

As people who live in a fallen world, we are all prone to worry and anxiety. Worry may look different for various people, but we all struggle with fear over what may happen to the things or people we treasure. During COVID-19, many Christians experienced unique levels of worry and anxiety as they faced new and uncertain times. What can we learn from Scripture about overcoming worry when we are faced with circumstances that threaten the people or things we treasure? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as counselor Bill Hines joins Pastor Jeff Christianson to discuss how Christians can overcome worry. 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

Many Christians struggle with worry and anxiety. While we know that Scripture tells Christians not to worry, the world tells us that worry is a normal part of life. Is it a sin to worry? How should Christians think about worry and sin? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as Pastor Jeff wrestles with this important question: is it a sin to worry? 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

A study based on Jesus words in Mathew 6:25-33 #1 - Number one. The believer should not worry. The Christian. The follower of Jesus Christ should not be filled with anxiety. Now let me offer a word of clarification. Jesus was not saying that a Christian should not think about or be concerned with the needs of this like food or clothing. Jesus did not say, "Don't think about food. Don't concern yourself with clothing." No. He said in verse 25, "Don't worry about those things." Oh yes you need to concern yourself with them. Oh yes you need to think about a roof over your head and clothes on your back and food in your stomach. That is important. And that is something that we all need to consider. In fact the Bible has many admonitions about saving our money and investing wisely and working hard for a living. So Jesus is not saying, "Don't think about these things." What He is saying is don't be obsessed with these things. Don't have anxiety about these things. Why? Because worrying doesn't make anything better it just makes it worse. Learn more about the Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

(Hebrews 4:12 NKJV) (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. The Word of God is able. It is able to cut so deeply that it can deal with the "thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). When we minister the Word we do not know what those hearing it are thinking, nor do we know the motives or intents of their hearts. What do we do with these unreachable places in life and ministry? We turn to the ability of the Word of God: "The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." In our lives and in the lives of those to whom we minister, God's Word cuts deep down into the heart, evaluating and dealing with the unseen thoughts and undeclared motives. Only the Word of God is able to do these things. 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

If Christians are to be competent as counselors, they must have the right tools. Many Christians struggle to discern between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom in counseling situations. A certain idea may sound insightful, but the tools of the world struggle to penetrate deep into the soul of counselees. What does it mean when Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is "sharp"? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as Pastor Jeff Christianson discusses how the Word of God is sharp! 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

People today are overwhelmed by words. Whether we are scrolling our phones, listening to media, reading books, or watching words of a T.V., words surround us. When Christians read Scripture, how should they view God's Word? How is God's Word different from the words all around us? Listen to this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast as pastor Jeff Christianson begins a miniseries titled "The Ability and Character of God's Word." 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

Doug is a Biblical Counselor with his local church and is gifted in helping church leaders plan their financial future - God's Way! Doug is the co-founder of Pastors Legacy Plan and the President and Registered Principal of Eagle Retirement Plans, Inc. He's a Registered Investment Advisor through Crown Capital Securities, L.P. and hold a California Life and Health Insurance License. Doug serves as an advocate for his clients, protecting their best interests. Pastors Legacy Planning gives me an opportunity to do just that. Learn more: http://www.pastorslegacyplan.com/meet-doug/ 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

Pastor Gregory Kirk serves as the Executive Director of the United Gospel Rescue Mission of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. My prayer is that you will learn who we are, what we do, and how you can connect with us and help us continue to serve the broken lives of men and families. The United Gospel Rescue Mission still takes care of the men who, through circumstances of life, have fallen through the cracks of society. Those coming out of prison, and those who due to addictions, broken family situations, job loss, life problems and wounds can still find a place of love, care and a chance for a new life. We do this through our one-year residential New Life program. The New Life Program offers hope and healing to those men caught in the throes of alcohol or drug addiction. It is only through the cleansing power of our Lord Jesus Christ that men can truly be free. We teach them how to find Christ and have Him hold an active place in their hearts. While the program is free, all men are expected to complete daily tasks during their stay, thus training them to find employment, and become citizens that are grateful and successful. Learn More: http://www.pbrescue.com/about.php This podcast is for my Biblical Counseling students at Calvary Chapel University where we train pastors and leaders for the ministry. 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

It's one of my personal convictions that psychological theory is one of the most crafty tactics the enemy ever came up with to plague, bind, wipe out, pull down, distract, swallow up the human family. It's almost like a way to live with God left totally out of the picture. A way that is so satisfying to the mind and so enticing to the flesh. It is crafty! 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

If someone said, "What really threatens the church counseling God's way?" I would say there are two aspects to it that everything else fits under. One is forsaking our Wonderful Counselor, then that always leads to the second one, turning to worldly counsel. The church's failure to counsel God's way is our failure to look to the Lord Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor. The church in many ways is drifting from the Lord; disobeying and neglecting His Word and thereby often being left open to deception. Basically, to take the phrase out of Isaiah 9:6, where Jesus is called our "Wonderful Counselor," many in the church are forsaking our Wonderful Counselor. 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

The Apostle Paul gave this charge to Timothy in his final epistle: "What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). Paul would soon be martyred (See 2 Timothy 4:6), and he wanted to ensure others would continue his church planting and discipleship efforts. Who would lead the church after his departure? He gave Timothy this simple pattern of succession to ensure continuity, accountability, and stability. It is our biblical mandate (and call) to raise up the next generation of Biblical Counselors (Matthew 28:19). 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

Trauma is a part of life that a lot of people will endure at one point in their life. In the world that we live in when we experience trauma and respond to it adversely. Some are told that they need professional help from those in the psychiatric field. Those in the field of psychiatry will try to find a way to mask the issue without dealing with it directly. The end result of worldly counseling is a feeling of inadequacy and being different than "normal" people. However, faith can help in responding to this trauma. Our worldview needs to be thought through the lens of God's Word. Faith in God will help those who experience trauma respond in a Biblical way. In James 1 we are told that we are to count it as joy when we face trials because God is helping us grow into a deeper relationship with Him. There may not be a quick solution to help an individual that is experiencing the effects of trauma. As counselors, you must take the approach of showing the individual that we are all broken in this fallen world. As we explain the broken world we live in we can begin to piece together that the world has been corrupted and the traumatic events they experienced were most likely out of their control. Those who deal with trauma must be understood as individuals reacting to what they have experienced and not as people with an illness. As counselors, the fix is changing one's faith in accordance with God's truth which explains the broken world that we live in and help them endure the traumatic experiences they have faced. After experiencing trauma an individual should expect to have their faith tested. If their faith is lacking they will be unable to explain the circumstances they endured, turning to the Word to find comfort and joy will help those who struggle with dealing with the trauma they experienced. 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

Dr. Daniel R. Berger II is the founder and director of Alethia International Ministries (AIM), where he continues to write and to speak around the country in various churches, organizations, medical communities, and at various counseling and teacher's conferences. He is also an experienced pastor, counselor, school administrator, and the author of ten books on Biblical counseling, practical theology, education, and the history and philosophy of the current mental health construct. In this episode Dr. Daniel Berger and Pastor Jeff talk about mental-illness. 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

James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials". It doesn't say if you fall into trials, but when you fall into them. Hardships are a part of life that every Christian must endure. There is hope and it is found in Scripture. When you counsel those who deal with hardships and trials we must communicate that hope is found in the Word. God will continue to help you grow and learn about his sovereignty. As Christians we must first understand that God works all things together for our good. As we counsel others we must show empathy in order to direct those we counsel to the divine plan that God is orchestrating. God is always at work and we don't always see what He is doing. When we ask why we are suffering, there needs to be an understanding that God is ultimately going to use all things for His divine plan. We can rejoice in our sufferings because He is using us for His glory. We must be content in our sufferings because there is nothing in this world that can separate us from God. In this episode Jeff interviews Joe Propri to talk about enduring hardships and how to overcome hardships. There are ways that we can counsel others through hardships. Get started on the right foot with your Biblical Counseling Training. The Biblical Counseling Academy is now enrolling: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/CounselorCertificationEarly

Christmas time is a time of joy and celebration. The fun of gathering with family, holiday themed parties, and a host of holiday distractions. The world has slowly taken a time set aside to celebrate the coming of the Savior, turning it into a time of traditions and self gratitude. Christians, if you are not careful you will find yourself swept away in the madness of gift giving and self seeking desires. This is a time of the year where Christians are to proclaim the reason for celebration. Humanity was once separated from God because of sin with no hope of an eternity with God. However, God in His grace and mercy sent His Son to dwell in the flesh, fully man and fully God. In order to pay the ultimate sacrifice of taking on our sin at the cross. The reason we are to celebrate Christians is because God humbled himself to be like you and I, to live a perfect life and bare our sin at the cross. Only to rise from the dead and defeating the effects sin had on our soul. This Christmas season is a time to celebrate Immanuel, God with us. It is to be about nothing else. Are you celebrating this joyful time like the world distracted by its pleasures? Do we really wants God to be part of our lives? It's not surprising that this time of year can be extremely lonely for some. Some have lost loved ones that are no longer around to celebrate or maybe there are broken relationships that exist that only cause strain. For some there is a void inside who don't have Christ and as they struggle to fit in the world they are left feeling empty. There is good news. You are not alone, the God that created all things came down to this earth to have a relationship with you. You no longer need to be alone, because your are loved and treasured by the one that knit you together in your mother's womb. He wants to break the chains of sin and loneliness. Jesus sympathizes with you, those closest to Jesus turned their backs on Him during his final days before He went to the cross. Jesus was alone, but He did it for your sake. You no longer need to feel alone because you belong to the One who holds the whole world in His hands. No matter what your situation is, God loves you and is with you. In this special Christmas episode, Pastor Jeff talks about Immanuel. Listen and be encouraged. Merry Christmas to all.

Dr. Mark Hager shares about his salvation through Biblical counseling sessions he took as an unbeliever. As Biblical counselors we sometimes assume that individual we are counseling is a believer. I mean why else would they seek out Biblical counseling? However, we must never assume that an individual that has come to you for help has a relationship with Christ. We need to ask probing questions and begin to develop a relationship with the individual. As trust is built, the door is open to share the Gospel. Biblical counselors do not have the power to save individuals, it is only through faith and trust in Christ when a person hears the Gospel. As you counsel others you will have opportunities to evangelize the lost, this will lay a foundation that can be built upon as you counsel with the Word. In order to be able to counsel others, you must do some self examination. Have you been equipped with the knowledge of God's Word to share the Gospel effectively. There is an equipping that goes beyond the classroom. You must have a relationship with God, through the work of Christ. The Holy Spirit needs to be actively involved in your life and working through you. Man has no power to bring about salvation, it is through the blood of Christ that we can be made new. If you are not a new creation in Christ, how would you be able to properly counsel someone with the Word? As Dr. Hager shared it is important to have a foundation that is built on Christ to effectively counsel others that need Christ. In this episode Pastor Jeff interviews Dr. Mark Hager as they have a conversation about counseling and evangelism. You will learn practical application to effectively counsel others in need. We must never forget that the Gospel is always the first place to start when counseling others.

Warren Lamb is Author of Behind the Veil: Exposing the Evil of Domestic Oppression and Providing Hope. ​ Warren works extensively with those who have suffered significant trauma from childhood abuse and neglect, domestic oppression and abuse, sex-trafficking, kidnapping, sole-survivors of catastrophes, traumatic loss survivors, first responders, combat trauma survivors, and the like. He also works extensively with the sexually broken, including those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction. ​ God desire's to bring spiritual healing to everyone through His Son Jesus. For those who have experienced abuse, it is difficult to trust any person, but there is a God that wants to restore the broken person. God wants to renew the individual, not just fix them. God alone brings about healing that no human psychology can mend. God deals directly with the individual and brings about transformation. God addresses every condition in His Word. Individuals need to be pointed to God's Word that can bring about transformation and healing. The Word of God is what is necessary to combat the brokenness in His people. The overarching theme is that counseling broken people is only possible when God is doing the restorative work, the Bible is the tool that will bring about healing. In this episode Pastor Jeff interviews Warren Lamb to talk about Biblical counseling for those who have endured some type of abuse. Warren is a specialist in counseling those who suffered abuse, Warren provides Biblical counseling and discipleship to address the effects of sin in a person's life. Listen to this podcast for some practical applications you can put into practice when counseling others.

As we speak about humanistic philosophical psychology we are speaking directly about what is not scientific. This type of humanistic psychology deals with moral dilemmas and the humanistic worldview that has captured a broad audience today, not only within the world but also within the church. Church, we need to wake up and see that this type of worldview has crept into the church. Scripture tells us that in the latter times that some will depart from the faith and turn to human teachings. As believers we need to be aware that God is sufficient, His Word is all that we need. ​ The knowledge of psychology is human understanding that we get from a fallen man. We have turned away from God and we turned to emotions or our intellect. The way of the world is now turned away from the supernatural which is God and turned to human understanding. Psychology has captured peopled and turned them away from God. You need to ask yourself as an individual, "do I know the difference between soul and spirit?". Are you able to determine what is from God and what is from man? These are questions we need to be able to answer in order to discern if we are stuck in human flesh or led by the Holy Spirit. Living in the flesh is living at enmity with God. We need to be in the Spirit and led by God. You do this by turning away from the flesh and dive into your Bible. In this episode Pastor Jeff contrasts psychology with the Bible. We need to not live in the flesh but live in the Spirit. As biblical counselors, we must be able to differentiate the difference between soul and spirit. 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

The way we approach the Bible determines our worldview. There are a lot of Christians that believe psychology is above Scripture in counseling. It's true that people have been helped by theories and concepts, but when we take man's ideas and value them above the Bible we have made our worldview cloudy. We need to create a better worldview with the Bible as the foundation and psychology as a secondary humanistic thought. Although man has achieved a lot since creation, God is still sitting on the throne. We cannot say that psychology should be more treasured than Scripture. God has given us all we need for life in His Word. ​ Because psychotherapy deals with the meaning of life and the value of life in behavior, it is religious in nature. When you see the people promoting psychology they are religiously using their ideas to shape morals and values. When psychology collides with Scripture, it is as though two religions are being forced together. Although some would call psychology scientific, it does not deal with science. Psychology deals with morals, behaviors, and ideas to shape minds to make them "better", so to speak. God doesn't need our help, God has it figured out. In this episode Pastor Jeff sticks to his convictions as he shares the danger of mixing psychology with the Bible. It is trying to join two religions together and it just doesn't work. Feel free to chime in on the comments below. Pastor Jeff wants to connect with you. The Biblical Counseling Academy's Starter Course is a series of step-by-step video instruction 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

The Holy Spirit is required in biblical counseling. If God is ultimately the counselor and Jesus is not here, we are to rely on the Holy Spirit for counseling. God is going to use you through the power of the Holy Spirit to minister and disciple others. We can pray to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Power is given from God through the Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are evident today. The Holy Spirit has the power to change others, far beyond what we can do apart from the Spirit. The Spirit of truth is our guide and we need to look to him for guidance and direction.

Psychology and Christianity do not offer offer the same answers to our problems. A square peg cannot fit into a round hole. In our society today people want to take the square peg of psychology and fit it into the round hole of Christianity. The problem is they are competing not complimentary. Psychology is a dealing with the social and mental capacities of an individual, not the scientific aspect of an individual. It is built on a foundation of feeling and emotions. Psychological theories and practices go against what the Bible tells us. The Christian should be fully dependent on God. The moment we turn away from God and turn to human reasoning, we lose our life source and turn away from the truth. ​ As champions of the faith we are called to be fully dependent upon the Word of God. We are not called to carry the Bible and the teachings of someone else. The Bible alone is sufficient. Somewhere along the way man deceived themselves into thinking that they know better than God. Satan has found a foothold in human thoughts and reasoning. Demonic activity has found it's way into humanity by deceiving us into believing we have all the answers to man's questions through psychology. Anything that is not of God is from Satan. Philosophers that teach enlightenment can be found in the teachings of man and that man holds the answers has turned their back on God. The church today is struggling. We have bought into the lie that psychology can be used within church to make it whole. The problem is we have exchanged the truth for a lie. When we allow psychology into our churches we push Christ out. In this episode Pastor Jeff addresses the large issue of psychology vs. The Bible. It is an unpopular topic, but it is one that must be addressed. 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

We live in a culture that walks on eggshells. We are sometimes afraid to correct someone because of the backlash we might receive. The world continues to spin out of moral control and it seems as though everything is permissible. However, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not called to be like the rest of the world. That means that there is going to come a time when we need to reprove someone and help correct their sinful action or there may be a time when we need to be corrected of our sinful actions. Either way, reproof is necessary to grow in our relationship with God. ​We must examine what our response might be if we are confronted reproof. There are several responses that are brought up in this episode about the improper response to reproof. One should never reject reproof, we must examine our lives to see if there is any truth to what is being brought to our attention and we must accept the reproof. There should not be a time when we ignore reproof, someone is going out of their way to help us grow and we should not ignore that individual. There is a punishment that comes with forsaking, rejecting, or ignoring reproof. If we think of ourselves as having no sin we are making God a liar. There must be self-examination taking place, the book of Proverbs tells us that there may be punished if we choose to ignore that reproof. As you listen to this podcast you will hear Pastor Jeff and Dr. Alfred talk about the proper response to reproof. The proper response is love. When you correct someone it is because you love them. If someone is correcting you it is because someone loves you. We are called to stir one another up, we are called to refine each other. This is the proper response to reproof, it is to be kind and loving. How will you respond when reproof is necessary? 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

There is no easy way to deal with conflict. Most people in the world try to avoid conflict as much as possible while there are others that love nothing more than creating conflict. Within Christian circles, it is difficult to sometimes deal with our conflicts. Do we say what is really on our mind? Do we just say nothing and hope it goes away? Do we just speak the truth harshly because it needs to be said? If someone tells us to let it go, do we let it go? Communication is necessary and biblical. Do not allow your emotions to control your actions. Look to the Word and find out how the Word tells you to deal with the conflict you find yourself in. If you refuse to speak you might be sinning. If you know the biblical way you are supposed to handle the situation but choose to remain silent, you can find yourself grieving the Holy Spirit. There needs to be discernment and prayer, in order to use words that will help the situation and not cause further destruction. The ultimate response that we should communicate is one of love. Love is not rude and it does not ignore, but it gives an appropriate answer. Love communicates the truth even when it may "hurt" the individual. Love delivers what sometimes needs to be said and not necessarily what they want to hear. It is not a sin to hurt someone's feelings if the objective is to help them grow in their spiritual walk. Communicating a difficult truth can cause the individual to see the wrongdoing and give them the opportunity to repent. Have you ever found yourself in a position where an authority figure is acting ungodly, but you are afraid to correct them because they are the authority figure? Just because they are an authority figure it does not make them immune from applying biblical knowledge in their own life. In fact, the authority figure should be welcoming of any corrective action that might need to take place in their life because of their position of authority. If the subordinate shakes it off and conceals the proper correction they are sinning by failing to speak the truth. It is not a good idea to tell someone what they want to hear, no matter how tempting it may be to just tell them what they want to hear. Communicating the truth in all situations is what Scripture calls us to do. Even if you are told that your opinion is not needed or you are told to be quite. God does not give anyone absolute authority. Christians must speak biblical truth even when they are told to remain silent. There may be times when it is a biblical response to convey that you are angry, as long as that anger is righteous and is given through biblical means of communication. In conclusion, there is no easy way to communicate. One must look at the Scriptures to guide and instruct their communication. Don't allow yourself to use world wisdom, worldly wisdom is foolish and does not communicate the truth that God has equipped all believers with. In this episode Pastor Jeff gives you the necessary tools from Scripture in order to effectively communicate in conflict resolution. 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 central doctrinal truths that every believer must believe in to be saved. The divinity of Christ, a trinitarian God ( The Father, Son and Holy Spirit), the death and resurrection of Christ, just to name a few. However, there are doctrines that believers can disagree upon. As believers we must discern by wisdom from God in dealing with doctrinal differences. There is power and authority in the Word of God that we must study the Scriptures to know what God is trying to communicate to us. But we must be slow to read to much into scripture with our human thought and reasoning. When these doctrinal issues arise, we must be able to deal with the conflicts that come out of them. Remembering that Christ has united us with the Gospel. When these conflicts do arise we must remember that we don't need to start verbal fights, but we can have God honoring debates with one another. Often we are strongly rooted in our thoughts and beliefs that we don't allow another brother or sister to explain their theological thoughts. There also has to be a separation of our traditions and what the Bible says. There must be an understanding that every brother and sister in Christ is in a different walk in their faith. In this episode pastor and Dr. Joel Dover have an open discussion with Pastor Jeff about conflict resolution when it comes to doctrinal issues. This episode is meant to equip you with practical applications to handle these conflicts as they come up in your Christian walk. it is not a matter of if they will arise, but when they will arise. Be prepared to have great dialogue with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, because doctrinal issues will come to pass. "Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional." As Pastor Joel says. We must handle these conflicts with humility treating one another with respect and the love of Christ. We must have a high view of God's word over human traditions. And we must seek to resolve these conflicts as they come up. 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