Why would ordinary people invest their time and resources to learn biblical counseling? Read the following testimony from one of our recent students for an example. “What a difference biblical counseling has made in my life! In taking this training, I now truly understand that every answer to life’s struggles is found in the Scriptures. Being a part of this … Read More
Finding Hope in Hard Times
One of the best-known passages in the Bible is Proverbs 3:5-6. However, the verses that follow are just as important for us to get the full idea of what’s being taught. Understanding these verses can bring us great hope if we will trust God with our future. Even in times of great difficulty, this passage gives us four reasons why we … Read More
Experiencing Peace Because of Promises Kept
The period between the end of the Old Testament prophets and the coming of Jesus is often referred to as the silent period. In Luke 1, after Mary revealed to her relatives how God had chosen her to bear a son, Zechariah’s prayer of praise is recorded to remind us about the significance of what was about to transpire. Zechariah … Read More
Finding Peace in Imperfect Timing
Here’s a conversation or internal narrative we’ve all had at one time or another: “I honestly start the day with a positive attitude and it just seems like there’s always something that comes against me; something goes wrong, then something else. I really try but I just get so tired of it. I find myself huffing and murmuring, ‘Like I … Read More
Sharing Peace at Christmas
When the shepherds were standing in the field that night, they announced the arrival of “Peace on Earth.” This peace would be possible through a relationship with God. Jesus had come near, to bring hope and help to all who would receive it. This was “Good News” of peace with God through trusting in Him. Despite the peace that is available … Read More
How You Can Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving through New Year’s can be a rough time for many, especially if thoughts of home create more nervous tension than eager anticipation. In Colossians 3:12-15, Paul unpacks his recipe for how we can find peace within us and around us during the holiday season. “[12] Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, … Read More
How to Respond to Concerning Behavior
What’s your response when someone’s concerning behavior becomes known? How does your church or church leadership respond? Consider the following scenarios that churches may encounter in their congregation. A church board member laughs about trying marijuana gummies on the golf course with his friends on their annual golf trip to San Diego. A youth worker confesses they needed a designated … Read More
Do You Care? Challenging Churches to Embrace This Moment
“I don’t even know what to do anymore,” he secretly wished that the heart attack that killed his good friend had happened to him instead. Financial stressors, church hurt, and more house projects than he knows what to do with had led to a perpetual dread of waking up each morning. He finished with “My marriage sucks! My wife left me in … Read More
It’s Good to Grieve
Death causes us to be angry because it comes into our world like an unexpected slap in the face. As one researcher said, “Death is a social disease, like V.D. It is not polite, not well-mannered.”[1] King Solomon concurred: “No man has authority to restrain the wind…or authority over the day of death” (Ecclesiastes 8:8). When death enters our social circles or … Read More
