Biblical Counseling

One of the vivid metaphors of the believer’s union with Christ is that of a grafted branch. The Lord Jesus uses this image extensively in John 15:1-8 where He is the true vine and believers are branches. The ones who temporarily are unfruitful are “lifted up” through cleansing, support, and positioning in the sun (v.2).[1]…

“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4) The promise of the Lord’s second coming has comforted the church since it was born. Confidence in His return permeates the New Testament, but the particular emphasis in Colossians 3:4 is that the promise rests in the…

“God has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end” (Ecclesiasted 3:11).[1] If we are quiet before God and allow his Spirit to shine upon our inward state, we shall probably discover more…

We have a special volunteer at Grace Fellowship International. She has been retired for years, but this has not diminished her commitment to help spread the ministry of Christ-centered counseling. Grace Wilens believes in the value of intercessory prayer. This conviction shows up in her faithful ministry of compiling and sending out the weekly GFI…

Through prayer, meditation, and suffering I believe the Lord has led me back into Canaan. He is bringing healing and maturity to my mind, will, and emotions through the fellowship of His Spirit and His people. However, I know my stay here is not guaranteed. My flesh is always lurking and has an accomplice in…

3. The rich young ruler forfeited special DISCIPLESHIP (Matt. 19:16-22). As noted above, when the young man excitedly approached Christ, his interest was in achieving eternal life.  He was implicitly warned of his self righteousness and idolatry of materialism that stood in the way of his salvation. The young man was a ruler; his values were…

B. The rich young ruler also forfeited ideal Discipleship (Matt. 19:16-22). Although salvation is offered to sinners as a free gift, knowing Christ as Savior and Lord also includes His role as Teacher (included in initial discipleship). In this relationship believers are called to come to grips with the full implications of Christ’s wisdom and…

6. Accusations from the Enemy If a believer is unsettled in his/her faith and has given ground to the devil, hostile accusations can jeopardize his/her sense of security. Consider this episode from the Old Testament. After Israel returned from the exile of Babylon, the remnant in Canaan faced spiritual warfare from the enemy. Zechariah chapter…

3. Carnal confusion When a born again believer is temporarily walking “according to the flesh,” doubts may arise in his/her mind as to whether or not they have lost their salvation or if they are truly regenerate.[1] One reason for this is that when the Holy Spirit is grieved and quenched by intentional sin in…

Scripture Memory Project God promises special blessings to us when we memorize His Word. As Joshua was counseled by Moses, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For…