The Biblical Counseling Podcast

How do you get equipped for counseling ministry without a seminary degree? Pastor Jeff unpacks Ephesians 4 and reveals God's plan for equipping the saints—through the local church, gifted leaders, and a Spirit-led calling. Ready to be equipped for biblical counseling? www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist     Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034

Pastor Jeff Christianson teaches on the essential role of the Holy Spirit in biblical counseling, based on 1 Corinthians 2:12-13. He contrasts human wisdom with the Spirit's power, reminding us that true healing comes from God's Word, not worldly ideas. Biblical counselors are called to speak God's truth, not popular psychology, and trust the Holy Spirit for real change. Ready to be equipped for biblical counseling? www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist   Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034  

Pastor Jeff Christianson continues his study of Romans 12:1-2, showing how a renewed mind in Christ leads to a transformed life. He emphasizes that this change comes when we offer our lives to God, reflecting His will. This episode reveals warnings against worldly counseling methods that mix human ideas with Scripture, encouraging biblical counselors to focus on God's Word for true healing and transformation. Ready to renew your mind and step into biblical counseling? www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist

How does a biblical counselor think? In this episode, Pastor Jeff Christianson explores the Spirit-led renewal of the mind through Romans 12 and Ephesians 4. He unpacks the counselor's role in pointing others to Christ, resisting worldly influence, and living in readiness for the Lord's return. If you're called to counsel God's way—grounded in Scripture, transformed by truth, and guided by the Holy Spirit—we invite you to take the next step. Join the Waitlist: www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind...” – Ephesians 4:23 (NKJV)   Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034  

In this episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, host  Pastor Jeff Christianson talks about renewing the mind, based on Bible verses like Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:17-19. He shares his journey of transformation through studying the Bible and biblical counseling. Pastor Jeff explains that before following Christ, the world influences many people's thoughts, but renewing the mind is key to Christian living. He also shares his experience of spending over ten years in Bible college, studying scripture in depth. He highlights Ephesians 4:23, which talks about being renewed in the spirit of the mind, and explains why this process is so important for personal growth and biblical counseling. Through this renewal, people can grow in their faith and develop a stronger, more Christ-centered way of thinking. Are you ready to renew your mind today? Start by spending time in God's Word, praying, and being intentional about what you allow into your thoughts. God is ready to transform you from the inside out!   Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: https://www.BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com  

If you are a Biblical counselor, you have come face to face with many forms of human brokenness. It is overwhelming at times to see the effects of human sinfulness and depravity in the world. Men and women live in circumstances touched by suffering, substance abuse, anger, conflict, bitterness, depression, grief, sexual immorality, and shame. In this episode, hear Jeff Christianson talk about the work of the Holy Spirit and finding the balance between “Charismania” and a “lifeless spirituality.” Listeners will also hear Jeff's testimony, as Jeff goes back in time thirty years ago to Los Angeles, California, and shares a story about how God saved a young and long-haired Jeff Christianson who had hit rock bottom in a world of hot rods, drugs, and rock ‘n' roll. Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

Podcast Episode for Biblical Counselors in Training Helping Others Cultivate a Life of Prayer As a Biblical counselor, have you ever wondered how to equip those you serve to develop a meaningful and effective prayer life? This week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast with Pastor Jeff Christianson dives deep into the essential role of prayer in the Christian life and provides you with the tools to help others make prayer a consistent and transformative part of their daily walk with God. Prayer is more than just asking God for help; it's about fostering a deep, personal connection with Him that shapes hearts and lives. Drawing from Scripture, such as 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which exhorts believers to “pray without ceasing,” Pastor Jeff explains how prayer can be integrated into the busyness of life. This episode offers practical strategies for Biblical counselors to guide others in understanding what it means to live in constant communication with God. Through prayer, individuals learn to share their thoughts, emotions and needs with God while embracing His guidance, peace, and presence. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6, prayer is an act of praise, trust, and humility before the Father. In this episode, Pastor Jeff shares how Biblical counselors can effectively model and teach this perspective on prayer to those they disciple. This episode equips Biblical counselors with practical accountability tools to: ● Encourage those they counsel to prioritize daily prayer. ● Teach the foundational importance of prayer in their relationship with God. ● Guide others in building a sustainable, vibrant prayer life that fosters spiritual growth. ● Use prayer as a means to point people back to God's transformative power. Prayer is vital in Biblical counseling because it reflects our dependence on God as the ultimate Counselor. By teaching others to pray and holding them accountable to prayer, we help them experience His love, guidance, and restoration in their lives. It's through prayer that true heart transformation occurs, as we connect with the One who heals and renews. As you listen to this episode, take a moment to reflect on your own prayer life and how you can encourage those you serve to make prayer a daily habit. Whether it's a quick prayer in the middle of a busy day or an extended time of conversation with God, remember that He is always listening. Prayer not only brings peace and guidance, but it also deepens our relationship with Him and aligns us with His will. Tune in to this episode and be inspired to make prayer a cornerstone of your Biblical counseling ministry. Equip yourself to help others discover the joy and power of a life centered on prayer!    Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

Living daily by God's grace depends upon getting to know Him and then walking in the humility and faith that result from fellowship with Him.  There are four ways to relate rightly to the Lord in humility and faith:  Living By The Spirit,  Living By Resurrection Power,  Living By The Sufficiency Of God Living By The Promises Of God. (Matthew 28:19 NKJV) (19) "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, (John 1:43 NKJV) (43) The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." (Luke 9:23 NKJV) (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. BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com Waitlist: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist

The season of Christmas is a memorable time for many people. The special holidays and decorations accompany festive gatherings and events, especially those events centered around the incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Yet, some people do not see Christmas as a time of celebration but a season of pain. Consumer Christmas and social media consistently remind us about the items we lack or the events we missed. Many people experience Christmas as a season of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. What truths can we remember during the Christmas season and the rest of the year to fight against depression, isolation, and worry?  In this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, Pastor Jeff Christianson draws the listener's attention to one of the greatest miracles ever performed: the incarnation. The Christmas season is a special time for reflecting upon the descent of the Son of God into our fallen world as God's Son took on human nature. Fully God and fully man, Jesus Christ is Immanuel, God with us. Pastor Jeff reminds us that the truths of Christmas should stagger us. Not only did the Son of God humble himself in an unfathomable manner, he promises to remain with us and abide within us. Jesus says in John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”  Biblical counselors must remind counselees of God's amazing promise to abide in his people forever. Christ's condescension and his perpetual identification with us in our humanity will forever bear witness to Christ's continual presence among his people. All other religions propose that we may dwell with God only after producing enough works to gain his pleasure; only Christianity speaks of a God who dwells among the lowly and secures as salvation at his own expense.  At Christmas time, many sing the beloved hymn “O Come, O Come, Immanuel,” O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel. There are many people who struggle with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression from being isolated from others. They may feel as if they are mourning in lonely exile. For example, many people who survive suicide attempts concede that they felt alone and believed that no one cared about them. While biblical counselors cannot promise to make themselves available to every counselees whenever a need arises, counselors can point counselees to the one who never leaves them nor forsakes them. The truth of Christ's perpetual presence among his people comforts the distressed soul. Furthermore, counselees can find repose from the fact that Christ understands feelings of loneliness and isolation, as he experienced abandonment of his friends at his most pressing hour. Struggling Christians can identify with their crucified savior who intimately knows the feelings of loneliness.  Christians are responsible for making themselves available to those around them. During the business of the holiday season, events and checklists can overshadow real people who need company or a phone call. This holiday season or any time of year, who needs the comfort of your presence? Who needs your condescension into the mess of their lives? As Christians, do we model Christ's willingness to open himself up to the pain and suffering of others at the personal cost to himself? We who are rich in Christ, do we make ourselves poor out of love for others?  Want to learn more? Listen to this podcast to hear Pastor Jeff address:  An explanation and application of Jesus's name, Immanuel An analysis of loneliness, depression, and anxiety during the holiday season An encouragement toward making yourself available to the promptings of the Holy Spirit for ministry opportunities   Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com  

Biblical counselors face criticisms for believing that Scripture contains everything that we need for counseling others. Many psychologists label this thinking as simplistic. Are biblical counselors simplistic by believing in the sufficiency of God's Word? How do we think about the complexities of secular psychology and the simplicity of the Christian message?  In this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, Pastor Jeff Christianson defends the sufficiency of Scripture from the assaults of secular voices and opinions. Many Christians have been deceived by the allures of psychology's insights and models. Pastor Jeff reminds listeners that the greatest threat to the church is the temptation to abandon Jesus Christ, the wonderful counselor (Is 9:6). Scripture speaks of the constant temptation to abandon God as the source of life for lesser substitutes which never satisfy our hearts (Jer 2:13).  Teaching from James 1:21-22, Pastor Jeff reminds listeners that the Word of God alone can save our souls. Humility defines every biblical counselor's posture. We must come humbly to God's Word and seek his wisdom. While secular psychology offers many observations and hypotheses, only God's Word takes us from death to life. Also, we must put God's Word to practice to avoid self-deception. The counselee who hears God's Word but fails to put these words into practice is deceived and puffed up. We must devour God's Word, absorbing its truths into our hearts. Then, we must apply God's Word, fully convinced of Scripture's authority. If God has called us to serve as his counselors, we must prepare ourselves with his Word to function as his instruments.  Secular psychology impresses many people with its observations and studies. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul warns us to watch for Satan's deceptive tactics, which lure us away from the simplicity of Christ. While psychology parades around its complexities and insights, we know that psychology cannot penetrate the depths of our hearts. Only the true and simple message of Christ gives life to our souls. The gospel is not simplistic or non-substantial, it is simple yet profound, that God would send his Son into the world to redeem sinners and rebels. Yet, psychological theory is one of Satan's most crafty tactics to hurt the church since it presents a way to life and self-modification without God. Many Christians are caught up in the pursuit of psychological training and submit themselves to the world's standards of becoming a good psychotherapist. But the riches of wisdom and insight are only found in the gospel of Jesus Christ (Eph 3:8).  Want to learn more from Pastor Jeff? Listen to this podcast to hear Pastor Jeff address:    The greatest assault facing the church today The proper posture for submitting to God's Word The deceptiveness of psychotherapy's complexity    Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

[Jude 1:3 NKJV]  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. Jude 3 tells us to "contend earnestly for the faith." What does this mean for us today? It serves as a reminder to maintain our convictions, to stand up for what we believe in, and to be steadfast in the face of difficulties.  These days, people are always asking questions about what they believe. It's important for us to hold onto what we know is true. When we stand strong in our faith, we strengthen our own beliefs and show others that there is hope and truth in the world. Earnestly contending for the faith includes the ministry of reproof, the pointing out of wrong or error.  "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15) We are also responsible to expose and warn against such false teachings, just like Jesus did.     Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

(Acts 2:23 NKJV) (23) "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; The Bible shows us something amazing: God's plan and what people do are always working together. God planned for Jesus to die on the cross. It was part of His big plan, and Jesus knew it and wanted to do it. The Bible often shows us that God is in control, but people also have choices to make. It's like two things happening at the same time. It's not surprising that God is in charge,  But people are also involved in everything they do. They make choices, and they are responsible to God for those choices.     Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

God's Sovereignty and Man's Free Will The Election by God "...elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father..." (1 Peter 1:2a) We will look at several verses with terms like chosen, elect, and predestinated.  These are strong terms that emphasize the sovereignty of God.  God is in charge.  God has the right to lay things out the way His perfect wisdom and love laid them out.  And it includes the election by God.  The Free Choice by Man  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) God so loved the world that whoever believes.  His love is for the world.  Not just “love”, but He “so loved” all of those who would perish. And believing is offered to whoever will.    Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

TRINITY   The concept of the Trinity is the idea of three in one. We have one God, consisting of three persons. Another term that somewhat captures this idea is: Triunity.   What we are doing is using a term to describe something that exists—a descriptive term—because words like Trinity and Triunity are not found in the Bible. Let's acknowledge that to anyone who argues against the Trinity.  Yes, the word Trinity does not appear in the Bible, and that's acceptable, but let's use another term.  If you want a more comprehensive description, you could say the one Godhead comprised of three persons.  However, it's easier to use the term Trinity.  This one Godhead consists of three persons who are all God of the same essence.    The Bible is full of teachings that support this idea.  A simple term to describe it is Trinity; however, a better term, though it might not be widely used, is Triunity. It conveys a three-fold oneness.  Trinity works well too.     BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

The Preeminence of Christ in counseling. When exploring this topic, the Gospel of John is a rich source of wisdom and insight, offering a deep understanding of Christ's role in providing comfort, healing, and direction to those in need. In the Book of John, we witness the love, compassion, and wisdom in the person of Jesus Christ. His teachings and actions represent the essence of true counseling ministry, where individuals are met with understanding and grace. Jesus demonstrates the transformative power of compassionate counseling rooted in faith and love. Through His teachings and actions, Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate Counselor, Healer, and Redeemer. May we draw inspiration from the wisdom in the Book of John, allowing Christ's light and truth to guide us in our ministry of counseling.    Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist    

In the following series of podcast episodes, "Jesus is God the Son" will cause us to worship as we magnify the deity, centrality, supremacy, sufficiency and sovereignty of Jesus Christ across the Scriptures.     Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist  

In the following series of podcast episodes, "Jesus is God the Son" will cause us to worship as we magnify the deity and sovereignty of Jesus Christ across the Scriptures. Some verses that we cover are as follows: • The Eternal Word in John 1:1-4: The truth of Jesus as the eternal Word who was with God and was God from the beginning, emphasizing His divine nature and role in creation. • The Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6: The prophetic declaration of Jesus as the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6, highlighting His authority, majesty, and role as the bringer of peace and salvation. • The Righteous Branch in Jeremiah 23:5-6: The prophetic vision of Jesus as the Righteous Branch raised up for David, who will reign as King with justice, wisdom, and righteousness, fulfilling God's promise of redemption. Get in Touch - -  Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 Mail: PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist  

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh.”  1 Timothy 3:16  

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27 NKJV) Christ in us the hope of glory, that is our message.   What greater message could you possibly have?   We don't preach our denomination, we don't preach ourselves, we don't preach politics, or psychology, or philosophy.   We preach a person and the person is the most glorious one in the universe in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwells.    

In this podcast episode Pastor Jeff continues the topic about "Grace for Forgiveness," inspired by the transformative message found in 2 Corinthians 9:8. Join us on a journey of exploration and empowerment as we delve into the profound grace that enables forgiveness and restoration. 2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." We need to live in Grace and learn to walk in the freedom and peace that comes from embracing God's grace for forgiveness in all areas of our lives.   Please tune in to our podcast episodes as we delve into these topics and more, providing insights, personal stories, and practical guidance to help you embrace grace for forgiveness in your journey of faith.   Listen now - AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS    Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy PO Box 3021 Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 +1 828-707-9034 Work With Me: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me  

Acts 14:26 states, "From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed." This verse serves as the foundation for our discussions on what it means to be commended to God's grace, how it impacts our work and mission, and how it guides us in our faith journey. If we want great power in our witness of the resurrected Christ we will want great grace to be upon us, just impacting our lives.  As we journey through the pages of Scripture, uncovering the beauty and power of God's grace as it is bestowed upon His faithful servants. Discover how being commended to God's grace can transform our work, our relationships, and our walk with Him. Stay tuned for new episodes that will inspire, enlighten, and empower you to embrace the grace of God in all aspects of your life, just as the early disciples were commended to His grace.   Listen now - AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS    Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy PO Box 3021 Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 +1 828-707-9034 Work With Me: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me  

Philippians 1:11- “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ.” Much Love to All - -      Serving with You, for God's Glory, by His Grace, Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy PO Box 3021 Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 +1 828-707-9034 Work With Me: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me

In this episode, my goal is to build your confidence in the Word of God. By the end of this study, may your confidence in the Holy Scripture be strengthened. Psalm 19, verses 7-11. In this passage, watch the person who trusts in God's Word - we will see his progression: The believer is converted He becomes a disciple,  He obtains a rejoicing soul and a discerning eye,  He is kept through all kinds of perils  and finally obtains a reward! (Psalm 19:7a) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul… Follow along...  

God gives grace to the humble, and by faith we access grace.       BECOME A MINISTRY PARTNER Our mission at The Biblical Counseling Academy is to know JESUS and make Him known. But we're only able to live out this mission through the support of our committed community of monthly donors: Ministry Partners. When you partner with The Academy, you help us deliver the life-transforming message of God's all-sufficient word into new hearts that are desperately in need of help. We train and certify Soul Care Ministers through media, live events, and online courses. In the coming months, we have bold plans to develop church-based counseling ministries in unique ways in places and venues we've never been. Let's see what the Lord will do when we work together on mission! Make a Contribution Today: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online The Biblical Counseling Academy is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States. Donations to BCA are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law and are used to further our mission.

Acts 20:32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance.”     BECOME A MINISTRY PARTNER Our mission at The Biblical Counseling Academy is to know JESUS and make Him known. But we're only able to live out this mission through the support of our committed community of monthly donors: Ministry Partners. When you partner with The Academy, you help us deliver the life-transforming message of God's all-sufficient word into new hearts that are desperately in need of help. We train and certify Soul Care Ministers through media, live events, and online courses. In the coming months, we have bold plans to develop church-based counseling ministries in unique ways in places and venues we've never been. Let's see what the Lord will do when we work together on mission! Make a Contribution Today: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online The Biblical Counseling Academy is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States. Donations to BCA are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law and are used to further our mission.

2 Peter 3:18- “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  The point in this verse is grace is for growing.  Grow in the grace.  For too many Christians their knowledge of the grace of God is limited to the forgiving, justifying grace of God.

2 Timothy 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. In the last days, toward the end of the church.  The age near the coming of the Lord.  When our time for work is about over and laboring in the harvest field.  The times will get to be perilous.  Difficult to live in. You know, like now.  And the reason is “for men will be”.  The reason the days will be difficult will be because of the characteristics of man.  Because people will be like this.  Therefore it's going to be very difficult and it's one more sign the time is running short. If you've studied this passage or read these verses lately, surely your heart heard the Lord say we are in these days. Are we not?  What's the number one characteristic of humankind listed here, describing the last days? Verse 2 says, “...for men will be lovers of themselves”.  Now this makes “self” a false God.  An idol.  Because we are to love the Lord our God with all of our being.  And then, as he fills our hearts with his love, we're just to pour out that love of God toward others.  Romans five, verse five says, “...because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” And that's it.  Loving God with all of our being because he's worthy.  Then as he fills us with his love, poured out on others. That's the way to live. But, in the last days, men will be lovers of themselves.  Lovers of themselves!  What's God's plan for “self”?  It isn't to love it.  It's to crucify it!  Luke 9:23 and elsewhere, Jesus said, “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.” Take the Biblical Counsel's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse

“You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.”  Psalm 73:24 This is to be our confidence for time and eternity. --Throughout time God will guide us with His counsel, if we let Him, if we look to Him, and if we trust Him to do so. And afterward, what will He do? --As we're walking along that path of His counsel, He'll just receive us right into glory. --He'll just continue it in heaven forever. The Lord is our Counselor! Enroll as a Student and Become a Certified Biblical Counselor!  BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com Thank you for considering joining me as a partner in The Biblical Counseling Podcast! The Lord continues to use this podcast to guide individuals in connecting their personal lives in Christ with their everyday experiences. Reading the heartfelt comments sent to me, I am deeply moved by witnessing God's utilization of my joy in teaching and ministering God's Word to benefit others. As both opportunities and digital reach have expanded, so has the associated cost. Your partnership will play a crucial role in offsetting these expenses, contributing to making the light of the gospel shine even brighter for those seeking help and hope in their daily lives. Your commitment means that every individual blessed, home restored, relationship mended, and life impacted through The Biblical Counseling Podcast and The Biblical Counseling Academy is a shared fruit. I express my gratitude for your generous support of this impactful work. Pastor Jeff Christianson Giving Link: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online  

Jesus Christ, our Living Hope Jeff Christianson   Every one of us struggles at times with discouragement, with concerns that might build to worry or anxiety. Add the world-wide crisis into the mix, challenges with health, money, politics, emotional and relational stress - it's not surprising that doubts and strife in the mind abound among people. Despair and hopelessness are not uncommon to all of humanity, including us, the people of God. In those seasons of  struggle, our hope seems to be quite inadequate and meager. This brief article is meant to encourage those of us who face moments of being downcast to fix our eyes upon Jesus. Sometimes, it seems as though hope is just fading away. But the wonderful truth is that God has a remedy. That's not unusual; He is the God of Hope! His remedy is unique and distinct. His Holy Spirit wants to flood our lives with hope. I've found that anchoring my hope correctly saves a lot of heartbreak and fills my life with such great joy. There is no greater hope than the everlasting hope found in our Lord Jesus Christ and sufficiency of His Word. Hope has a name, and it's Jesus Christ.   Hope In The Person of Jesus Peter says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3). Those who trust in Jesus are born into a new family, into a new kingdom, and a new life where the God of hope is involved. They are set free from living a life with hope placed in the world instead of Christ. They are a new creation, Christ is the gracious King, and God is their benevolent Father (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 3:1; Hebrews 4:14-16). All of these wonderful truths are anchored in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.   Jesus, our living hope, is a person (1 Tim 1:1; John 20:26-28). All too often, we try to put our hope in things that the world offers: programs, steps, outlines, life hacks, coping strategies, therapies, philosophies, false religions. These all can deliver temporary hope but they leave us without satisfaction. Christians place their ultimate hope in a person we meet through humble repentance and faith. And, this person is unlike any other. He's the preeminent one. He's the exalted one. He's the all-sufficient One. He is the glorious Christ!   Hope In Jesus' Return In Jesus we have a blessed hope; he will return. Paul describes Christians as “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). How amazing is it that this life is not all that we have? It is so easy to be so focused on day to day living that we forget that our Savior is coming to gather us to Himself. We will never be separated from Him or His holiness. We will spend eternity together.   How much smaller do some issues seem when compared to eternity? When we lose sight of eternity, we lose sight of what is important (2 Corinthians 4:16). When we lose sight of what's important, we chase after the temporary and cannot find satisfaction. We are left empty and hopeless. Instead, let us fix our hope in the love of Christ and the grace to be revealed when He returns (Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Peter 1:13).   Hope: Christ In You Colossians 1:27 says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Our hope is not far off from us. Christ isn't isolated from us. He's right there in our lives. Because Jesus is always with us, and lives in us, we can be sure that he hears us when we pray. Jesus is intimately involved with us, everywhere, all the time (Ps 139:7-10). God isn't simply with us, he is orchestrating our lives for good. God is right in the middle of it with us. Even in difficult circumstances we can have hope because God in His sovereignty has us right where he wants us to be. Whether it is to grow us in faith or draw us closer to Him, God has us where we are for a reason and he is sustaining us through each difficulty (Isaiah 41:10; Romans 5:1-5).   When we are encompassed and surrounded with pressure-filled circumstances, our temptation is to put our hope in changing the situation. We tell ourselves, “If only x were to happen, then life would be better.” Instead of focusing on our circumstances, we need to turn our eyes to the resurrected Christ.  We find resurrected life in our resurrected Lord. Instead of trying harder and “pushing through”, we need to put our hope in Christ. That is what brings us living hope. There's no situation so torturous, so impossible, so agonizing, so depleting of vitality, but what the Lord, who is risen from the dead, can share his resurrection life with us and see us through it, and if he so wills, even deliver us out of that situation. May you and I, today, find help, hope and comfort in Jesus Christ, our loving hope.   Reflection Questions Are you tempted to place your hope in anything outside of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ? What do you currently think will bring you joy and satisfaction? How have things in your life shown to disappoint you when you've placed your hope in them? How has Christ shown Himself to be an object of hope? Enroll in BCA BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

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God's Resources, Not Ours As counselors, we need to increasingly rely on God's resources, not ours. 2 Corinthians 3:5 states: “Our sufficiency is from God.” We are not sufficient of ourselves. Apart from Christ in us, we cannot produce what life demands or what God desires. This is humbling yet liberating. It's humbling to realize we lack what's essential for true living. Yet it's liberating to know God doesn't expect us to produce it ourselves. He freely provides all we need. Our role is simply to draw upon His unlimited resources by faith. "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God..." 2 Corinthians 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 _________ Thank you for considering joining me as a partner in The Biblical Counseling Podcast! The Lord continues to use this podcast to guide individuals in connecting their personal lives in Christ with their everyday experiences. Reading the heartfelt comments sent to me, I am deeply moved by witnessing God's utilization of my joy in teaching and ministering God's Word to benefit others. As both opportunities and digital reach have expanded, so has the associated cost. Your partnership will play a crucial role in offsetting these expenses, contributing to making the light of the gospel shine even brighter for those seeking help and hope in their daily lives. Your commitment means that every individual blessed, home restored, relationship mended, and life impacted through The Biblical Counseling Podcast and The Biblical Counseling Academy is a shared fruit. I express my gratitude for your generous support of this impactful work. Pastor Jeff Christianson Giving Link: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Become a Bibical Counselor: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

In Chapter one of II Samuel we find David receiving word of the death of his dear friend Jonathan, and of King Saul, who he admired so greatly.  In observing how David deals with his grief, there are some important lessons we can learn.  Sooner or later every one of us will experience the grief and sorrow of having lost someone that we loved very dearly.  I learned these lessons from Pastor Chuck Smith, who is now in heaven. Enroll as a Student and Become a Certified Biblical Counselor! Biblical Counseling Academy. com Thank you for considering joining me as a partner in The Biblical Counseling Podcast! The Lord continues to use this podcast to guide individuals in connecting their personal lives in Christ with their everyday experiences. Reading the heartfelt comments sent to me, I am deeply moved by witnessing God's utilization of my joy in teaching and ministering God's Word to benefit others. As both opportunities and digital reach have expanded, so has the associated cost. Your partnership will play a crucial role in offsetting these expenses, contributing to making the light of the gospel shine even brighter for those seeking help and hope in their daily lives. Your commitment means that every individual blessed, home restored, relationship mended, and life impacted through The Biblical Counseling Podcast and The Biblical Counseling Academy is a shared fruit. I express my gratitude for your generous support of this impactful work. Pastor Jeff Christianson Giving Link: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Become a Bibical Counselor: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

Romans 6:3-6 NKJV Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Enroll as a Student and Become a Certified Biblical Counselor! Biblical Counseling Academy. com Thank you for considering joining me as a partner in The Biblical Counseling Podcast! The Lord continues to use this podcast to guide individuals in connecting their personal lives in Christ with their everyday experiences. Reading the heartfelt comments sent to me, I am deeply moved by witnessing God's utilization of my joy in teaching and ministering God's Word to benefit others. As both opportunities and digital reach have expanded, so has the associated cost. Your partnership will play a crucial role in offsetting these expenses, contributing to making the light of the gospel shine even brighter for those seeking help and hope in their daily lives. Your commitment means that every individual blessed, home restored, relationship mended, and life impacted through The Biblical Counseling Podcast and The Biblical Counseling Academy is a shared fruit. I express my gratitude for your generous support of this impactful work. Pastor Jeff Christianson Giving Link: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online

Enroll as a Student and Become a Certified Biblical Counselor! Biblical Counseling Academy. com Thank you for considering joining me as a partner in The Biblical Counseling Podcast! The Lord continues to use this podcast to guide individuals in connecting their personal lives in Christ with their everyday experiences. Reading the heartfelt comments sent to me, I am deeply moved by witnessing God's utilization of my joy in teaching and ministering God's Word to benefit others. As both opportunities and digital reach have expanded, so has the associated cost. Your partnership will play a crucial role in offsetting these expenses, contributing to making the light of the gospel shine even brighter for those seeking help and hope in their daily lives. Your commitment means that every individual blessed, home restored, relationship mended, and life impacted through The Biblical Counseling Podcast and The Biblical Counseling Academy is a shared fruit. I express my gratitude for your generous support of this impactful work. Pastor Jeff Christianson Giving Link: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online

30 Spiritual Reminders for the New Year (Part I) In this episode, Pastor Jeff provides insights on the points initially presented by Dr. Charles Stanley: 1. Our intimacy with God – His highest priority for our lives – determines the impact of our lives. 2. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. 3. God's Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm. 4. The awareness of God's presence energizes us for our work. 5. God does not require us to understand His will. Just obey it, even if it seems unreasonable. 6. You reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow. 7. The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us. 8. Fight all your battles on your knees, and you win every time. 9. Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees. 10. If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to show us His will.  Thank you for considering joining me as a partner in The Biblical Counseling Podcast! The Lord continues to use this podcast to guide individuals in connecting their personal lives in Christ with their everyday experiences. Reading the heartfelt comments sent to me, I am deeply moved by witnessing God's utilization of my joy in teaching and ministering God's Word to benefit others. As both opportunities and digital reach have expanded, so has the associated cost. Your partnership will play a crucial role in offsetting these expenses, contributing to making the light of the gospel shine even brighter for those seeking help and hope in their daily lives. Your commitment means that every individual blessed, home restored, relationship mended, and life impacted through The Biblical Counseling Podcast and The Biblical Counseling Academy is a shared fruit. I express my gratitude for your generous support of this impactful work. Pastor Jeff Christianson Giving Link: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online

"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." Romans 5:17 BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com (Romans 12:6, 8 NKJV) (6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ... (8) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Hebrews 5:13-14 NKJV) (13) For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. (14) But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (7) And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  (8) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. (9) And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Peter 4:12).  Problems and difficulties are built right into the Christian life.  Christians undergoing them are apt to think it very bewildering and strange.  “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters...”  “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:6-7).   Testings, trials, and fiery ordeals come to prove the genuineness of our faith, demonstrating its reality.   The fires of life, warfare, and circumstances test us, but if we walk through them God's way, we will bring praise, glory, and honor to the Lord.   “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).  “For the joy that was set before Him [Jesus] endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2).   “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4).   In II Corinthians 1:8-11, we get an insight into some of Paul's sufferings:  “But we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead” (II Corinthians 1:8-9).  “Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us” (II Corinthians 1:10).  “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (II Corinthians 4:7).  God has placed His Treasure in vulnerable earthen vessels (“Christ in you, the hope of glory”: Colossians 1:27), so that the power that comes forth in our lives has to be of Him, and the glory goes to Him alone.  “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (II Corinthians 4:8-9).    

An Episode Addressing Current Matters. The War in Israel and Biblical Counseling. BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

Jesus said when you see these things begin to happen, do what?  Look up.  “Look up for your redemption is drawing near.”  What does that mean?  It means look to heaven and be reminded of this: that God is in control. Number one, studying Bible prophecy helps me to remember that God is in control of all events in the world today.  And number two, it gives you a heavenly perspective.  BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com PS: From time to time, we rebroadcast the most popular/favorite episodes. Enjoy this podcast and let us know what your thoughts are in the community section below.

Romans 15:14 (NKJV) "Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another." BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

How do you discern the difference between counseling and discipleship? Tune in to this episode to deepen your understanding of Biblical Counseling and its relationship with discipleship. Whether you're a seasoned counselor, a church leader, or someone seeking guidance in your own life, this episode promises valuable insights to enhance your approach to helping others and nurturing spiritual development. The Biblical Counseling Academy is now enrolling. https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-2

Ephesians 4:3 Being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. NASB Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. NKJV Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. NIV BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

Jesus said when you see these things begin to happen, do what?  Look up.  “Look up for your redemption is drawing near.”  What does that mean?  It means look to heaven and be reminded of this: that God is in control. Number one, studying Bible prophecy helps me to remember that God is in control of all events in the world today.  And number two, it gives you a heavenly perspective.  BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

2 Corinthians 11:3,"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."     BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

Welcome to the Biblical Counseling Podcast! In today's episode, Pastor Jeff talks about the topic of God's resources, not our own, not our own abilities versus God's ability. Not that we're sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. And we know this dovetails really well with you who receive and give counsel. We need to rely on God's resources, we draw upon this in biblical theology, this is the basics, and it gets forgotten so often in the counseling ministry and just life in general, we can lean on our own abilities or intellect or personality or just education and things like that. And we want to more and more rely upon God's resources and not our own. God's sufficiency, not ours, is a powerful and humbling truth that is emphasized throughout the Bible. This means that we cannot depend solely on our own strength, wisdom, or resources to meet our needs and overcome our challenges. Instead, we must rely on God's goodness, faithfulness, and provision to sustain us and help us to accomplish His purposes. In 2 Corinthians 3:5, the Apostle Paul writes, "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God." This verse reminds us that anything good that we accomplish or receive is not due to our own merit or power, but is a gift from God. We must recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, and put our trust in God who is infinitely capable and loving. This truth of God's sufficiency challenges us to let go of our pride, self-reliance, and fear, and to instead approach every situation with faith and dependence on Him. As we do so, we can experience the peace, joy, and power that come from knowing and serving a God who is more than enough to meet all of our needs.