Author: Sacha Alexandre Mendes

BCC Classic: Characteristics of a Hardened Heart

BCC Classic: Characteristics of a Hardened Heart

Posted by | Oct 7, 2021 | |

Counseling provides many opportunities to meet different people. The most significant differences between people are not their physical features, gender, ages, or various ethnicities. No doubt, these are important pieces of information about your counselee. But the Bible puts more emphasis on a person’s spiritual state. Where your counselee is in their relationship with God, how they are responding to Him, and how much they love Jesus are crucial things to know to have an effectual counseling ministry. As a counselor, you want to know general information about your counselee to assess their spiritual state. The spiritual state of your counselee determines your spiritual approach in counseling. Continue Reading →

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When God’s Wisdom Does Not Make Sense

When God’s Wisdom Does Not Make Sense

Posted by | Sep 17, 2021 | |

You confess sound doctrine and know your Bible reasonably well. However, when reality confronts beliefs, there is a crisis. You want to be sure that God is wise, but everything around you seems to indicate the opposite. You are hesitant to admit it, but sometimes God’s wisdom does not make any sense to you. What is the point of a broken friendship in God’s plan? Or why would God allow a prodigal son? Does any good come from a dry marriage relationship? What about a severe medical diagnosis or financial bankruptcy? It does not make any sense, and you cannot see where your pointless situation leads you to a better place. Continue Reading →

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Gaining Encouragement from Missionary Biographies

Gaining Encouragement from Missionary Biographies

Posted by | Mar 29, 2021 | |

Last year, we read a few missionary biographies at home as a family. Before going to bed, we gathered together and read one chapter of a good missionary story each night. I was not expecting to gain so much from this simple family experience. Inspiration, excitement, and even entertainment were some of my low expectations for this family activity. But, God exposed my poor understanding of how powerful the testimonies of His servants are. Recounting faithful examples of the past nurtures the Christian faith. God took our family to a deeper understanding of His sovereign control, loving plans, and wise ways. Continue Reading →

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How (NOT) to “Balance” Truth and Love

How (NOT) to “Balance” Truth and Love

Posted by | Oct 28, 2020 | |

“Biblical counseling is harsh and unloving!” “Biblical counselors do not care for suffering people!” How many times have you heard this kind of criticism? Sometimes, the criticism comes from hurting people who received terrible counsel from unloving counselors that resulted in an awful experience. Sometimes, the criticism comes from a stereotype propagated through time. No matter the source or kind of objection, it is wise to learn from this type of accusation. Continue Reading →

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“I Need Something Other Than the Gospel!”

“I Need Something Other Than the Gospel!”

Posted by | Jun 3, 2020 | |

I have talked to several people with a similar longing after spending time in counseling: “I need something else.” The context is typically a consistent failure to make changes in their life. When sincere Christians face a lack of progress in their Christian walk, they get discouraged. Discouragement quickly leads to a range of struggles rooted in unbelief. The result is a deceitful conclusion that the gospel is not enough. A sincere Christian would hardly say that the gospel is insufficient, but his longings tell a different story: “Give me something more than the gospel, this is not working.” Continue Reading →

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