Good Friday. It almost seems a contradiction in terms—good and Friday—when we consider the brutal crucifixion of the sinless Son of God. The One who healed the sick, calmed the storm, and called the dead to life was mocked, beaten, and nailed to a cross. And yet, it was through this very darkness that redemption […]
Read MoreDear Friend: I’m so excited to let you know about an exciting video resource I have put together in advance of my book release for Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ. 🥁roll please… Introducing the first-ever, GROUNDED IN GRACE VIRTUAL PARENT SUMMIT! 🙌 What is it? 26 interviews with leading pastors, […]
Read MoreUndoubtedly in your ministry, you’ve encountered people who hold on to grudges tightly or who are embroiled in conflict. In these cases, forgiveness must be a key focus of your pastoral care. But how do you explain the biblical concept of forgiveness? As a Christian, your starting point is different from what we hear in […]
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Post-traumatic stress disorder, a profoundly intense response to profoundly dangerous experiences, manifests itself in fear, terrifying vulnerability, and lack of a sense of control. While these responses are often involuntary, Jeremy Lelek reminds us that they are still responses . . . and, thus, different responses are possible. Here he relates the narrative of creation, fall, and redemption to the experiences of PTSD, reminding us that the gospel speaks to our experiences with danger as part of its redemptive message. He points to the wisdom of God in our suffering and reminds us of the saving grace offered by Jesus, guiding readers to the peace and contentment found in seeking God’s glory.
Sample Chapter: /sites/default/files/files/Sample chapter(1).pdf
Read MoreA Twitter Question Yesterday, on Twitter, domestic abuse biblical counselor, Chris Moles, asked: “What was it that woke you up to the prevalence of #DomesticAbuse ? An experience? A resource?” I hesitated to respond with my experience—feeling false shame even half-a-century later. But then, for the first time, even as a sixty-two-year-old author-pastor-counselor, I put […]
Read MoreFor as bright as the holidays may be, it is equally dark for many, allowing us to live out our divine call to counsel in helping others find peace this Christmas! The holiday season is again upon us ushering in a seemingly magical transformation of social life. Celebration is the theme of the season, and […]
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Ah, Thanksgiving – food, family, friends, football games, and the full-out explosion of Christmas. For those celebrating in the North, it is also the beginning of consistently crisp air (translation for my Southern friends: constant cold as all get out). I’ll never forget our Thanksgivings (yes, Thanksgivings) the first year we moved to Canada. New […]
Read MoreFirst, “The False Health & Wealth Gospel” The vast majority of Evangelicals reject the “health and wealth gospel.” This is the false gospel that claims that if you obey God, then He will bless you with physical health and material wealth. This false gospel makes God like a Genie in a bottle who grants us […]
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I find that many Christians get uncomfortable when talking about God and healing. To discuss God brining physical healing raises controversial questions about spiritual gifts. To discuss emotional healing seems […]
The post The Gospel Brings Healing appeared first on IBCD.
God is never the source of temptation to sin. Instead, the cycle begins with strong desires in our hearts. So perhaps you’re wondering if the devil is involved at all. […]
The post What Is the Devil’s Part in Temptation? appeared first on IBCD.
I walked confidently to the closet in my hall—hall being a generous term for the 4X5 foot space separating my bathroom and bedroom from the kitchen. It holds three doors, one of which goes to a little room used as a pantry, a linen closet, and a vacuum keeper. Granted, it takes some effort […]
Read MoreRead Romans 8:26-39 This passage, in part, reads, “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness…the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance to God’s will…God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right […]
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