“What is the gift of encouragement?”…The gift of encouragement or exhortation is found in Paul's list of gifts in Romans 12:7-8. The word translated "encourage" or "exhortation" is the Greek word paracletos", or "paraclete" which basically means "to call to one's side." ……"Paracletos" can have several meanings, including exhort, urge, encourage, and comfort. All of […]
“What is nouthetic counseling?”……Quite simply, "nouthetic" counseling is biblical counseling-it gets its name from the Greek work noutheteo which is usually translated "admonish" Romans 15:14…I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.. It means […]
“Are faith healers for real? Does a faith healer heal with the same power as Jesus?”……There is no doubt that God has the power to heal anyone at any time. The question is whether He chooses to do so through those who are called "faith healers." These individuals typically convince their audiences that God wants […]
“What is fengshui? Should a Christian practice fengshui?”……Fengshui, which literally means "wind-water," is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to use the laws heaven and earth (astronomy and geography) to help one improve life by receiving positive "qi" or energy flow. Fengshui has a long and complex history as to its uses, techniques, and […]
“What does the Bible say about Bipolar Disorder / Manic Depression?”……Note: as with many psychological issues, there are often both a physical and spiritual aspect of manic depression / bipolar disorder. While we believe psychologists often miss the true spiritual nature of the sickness, we strongly encourage anyone suffering with a mental illness to seek […]
“How does psychology work with biblical counseling?”……Secular psychology is based on the teachings of psychoanalysts such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Carl Rogers. Biblical, or NoutheticCounseling, (see study on Nouthetic Counseling) on the other hand, is based squarely on the revealed Word of God. Biblical counseling sees Scripture as sufficient to equip the child […]
“What is existential therapy, and is it biblical?”……Psychological theories are generally based in more pervasive philosophical concepts, such as naturalism or humanism. These underlying philosophies often cause Christians to reject a psychological theory. However, once psychological theories receive some biblical correction, Christian counselors can effectively use them to assist clients. Existential therapy is unique in […]