Bible Based Counseling

The word of God contains all the answers. In this secular age pastors are told that they do not have the education to offer counsel. When confronted with difficult situations,we are told that we should refer people to licensed professionals who know how to deal with such things. While I have the utmost respect for the counseling profession, the only true counsel must be based on the word of God. One of my instructors was sharing this with us tonight via video. If we counsel someone, but have not led him to admit his need for Jesus, then we have really offered him nothing. Part of the gospel message is that man must admit his two-fold sin, both the original sin of Adam and Eve, and then each person's individual sin. Every human being is born a sinner and needs forgiveness through Jesus Christ. All of life's problems can be traced to one of those two things. Either our troubles are the product of Adam and Eve's sin or they are a product of our own sin. Many problems are a result of the fact that we live in an imperfect, broken world. Through no fault of our own, Adam and Eve's sin introduced sickness, disease, and death to the world. I am in no way saying that one's problems are a result of his own sin. Most problems come from the fact that the world and everything in it is out of touch with God's original order. Each of us has to live with this reality. However, God's grace offers hope and his word offers direction in an uncertain world.There are times, however, when one's problems are the result of poor choices and perhaps even blatant sin. If one's problems are the result of personal mistakes, then each person must repent for himself and ask God to help. In either case God's grace is sufficient and the Bible has the answer. The Bible tells us what to do for depression, for PTSD, for anger, you name it. All the answers to life's difficult situations are found in the word of God. While counseling is good and often necessary, secular psychology does not hold the answers. The only true and wise counsel is found in the word of God. To all my pastor friends, Sunday school teachers, and even church members on the pew: Don't be afraid to give advice that is based on the word of God. It will always stand the test of time.