Christians Counseling Christians

FrontLine: May/June 2021 | VOLUME 31 | NUMBER 3

Scripture is clear that one of the responsibilities of every Christian is to help restore other believers to usefulness. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Clearly, God expects His people to be involved in counseling others. “Restoring others” implies that a believer notices others’ sin struggles and is ready and willing to speak the truth with a right disposition, all the while acknowledging that he himself may need to be on the receiving end of spiritual counsel soon.

In a world of individualism and narcissism, many Christians are hesitant, if not totally opposed, to stepping into situations to help with biblical counsel. Excuses are made, and others’ problems are treated as just that: their own problems. Some may think, “It is none of my business. Let him ask for help if he thinks he needs it.” Often Christians do not even try to help, due to a feeling of inadequacy and lack of experience. None of these cultural or personal issues should cause Christians to ignore the clear command of Scripture, however. There is a great need for Christians to step up and step into the lives of others to provide the help that they need.

The unique goal of biblical counseling is that it would remain expressly tied to God’s Word. Humanistic psychological help, in contrast, cannot provide satisfying answers that lead to lifelong change. Only God can bring that through His Word and His Spirit. This is the hope that every Christian counselor has as he seeks to help others. He is not alone; the Creator of the world is on his side!

That hope is the motivation for this issue of FrontLine magazine. The contributors are all skilled at utilizing God’s truth to help others, and they desire to motivate their readers to do the same. We hope that the result will be that more believers seek opportunities to counsel others, leading to lasting change to the glory of God. May these articles inspire believers to be involved in the restoration of others to usefulness for God!

This issue begins with two articles concerning the heart of counseling and the sufficiency of the Bible. These foundational themes presented by Bruce Meyer are followed by two practical methodology articles: Bryan Brock presents the relevant concept that preaching is a primary means of counsel, and Kevin Schaal provides a helpful resource on parents counseling their children. Concluding the issue are three more narrowly themed articles: one on repentance by Andrew Goodwill, another on handling grief by Ben Flegal, and finally one I contributed concerning a Christian’s response to a confusing world.

Comprehensively treating this subject in one magazine issue would be impossible, since there are so many different counseling issues to handle. But it is our prayer that the ideas presented here will motivate Christians to be active in the lives of others with a confidence that the truth of God is the only thing that will solve the problems of humanity.

—Mark Herbster

Features

The Heart of Counseling: Getting Below the Surface Problems to the Heart of the Issue
Bruce Meyer

Effective biblical counseling focuses on heart beliefs and attitudes more than mere behavior.

Sufficient Word—Even for Counseling
Bruce Meyer

Some people reason, “My Strong’s Concordance does not have the words ‘anorexia,’ ‘depression,’ or ‘PTSD’; therefore, the Bible is silent concerning those problems.”

Counseling from the Pulpit: The Sermon on the Mount as a Test Case
Bryan Brock

Is there a place for counseling a group or congregation in the context of Bible teaching?

Counseling Your Children (and Grandchildren)
Kevin Schaal

Counseling is happening all the time, and many Christian counselors do not even recognize they are doing it.

The Ins and Outs of Repentance
Andrew Goodwill

There is more to repentance than feelings.

Truth for Responding to Grief
Benjamin B. Flegal

Establish a basis for enduring grief in a godly way so that you do not waste the sovereignly appointed trials.

The North Star Truth … Psalm 37
Mark Herbster

The North Star is a fixed, reliable point of light that guarantees a certain direction no matter what.

Departments

Mail Bag & News from All Over

On the Home Front

Regional Reports

At a Glance — Prophetic Fulfillment: Is Close Enough Good Enough?
Layton Talbert

With the Word to the World: The God of Hope
Jim Tillotson

I Didn’t Plan It This Way!
Diane Heeney

MASH Ministries — Hope Begins Here
Paul Phelps

Standing Strong for God’s Truth
Jerry Sivnksty

FrontLine • May/June 2021. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.