At the sound of the alarm each morning, we push back the sheets and step into our routines. Day after day we do the same things, and in short-term thinking we often expect different results. Human beings are creatures of habit, both good and bad. When we come to Jesus, we do so as sinners. As fallen, messy people we come with heavy baggage; we come with a multitude of negative behaviors that must be overcome. So what is the Christian to do when we identify an area where growth and change are needed?
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-24
Looking forward, readers can expect a six-part series studying Biblical Growth and Change. This series provides a glimpse of the biblical counseling perspective* on growth and change, sharing what the Bible says concerning change in our lives through means that honor Christ, His church, and His Word. God has given us Himself, the Gospel, the Bible, and the church, promising that they are effective for all things pertaining to life and godliness. Our task as Christians is to grow in our understanding of and ability to apply these resources to our struggles.
Reading each post and included scripture passages, implementing questions, and working through practical help within the study offers individuals a glance at how to live a transformed life in Jesus Christ. As born-again believers, we can learn to satisfy our souls and renew our minds with what God has given us in the gospel.
It’s important to note that this study will be helpful, but not exhaustive. Much can be gained from the local church and/or spending time with a biblical counselor regarding growth and change.
Sources for this series:
Jay Adams, Godliness Through Discipline
Gregg R. Allison, 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith
Joel Beeke, Developing Healthy Spiritual Growth
Sinclair Ferguson, Maturity
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
John MacArthur, Jr., Our Sufficiency in Christ
John Owen, The Mortification of Sin
J. I. Packer, Rediscovering Holiness
John Piper, When the Darkness Will not Lift
David Powlison, Power Encounters
Stuart Scott, Killing Sin Habits
Stuart Scott, From Pride to Humility
R.C. Sproul, 5 Things Every Christian Needs to Grow
Charles Swindoll, Understanding Christian Theology
Paul Tripp, Instruments in The Redeemer’s Hands
Ed Welch, Side by Side
Rankin Wilbourne, Union With Christ
Class Notes, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
*Note: A trained biblical counselor through Association of Certified Biblical Counselors’ CDT, the counsel I provide is in accordance with sound interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. As of the time of this writing, my training continues through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. No claim is made or implied to licensure by the state of Arkansas or any other state.
An Everyday Theologian 