Know your Scripture!

Welcome back! I am glad you are here. We are discovering together what the Bible says about wellbeing. Otherwise, how can you live a more satisfied, fulfilling life! We recently have discussed the first step to entering the gateway to Biblically based wellbeing: acceptance of Christ’s forgiveness by faith (i.e. becoming a Christian), understanding our salvation is permanent, and that we should not feel guilt. What great promises!

Where do we go from here? Last we discussed that we can proceed in our faith using the 5 tools to maturity outlined in Acts 2:42 and 47. Today we begin to examine these tools individually and how they can promote wellbeing. Today, Scriptural knowledge!!

We know from the medical literature that identifying as a Christian, church attendance and prayer can enhance wellbeing as well as various measures associated with wellbeing (1-3).

To gain a better understanding of this effect Teleios has analyzed specific measures associated with wellbeing, one being scriptural knowledge. Several studies indicate that studying Scripture in general enhances wellbeing (4,5). Knowledge of individual important Scriptures could improve wellbeing, such as: acceptance of salvation, confidence in salvation and lack of associated guilt. Interestingly at a study done at the University of Georgia Christian and non-Christian students alike recognized Scriptural wisdom as being good for their life, such as ‘Be slow to speak and quick to listen’ (internal data, Teleios Inc)!

More research is needed to evaluate the effect on wellbeing associated with pivotal Scriptures, but we are all off to a good start!

Why would Bible study improve wellbeing? Scripture is the manual by which we can mature and live our Christian life. Scripture indicates good fruit in our life will occur as we mature in the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Importantly, the Spirit uses God’s word to teach us and provide us power (I John 2:27, Ephesians 6:17). Just as when we buy a new iPhone or droid we read the manual (hopefully!) to determine how it may be used to help our life, so we should study Scripture for our Christian life. The more we read and understand the more fruit we should gain.

Importantly, this takes personal study of God's word. It is not enough to live by the jargon within church society which may actually not represent God at all (e.g., ‘I will do this will when I have peace from God’; or ‘God will open the door’). We are to the act obediently whether or not we have peace or not and we make decisions based on His Word and prayer and then act in faith (I Timothy 4:4-5, Romans 14:23). In a recent survey of conservative pastors conducted by Teleios, they overwhelmingly supported the concept of using Scripture to teach truth and not jargon in the church (internal data, Teleios Inc).

Study God's word and reap the reward!  If you do not know how to study the Bible contact us here please at Teleios and we will make every attempt to help you. Thanks for joining me today.

What is the best way to learn Scripture? To participate in our latest poll question - please visit our website at http://teleiosresearch.com/#anchorpoll

WC Stewart

http://teleiosresearch.com/

http://teleiosblog.blogspot.com/

1. MacIlvaine WR, Nelson LA, Stewart JA, et al. (2014). Association of strength of community service to personal well-being. Community Ment Health J, 50: 577-82.
2. MacIlvaine WR, Nelson LA, Stewart JA, et al. (2013). Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract, 19: 251-5.
3. Stewart WC, Adams MP, Stewart JA, et al. (2013). Review of clinical medicine and religious practice. J Relig Health, 52: 91-106.
4. Hamilton JB, Moore AD, Johnson KA, et al. (2013). Reading the Bible for guidance, comfort, and strength during stressful life events. Nurs Res, 62:178-84.
5. Levine EG, Aviv C, Yoo G, et al. (2009). The benefits of prayer on mood and well-being of breast cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer, 17: 295–306.

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