Why do you feel guilty?

 

 

Welcome back to my blog. I'm glad you're here. Today we discuss an important issue among Christians: the problem of guilt.

 

We have considered in prior blogs that the first step to improved biblically-based wellbeing is acceptance by faith of Christ’s forgiveness for our misdeeds by his death and resurrection. Then we evaluated the importance of understanding that our salvation is secure!

 

So then why do Christians feel guilty? This appears to be a common emotion in our society and almost certainly reduces wellbeing. The exact incidence of guilt is unknown in the general population or in the church, but anecdotally this author can attest that guilt is seen in almost all young people, even if they have grown up in the church and consider themselves Christians.

 

Recently Teleios surveyed a group of attendees of a conservative Bible teaching church to determine their levels of guilt and underlying reasons. In total 70% said they felt guilty. Look below at the results! Who knew? Table 1 shows potential reasons for guilt and additional effects for those expressing feeling of guilt. Learn more at https://teleiosresearch.com/the-influence-of-guilt-on-wellbeing/.

 

To summarize these findings, among 70% of church goers in a strong evangelical church who admit to guilt, it appears to occur at three basic different levels:

• Unbelieving Individuals – These respondents have not understood the complete saving grace provided by Christ’s death, accessed by faith alone.
• Spiritually Insecure Individual – These believers have failed to understand that they are secure in their salvation and cannot become unsaved.
• Disturbed Relationship with God – This group appears to be the most common. They understand they are saved and secure but still believe they must work to satisfy God for His acceptance on a day to day basis.

 

Teleios also performed a survey on the University of Georgia campus and found that approximately 70% of evangelical Christians felt guilty although fortunately the level of guilt was mild and did not appear to affect their overall wellbeing. Learn more at https://teleiosresearch.com/religious-social-influences-wellbeing-college-students/. 

 

So, what is the cure for guilt?

 

The Bible makes no provision for guilt for a believer. Search the epistles and see if you can find it!

 

The Bible indicates that we have free access to Christ, our great high priest, to help us with every need at any time! We can approach God with courage, unimpeded and unafraid (Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:14-16).

 

The Bible tells us that Christ died once for all our wrongdoings. For anyone who does not believe they have been forgiven, there is no alternative provision for their sin (Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:12-18).

 

Therefore, the solution to misdeeds for the Christian is to not ask for forgiveness but to acknowledge God’s merciful forgiveness that has already been granted (Colossians 1:14; Ephesians 1:7), recognize His acceptance and our access (Hebrews 10:19-22) and to become obedient, moving forward and maturing in the faith (Galatians 3:1; Galatians 5:7; Romans 6:16-23; Hebrews 5:11-6:1).

 

What a healthy outlook! As a Christian we can know that we are forgiven, sure in our relationship with God through Christ, know we have a wonderful high priest to help us in our time of need, and when we commit a wrong, we are confident of our forgiveness. Guilt is not part of the biblical Christian life!

 

In summary, the cure for guilt appears to be a knowledge of a person’s salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and being secure in this fact. Our salvation allows a free access to God in prayer without fear. This knowledge is supported by spiritual growth by adhering to the 5 tools of maturity: prayer, praise, outreach, Bible study and fellowship (Acts 2:42,47). Such actions help mature a believer, through the Spirit, allowing  fruit in a believer’s life (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

Thanks again for joining me. Please come again next time as we continue vital and interesting topics on the Christian life. 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Christian Walk – Biblical Speech: Part 2

 Welcome back to my blog. Today we discuss the vitally important topic of biblically based speech.

 

The way we speak to each other is a critical aspect of godly living. Yet controlling our speech is quite difficult and rarely discussed.

 

With biblical input and thinking, we will find it much easier to speak in a fashion that loves people and pleases God. However, biblical speech patterns do not come naturally. In the last blog we discussed how to think about speech and then considered specific ways to better communicate with others to build a strong relationship. 

 

Today let's talk about what not to say in trying to build good relationships by which we could spread the gospel or encourage others. At the end we will examine some Teleios research regarding how millennials think about speech. 

 

What not to say! Here are some speech habits to avoid:

• Don’t just talk about yourself. Ask questions to the other person to encourage them to speak which gives you a chance to listen and learn about them and their needs. 
• Do not interrupt except in rare circumstances when you really need to move the conversation forward.
• Do not criticize the person with whom you are speaking. If you must, and there’s no other option, then do so framed with commendation and appreciation for the person’s other attributes.
• Do not criticize or talk about people not in the conversation unless you have a specific compassionate goal in creating a plan to help that person. Do not say anything about someone you would not say to their face.
• Do not complain unless you’re making a specific plan of action to help resolve the issue surrounding the complaint.
• Watch that sense of humor, especially with people that you do not know who might take offense with your joking particularly in this very sensitive age. Never make somebody else, or a group, the object of a joke.
• Do not dominate the conversation. When somebody mentions something about themselves do not turn the conversation immediately back to yourself even if you want to provide your own related experience or opinion.
• Do not make points by telling long stories. Say your point succinctly and move on. Generally, use an example story only if you must clarify your point.
• Do not repeat your statements. Say your point once and stop, allowing the other person to speak. Dead air time is okay; you don’t have to fill up every moment with speech.
• Do not exaggerate.
• Do not make sweeping or specific judgments that you cannot defend.
• Do not claim credit for other people's work or ideas. Be happy for other people's success. 
• If someone has a good idea don't respond by saying ‘right’ or ‘I knew that ‘. In contrast, give them credit for the novel thinking and compliment them. 

 

Speaking in a biblical way to other people's needs will help you, not only with your relationships in a secular sense, but also to build bridges for the gospel and the opportunity for Christ to work in somebody's life.

 

Teleios Research

 

Teleios Research recently evaluated adolescents and millennials regarding their speech. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 215 participants the majority were: female (52%), <30 years old (93%), from the United States (83%), and evangelical (68%).

 

The top 3 responses are listed below (Tables 1-5) and show a strong minority, at least on a list provided by a survey, are cognizant of the need to help others with speech and to discuss our great God with others.

 

 

 

In summary, biblical speech is key to a functioning, effective, loving body of Christ. That is not to say that we should talk all the time about godly things, encouraging others and expressing gratitude. However, we should endeavor to keep the environment in which we meet people controlled and generate enough profitable speech that the overall atmosphere is productive and biblically based, even if you’re discussing football and recipes at the same time.

 

Thank you again for joining me today. See you next time!  

 

Read more at https://teleiosresearch.com/our-christian-walk-biblical-speech/. 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

 

 

Our Christian Walk - Biblical Speech: Part 1

Welcome back to my blog. Today we discuss the vitally important topic of biblically based speech.

 

The manner we speak to each other is a critical aspect of godly living. Yet controlling our speech is quite difficult and is rarely considered.

 

As we incorporate biblical principles in our lives, we will find it much easier to speak in a fashion that loves people and pleases God. However, biblical speech patterns do not come naturally. How do we do it? Here are some hints:

 

• Consider first, speech is not about you – Have you ever noticed that most people generally talk incessantly about themselves, even at church? Unless we really need someone else to bear our burdens (Galatians 6:2), however, speech should not be about us but about the other person (Ephesians 4:29). Biblical speech should address other people’s needs. This is a huge transformation in thinking for many of us but it’s an important first step to converse with others as God would desire.

 

·       Realize you have much to give – Remember, the Bible is true and good for anyone who hears it (please see the Teleios website for scientific proof). Therefore, when you are speaking scripture and its truth, commending, being thankful, and praising God, you are using your speech as a powerful tool to help others (Colossians 1:3-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10).

 

• Think before you speak – Prior to meeting somebody, consider specific ways you can express gratitude, commendation and encouragement. Planning ahead may not seem natural to some. However, if we don’t consider encouragement ahead of time then generally it will not happen. Be specific in your commendation and thankfulness; the more precise the better.

Spiritually, plan ways to encourage a friend or colleague in Christ, whether by discussing an applicable Bible verse, teaching other people (formally or informally), sharing answered prayed or even imparting the gospel if needed.

We are all busy, but if we don’t consider positive biblical speech ahead of time, we generally will not do it. Think about it! 

 

• Several other key points:

 

• Remember the good things that God has done in the other person’s life. It is much easier to speak positively to somebody if you’re thinking favorable things about them.

 

• Pray for the people with whom you converse. It is much harder to be mad at somebody, or think negatively about them, when you’re praying for them and God’s will in their lives.

 

• Build a solid relationship – This is vital as people need to know that you genuinely like and respect them. There are many books on the subject and perhaps the best starter is the classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. You can buy a cheap used copy (or download a copy) at Amazon. It is frightfully easy to read and apply. Do it!

 

• Ask questions – If you do not know how to encourage someone, then ask them questions or search their on-line presence!

People love attention. The more questions you ask, and the deeper the follow-up questions, presented in an interested and genuine way, the more you will learn about your colleague, spouse, boss, friend or new acquaintance. They will think you are wonderful, and the extra knowledge will help you better pray for them as well as help and encourage them.

• Important note: You do not have to respond to the above questions, it is better that you mostly just listen initially and gather information, again showing you respect for their opinions.

 

• Build a solid spiritual relationship – This can be done by simply asking them about benign religious topics, progressing through such questions as:

 

• General questions about their life, family, and work. Follow up with more specific questions based on what they initially tell you. Show interest! Listen!

 

• General questions about their religious background, such as “Were you raised in the church and what denomination? Did you like the church? Was it a good social environment?”

 

• Go deeper; ask “what do you think about religious-based political issues such as Christian persecution? Does religion or the church help our culture?”

 

• Ask their opinion about a challenging Bible verse, or a difficult doctrine like baptism or predestination.

 

• Ask questions to help them, based on everything that you have heard them say. Perhaps inquire about their security of salvation, then you could ask them about in the applicable verse such as in Ephesians 1:13-14 or 1 Peter 1:4-5. If for example they mention they struggle in their marriage, you could direct them to Ephesians 5:20-32.

 

• Final step, biblical speech – Use the information that you have gathered about a person to consider how to help them by your speech.

 

• How can you express specific commendation or thankfulness for them in their character or actions?

 

• How can you encourage them in scripture?

 

• How can you push them on to greater Christian growth or actions?

 

In summary, biblical speech is key to a functioning, effective loving body of Christ. That is not to say that we should talk all the time about godly things, encouraging others and expressing gratitude. However, we should endeavor to keep the environment in which we meet people controllable and generate enough profitable speech that the overall atmosphere is productive and biblically based, even if you’re discussing football and recipes at the same time.

 

Thank you again for joining me today. Come next time as we finish up this topic on biblical speech, what not to say, and learn how millennials assess their own speech and what the Bible says about what we should say to others. 

 

Read more at https://teleiosresearch.com/our-christian-walk-biblical-speech/. 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

 

 

 

Tithing: What does the Bible say?

 

Welcome to my blog! Today, we discuss tithing which indeed can be a difficult issue. Tithing is a concept introduced in the Old Testament law and refers to 10% of gains in crops and herds given to the use of God (Numbers 18:24-28, Leviticus 27:30-32 and restated in Deuteronomy 12:6-12, 14:22-28). One prior mention of tithing stretches back to Genesis 14 in Abraham’s tithe to King Melchizedek after his victory over the Mesopotamians. This action signified Abraham’s submission to Melchizedek (a type of Christ).

 

Tithing is not mentioned in the New Testament epistles for the church. Importantly, Christ said He is the end of the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4). Therefore, the law is discontinued and does not govern the church; Christians do not have to follow it (Hebrews 7:12-22).

 

The New Testament does state in 2 Corinthians 9:7, however, that each individual should choose to give to God’s work, without sorrow, because God loves those who give joyfully! The Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:8 provides us an example when he states that he counts all things loss for Christ. Further, our whole lives are a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1). Importantly, everything we do as Christians is done by faith, including the extent and manner of how we give (Romans 14:23).

 

In contrast, some who adhere to Reformed Theology believe the church was mysteriously present in the Old Testament and so we must obey the law, including tithing. However, no Christian attempts to obey all the law, so this application is selective and inconsistent. If the church was present in the Old Testament, it is not mentioned specifically. Therefore, the church if present in the Old Testament would be there in a spiritual sense, and not as an organized, functioning structure.

 

In summary, tithing is based in the Old Testament law which New Testament believers are not required to obey because they follow Christ. In contrast, we have the opportunity to serve Christ with all our mental and physical possessions, in faith, as guided by the New Testament and prayer (1 Timothy 4:4-5).

 

Teleios Research – Tithing attitudes among adolescents and millennials

 

To investigate young believers’ beliefs’ over tithing we recently surveyed visitors to the Instagram account, DailyBibleVerses. See full results here https://teleiosresearch.com/young-believers-tithing/. In total, 548 persons completed the survey of whom 80% were female, 82% evangelical, and 85% were <40 years of age and 40% <18. How the participants tithed is described in Table 1 (top 3 responses).

 

 

Further, 82% said that missions or parachurch organizations could receive part of their tithe while 60% indicated material possessions donated or time spent serving could be part of their tithe. Table 2 addresses the participant’s biblical basis of their tithing (top 3 responses).

 

 

Further answers are in Tables 3-4 (top 3 responses).

 

 

Table 4: What percent of your possessions belong to God?

 

In summary, as Christians born again by faith in Christ’s forgiveness and His resurrection from the dead, we live by the scriptural commands in the New Testament apostolic letters. These enable us to become a joyful giver, produce fruit, and be committed to God’s work. Faith and the Holy Spirit allow us to give 100% of our lives, and not just 10%.

 

Thank you for reading my blog and join me again next time as we continue discussing the Christian life.

 

1. http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/1234/on-tithing-stewardship-and-the-cooperative-program

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.