Teleios: June 2024

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Our life is a Service

Welcome back to my blog. This blog investigates what the Bible says about our relationship with God and how the scriptures influence our lives.

Today we discuss the enriching topic of service to other people both within and outside the church. The Bible emphasizes serving others as an essential principle of the Christian faith. To fully serve God we need to turn our thoughts away from ourselves, as we are able, and reach out to others, not only using gracious speech, but our actions as well (1 Peter 4:10).

How are we to act towards others outside the church?

We know that the church of Jesus Christ is pivotal for its members, which include all Christians, in promoting the walk with God as well research from Teleios and others has shown it promotes personal well-being. However, Christ sent us into the world to preach the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20) and not to live in an isolated fashion.

How, then, do we treat others outside the church?

The Bible gives us guidelines:

Do good to all men (Galatians 6:10)
Pray for all men and giving of thanks (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Be good citizens (1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-15)
Provide things honest to all men (Romans 12:17)
Show love toward all men (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
God wants all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4)
As possible, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18)
Be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient (2 Timothy 2:24)

How are we to help others inside the church?

Scripture says that we are to assist each other (beyond how we treat each other) inside the body of Christ in a variety of ways:

Be affectionate one to another (Romans 12:10)
Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:10)
Provide social help to those in need (1 Timothy 5:1-16)
Love one another (1 John 4:7)
Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
Be hospitable to one another (Romans 12:13)
Do not judge one another (Romans 14:13)
Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)
Be subject to one another (1 Peter 5:5)
Consider how to provoke others to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)
Exhort each other (Hebrews 3:13)
Pray for each other (Hebrews 13:18)
Fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)

Teleios Research on service and wellbeing

Amazingly, the service we provide to others helps ourselves by enhancing our knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10), and our own wellbeing (please see below).

Of course, the benefit of serving others is not limited to the person giving but also to the individual or communities receiving the help.

Although the benefit of service has been little studied scientifically to our knowledge, we believe that assistance to communities and giving to individuals promotes a gracious and courteous culture which allows all to pursue their best.

Service and wellbeing study – Teleios recently evaluated the effect of personal service on wellbeing at Grace Community Church (https://teleiosresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/CV-TELEIOS-GCC-II-CMHJ-2013.pdf). We surveyed 309 adults in two services on one Sunday.

The survey showed that individuals who routinely participated in a community or church-based service program, compared to those who did not, had better wellbeing scores in contentment, peace, joy, purpose, and community acceptance. Wow! Who wouldn’t want that? Additionally, people who served had a better global wellbeing score (average of seven questions together) than those who did not serve.

Interestingly, the study showed the benefit of service might occur with as little as one hour a week helping others! The benefit was even greater when people served up to 6 hours per week. In addition, the perceived benefit of the service did not depend on the type of service, whether inside the church or in non-church sponsored community service.

Why would personal service help wellbeing? We don’t know this answer for certain, but there are several potentials:

Serving others provides us with a sense of purpose.
Serving provides a comfort that our lives are useful.
When we serve, we realize we are being obedient and living consistently with God’s desires.
Our own problems are put into proper perspective not only by perceiving the suffering of other people but also by ordering our own priorities under God’s.
By serving we focus less on our own troubles perhaps reducing the emotional burden of these problems.

In summary, service is fundamental to our Christian walk both inside and outside the church. It has the advantage of enhancing our own wellbeing, uplifting other individuals as well as our society in general and allowing us to know God better. Serving isn’t always easy, but God’s grace empowers us. Even small acts of kindness matter, and nothing we do for God is in vain.

Join us next week as we discuss the important topic of marriage.

William C. Stewart, MD

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

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

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

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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. 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 alone 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.

Friday, June 21, 2024

Sharing Your Faith: Part 2

As Christians and recipients of God’s grace to salvation, our natural response is to desire to share the other people as Christ commanded the disciples and us (Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:16; 2 Timothy 2:21-25; 1 Peter 3:15).

However, as I have had the privilege to teach many young adults for many years none have been able clearly to explain to me the gospel message. Further, many are afraid to speak about Christ because of social isolation and not knowing what to say. How do we overcome this? Well, the first question is:

What exactly is the gospel?

The gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ—His death and resurrection—for the salvation of God’s people. It means forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and sonship restored through faith in Christ. The gospel isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift from God that offers hope and eternal life.

The gospel message should contain generally the following information:

Man sinned
God is just, requiring a punishment for sin
But out of love God sent His Son, Jesus Christ who by dying on the cross, provided forgiveness of sins in taking man’s deserved punishment
Therefore, by faith alone in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and belief in His resurrection, man can gain eternal life

(Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 10:9; 1 Peter 1:21-23; Galatians 2:16)

You see, it is that easy!

What does a new believer need to do? Nothing. Remember the gospel message requires only belief. A person isn’t required to say a special prayer, go to church, or be water baptized; they simply believe! However, the new believer should be able to repeat the gospel back to you (Romans 10:10). If a person cannot articulate their new faith, then they probably have not understood it.

How to be a fearless gospel-sharing dynamo! Simple steps you can do:

We understand people fear sharing the gospel.

So how do we relate the Good News to others in today’s world? Fortunately, scripture does not tell us that we need to beat people with the gospel in a socially awkward and isolating way. Communicating the gospel can be done in an easy, acceptable manner that you can adapt to your lifestyle.

There are many ways to share the plan of salvation, but here is a simple process that might help you:

Realize first we have a great message – Remember the Bible is true and good for anyone who hears it (please see our website for scientific proof). What the world has to offer as a replacement god, for example, humanism, statism, and atheism, is hateful, bigoted, anti-freedom, and very dark.
Learn the gospel – It is short and easy (Please see ‘Become a Christian page‘).
Prayerfully consider others – Most of us are so busy that unless we stop and specifically consider those around us we may easily miss wonderful opportunities to spread the gospel. Therefore, try thinking through the people you know and who might respond to the gospel. Many Christians say ‘well nobody!’ So then, consider how you can meet more people and know your acquaintances better (please see next point). Start by praying for them!
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! In short, good relationships are built on, at least in part: listening, asking inquisitive questions about people’s passions, work, interests and family. This should be done in a genuine, affable manner with a smile, gratitude, empathy, appropriate specific compliments, and saying ‘I’m sorry’ as needed. A solid relationship may take some time to build, months to years. Be patient.
Build a solid spiritual relationship – This can be done by simply asking them about benign religious topics, progressing through such questions as:

Were you raised in the church and in what denomination? Did you like the church? Was it a good social environment?
What do you think about religious-based political issues such as Christian persecution? Does religion or the church help our culture, etc.?
Work towards issues pertaining to Christ, who is the major goal of the conversation, such as: what did their Church teach about Christ? What do they themselves believe about Christ? What is Christ’s role in salvation? Important note: You don’t have to respond to the above questions, it typically is better that you mostly just listen initially and gather information, again showing you respect for their opinions.
Don’t be legalistic – Do not tell people the plan of salvation through guilt producing, inflexible messaging (e.g., ‘receive Christ or die in hell’). We have a great truth which we can tell others with joy in the midst of a positive relationship with the recipient.

Identify a need – As you listen you should be able to perceive spiritual needs such as: are they are saved? Are they concerned about not going to heaven? Do they express reasons for guilt or unhappiness? Based on these issues you can develop a plan to assist them.
Meet their need by saying the gospel – Based on your assessment of their spiritual needs, plan how to explain the gospel as a specific solution to their need. Make sure the explanation is simple and clear, and that they can respond with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Although you may be able to discuss the gospel directly, I generally find it is helpful to offer a Bible study for 4 weeks to study the claims of Christ in Ephesians 1:1-14. During this study they can discover the truth themselves, ask questions and you can share the Gospel as issues of salvation are raised in the text (please review plan of salvation at the bottom of the page so you know what to say). Salvation is neatly packaged also in Romans 3:10-26 or Ephesians 2:1-10.

Don’t feel guilty if rejected – The epistles tell us to be obedient (just do it!) and does not mention guilt. We have the joy to tell others about salvation. It is the hearer’s responsibility to accept God’s message. Further, it is God Himself, not us by our efforts, who brings people to faith (John 6:44; John 16:8-11).
Follow-up – What should you do after the new Christian acknowledges they believe? Good question! Since Christians are regenerated by the Holy Spirit at salvation (Titus 3:5; Romans 6:2-12) they are God’s “workmanship” or product (Ephesians 2:10), not yours! God causes them to grow and stand (Romans 14:4; 2 Timothy 1:12). It is not our responsibility! If a person truly believes they have become a new person and will eventually show others their new faith by their actions in obedient response to Jesus their Lord.

If they say yes and believe, then praise be to God. What a privilege to see God save and change a life!

Indeed, sharing the Gospel is a privilege we have as Christians. Our society needs to hear it! The only way we will change our culture is to change hearts, and that by the power of God’s Spirit.

Even if this individual ultimately says ‘no’ to your efforts, the strong relationship you’ve built in the initial steps outlined above should overcome any social awkwardness. Through prayer and patience perhaps the opportunity to share again will occur.

As a physician, if I knew the truth about someone’s life-threatening medical condition and also knew how to cure it, would I withhold disclosing the diagnosis in case my patient found it offensive or didn’t believe me? If so, I would be a terrible doctor! We have the truth, which we can help others. Our society needs the truth of the gospel!

As Christians, it is a fundamental responsibility to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. The Bible encourages believers to spread the message of salvation, forgiveness, and reconciliation through faith in Christ.

Thanks for joining me today and I look forward to seeing you at my next blog.

William C. Stewart, MD

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/c/TeleiosVideos/

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Sharing your Faith: Part 1

As Christians and recipients of God’s grace to salvation, our natural response is to desire to share the gospel with other people as Christ commanded the disciples and us (Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:16; 2 Timothy 2:21-25; 1 Peter 3:15). Sharing the gospel is a beautiful and essential part of the Christian faith.

As simple as this sounds, Teleios has shown through research that several issues often inhibit the gospel from being shared by many Christians (Figure 1). Nonetheless, God graciously uses Christians to spread His gospel (Romans 10:14-16).

In today’s blog and the next several editions, we'll help you become a gospel-sharing dynamo! Let us first examine people's views on sharing the gospel.

Teleios research – Gospel survey

Teleios recently evaluated how often evangelical Christians share the gospel and what makes a person fear doing so (1). We surveyed all attendees at one Sunday worship service in a midwestern evangelical church. Approximately 370 people participated. Below are some issues the survey addressed:

What is sharing the gospel?

The survey also discovered that what many people consider sharing the gospel may not necessarily include a verbal explanation! In fact, a verbal gospel message came in only number five on the list of ways people say they share. The most common methods are noted in Table 1.

Verbalizing the Gospel – Biblically, is it important actually to say the gospel?

The Bible indicates in Romans 10:13-15 that someone has to actually hear the words of the gospel to understand salvation. Further, the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 noted that although he worked day and night to live a blameless life in front of the Thessalonians, he still verbally spoke the gospel to them. In other words, non-verbal efforts, although important, will not bring somebody to belief. A non-Christian needs to hear the specific gospel message.

Do Christians fear sharing the gospel?

Almost all (96%) participants said they feared sharing the gospel’ but thought they should explain it more often to others (5.1/6.0 rating). Further, participants confessed guilt in not explaining the gospel (3.0/6.0 rating). In total, 31% indicated that they shared the plan of salvation verbally with someone once a month or more frequently. However, the fear or social pressure to explain the gospel might have caused participants to confess that they exaggerate how often they explain the gospel (4.9/6.0 rating).

In a politically correct society where Christians often are demonized as mean, judgmental, racist, and uneducated, it is easy to feel ashamed and reticent to speak God’s truth. Yet if our God is the God of the Bible, He has given us His power and truth for salvation and daily living. We have a wonderful message to give our colleagues, family and friends. We are correct, and society is wrong! Therefore, we should be confident in sharing these truths patiently and lovingly (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

Does sharing the gospel help me?

This study also found that the personal wellbeing of the believer telling others how to become Christian was boosted. This was true also for several biblical markers for wellbeing (Table 2)!

Why would this be? Several causes might be possible:

Believers may feel better after discussing the gospel, realizing they are fulfilling an injunction from the Bible.
A Christian who explains the message of salvation may derive joy in knowing they are providing good advice and helping others.
If Christians do not know how to share the Gospel with someone else, they may not be able to even convince themselves of God’s faithfulness in times of personal doubt, which may hurt their own well-being.
It takes our mind off ourselves and focuses on someone else’s needs. This is most likely healthy for us and gives our minds a rest from ruminating over our own troubles.
It orients our goals under those of the almighty God and recognizes His purposes are greater than ours. Therefore, our personal troubles are set in proper perspective, providing a balance to our own mental health.
It helps build community, both in numbers and maturity, by encouraging a civil and gracious society.
Believers who told others about the gospel were more likely to be adherent in other areas of their Christian life including: teaching others, praying, praising God and having meaningful Christian fellowship. These extra measures of adherence, especially in associating with other believers, may have contributed to wellbeing (2,3).

Our study suggests that practicing, Bible-believing Christians generally have high ratings of wellbeing. Although Christians may fear explaining the gospel to others, those who do so show better wellbeing than those who do not.

At Teleios, we believe the Bible is true instruction for salvation and healthy lives. What we offer society is correct and true. In contrast, what the world offers through globalism, humanism, communism, identity, and statist politics cannot match the glory and benefits of our blessed Savior. We should not recoil from the world but realize what we have is good for our family, friends, and society.

Remember, it’s not about eloquence or having all the answers—it’s about being willing to share the hope we have in Christ. As you obey His command to spread the Gospel, trust that God will work in hearts and draw people to Himself.

Join us next time as we discuss the exact elements of the gospel and how easily it can be said to others! Thanks for joining me today, and I look forward to seeing you on my next blog.

For more on the topic, see…

Jesus Film Project - We Asked 1,600+ Christians Why They Don't Share Their Faith

https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/asked-1600-christians-why-they-dont-share-their-faith.html