Showing posts with label spiritual. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Baptism: Part 2 - What to believe?


Welcome back to my blog! Today's exciting topic is baptism. Last time we covered the definition of the word and young people’s experience with baptism.

As a reminder of my admonition stated in the last blog, baptism is a very controversial subject and people's beliefs can often be based on feelings or tradition. However, as Bible based Christians, we first consider the scriptures to differentiate what the epistles say to the church about baptism from opinion and tradition. Further reading is referenced below (1,2).

Types of baptism

In the New Testament, baptism use can be divided generally from two sections: the historical books and the epistles.

  • Historical books (the gospels and the book of Acts)
    • Historical precedent – Baptism as a rite was known among the Greeks and Jews.
    • The Greek mystery religions practiced baptism in the entry of new members into their societies (3).
    • Jews practiced baptism with water under undescribed conditions (4).
      • Accordingly, it appears that baptism as a rite was performed in the gospels and Acts in several instances among the Jews (please also see just below).
  • Specific types of baptism are mentioned in the gospels and Acts:
    • John the Baptist – He administered the baptism of repentance preparing the way of Christ (Matthew 3:7). This baptism was specific to John the Baptist.
    • Christ’s baptism (Matthew 3) – This was specific to Jesus and his commission to be our Savior and the associated testimony of the Holy Spirit and God.
    • Baptizing by the disciples – This was done apparently under the direction of Christ (John 3:264:2). Its purpose is not described. It may reflect a baptism of repentance associated with the offer of the Kingdom. However, it would differ from John’s in that Christ had come.
    • Baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11) – This meaning is controversial. It may be part of the presentation of Christ and specific to his commission to be our Savior. It may also be associated with the testimony of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Further, it might be to the purifying nature of Christ’s teaching (5). In contrast, it might reflect future punishment for sinners who do not repent.
    • Christ baptism for which he was baptized (Matthew 20:22-23) - This appears to reflect his role, not a rite, as Savior leading to the cross by His obedience. His upcoming suffering is implied in the passage. His disciples wanted to sit with Him in heaven. Christ asked if they could tolerate the suffering on the cross (baptism) with which He was commissioned.
    • Baptism in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:20) – This refers to baptism most likely in the time of the church. It might refer to the rite of baptism or to the regeneration associated with preaching the gospel as described in the epistles. Spiritual baptism, almost exclusively, is the type mentioned in the epistles.
    • Water baptism in the early church (Acts) – The rite of water baptism appears to have been practiced in the early church. This baptism used water at least in one case (Acts 8:36) but the precise method of baptism is not described in any scriptural instance.

Water baptism in the early church period appears to occur when the church was primarily Jewish, based in Jerusalem. It may have been performed because of Jewish traditions and to show the association of the new formed church to Christ.

Later mentions of baptism are fewer as the church expanded and matured throughout the Roman Empire, but again almost always included Jews or appear Jewish focused (instances up to Acts 19 and 1 Corinthians 1). Events in Acts described after chapter 19 do not specifically mention the rite of baptism again.

Nonetheless, the church after the Bible times did perform water baptism (2nd century and beyond). The practice of this rite after the Bible times is at a minimum evidence for our great freedom in how we structure the church in time and place (6).

  • Therefore, scripture by either what it says or does not say about water baptism provides several key messages:
    • We are not commanded in the epistles, which contain the direction of Christ to the church, to be water baptized. A believer and a church are free to implement the rite out of faith in the manner they believe is correct.
    • Water baptism, when performed by any method, might be understood as a public statement of a person’s commitment to Christ by faith to salvation or a symbol of the regenerative work of the Spirit in the person’s life (7).

Baptism In the epistles - The epistles are the letters in the New Testament, generally written from the apostles, and provide to the church specifically the manner by which we should live our lives for God. Baptism in the letters is spiritual baptism in every instance except one passage (1 Corinthians 1). Spiritual baptism also is discussed in Security of Salvation in Know the Bible.

  • Spiritual baptism – This is an important biblical truth which is vital in understanding who we are as Christians. Our knowledge about baptism can transform the way we think!
  • When we become a Christian, we are identified with Christ’s gracious death and His resurrection. Otherwise, at salvation our old self died and was buried with Christ. We are raised now to new life with Him and we sit with Him on the right hand of God the Father (Romans 6:2-12Ephesians 2:4-7Colossians 2:12-13). Similar concepts in scripture that also appear to speak to spiritual baptism are: regeneration (Titus 3:5), born again (John 3: 5) and a new man (Ephesians 4:24Colossians 3:10). The importance of spiritual baptism is at least the following:
    • Power over sin – Although every believer sins, we can say ‘no’ to sin because as a new person in Christ we have the power to live a victorious life.
    • End of depravity - When Adam fell into sin in the garden it became depraved, in body and mind that was by nature sinful, so he could not Say no to sin (Ephesians 2:1-3). Our identification with Christ resurrection provides us a new life with a new spiritual body that can approach God that holiness (Hebrews 10:19-22; Romans 6:2-11).
    • Ability to serve - Being identified with Christ’s resurrection provides for us a new mindset that allows us the capacity to serve God in the way in which he wishes (Romans 6:12-16; Ephesians 2:10).
    • New life – the reason for the resurrection – Baptism teaches us the importance of the resurrection because we are raised with Christ to new life without which we would still be dead in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).
    • Eternal security – Baptism helps prove we cannot lose our salvation. because scripture does not indicate that if we commit sin that our new self can be killed and the old dead self re-resurrected like some bad re-make of the ‘Night of the Living Dead’!
      • In other words, you are transformed permanently to a new life, resurrected with Christ and sitting with Him in heaven. These changes cannot be reversed. What a great comfort we have in truth of scripture.
      • Therefore, as a new person, we are liberated from sin and are free to serve Christ. We cannot be defeated by the misdeeds of our old self.
  • Baptism of the dead – This is a difficult and controversial verse (1 Corinthians 15:29). In context, this wonderful chapter deals with the importance of the resurrection and the rapture. The Apostle Paul indicates in verse 30 and 31 how he suffers on behalf of those unbelievers to bring them the gospel. These two verses may integrate with Matthew 20: 22-23 with Christ’s question to the apostles if they can tolerate the ‘baptism with which he is baptized’, which was to suffer on the cross for all men’s sins.
    • Therefore, Paul possibly was saying that he was baptized, as an apostle, with a similar mission as Christ to take the gospel to unbelievers, with the accompanying suffering, as a part of his own mission (Colossians 1:24). The verse reflects Paul’s commitment to God’s purpose for his life (Romans 15:15-19).

In summary, so we've seen that baptism, although it has a variety of meanings in the New Testament, in the epistles intended for the church, it signifies spiritual baptism - our identification with the death and resurrection of Christ.

Thanks for joining me today. Next time we will discuss communion, remembering the death and resurrection of our precious savior.

William C. Stewart

  1. Ryrie CC. Basic theology: A popular systematic guide to understanding biblical truth. Moody Publishers, 1999.
  2. Chafer LS. Systematic Theology. Abridged Volume II. Kregel Publications, 1947.
  3. https://www.britannica.com/topic/mystery-religion/Beliefs-and-practices
  4. https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/was-baptism-originally-jewish/
  5. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb.html
  6. http://www.equip.org/article/new-testament-baptism/
  7. http://www.faithfacts.org/world-religions-and-theology/101-reasons-baptism-not-necessary-for-salvation

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.   


Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Baptism: What does Scripture Teach?


Welcome back to my blog and thank you for visiting. Today's exciting topic is baptism. Prepare yourself for a wild ride!

Water baptism is a sacrament in most churches. In general, the number and form of the sacraments in the church are quite controversial and in part define church denominations. Sacraments generally are meant to convey a blessing on the believer or allow them to show their dedication to Christ. Unfortunately, a full discussion of individual denominational beliefs is beyond the scope of this blog.

The concept of baptism, however, is vitally important. Unfortunately, baptism can be a very emotional and divisive topic between individuals and denominations. Importantly, as biblically based believers we need to consider 1st the scriptures themselves to differentiate what the Bible states about baptism, or does not say, from opinion and tradition. Further reading is referenced below (1,2).

Let us look today at the meaning of the word and how young Christian millennials celebrate baptism.

What baptism means

First, let’s consider the word itself. The word is βαπτιζω (baptizoo) in the Greek (the language in which the New Testament originally was written), and was an old term borrowed from the dye trade. It meant that a piece of cloth immersed in the dye became identified with the new color (3).

In the epistles, the portion of scripture intended for the church, Christian baptism indicates that spiritually we are identified with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:1-11; Ephesians 2:4-7; Colossians 2:11-13). Otherwise, at salvation we were regenerated to a new person. We will discuss the nuances of the different meanings of baptism in scripture in the next blog.

Water baptism is mentioned in the epistles in 1 Corinthians 1 as a criticism by Paul regarding the method the people in this church are handling the practice.

How do Christian millennials celebrate baptism?

Millennials’ view of baptism

Teleios recently completed a survey 189 mostly evangelical adolescents and young adults. We asked them if they had been baptized and by which method. We also inquired about the significance of baptism. Here are the top 4 answers regarding the method of baptism and some associated meanings:

  • Immersed as a young person or adult (32%) – Marked differences in the rite of baptism exist across denominations. Immersion baptism, which perhaps most closely represents the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit, is preferred strongly by Baptists. Baptists typically believe the rite should be performed after salvation when the convert is old enough to make a responsible decision (4). However. Christians often consider that baptism symbolizes primarily a commitment to God by the new believer which was true also in our survey (20%).
  • Sprinkled as a child (23%) – This form of baptism is preferred by several traditional denominations and is generally believed to convey either:
    • Forgiveness of the sin nature, and prior sins, allowing for a fresh start and working towards salvation, combined with grace (generally a Catholic viewpoint) (5).
    • Salvation in infants too young to make a decision for Christ. This protection lasts to the time of “the age of responsibility” (generally a Presbyterian viewpoint) (6).
    • Commitment by parents to raise a child in a godly manner leaving the responsibility to the child to be saved and baptized as an adult (often non-denominational Bible believing churches) (7).
  • Never been baptized (19%) – Although this group might be seen as disobedient by some Christians; the New Testament epistles, which contain the injunctions to the church, specifically do not command water baptism. For example, the Quaker church does not perform the rite of baptism (8). Of course, salvation itself is by grace alone with no added works required (Ephesians 2:8-9).
  • Spiritually baptized by the Holy Spirit at salvation (15%). This choice is closest to the meaning of baptism in the New Testament epistles (the letters to the churches). Although controversial, in the epistles when baptism is mentioned it speaks of spiritual baptism (except 1 Corinthians 1). The apostle Paul explained that spiritual baptism ‘identified’ us in the death and life of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Baptism represents the regeneration by the Spirit to a new person who can serve our Lord. This regeneration appears to occur at salvation accompanied by the sealing of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6: 2-9Colossians 2: 11-13Ephesians 2:4-7).

We will speak more about this in our next blog and this topic is also covered in the salvation portion of Know the Bible. Indeed, 68% of the participants in our survey believed baptism represents the regeneration of the Holy Spirit in their lives (Titus 3:5).

In summary, we've seen today that water baptism, though a usual part of church life, is not attested well in the portions of scripture intended for the church (the epistles). Churches are free to administer baptism as long as they do not go against the word of God. Baptism in the epistles is spiritual baptism which identifies us with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Next time we will discuss more deeply the different types of baptism identified in scripture. You will be amazed! Join us then!

William C. Stewart

  1. Ryrie CC. Basic theology: A popular systematic guide to understanding biblical truth. Moody Publishers, 1999.
  2. Chafer LS. Systematic Theology. Abridged Volume II. Kregel Publications, 1947.
  3. https://www.westernseminary.edu/transformedblog/2014/02/25/baptisim-meaning-and-mode/
  4. https://www.baptistdistinctives.org/resources/articles/believers-baptism/
  5. https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-forgiveness-of-sins
  6. https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/what-presbyterians-believe-the-sacrament-of-baptism/
  7. https://howtoadult.com/conditions-must-parents-fulfill-order-children-baptized-7763.html
  8. http://www.religionresourcesonline.org/different-types-of-religion/compare/baptism.php

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.   


Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Christ's Church: How it Helps

 

Welcome back to my blog and thank you for visiting. We have been discussing the church in the past several blogs.

At salvation the Holy Spirit places each of us into the church of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). This is a great promise and results from our belief in salvation by faith alone in Christ. God manages His people in this current time through the church. Today let us discuss what the church is and what it does.

Last time we defined the church and explored what the church does to help believers in the service of Christ. In this blog let's look at the benefits of being involved in the church.

The church and wellbeing: A survey of young Christians

The church is important to the Christian walk as well as to society. Teleios recently performed a survey evaluating wellbeing. There were 1186 responses. The majority of responses were: female (68%), <30 years (76%), and primarily from the United States (40%) and Europe (16%). The respondents identified themselves as: evangelical Christians (33%), social Christians (29%), Christian seekers (5%) and non-Christians (33%).

Interestingly, personal wellbeing was better among evangelical Christians (4.6, on a scale of 0-6 with 6 being highest) compared to social Christians (4.1), Christian seekers (4.0) or non-Christians (4.3, P=0.001). The findings for wellbeing were also supported by further results that evangelicals were more content (P=0.001), at peace (P>0.001), and joyful (P=0.002) than the other groups. No differences between groups were observed in feelings of guilt (P=0.43). The table ranks wellbeing by ranked response.

Table 1: Response to ‘I have good wellbeing?’ by group:

GroupDisagreeIndifferentAgree
Evangelical Christian5%30%65%
Social Christian6%45%49%
Christian Seeker7%48%44%
Non-Christian5%41%53%


This is the first survey, to our knowledge, evaluating wellbeing in young Christians versus non-Christians.

In summary, Christianity may help wellbeing by giving confidence in both day-to-day living and hope for eternity.

Further, a number of studies from the medical literature have shown the church attendance by itself improves personal wellbeing. In addition, the greater frequency of church attendance the better the wellbeing up to once a week. The reasons for the better of wellbeing with church attendance are not well studied but may have been related in these articles to Bible study and greater socialization.(1-4)

Church leadership and congregant wellbeing

Teleios also has evaluated links between a believer’s wellbeing and their perception of their church and its leadership on the Instagram account, Instapray. We had 884 mostly all evangelical and adolescent or millennial participants. Of the total, 43% were ex-US. Table 2 illustrates what best benefited wellbeing among different aspects of the church leadership.

Table 2: Church leadership best helped participants’ wellbeing by:

ResponsePercentage
Bible-based teaching and preaching75%
Encouraging Bible based speech51%
Powerful biblical vision for the church44%
Supporting church programs31%
Effective pastoral care30%


Importantly it was Bible-based preaching and teaching that most influenced wellbeing among the churchgoers. This shows the importance of choosing carefully a local church that teaches directly from the scriptures.

Interestingly, the effect of church leadership on measures that might assist wellbeing did not differ among the international regions represented in our survey: the USA, Canada, Asia and commonwealth countries (P>0.05).

Summary – The church is God’s chosen administrative tool to manage people during this age to carry out His will, specifically as related to nurturing believers The church can have a profound impact on believers not only in spiritual growth but in wellbeing as well. In a subsequent blog we will cover the sacraments of the church.

Thank you for joining me today and please visit next time as we continue to discuss the Christian life.

Join us again next time and share this important blog with your friends and family!

William C. Stewart, MD

  1. MacIlvaine WR, et al. Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-5.
  2. van Olphen J, et al. Religious involvement, social support, and health among African-American women on the east side of Detroit. J Gen Intern Med 2003;18:549-57.
  3. Ryrie CC. Basic theology. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1999.
  4. MacIlvaine WR, et al. Association of strength of community service to personal wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 2014;50:577-82.

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.   


Wednesday, October 14, 2020

The Power of Godly Thinking: Part 4

As we have discussed in past blogs, Christians have been regenerated through the power of the Holy Spirit into new people, providing the capacity to change ourselves to positive and biblical actions.

However, to behave in a scriptural manner we first must know how to think correctly. Unfortunately, non-biblical thinking may incite destructive speech and actions which can hurt and adversely influence others.

Christianity is a religion of facts and understanding (Colossians 1:9-10; Ephesians 1:17). Scriptural thinking is productive and healing. How then do we do it? Below is a biblically based process to help us change how we think, and ultimately how we act. What are the actions to develop biblical thinking?

Actions

There’s not one proven technique but here are some suggested steps to implement. I call them the 4 S’s.

  • Search the scripture prospectively – Many people turn to God only when they have trouble. Yet the key to avoiding difficulties in our lives is to go to God before problems arise. That means studying scripture and implementing it, not just using the devotional or reading down the text, but actually taking time to learn what the words and phrases mean in context. Please visit our Bible study method link to learn better how to do this (https://teleiosresearch.com/bible-study-methods/). Such a study brings rich rewards.
  • Study frequently – Do not limit yourself in scripture to 15 to 30 minutes a day in a legalistic manner, as this method almost always fails. The goal is not to accomplish a time period but to know our wonderful God! Plunge into scripture to change how you think to conform to His ways and develop wonderful fruit in your life. Find ways to spread the verses around your life so you will remember them. Study the Bible in several short periods in a day. No one method works for everybody. Do what you need to do to know God!
  • Stop non-biblical thinking – Stop yourself when you’re pondering negative thoughts about yourself or other people. In these instances, pray for yourself or for those people using scripture. Be thankful for them! These actions, applied persistently, will transform your mind to think about yourself and people the way God does; very important!
  • Socialize with scripture  – The verses that you read will help you, cause you to pray for others, being thankful for them and desiring good things for them; be sure to share this with other people. This mental discipline then will help you articulate your faith, build good habits in encouraging others, and will help those around you as well.

Self-test (2 Peter 1:3-10)

To assure that your thinking and subsequent conduct is consistent with God’s desires take Peter’s self-test!  This wonderful passage suggests building eight attitudes and actions to your life: faith, virtue, knowledge, patience, self-control, godliness, fraternal love, and a giving love. Peter indicates when our lives are consistent with these eight characteristics, we know that we are useful to God.

Growing these attitudes and actions in our lives depends on a biblical mindset that will foster their growth.

Developing routine mental habits consistent with the Bible will create in us a godly mindset to view life and people the way God desires and allows the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in your life and others.

Join us again next time and share this important blog with your friends and family!

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.   

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

The Power of Godly Thinking: Part 3


As we have discussed in past blogs, Christians have been regenerated through the power of the Holy Spirit into new individuals with the capacity to change ourselves to take positive and biblical actions.

However, to behave in a scriptural manner we first must know how to think correctly. Unfortunately, non-biblical thinking may incite destructive speech and actions which can hurt and adversely influence others.

Christianity is a religion of facts and understanding (Colossians 1:9-10; Ephesians 1:17). Scriptural thinking is productive and healing. How then do we do it? Below is a biblically based process to help change how we think, and ultimately how we act.

In the past several blogs we began to address in sequence: basis of biblical thinking and attitude in our thinking. Now let’s try to put our thinking into action by covering principles of biblical thinking.

Principles

A key verse regarding this process is: 

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

The word ‘prove’ in Greek (the original language of the Bible) is δοκιμάζω (dokimazo), meaning to examine or prove, denoting a positive inference. It was used of a tested warrior in battle. Otherwise, God’s word is truth and so we can depend on it to work in our lives. As we lean on the Bible and see it function, we grow in confidence to trust it and enjoy the good fruits from living obedient and faithful lives.

What is biblical thinking?

Use the acronym ‘4 P’s’:

  • Pondering the word – As stated in Romans 12:1 we should transform our thinking based on biblical knowledge. We should ponder these things not just to correct our thinking but also to cause ourselves to know God better in transforming how we communicate with others. This is an active, prospective process, not just when we have problems and need to correct ourselves; it is a daily habit of healthy thinking (1 Timothy 4:16, Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 3:1).
  • Praise – Keep a habit of commending and thanking God. He deserves it (Hebrews 13:15)! Also, praise keeps us from having unreasonable expectations of others and thinking too highly of ourselves. We should remember God’s goals are above our own (Romans 12:1-2).
  • Prayer – We should have a mindset of going to God for all our needs (Hebrews 4:14-16). Instead of complaining or ruminating over situations we should turn instantly to prayer and have a faithful attitude that God will help us (1 Peter 4:12).
  • Positive subjects – This perspective is imperative to force our minds to think about things that are positive, true, just, lovely pure, full of praise and wholesome (Philippians 4:8). Remembering healthy thoughts will keep us from becoming discouraged and help us to see the good and the potential in all situations and people. Further, the things we think are ultimately what we speak and thus help us encourage other people.

Renewing our minds to change how we think is a constant challenge as we battle to drive our thoughts to be consistent with the Bible. This process will change how we look at life and others and ultimately how we speak to others. It also provides an opportunity to see God’s Spirit working in our lives to bear fruit as we allow Him to transform us while we seek God through His word. Give it a try!

Summary – Indeed, our thinking processes are the basis of a healthy mindset as well as a fruitful relationship with others and with God.

Thank you for visiting my blog! Join us again next time as we continue our vital discussion on developing a biblical mindset.

Share this important blog with your friends and family!

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.