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Wednesday, March 16, 2016

The Holy Spirit and well-being

Welcome back! Thanks for visiting my blog today! We are exploring together what the Bible says about well-being. Otherwise, how can you live a more satisfied, fulfilling life?

Last week we began our series on the results of using the five tools to maturity: praise, prayer, fellowship, outreach and receiving teaching to cultivate the results of Biblically based well-being in our lives. We discussed initially four of these results: forgiveness, hope, empathy and thankfulness. An important verse with additional results of Biblical living is Galatians 5:22 which denotes the ‘fruit of the Spirit’; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility and self-control.

What role does the Spirit play?

This is an important issue to understand how the Spirit works in conjunction with the tools to maturity to produce good results in our lives. Consider that the five tools represent the motor for maturity. The Spirit acts as the gasoline, enriching us with power to drive the engine. Both must be present and work in conjunction to each other to create movement.

The Spirit is often misunderstood and Christians are often unclear how it works in their lives in a Biblically based way. We can summarize the Christian's relationship to the Spirit in three basic ways:

1. Non-variable actions of the Spirit: These include: convicting the world of sin (John 16:9), regeneration to life of new believers (Titus 3:5), indwelling believers from the time of salvation onwards (Ephesians 1:13-14) and praying for believers (Romans 8:26).

2. Variable actions of Christians: As believers we can influence our relationship with the Spirit and so we are told not to quench or grieve the Spirit (I Thessalonians 5:19 and Ephesians 4:30 respectively) but to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) and be filled (mature) in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

3. Variable actions of the Spirit: If the Christian, being indwelt by the Spirit, allows Him to act then the will teach us (I John 2:20,27, John 16:13), put to death the deeds of the flesh, lead us based on the word of God, comfort us that we are His sons and daughters (Romans 8:13-16) and act to empower our lives through the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

It is impossible to overestimate importance of the Spirit in our lives. He has given us new life through our faith in Christ and lives in us permanently, making available the full power of God for us based on his Word to mature us providing the fruit of the Spirit and the enhanced well-being of our lives.

Indeed it is the Spirit that fuels the engine of our growth as an obedient Christian to God’s word.

That is all for now. We return to results of a Biblically based life next week based on the incredible promises of God.

What can make a Christian lose the Spirit? 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/
https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch/
@TeleiosResearch

Response policy

The purpose of the comment section is to promote discussion that is encouraging, propels the further search of Scripture and raises interesting and thought provoking Biblically related questions. You may feel free to disagree with me in a constructive manner using appropriate language.
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Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Good CHARACTERistics to enhance wellbeing

Welcome back! Thanks for visiting my blog today!

We are exploring together what the Bible says about wellbeing. Otherwise, how can you live a more satisfied, fulfilling life? Recently we have been discussing the 5 Scriptural tools to maturity (Acts 2:42, 47) as a means to build robust Biblically based wellbeing into our lives! Today, with these tools in hand we discuss the results of the process!

The fruits of maturing in Christ are multiple and are mentioned throughout the New Testament. Let's begin by focusing on four Bible-based characteristics shown beneficial for wellbeing in the medical literature that we recently reviewed (forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy).¹ This article was recently published in the Journal of Religion and Health. To accomplish our goal we reviewed clinical studies covering these four characteristics in patients from 1966 to present. We included 63 articles in the review.

All four measures evaluated in our study were shown to improve wellbeing, from pre-adolescents to older adults. Further, these measures were associated more specifically with improved social relationships and physical health as well as reduced delinquent behavior.

Although our review focused on the effect of four specific measures on individuals themselves, and not on the recipient, we might speculate that any increase in wellbeing among the evaluated individuals could transmit a greater sense of wellbeing to others.

The source of the four evaluated parameters also was evaluated and only two primary sources were found! First, forgiveness, gratitude and empathy could be taught, at least to some degree, through classes or a training module. Hope has not been evaluated in a training module to our knowledge.

Second, a person’s religious faith, or their involvement in a community of believers, appeared positively associated with all four evaluated measures. How the measure was developed through religion was not completely clear. We might speculate that forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy were produced through knowledge from the religion’s scriptures, through self-learning or sermons, or through interaction with the faith community.² Importantly, almost all articles evaluated in our review were from traditionally Christian countries.

Our review suggests that forgiveness, gratitude, hope and empathy may improve general wellbeing, pro-social and positive relational behavior and demonstrate positive health effects. These four measures may be derived from religious instruction and through a faith community.

What other Biblical characteristics are beneficial to wellbeing? Join me next week as we continue our exciting discussion of the Biblical characteristics that can change your life.

To ponder, could improved wellbeing be gained from any religion to the same extent as Christianity?

WC Stewart

http://teleiosresearch.com/
http://teleiosblog.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch/
@TeleiosResearch

1. Stewart WC, Reynolds KE, Jones LJ, Stewart JA, Nelson LA. The source and impact of specific parameters that enhance well-being in daily life. J Rel Health 2015; in press.

2. Hong IW, Ow R. Hope among terminally ill patients in Singapore: An exploratory study. Soc Work Health Care 2007;45:85–106.

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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations

Welcome back! Thanks for visiting my blog!

We are discovering together what the Bible says about wellbeing. Otherwise, how can you live a more satisfied, fulfilling life? Recently we have been discussing the 5 Scriptural tools to maturity (Acts 2:42, 47) as a means to build powerful Biblically based wellbeing into our lives! Today, we discuss the 5^th and final tool: outreach to other believers and non-Christians.

The first four characteristics of the early church (prayer, praise, fellowship and receiving Biblical teaching) were centered around assisting the individual believer and the faith community itself. However the 5^th principle concerns reaching beyond the established community to those in need, physical or spiritual. This tool was noted in Acts 2:47 ‘the ‘Lord added to the church daily.’ Since we know that to believe in Christ people have to be told verbally (Romans 10: 14), consistent with one of Christ’s last commands on earth to ‘teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19), it is highly probable that those in the first church were telling others about their faith.

Further, the Apostle Paul urges us to teach others individuals in the faith (I Timothy 4:6, 11, 16; II Timothy 2:25). Even more simply we are to encourage one another to love and do good works (Hebrews10:24) and to speak to others according to their need (Ephesians 4:29).

Beyond this we are told to do good and pray for all men, be good citizens (I Timothy 2:1-2; I Peter 2:13-15), work hard and honestly to the glory of God (II Thessalonians 3:10-12, I Timothy 2:1-2; Colossians 3:17), and within the church provide social help to those in need (I Timothy 5:1-16).

Why does Scripture tell us to reach out to serve and influence others by teaching our beliefs? We do not know for certain, but we might hypothesize several results of teaching and serving others:

It takes our mind off ourselves and focuses on someone else's needs. This most likely is healthy for us and gives our mind 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.

Outreach and service combine as the last of our 5 tools to maturity. When practiced in balance according to God's Word these 5 areas will provide you the opportunity to incorporate the wise characteristics in the Bible that were known by the apostles and the first generation Christians.

What are these characteristics that are so beneficial to wellbeing? Join me next week as we begin our discussion of the Biblical characteristics that can change your life.

Which of the five tools to maturity is most important? 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/
https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch/
@TeleiosResearch

Response policy

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Community of Believers

Welcome back! Thanks for visiting my blog!

We are discovering together what the Bible says about wellbeing. Otherwise, how can you live a more satisfied, fulfilling life? Recently we have been discussing the 5 Scriptural tools to maturity (Acts 2:42, 47) as a means to build powerful Biblically based wellbeing into our lives! The first three tools were Scriptural knowledge, praise and prayer. Today, we discuss fellowship!

Fellowship is vital to our Christian walk. It may be best described by the Greek word ‘koinonia’ (the New Testament was originally written in Greek) which speaks of our partnership with fellow Christians in the brotherhood in Christ. The basis of our fellowship is our mutual forgiveness in Christ by grace (I John1:6-10) and that each of us are placed into the church universal by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians12:13).

Practically speaking, those of us in the church universal often express our fellowship with those in the local church, church based small groups and close Christian friends.

How then do we fellowship? Although fellowship ‘lite’ might be merely being in the presence of another Christian, effectual fellowship depends on several Biblical standards based on how we think and speak.

1. Step I, Careful Reflection - Even before we interact with another Christian we should consider how we can meet their needs; do they need to be encouraged, taught, reminded of Scripture, or just to have a quiet and listening friend? This takes a bit of time and prayerful reflection to know how to best help other people and bear their burdens (Ephesians 4:30, Galatians 6:2).

2. Step II, Effective Speaking – After reflecting, we need verbally to convey our thinking to our friend or colleague based on their needs and not to satisfy our own emotions (unless we are in desperate straits). Importantly, our speech should be used as a tool for the good of other people to express: gratitude, commendation, encouragement, admonishment and teaching (Ephesians 4:30, I Timothy 4:16, II Timothy 2:23-24).

These two steps, used together and sequentially, help assure effectual fellowship with other believers so we can help fortify each other in our faith, push each other on to greater acts of service, and a live a godly lifestyle before our precious Father (Colossians 1:9-10, Hebrews 10:25). Fellowship must be done in balance with the other for tools to maturity.

Thanks for joining me today. Please read next week's blog over the 5^th and final tool to the church: outreach to other believers and non-Christians.

Can true fellowship occur outside a church building? 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/
https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch/
@TeleiosResearch

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

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 have been discussing the 5 Scriptural tools to maturity! The first two were Scriptural knowledge and prayer. Today, we discuss praise!

Praise is paramount in our Christian life. The epistles frequently attribute praise, honor and glory to God and Christ which they deserve because of their perfect character and magnificent actions.

As mentioned in prior blogs, for the first church in Jerusalem praise was an ongoing occurrence among these first believers (Acts 2:47). Our lives also are to be a praise and honor to God (Philippians 1:11). In addition, we make a sacrifice of praise to God as a part of our daily lives (Hebrews 13:15).

Why is praise so important for a Christian? Prior Teleios sponsored research in a Bible believing church showed praise was associated with greater wellbeing especially with greater frequency.¹

We do not know the exact reason that praise helps personal wellbeing. However, we might suspect the following:

1. Praise commends our great God for who He is and what He has done. Not only does He deserve this praise but it helps us think of ourselves as well as our personal issues and problems in proper perspective compared to God and His higher goals. This helps us maintain a humble attitude in life and promote service to God and others (Romans 12:1). Such an attitude allows the Holy Spirit to better work in our lives and allows us to know God better (Colossians 1:10, I Thessalonians 5:19).

2. Recognizing through praise that we have a great and powerful God, who also answers prayer, helps us to know more fully that we can trust our issues and problems to him (John 14: 13, Philippians 4:6).

Praise God frequently. He deserves it and you will be better for it!

Thanks for reading my blog and please join me again next week as we continue this series on the tools to maturity.

How should we praise? 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/
https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch/
@TeleiosResearch

1. MacIlvaine WR et al. Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-255.

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Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Pray the force be with you!

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 discussed the first step to entering the gateway to Biblically based wellbeing: becoming a Christian by accepting Christ’s forgiveness by faith, understanding our salvation is permanent, and that we should not feel guilt. What great promises!

Based then on this sure foundation, several weeks ago we began to discuss the 5 Scriptural tools to mature our faith by examining Scriptural knowledge (Acts 2:42 and 47). Today, we discuss prayer!

Prayer is one of the cornerstones of the Christian life. Scripture tells us that we should pray frequently and persistently. As Christians we can come boldly before God in prayer uninhibited and unafraid to receive mercy in our every time of need (Hebrews 10:19-22). The content of our prayer should be thankfulness for God and others (Philippians 1:3-4, Colossians 1:3), praise (Hebrews 13:15) and petitions for ourselves and others (Philippians 4:6).

The content of our prayers should be consistent with what glorifies Jesus Christ (John 14:13,14,15:7). Paul offers 3 model prayers in which he emphasizes what God wishes us and others to attain by our prayers no matter the situation (Ephesians 1:15ff, 3:14ff, Colossians 1:9-15) including: knowledge of our salvation and the Bible, understanding, hope, power and love as well as demonstrate service, patience and persistence in our Christian walk.

Medical research indicates that the active prayer increases wellbeing and the more frequent the prayer the better for wellbeing (1-5). Why would this be? Well this has been studied little to my knowledge but several potential benefits might be:

Ø Prayer provides a release for our emotions to God perhaps relieving tension and frustration.

Ø It engenders a sense that somebody cares and is listening. We also know that the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself pray on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:26, 34)

Ø It causes us to pay attention to Scripture, hopefully, as we pray and so offers us help to consider, and form an answer to, our problems as we deliberate mentally our requests to God.

Ø It reminds us to be thankful for others and for His blessings to us.

Ø It helps us to praise and remember that we have a great God whose purposes are greater than ours. Thus, it helps keep our own problems in prospective.

Ø In addition, as Christians we have the benefit of God's promise to answer prayer so there may be a further benefit through His gracious provisions (John 14:13-14).

Therefore, prayer is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, invoking God's help but yet reminding us of Scripture, praise and to be thankful, all which may our assist our wellbeing. Prayer is one of the great benefits of our Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a provision.

Thank you for joining me. See you next time!

Why will God not give me my desires? 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/
https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch/
@TeleiosResearch

1.      Stewart WC et al. The source and impact of specific parameters that enhance well-being in daily life. J Rel Health 2016; in press.
2.      MacIlvaine WR et al. Association of strength of community service to personal wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 2014;50:577-582.
3.      MacIlvaine WR et al. Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-255.
4.      Stewart WC et al. Review of clinical medicine and religious practice. J Relig Health 2013;52:91-106.
5.      Stewart WC et al. Association of strength of religious adherence to attitudes regarding glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Ophthalmic Res 2011:45:53-6.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

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

Response policy