Getting Real
There is a phenomenon that is getting media attention lately. It’s called the Scam Culture. Many believe it is born out of social media. People build a persona for themselves that is a lie. It’s only a step from there to creating a false front designed to play on the insecurity and greed of others. God is not that way, and won’t tolerate any lies in his Kingdom. This series explores the need for Christians to live in sincerity and truth.
Stockholm Syndrome
In 1973 some bank robbers strapped dynamite to the chests of hostages and held them for 5 days. When released the hostages all sided with the robbers and considered them victims of society. While this may be the most famous example of Stockholm syndrome, it is not the only example. In fact, this syndrome is around us everywhere, often even at Church.
Giving Care – A Pentecost Presentation
We all know people, whether they be family, friends, or acquaintances, who need help and support. Sometimes their issues seem beyond our abilities to help. Still, there are things anyone can to do help and support others. In this presentation, we cover some of those helpful tools and approaches.
PTSD – Mental Health and the Bible 15
It seems to some, that everyone thinks they have PTSD, and that every therapist thinks they do too. PTSD is the new fad diagnosis. So how do we tell who has it and who doesn’t? How do we know if we have it? Listen or read this presentation to know the difference.
Sense of Self – Mental Health and the Bible 14
In the 70’s pop psychology emphasized “self-esteem” as a necessity for mental health. Never mind that federal prison inmates scored high on self-esteem scales. Clearly, how we see ourselves, has a profound effect on our mood, productivity, and behavior, but how? What does the Bible say about how we ought to see ourselves?
Grief – Mental Health and the Bible 13
Most of us know that grief can occur when we suffer loss. But what does that look like in real life? And what do we do to get through it? Our latest presentation details some of the strategies and provides solid information—good for helping others as well as ourselves.
Is Anybody Home? – A Festival Presentation
Humans have a hard time understanding the things of God. Quite often it’s like, “the lights are on but nobody’s home.” Learn more about God and his efforts to connect with you in this presentation.
Make No Provision
We may have heard the saying, “I can stand anything but temptation.” How good are you at avoiding temptation? Would you consider your self a novice or sophisticated in your efforts to avoid it? Many Christians don’t think much about it, drifting thoughtlessly into temptation and the ensuing troubles. Learn more here about how to avoid temptation and stay out of trouble.
The Wicked
The Bible uses the terms “evil” and “wicked” to describe behavior we might call “psychotic,” “narcissistic,” “sociopathic.” Consider this issue further in this presentation that aims to bridge Biblical teaching and contemporary psychology.
Arrested Development
Humans can suffer arrest in their Psycho-Social Development. Did you know that Christians also suffer arrest in their spiritual development as well? When we are in spiritual arrest, we are usually not aware of it. It’s an insidious condition. How is your spiritual condition. This presentation may help you assess.
Obsessive Compulsive Behavior
Do you, or do you know people who, focus tightly on order, neatness, and control? If so you might be looking at obsessive compulsive behavior. This type of behavior can be mild or so severe that those afflicted are miserable. The Bible has somewhat to say about the topic. Learn more in this presentation. And learn strategies to overcome the condition.
Psychological Defenses
In a series about Mental Health and the Bible, there has to be discussion of psychological defenses. What are they? What, if anything, does the Bible tell us about them? Can therapy help with them in Christian life? These are some of the questions we address in this presentation.
Ambivalence – Mental Health/Bible 9
The Bible makes note of the human tendency to be “double minded.” Today we call it ambivalence. When we have strong feelings in several different directions at once, it tends to cause anxiety. The mind doesn’t like it. It’s not good for us spiritually, either. In this presentation, learn about how to identify and reduce ambivalence.
Shame – Mental Health/Bible 8
What is the difference between Shame and Guilt? Is it ever healthy to feel shame? Does what God says in scripture square with what psychology teaches about shame? In this presentation, consider how to develop a healthy sense of self.
Guilt – Mental Health and the Bible 7
Description: There is so much confusion about guilt. Besides the fact that it feels terrible, is it good for us or bad? Does it drag us down, or motivate us to change? What does the Bible say? What does modern psychology say? Consider this issue in Guilt - Mental Health and the Bible 7.
Phobias – Mental Health and the Bible 6
Are you, or someone you know, unreasonably afraid of flying, insects, needles, being touched, social situations, etc. If so, the, excessive, specific fear may be a phobia. God tells us 365 times in the Bible, “fear not.” Access this presentation to learn more about identifying and reducing phobias.
Anger – Mental Health and the Bible 5
What does the Bible say about anger? Is it forbidden? You may be surprised to learn that the Bible’s stand on anger fits well with the new brain research about anger. Once again, science is aligning with what God tells us in scripture.
Anxiety – Mental Health and the Bible 4
Jesus had a lot to say about anxiety. It’s not good for our faith to be anxious. Learn more about how to reduce anxiety and have more faith in this, our 4th episode in the series Mental Health and the Bible.
Depression – Mental Health and the Bible 3
Depression ican seriously affect a Christian’s efforts to live a godly life. What causes depression? And how can a person get past it?
Rivers of Living Water
Jesus said, “Out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water? What did he mean by that? And what does it have to do with you? Learn more in Rivers of Living Water.
The Real Star Wars
A long time ago, in a realm far away, there was a might battle waged against the forces of Good by the forces of Evil. The Bible provides an opaque view of this ancient event. Learn more about it in The Real Star Wars—the consequences that affect us all every day—and how the Good will soon prevail for all time.
The First 100 Days
Presidents, in the United States, are traditionally evaluated for their accomplishments after the first 100 days. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ will return to the earth and make sweeping changes. What will it be like in His First 100 days?
How Christian Life Works
How we think about the forces at work in life it is supposed to change once we become Christians. This is because God begins to work with us in a different way than he did before we came to him. Learn more about these changes in How Christian Life Works.
Are You a Superstitious Christian?
Black cats, four leaf clovers, walking under a ladder, rabbits’ feet—all examples of common superstitious beliefs. Many people, after coming to Christ, turn away from these common superstitious beliefs. And then they become superstitious about their Christianity. Are you a superstitious Christian? Learn a more realistic life view in this presentation.
The Devil’s Best Kept Secret
The Bible tells us that the Devil is a deceiver (See Revelation 12:9). He hides the things of God from all of us. What do you suppose is his best kept secret, the thing he wants to hid from us the most? Learn more about it in The Devil's Best Kept Secret.
Getting Past Traumatic Grief – Mental Health and the Bible 2
Why can some people get past the loss of a loved one while others seem to get stuck? Sometimes the difference has to do with the nature of the loss. Was it sudden, unexpected or violent? If so, it may be what is called traumatic grief.