“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6,NIV) “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” (1Cor. 2:16,NIV) “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1: 11-12, NIV) |
Biblical Cognitive Therapy: Understanding ourselves through the “Eye of the Bible [1]” and seeking God's will for our lives through the Scriptures and Prayer: Biblical Psychology defined concisely: The English word "psychology" is derived from two Greek words: a. psuche = soul, life, person, self b. logos = word, logic, study of, reasoning Biblical Psychology would be a biblical study of the heart, mind and soul of man as we can understand him from his creation before the fall in the garden and then using the OT Scriptures, e.g., Wisdom Literature, and NT Epistles and instructions for Godly “rational” thinking and behavior for correction and teaching to better understand ourselves and others in our lives. The choice to do good or evil, where true thought begins and ends without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is clearly the result of flawed motivation, “irrational” thinking. Counseling without the Scriptures for effectual change brought about by the Holy Spirit (regeneration resulting in “rational” thinking) will do little for any individual with eternal consequence. “Much of what is called Christian counseling today is nothing more than mind psychology. Telling people to shape up, change their mind, etc.[2]” “for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10) Cognition defined: “Cognition, act or process of knowing. Cognition includes attention, perception, memory, reasoning, judgment, imagining, thinking, and speech.[3]” Cognitive Therapies: “Cognitive therapies are similar to behavioral therapies in that they focus on specific problems. However, they emphasize changing beliefs and thoughts, rather than observable behaviors. Cognitive therapists believe that irrational beliefs or distorted thinking patterns can cause a variety of serious problems, including depression and chronic anxiety. They try to teach people to think in more rational, constructive ways.[4]” A Biblical “Cognitive Behavior Therapy” would be diagnosing and isolating problems, explaining how behavior can be changed from inappropriate behavior to appropriate behavior, by making a conscious effort, behaving or responding appropriately and intentionally, using God’s Word to define “rational” and “irrational” beliefs and thinking. Counselees throughout the counseling process are encouraged to continue in worship, personal devotion, prayer, and fellowship for the benefit of the means of Grace, by which they are enabled to fulfill their obligation to serve God in their daily lives. Obeying God is rational behavior. "Conclusion: we are God’s creation, trying to survive in a fallen world, destine for destruction. Outside of Christ Jesus, God almighty, and a constant feeding and reliance on His Word through the Holy Spirit (Matthew 4:4) there is no therapy or instruction that can teach, correct, and/or answer any questions in an effort to fill the void in the hearts of men that they themselves search endlessly to fill. This void is a life without Christ." (RevTMiller,2003) 1. Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary, Dr. Howard A. Eyrich, Becoming a Biblical Counselor, Course #270, Syllabus Date: 12/98 2. Associate Pastor/Biblical Counselor V. Tauriello New Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) Frederick, MD. Vtauriello--12-20-2002—in correspondence w/TRMiller 3. "Cognition," Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2000. © 1993-1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. 4. "Psychotherapy," Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2000. © 1993-1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Compiled by: Dr. Tom Miller, C.Ph.D. National Conservative Christian Church Ordained Clinical Pastoral Counselor Licensed by the National Christian Counselors Association (not state licensed) Professional Clinical Member of the National Christian Counselors Association N.C.C.A. Board Certified Faith Based Integrated Marriage & Family Therapist; Cognitive Therapist; Crisis and Abuse Therapist; Group Therapist and an N.B.C.C.T. Board Certified Clinical Supervisor-N.C.C.A. A.P.S. Certified Adjunct Professor - Lancaster Bible College & Graduate School International Representative - Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling N.C.C.A. Stands for The National Christian Counselors Association “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV) _________________________________________________________ |
GRACE FOR LIFE MINISTRIES BIBLICAL COUNSELING OFFERED BY: Dr. Thomas R. Miller, C.Ph.D. Senior Pastor and Pastoral Counselor |
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