Marriage Retreats for 2021

How would you like a getaway with your spouse? How about a time of fellowship and learning together with me and a few other couples? I tell couples that attending one of the marriage retreats I lead is like about 12 hours of marriage counseling, but with an opportunity to interact and begin applying what you were learning!

I am so excited to be able to offer a small group face to face marriage retreats this year! Due to Covid-19 concerns, we have limited space. Of course, we want to allow room for social distancing! It has been a blessing to work closely in leading marriage retreats for Marriage Preserve Ministry in Kokomo, Indiana, for several years now. The retreat begins Friday at 6:00 PM and ends at Noon on Sunday. The first retreat is being held March 19th-21st and the second October 8th-10th. The cost is $300 and includes:

• Two Nights Lodging

• Training Materials & Teaching

• Counseling Session (if requested)

• 2 Meals

• Snacks and Drinks 

Scholarships are available; please contact Greg Davis at Preserve Marriage Ministries at greg.davis@preservemarriages.com.

We will cover topics that will enhance your marriage and send you home with a renewed plan to improve your marriage oneness! 

Topics Covered:

• Living & Loving Out Of My New Heart

• Building Joy & Creating Love Bonds

• Overcoming Fear Bonding

• Addressing Root Issues

• Communication Skills

• Making Decisions Together

• Giving and Receiving Love

Testimonies:

"I loved that Jeff went for the heart/root issues rather than just putting a "how-to" band-aid on it. My husband and I got a lot out of the sessions on taking thoughts captive and spiritual warfare. We found a lot of the principles to be practical toward parenting and other relationships as well. Overall, a great retreat and incredible ministry."

"This was an excellent Christian marriage retreat! Many Christian retreats are a bit "surfacy," provide insight into God's commands for marriage and practical applications, but do not truly get to the heart of God's intent for relationships, both individually and as a marriage."

It has been an enormous blessing to work alongside Greg Davis, a retired police officer who leads Preserve Marriage Ministries. He is very accommodating to answer a question you might have and meet any need you have regarding the retreat, including dietary concerns. Please feel free to call Greg at 765-864-2100.

Location:
4254 S. 00 E.W. 
Kokomo, IN 46902-5205 United States

To Register: Call Greg Davis 765-864-2100 or email 
greg.davis@preservemarriages.com

https://www.preservemarriages.com/event/beyond-the-ring-retreat-2018-12-07-2/2021-03-19/

Hope to see you there!

Jeffrey Pokone
IBCC Center Director/Counselor

Because God Loves Me

The most important reality for our hearts to embrace is that God loves us!   With everything going on in the world this Christmas season, we can be comforted by the many reasons God loves us. Take a few minutes to read and personalize these statements and scriptures. How does your heart respond? How does this make you feel about God loving you? 

• Because God loves me...He sent his only Son to die on the cross for my sins so that I have eternal life.

John 3:16,17, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." 

• Because God loves me...I can love him and thereby love others too. 

John 4:11,12 "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us." 

•Because God loves me...He is slow to lose patience with me. 

Psalm 103:8, "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."  

•Because God loves me...He takes the circumstances of my life and uses them in a constructive way for my growth. 

Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

• Because God loves me...He is for me. He wants to see me mature and develop in His love. 

Philippians 1:6 "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
 
• Because God loves me...I no longer have to receive condemnation.

Romans 8:1,2 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."

• Because God loves me...He keeps on working patiently with me even when I feel like giving up and can't see why He doesn't give up with me too. 

Philippians 2:12,13, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." 
 
• Because God loves me...He never says there is no hope for you. Instead, He patiently works with me, loves me, and disciplines me in such a way that it is hard for me to understand the depth of His concern for me. 

Hebrews 12:5,6, "And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, 
nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 

• Because God loves me...He never forsakes me, even though many of my friends may. 

John 15:13-15, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."
 
• Because God loves me...He stands with me when I have reached the rock bottom of despair when I see the real me and compare that with His righteousness, holiness, beauty, and love. It is at a moment like this that I can believe that God loves me.

Romans 8:38,39 "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

One of my driving passions is for our clients to understand at a heart level how much God loves them. As the reality of God's love for them is better understood, it has a significant impact on addressing their counseling need. 

What do you believe about who you are?

What do you believe about who you are?

"For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so the body of sin might be brought to nothing so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin." Romans 6 5-7

In counseling, one of my greatest joys is having Bible studies with my clients. One of my favorite New Testament books to teach is Paul's letter to the Romans. Romans is very helpful in helping our clients understand what the Bible teaches regarding their identity in Christ. 

In Romans chapter six, there is no greater description of the reality of the transformational Gospel of Jesus Christ and the new life we possess in Christ! 

What do you believe about who you are? How do you define yourself? Do you acknowledge your new nature? Do you define yourself through the old self? 

The deception that leads to bondage and defeat is based on this reasoning.
1. I focus on the sinful behavior in my life to fight it, but it overcomes me, and I feel defeated. 
2. I understand that because I am still a sinner.
3. I base my identity on how my flesh performs.
4. I resign myself to a life-long struggle of trying to do what I should. 
5. I believe that my old self is very much alive and active.
6. I lose hope and live in bondage and defeat. 

What Paul teaches the church regarding our freedom and victory!
1. I know that my old self (sin nature) was crucified, that the body of sin is destroyed. Romans 6:6
2. I appropriate my co-crucifixion and co-resurrection and Christ in my life. Romans 6:5
3. I realize my true identity as a new creation in Christ; I am righteous, holy, and blameless. Ephesians 4:24 
4. I understand that the world, Satan, and my flesh has no authority because I am dead to sin. Romans 6:14
5. I reckon myself dead to sin and alive to God, and I live in the truth of my new identity. Romans 6:11 
6. I walk in the liberty and freedom that comes from Jesus Christ! Romans 6:17,18

I encourage you to evaluate your understanding and application of the resurrected life you have in Christ. Share the good news with someone you love! 

Fall Friends Gathering

Greetings friends!

Every year in the fall season, Indiana Biblical Counseling Center holds a Fall Praise Banquet to gather the friends who support the counseling ministry. Many look forward to our fall banquet every year. We are disappointed that due to continuing Covid-19 concerns, we had to postpone this year's banquet until November 5th, 2021.

However, this year we are very excited to invite you to the IBCC Fall Friends Zoom Gathering, Friday, November 13th, 2020 from 7:00-8:15 pm. We are delighted to have counselor and author Dr. Jim Wilder as our guest speaker that evening! We will also have an uplifting testimony and I will give you an update on the ministry of IBCC. Now our friends who don't live in Central Indiana can join us too!

Jim Wilder teaches on the importance of joyful relationships in the church. He also has trained thousands in the areas of addiction and trauma recovery. He has written several influential books, including The Life Model: Living from the heart Jesus gave you.

If you would like to attend this online event please click the link below to register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Xv6enuvUSgO1_D8N1Plsnw

You can also call our office at 317-585-1845 or email our office at office@indianabcc.com. We will make sure that we send you the link for the event. There is no charge for this online event.

Dr. Jim Wilder is our guest speaker for this online IBCC event.
Date: Friday, November 13th, 2020
Time: 7:00 -8:15 PM
Location: Online Event on Zoom or Facebook Live

A NEW LIFE!

 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a transformational Gospel! The reality is that we have been transformed by the same power that raised Jesus Christ. Christ lives in our hearts and we can bear fruit in our lives if we abide in Him. 

The Exchanged Life in Christ

Romans 8:10-13—“But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

• We substitute Christ’s life for the self-life.

Colossians 3:10, “… put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” 

• We are identified with Christ in his crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension. 

Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” 

• We are free from the law of sin and of death through the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:2, “for the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

• We must acknowledge these truths by faith and present ourselves to God as people who are alive from the dead.

Romans 8:9-11, "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus[d]from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

• The basis of our salvation is also the basis of our sanctification. 

Galatians 3:2-3—“Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” Just as we are justified by grace through faith, so we are sanctified by grace through faith. Good works are not attained by our own fleshly efforts; they flow from the power of the Spirit of Christ who indwells us.(Galatians 5:16-25). 

• Brokenness and unconditional surrender are part of the process of appropriating Christ’s life. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10—“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

• Only Christ Himself can live the Christian life, and He does this in us and through us. 

John 15:1-5—"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” 

May the grace of God strengthen you in these difficult days!

Jeff

"In Person" Marriage Retreat

How would you like a getaway with your spouse? How about a time of fellowship and learning together with me and a few other couples? I tell couples that attending one of the marriage retreats I lead is like about 12 hours of marriage counseling, but with an opportunity to interact and begin applying what you were learning!

I am so excited to be able to offer a small group face to face marriage retreat this year! Due to Covid-19 concerns, we have limited space. Of course, we want to allow room for social distancing! It has been a blessing to work closely in leading marriage retreats for Marriage Preserve Ministry in Kokomo, Indiana, for several years now. This year my only marriage retreat will be held the weekend of November 6th-8th. The retreat begins Friday at 6:00 PM and ends at Noon on Sunday. The cost is $250 and includes:

• Two Nights Lodging

• Training Materials & Teaching

• Counseling Session (if requested)

• 2 Meals

• Snacks and Drinks 

Scholarships are available; please contact Greg Davis at Preserve Marriage Ministries at greg.davis@preservemarriages.com.

We will cover topics that will enhance your marriage and send you home with a renewed plan to improve your marriage oneness! 

Topics Covered:

• Living & Loving Out Of My New Heart

• Building Joy & Creating Love Bonds

• Overcoming Fear Bonding

• Addressing Root Issues

• Communication Skills

• Making Decisions Together

• Giving and Receiving Love

Testimonies:

"I loved that Jeff went for the heart/root issues rather than just putting a "how-to" band-aid on it. My husband and I got a lot out of the sessions on taking thoughts captive and spiritual warfare. We found a lot of the principles to be practical toward parenting and other relationships as well. Overall, a great retreat and incredible ministry."

"This was an excellent Christian marriage retreat! Many Christian retreats are a bit "surfacy," provide insight into God's commands for marriage and practical applications, but do not truly get to the heart of God's intent for relationships, both individually and as a marriage."

It has been an enormous blessing to work alongside Greg Davis, a retired police officer who leads Preserve Marriage Ministries. He is very accommodating to answer a question you might have and meet any need you have regarding the retreat, including dietary concerns. Please feel free to call Greg at 765-864-2100.

Location:
4254 S. 00 E.W. 
Kokomo, IN 46902-5205 United States

To Register: Call Greg Davis 765-864-2100 or email 
greg.davis@preservemarriages.com

https://www.preservemarriages.com/event/beyond-the-ring-retreat-2018-12-07-2/2020-11-06/

Deadline: 
October 15th, 2020

Hope to see you there!

Jeffrey Pokone
IBCC Center Director/Counselor

Our Biggest Problem!

"Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you." Romans 8:8

My earth suit is my biggest problem, and it is yours too. Why? Our flesh is prideful and selfish to the core. The great news for those that have been transformed by God's power, our flesh is NOT the real us! 

As a follower of Christ, I must take responsibility for my flesh and crucify it daily. Every morning when my alarm clock goes off, it is my reminder that Jeff Pokone must die today that Christ might live through him. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

What is the flesh?

The New Testament uses the term flesh (Greek—sarx) in three ways.
1.    To refer to the physical body or earthly existence. (1 Corinthians 15:39; 2 Corinthians 4:11). Which we have until we die! 
2.    To refer to the "sinful programming" of the body as orientated away from God through my sinful nature, leading to individual struggles and desires of the flesh. (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:13,19) Which we are still struggling with!
3.     Scripture uses this term in a morally evil sense to describe man's unredeemed humanness and desires (Romans 6:6; Rom. 8:8; Eph. 2:3). Which we no longer are!

The Apostle Paul gives us a personal account of his struggle between his new man that has the godly desires and the reality of desires that come from the flesh (Romans 7:14-8:6). Paul further explains that our sinful nature has been replaced by a new nature. This letter is foundational to understand the transformation God has brought us! 

What are some realities regarding the flesh in our life?

•    The flesh is a part of us, but it is NOT the real you if you are in Christ.
•.   The flesh causes us to have a way of life apart from God and can't keep God's law.  
•    The flesh is hardwired into our physical being until our body dies. 
•    The flesh is self-reliant and self-focused rather than God-dependent and focused on loving others.
•    The flesh has selfish desires, instead of what your new heart and Christ desires.

Six important scriptures regarding our flesh that we can personalize.

1.    It is crucial to put on Jesus Christ by living out of our new heart in Christ. Romans 13:14, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." 
2.    We can daily live our lives being filled and led by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
3.    We have the freedom to live our lives in Christ but need to be aware of the flesh's temptations. Galatians 5:13, "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh…"
4.     Our Christian growth comes through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, not through self-effort. Galatians 3:3, "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?"
5.     Genuine faith in Christ brings about a transformed life. Galatians 5:24, "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
6.    We live in a world with fleshly lusts all around us, but we can live above the fray of fleshly desire in this life. 1 Peter 2:11, "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul."

Sadly, most Christians define their identity in Christ, and how Jesus views them by how they react in the flesh and their struggle with sin. One of my greatest joys in ministry is helping clients overcome condemnation and learn to live out of their transformed selves. We all need people around us to affirm our new heart in Christ that desires to please God!

May the grace of God strengthen you in these difficult days!

Jeff

Standing Against Evil

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." Galatians 6:13

Every Christian has in their possession the armor of God. The question becomes, will we take up the armor or go it alone in our spiritual battles? God's armor provides us with everything we need to do battle as long as we practically apply all we possess from being in Christ. 

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth Ephesians 6:14a

Since a significant part of ancient combat was hand-to-hand, a loose tunic was a hindrance and even a danger. Before the battle, the tunic carefully cinched and tucked into the heavy leather belt that girded (restrained) the soldier’s loins. God’s belt of truth ties it all together, demonstrating that the believer is ready for battle. 

Since Satan is a liar (John 8:44), your belt of truth is always under attack in one or more forms:
1.    Lies about the character of God.
2.    Deception about who you are in Christ.
3.    Lies promoting fear about life’s future direction.
4.    The deception of temptation to sin. 

We must live in the truth of a close relationship and dependence on the person of truth – Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
1.    Read, study, meditate, and apply the Scriptures, letting the Word of truth sanctify your life daily (2 Corinthians 6:7, John 17:15).
2.    Submit to the Holy Spirit's leading and teaching – the Spirit of truth (John 14:17, 16:13).
3.    Resist the enemy by choosing, knowing, and standing in the truth.

Put on the breastplate of righteousness Ephesians 6:14b

The breastplate protects my most vulnerable area – my heart, the home of my feelings and emotions. The mind and emotions are two areas where Satan most fiercely attacks believers. 

Three Ways That Satan Attacks
•    Accusations (Revelation 12:10) Despair comes from believing what Satan says rather than what God says about my righteousness in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
•    Condemnation (Romans 8:1) Satan condemns me to keep me from coming to God.
•    Spiritual Pride by trusting in my righteousness rooted in pride.

Three Ways to Stand against Satan
•    Confess all sin. Apply the principle of confession by acknowledging sin and receiving the forgiveness Christ provides. (I John 1:9).
•    Stand with Christ’s righteousness. Satan has nothing to accuse us of because we are made righteous in Christ (Romans 8:33, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Philippians 3:8,9).
•    Keep a clear conscience before God and man (Acts 24:16).
  
As shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace Ephesians 6:15

I share with counselees the great news that Christ is victorious over sin and Satan! In Colossians, 2:13-15 Paul the Apostle tells us that God made us alive in Christ, and Jesus forgave all our sins! He canceled the record of the charges against us—past, present, and future. He took that record of our sin and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross. God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities.

There can be no accusation made against God’s elect.  Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Because of the good news of the Gospel, we are at peace with God, and we stand in the confidence of God’s forgiveness! 

In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one Ephesians 6:16

The Apostle Paul tells us that putting on the full armor of God is taking up the shield of faith. When the spiritual warfare becomes heated with flying arrows, the Christian takes up the shield of faith, “…wherewith [he] shall be able to quench (extinguish) all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16). The Roman shield was made with linen that could be dipped in water. When the fiery darts hit it, they were extinguished. 

We can enlarge and strengthen our shield of faith by spending daily time in the Word of God. As you pick up the shield of faith, you can stop the evil one's flaming arrows and stand firm in spiritual battles. 

Take the helmet of salvation Ephesians 6:17a

This helmet is another piece of armor for spiritual victory. The Roman’s helmet would protect the head from arrows (fiery darts), but its primary function was to ward off blows from a very destructive weapon called a broadsword. The enemy soldier lifted it over his head and brought it down on his opponent’s head. God’s helmet of salvation protects us from Satan’s deathblow.

The word salvation in the context of Ephesians 6:17 emphasizes the ongoing deliverance, which our salvation brings. Here, Paul is not concerned with Satan taking away our salvation. He is referring to our hope of liberation in times of spiritual battle. Paul is referencing Isaiah 59:17, “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.” By appropriating this salvation as our helmet, we have every reason to remain confident in Christ's victory.

Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God Ephesians 6:17b

We do not put on God's armor to wait for the enemy to attack, but instead, we are to join with Christ in an offensive battle in which we take up the Word of God. In Ephesians 6:17, Paul expresses what is needed for the believer to overcome Satan and his hosts when he says to take “the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word.”  

As Christians, we cannot be passive in utilizing the sixth piece of the armor of God. When we are not applying Biblical truth in our lives,  we are easy prey to evil forces. In our culture today, we have an excess of self-help books for solving problems that replace the study and application of God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 teaches: “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  

The Reality of Spiritual Conflicts

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." 1 Peter 5:8,9

One valuable counseling distinctive at IBCC is that we consider the reality of the spiritual warfare battles our clients face. It is crucial to help them discern their responsibility to address any potential issue that gives the enemy influence in their lives to help them grow in living our of their new heart in Christ. 

The big question: How Can Satan influence Christians?

Satan’s has three goals (John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”)
•    Steal: Satan comes as a thief to convince you that you do not have victory and freedom in Christ. 
•    Kill: Satan comes to hurt and damage your heart. He does this through rejection and the lies that occur in the message of that wounding.
•    Destroy: To lay waste and make desolate your life. Satan desires to influence you to walk in the flesh and continue to make choices that will bring destruction to your life, marriage, family, and future generations. 

Here are the spiritual conflicts I consider to help our clients evaluate, address, and regain any influence Satan has gained in their lives. 

•    Lies (John 8:44) vs. Truth.
•    Pride (James 4:6) vs. Humility.
•    Bitterness “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26, 27) vs. Forgiveness.
•    Rebellion “For rebellion is the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry....” (1 Samuel 15:23) vs. Submission.
•    Sexual Immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20) vs. Moral Purity.
•    Spiritual Counterfeits false gospel, spirits, wrong Jesus  (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4) vs. True gospel and Jesus Christ.
•    Fear “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) vs. Faith.
•    Unresolved Guilt vs. Clear Conscience. (Acts 24:16, 1 Timothy 1:19)
•    Unhealthy Relationships/Soul Ties (1 Corinthians 15:33)) vs. Life-giving relationships.

The reality of spiritual battles in our lives is a present reality. The questions are, do I want to acknowledge it? Do I want to address the issues that the enemy is using to keep me from walking in the freedom I have in Christ? We are equipped at IBCC and count it an honor to walk alongside those having spiritual battles to learn to walk in their new heart in Christ.

What is Worldliness?

Colossians 2:6-9 "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

What belief systems do we face today? How does that impact us? How does worldview change our perspective and the decisions we make? As a counselor, I need to be prepared to address the impact of an ungodly culture and it's influence on our clients' lives. Like never before, technological advancement and social media accelerate the communication of these beliefs. In its many forms, distortions of the truth and false teaching lead people away from the true gospel and Jesus. 

What is Worldliness?

I define worldliness as "a shared set of beliefs with certain unbiblical philosophies that drive culture", these beliefs go unquestioned by those that live in them. Our worldview is the eyeglasses in which we see life through, to perceive what is true about me, my life, my relationships with others, and God. Our family background, church, culture, peers, education, media, and entertainment impact and shape our belief systems. As the prince of the power of the air, Satan wants to keep people ignorant of the truth. Apart from Christ transforming our hearts and renewing our minds with the Word of God, we are blind to the world's influence. 

Unbiblical Belief Systems We Face Today 

The deception is very subtle because the philosophies of our day hide in the appearance of some moral good deceiving many. We witness these philosophies on a daily basis in some form or another. This post-modern humanistic worldview includes at least four fundamental religious and ethical ideals. 

1. Religious Relativism
We all worship the same God; we only refer to Him by different titles.  Jesus said many would come in his name. 

2. Tolerance
The demand that we value the views and practices of others to the degree we value our own, regardless of any absolute moral standard in particular as defined by scripture.

3. Philosophical Pluralism
The denial of absolute truth is the hallmark of modern thinking. Your truth can be whatever you decide. It is summed up in the belief that any particular religion's claim to be intrinsically superior to another is wrong. 

4. Moral Relativism
It is the view that moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint (for instance, that of a culture or a historical period) and that no standpoint is uniquely privileged over all others. Meaning history can be redefined to adapt to the changing moral standards of a society. 

Five Basic Elements of a Biblical Worldview

Romans 12:2— "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." 

What do you believe about who God is?

Christian Theism believes in a personal God who created rules and interacts with the world. The God of the Bible is personal. The God of the Bible is sovereign. The God of the Bible is Holy. The God of the Bible is the creator of the world. If God created the world, Secular Humanism is not even a remote possibility. If God created the world, then God created man. If God created the world, then our view of truth, knowledge, and ethics must be shaped by this single fact. 

What do you believe about the origin of man? 

Christian Theism sees man as a unique creation of God. The Bible teaches that man is created in God's image. As God's image-bearer, man has inherited dignity and value. In Adam, man fell into sin. Apart from the redemptive work of Christ, man remains in his sin. 

What do you believe about what is truth? 

Christian Theism sees truth as objective, absolute, and is rooted in the Scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:16,17 "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."

What do you believe about real knowledge? 

Christian Theism holds that God created the world and everything in it; therefore, our pursuit of knowledge must balance reason and revelation.  We come to know the truth through God's revelation in creation. Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 50:6, "The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge!" Romans 1:18-20 "For God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their wickedness suppress the truth. What can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them." 

What do you believe about ethics?

Christian Theism views ethics as timeless and absolute.  God determines what is right and what is wrong. Humanism begins with a man as the starting point and works its way out from there. Pragmatism (results rather than principles determine proper action) and Utilitarianism (the view that the happiness of the highest number should be the criteria of the virtue). God's Word gives us explicit instruction on ethics. 2 Peter 1:3, 4 "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." Ethics transcends time and culture. Biblical ethical principles can be applied universally. If it is sinful to commit adultery in the United States, it is also sinful in any third world country.

The battle that comes from living in this world is something we all have to address. I have witnessed the impact of deception and how it brings destruction to people's lives. At IBCC, we desire to come alongside hurting people and lovingly help them make important life decisions based on the knowledge and wisdom that the scriptures teach.