BOOK (Devotional) - A Life Worth Living - God's Perfect Peace Plan For Your Mental Well-being
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Mental health from a Christian perspective
When the problems of life overwhelm us we are sometimes plunged into a darkness from which we can see no escape. However, a bright new dawn awaits. There is a perfect peace plan for your mental well-being and a life truly worth living. It’s going to take faith, but as you actively reflect on the breadth and wonder of God’s plan through this interactive book you’ll learn how God’s way offers real hope.
Introduction
I am writing this because I know many in this society are having great difficulty coping with disappointments, hurts, griefs or failures. Many, perhaps even you, are not coping with the thing plaguing your mind. Worry, fear, guilt, depression and discontentment (among other things) are negatively affecting your outlook on life so much that sometimes you even wonder if life is worth living. You’ve tried many sensible and not so sensible things to get out of your heartache and despair, but nothing provides you with the mental stability and the peace you crave. The satisfaction and contentment you desire seems unattainable despite all of your efforts to get help. You probably know where I am going with this, but what have you got to lose in seeking God’s help when your own efforts and the efforts of others, including professionals, have fallen way short of satisfying you?
Far be it from me to suggest you give up on the other forms of help you are trying (I understand that medical and psychological help have their benefits), but through this short book I want to urge you to seriously examine how the true practice of Christianity can also provide an outlook and lifestyle that can contribute greatly to your mental well-being.
I am encouraging you to explore the wonderful thirteen-fold package of great things Christianity has to offer toward your peace and mental well-being including:
. Effective tools for overcoming fear, anxiety and other
destructive emotions
. A solution to guilt
. A solution to worthlessness and lack of identity
. A loving family
. Supernatural strength (God’s) to deal with things human
resources (including your own) have failed to resolve
. Daily purpose and activities that can keep you
meaningfully occupied and bring joy and satisfaction
. Exciting long-term dream to look forward to and to
motivate you to endure life’s trials and troubles
. A special restful day of the week to look forward to every
week
. A helpful framework or philosophy for understanding why
the world is like it is and for believing why violence and
suffering will finally end one day
. Wise proverbs and teachings for ongoing healthy and
happy living
. Accountability to a loving God
. Power over satanic/demonic influences on the mind
. The greatest leader, Saviour and role model ever
By reading and meditating upon the scripture references in this book and by taking time to deeply consider the questions posed (including putting your answers in writing) you will be taking a pro-active step towards having a sound mind and good mental health.
Of-course without faith in God and a respect for the Bible the wonderful help Christianity has to offer you will be limited. That’s why we have provided the book ‘Faith-lift’ on this site to help you see the amazing trustworthiness of the Bible and the reality of the unsurpassed love that God has for you through Christ.
1. Effective tools for overcoming fear, anxiety and other destructive emotions
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. 10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:7-11
11In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11
3 Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. Psalm 71:3
92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life. … 97 Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:92-97
3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul. Psalm 138:3
I cry out to the Lord with my voice; With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication. 2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble. 3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. … 4 Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul. 5 I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living. 6 Attend to my cry, For I am brought very low; Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I. 7 Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name; The righteous shall surround me, For You shall deal bountifully with me.” Psalm 142
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. Proverbs 3:13-18
25Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:25-26
32 The wicked is banished in his wickedness, But the righteous has a refuge in his death. Proverbs 14:22
3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Reflections
Identify the various helps or strategies in these verses for overcoming fear, anxiety and all manner of destructive emotions by contemplating, or meditating upon, the scriptures above and then filling in the blanks below.
*Please note that the exact word for the blanks may or may not appear in the verses. Sometimes only the thought or action will. Scripture reference(s) next to some of the words below show you where to search for the answer.
P _ _ _ _ r Ps.71:3, Ps. 138:3, Ps. 142
V _ _ t _ _ g Ps. 142
M _ d _ _ _ _ _ _ n Ps. 119:92-97 & Phil. 4:8-9 (note how
the Biblical form of this is very different to the popular eastern form)
H _ p _
Having a R_ _ k in your life.
W _ _ d o _
Having a P _ s _ t _ _ e M _ _ d and focus. Phil. 4:8-9
(email churchofgodslove4@gmail.com if you wish to confirm your answers)
Do you see any other helps or strategies in these verses?
Many of the tools mentioned in the above verses are similar to tools psychologists and counsellors recommend today in the 21st Century. This should give the Bible a big tick in your mind. Although there are similarities, what is unique about the biblical prescription that could bring better results for your mental health?
2. A solution to worthlessness and lack of identity
The following is an extract from Neil T. Anderson’s Victory Over the Darkness – Realizing the power of your identity in Christ p51-53, 64-65, Regal Publishers 2000. It shows the wonderful worth and identity Christianity brings to people’s lives.
Who Am I?
I am the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13).
I am the light of the world (Matt. 5:14).
I am a child of God (John 1:12).
I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ's life (John 15:1,5).
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15).
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit (John 15:16). …
I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him (Rom. 8:17).
I am a temple—a dwelling place—of God. His Spirit and His life dwell in me (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19).
I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him (1 Cor. 6:17).
I am a member of Christ's Body (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 5:30).
I am a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18,19). …
I am a saint (1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2).
I am God's workmanship—His handiwork—born anew in Christ to do His work (Eph. 2:10). …
I am righteous and holy (Eph. 4:24).
I am a citizen of heaven, seated in heaven right now (Eph. 2:6; Phil. 3:20). …
I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved (Col. 3:12; I Thess. 1:4).
I am a son of light and not of darkness (1 Thess. 5:5).
I am a holy partaker of a heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1). …
I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession (1 Pet. 2:9,10). …
I am born of God, and the evil one—the devil—cannot touch me (1 John 5:18). p51-53
Since I am in Christ
I have been justified—completely forgiven and made righteous (Rom. 5:1).
I died with Christ and died to the power of sin's rule over my life (Rom. 6:1-6).
I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8:1). …
I have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the things freely given to me by God (1 Cor. 2:12).
I have been given the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16).
I have been bought with a price; I am not my own; I belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19,20). …
Since I have died, I no longer live for myself, but for Christ (2 Cor. 5:14,15). …
I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).
I was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and am without blame before Him (Eph. 1:4).
I was predestined—determined by God—to be adopted as God's son (Eph. 1:5).
I have been redeemed and forgiven, and I am a recipient of His lavish grace (Eph. 1:17).
… I have direct access to God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:18).
I may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12).
I have been rescued from the domain of Satan's rule and transferred to the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13).
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. The debt against me has been cancelled (Col. 1:14).
Christ Himself is in me (Col. 1:27).
I am firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built in Him (Col. 2:7).
I have been made complete in Christ (Col. 2:10). …
I have been buried, raised and made alive with Christ (Col. 2:12,13). …
I have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7).
I have been saved and set apart according to God's doing (2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5). …
I have the right to come boldly before the throne of God to find mercy and grace in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I am a partaker of God's divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4).
Reflections
Where do you get your sense of worth from?
Where do you get your sense of identity from?
Write out below the three italicised statements above which to you best demonstrate acceptance in a Christian’s life.
Write out below the three italicised statements above which to you best demonstrate significance in a Christian’s life.
Write out below the three italicised statements above which to you best relate to identity in a Christian’s life.
3. Supernatural strength (God’s) to deal with things human resources (including your own) have failed to resolve
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:7-11
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ … 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
… be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4
Reflections
List the key things from the above verses which help us tap into God’s unlimited resources for dealing with our problems. The first letter of each, plus the number of letters, is provided below. *Please note that the exact word may or may not appear in the verses. Sometimes only the thought or action will. Scripture reference(s) next to some of the words below show you where to search for the answer):
F_ _ _ h 1 John 5:4
R _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ e s s
Bo_ _ of G_ _
H _ m _ _ _ t y
P _ _ _ _ _ James 5:16
S p i _ _ _
T _ u _ T Matthew 6:25-34
(email churchofgodslove4@gmail.com if you wish to confirm your answers)
Any others?
James 5:16 links righteousness to the effectiveness of prayer. Give a reason why it makes sense that these two things would be connected.
What one thing from these verses has the greatest potential to give you peace of mind? Explain why.
Is Jesus saying in Matthew 6:25-34, “Don’t worry about your needs or problems and do nothing because God will take care of them”? If your answer is ‘no’, what is He telling us to do if we want God to take care of our needs and problems?
4. A solution to guilt
... For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth … because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed. Romans 3:22-25
18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense [Adam’s in the Garden of Eden] judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act [Christ’s at the cross] the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19
1There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1
13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:13-14
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9
Reflections
If we genuinely repent of our sins to God (which means turning away from them and making it up to the person we wronged where possible) what will God do?
Should we continue to feel guilty after having done this?
What in the above verses shows this is not a cheap form of forgiveness?
How will knowing that the Creator of the universe forgives you and accepts you affect your mental well-being?
5. A loving family
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. … 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren … 1 John 3:14
“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:6-7
Reflections
You have probably heard the words above in 1 Corinthians 13 at a wedding. How would your life be impacted if a group of people you associated with really treated you with this love and if you had the strength of mind to treat others the same way?
What test did Jesus put forth for knowing His true disciples? What kind of love were they to show? Describe the kind of love Jesus showed them?
The Bible does not command all believers to sell possessions and hold everything in common. However, it does emphasize sharing with our brothers and sisters in Christ in a very significant way. In Acts 2:46 above, we see that the believer’s sharing brought them gladness. How do you think the kind of sharing and fellowship described in Acts 2:44-47 brought such gladness, especially in light of the fact that life was not easy for the early Christians?
How could a sense of belonging to a loving church family and the loving family of the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) affect your life for the better?
6. Daily purpose and activities that can keep you meaningfully occupied and bring joy and satisfaction
19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38
19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 19:19
35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 12:6-13
14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14
19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. … 2 Peter 3:18
Reflections
Based on the above scriptures, can you see things about the true Christian life that would make it interesting, meaningful and satisfying? If you can, list them below.
7. Exciting long-term dream to look forward to and to motivate you to endure life’s trials and troubles
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:42-58
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4
Reflections
How does the destiny of the Christian compare with other common life goals or dreams people have?
If you don’t yet believe the scriptures above are true, do you think believing it would help your mental well-being? Why or why not? (If it seems too good to be true, please don’t forget to read the book ‘Faith-lift’ provided and pray to God that He would grant you the gift of faith)
If you do believe the scriptures are true, how has believing helped your mental well-being?
8. A special restful day of the week to look forward to every week
2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:2-3
8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11
“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words,14 Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 58:13-14
27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27
Reflections
According to these verses, what word starting with ‘B’ indicates the Sabbath day is a very special day for man? B_ _ _ _ _ _.
What do you think Isaiah 58:14 is saying in its own poetic way about the benefits of having the Sabbath day as a rest day and holy day?
God refers to the Sabbath day as “My holy day”. This means the Sabbath day is not all about you. How can having one day a week which is certainly not all about you improve your mental well-being?
What possible benefits could attending church services have for your mental well-being? (consider fellowship/relationships, teaching, singing, prayer, serenity and personal involvement/contribution etc.).
9. A helpful framework or philosophy for understanding why the world is like it is and for believing why violence and suffering will finally end one day
17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:17-19
6 But if you or your sons at all turn from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them; and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight. Israel will be a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 8 And as for this house, which is exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and will hiss, and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’9 Then they will answer, ‘Because they forsook the Lord their God, who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, and worshiped them and served them; therefore the Lord has brought all this calamity on them.’” [humanity has forsaken God, just as Israel did] 1 Kings 9:6-9
The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. 2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. 3 They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one. 4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And do not call on the Lord? 5 There they are in great fear, For God is with the generation of the righteous. 6 You shame the counsel of the poor, But the Lord is his refuge. 7 Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people, Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad. Psalm 14
37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matthew 13:37-43
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:18-32
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin [Adam’s] entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— Romans 5:12
18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act [Christ’s at cross] the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. Romans 5:18
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:1-3
2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. Revelation 21:2-7
The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:21-27
Reflections
How much on a scale of 0-10 do you agree with the following statement: greed, lying, stealing, adultery, murder, and all manner of self-centered attitudes and actions are by far the main reasons for why suffering exists.
If you had unlimited power, how would you attempt to put an end to all suffering? After arriving at your answer, read p9 of Faith-lift and share how much you agree or disagree with how the author there summarises God’s options for putting an end to suffering.
Do you think humankind will one day finally rid itself of evil forever, or is this only possible at the hand of an all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving God?
10. Wise proverbs and teachings for ongoing healthy and happy living
3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil; 4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of hell. Proverbs 5:3-5
9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known. Proverbs 10:9
26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26
27 The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. Proverbs 12:27
1The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1
1A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given. Proverbs 19:17
Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. Proverbs 21:5
Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. Proverbs 21:6
4 Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! 5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4-5
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you … Matthew 5:38-44
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:33
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Reflections
In light of the above verses, how relevant is the Bible today to everyday life? Did anything in the above quotes touch you personally?
The Bible shows amazing continuity/consistency for a book with 66 books written over thousands of years by many multiple authors. Why would it be wiser to be guided by its collective wisdom than our own individual thoughts or moral compass, or by the moral standards of our day?
Suggestion: read the entire Bible book of Proverbs highlighting the verses that speak the most powerfully to you or touch you personally.
11. Accountability to a loving God
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God. Romans 2:1-11
11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:11-12
3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:3-5
Reflections
Has lack of accountability on your part played any part in the issues you are now struggling with in life?
Think about the situations in your everyday life over the years that have involved some kind of accountability and list some (e.g. accountability to parents). Also list what benefits you see from accountability in these situations.
Can being accountable have positive mental effects on us? If so, how?
12. Power over satanic/demonic influences on the mind
23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. 24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Matthew 4:23-24
16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick … Matthew 8:16
Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. 7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” 8 For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” 9 Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” 10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. 11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. 12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” 13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. 14 So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. 15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Mark 5:1-15
17 Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” 19 He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. 21 So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!”26 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:17-29
17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20
16 … But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16
17 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
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints … Ephesians 6:10-18
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! James 2:19
Reflections
Demons were real to Jesus back in the first century. They were still a real problem even after Jesus’ won the victory through His crucifixion and resurrection (Acts 19:11-20). Is there any reason to suggest that Satan and demons are no longer a problem for humanity?
If you feel demonic forces are affecting your mind (or the mind of someone you know) carefully consider what the above verses suggest is required or could be done? List them here.
What from the above verses indicate that being a practicing Christian provides the greatest strength to overcome these dark spiritual forces which seek to attack us through our minds?
13. The greatest leader, Saviour and role model ever
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:39-41
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:6-11
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:15-23
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high … Hebrews 1:1-3
20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 1 Peter 2:20-25
16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Revelation 22:12-13
Consider this great quote about Jesus from The Incomparable Christ
“More than nineteen hundred years ago there was a Man born contrary to the laws of life. This Man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively. Only once did He cross the boundary of the country in which He lived; that was during His exile in childhood.”
“He possessed neither wealth nor influence. His relatives were inconspicuous, and had neither training nor formal education. In infancy He startled a king; in childhood He puzzled doctors; in manhood He ruled the course of nature, walked upon the billows as if pavements, and hushed the sea to sleep. He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His service.”
“He never wrote a book, and yet all the libraries of the country could not hold the books that have been written about Him. He never wrote a song, and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the song writers combined.”
“He never founded a college, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students. “He never marshaled an army, nor drafted a soldier, nor fired a gun; and yet no leader ever had more volunteers who have, under His orders, made more rebels stack arms and surrender without a shot fired.”
“He never practiced psychiatry, and yet He healed more broken hearts than all the doctors far and near. Once each week the wheels of commerce cease their turning and multitudes wend their way to worshipping assemblies to pay homage and respect to Him.”
“The names of the past proud statesmen of Greece and Rome have come and gone. The names of the past scientists, philosophers, and theologians have come and gone; but the name of this Man abounds more and more. Though time has spread nineteen hundred years between the people of this generation and the scene of His crucifixion, yet He still lives. Herod could not destroy Him, and the grave could not hold Him.
“He stands forth upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory, proclaimed of God, acknowledged by angels, adored by saints, and feared by devils, as the living, personal Christ, our Lord and Saviour.”
Reflections
List the various identities/titles of Jesus that are in or can be derived from the verses above by filling in the blanks
C _ _ _ t _ r
F _ _ _ _ and the L _ _ t
L _ _ _ of L _ _ d _
F _ _ s t _ _ _ n from the d _ _ _
K _ _ _ of k _ _ g _
S _ _ _ _ _ _
(email kiddlrs@optusnet.com.au if you wish to confirm your answers)
Choose two of the identities/titles above and write a sentence on each about how these identities/titles could have relevance to your mental well-being?
Based on the above verses and your knowledge of the Bible, what do you consider to be unique about Jesus as compared to the other prominent religious figures of history?
Jesus invitingly said:
27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:27-30
He also offered these words of comfort:
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
If you are not a follower of Christ, put in writing the following:
What attracts me to wholeheartedly accepting Jesus’ invitation and comfort
What stops me from wholeheartedly accepting Jesus’ invitation and comfort
If you are a follower, write down thoughts on how you could follow Christ more wholeheartedly.
The good news/gospel message of Christ our Saviour is often misunderstood, yet Romans 1:17 tells us the gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. To have this power in our lives we therefore need to be sure we have the true gospel. The gospel is distinct from other aspects of Christianity, such as service, evangelism and fellowship. Below are some Bible quotes showing what the gospel is. Notice how the gospel is about what God has done for us, not what we can do for Him.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles. Acts 26:22-23
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:1-4
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures … 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Identify which are the seven true statements below about the gospel in the following seven groups of statements (remembering the gospel is good news and is distinct from other aspects of Christianity):
The gospel says do e.g. false
The gospel says donee.g. true
The gospel says rest
The gospel says work
The gospel is good advice
The gospel is good views
The gospel is good news
The gospel says make peace with God
The gospel says accept Christ as your peace.
The gospel is about receiving God’s love
The gospel is about our giving back to God
The gospel is about us living righteously
The gospel is about Christ our righteousness
The gospel is about keeping God’s Commandments
The gospel is about the cross
Please email David at kiddlrs@optusnet.com.au if you wish to discuss your answers.
Conclusion
Whatever your mental state is; no matter how hopeless things seem; there is hope in God. There is tremendous help in Christ and the Holy Spirit. God never intended for you to be defeated by your circumstances. It wasn’t God’s plan for your emotions or physiology to overwhelm you. Jeremiah recorded this great assurance from God to His people, which I am sure is still true today:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Glance again at the thirteen-fold peace package for your mental and emotional well-being listed on page one. Notice how truly it speaks to your personal needs. Notice also how far reaching it is. God has provided you a wonderful plan for your peace and happiness, and God knows what He is doing. Deeply explore the reflections in this book if you haven’t already!
If you still need faith to trust God's plan, just ask, seek and knock. You will receive and find, and doors will be opened unto you. You will discover a life truly worth living through God’s perfect peace plan for your mental well-being.
The author can be contacted at churchofgodslove4@gmail.com .