Paul Wells - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Editorial
HERMAN H. VAN ALTEN - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
John Calvin Was Ever The Pastor, Not Only To Those Close To Him But Also To Those Far Away, Not Only To Normal Believers But Also To Those In High Places. In The Dedicatory Letters To His Writings, Calvin Very Often Addresses Kings, Queens, And Other Rulers. He Places Their Reigns On The Continuum Of The Kingdom Of Christ From Its Beginning Until Its Consummation. On This Continuum, Calvin Encourages And Exhorts Rulers To Work For The Restoration Of True Doctrine And ...
TIMOTHY P. YATES - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
Biblical counseling resources lack structural coherence with the doctrine and Christian life model of the Westminster Standards. This article proposes reorienting counselor-trainers and counselors with these perspectives as a contribution to David Powlison’s vision to formulate a unified theory of systematic theology for soul care. The twofold structure of the Larger Catechism, called the symphonic-pedogogical perspective —building up the saints to know our Triune God and his work...
KAZUSA OKAYA - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
Herman Bavinck is not usually associated with the biblical counseling movement. Nevertheless, his formulation of “biblical psychology” pro- vides essential resources for biblical counselors today. This article treats shame as a case study to demonstrate how his biblical psychological account differs from that of secular psychology by providing a more nuanced and biblical approach to shame. He places shame within the organic understanding of sin and considers shame to be caused by ...
CHRISTOPHER TALBOT - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
While much attention has been given to Francis Schaeffer, his work, and his influence on the L’Abri community, less attention has been given to Edith Schaeffer’s unique contribution. She complemented Francis’s more intellectual, apologetic, and discussion-oriented approach by cultivating a family-oriented community with an emphasis on hospitality, creativity, and prayer. L’Abri’s visitors have lauded Edith’s crucial contri- bution to their enduring community. However, to fully understan
MAARTEN J. KATER - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
In this contribution, we first explore the situation we find in our century in the field of pastoral theology. It turns out that there is a constant back and forth between “theology” on the one hand and “therapy” on the other. One of the main causes of this problem seems to be that we have decoupled God from man, Christology from pneumatology. We need a theological anthropology in which the soul regains its central place: pastoral care is care for the soul, or it is not pastoral ...
JIM NEWHEISER - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
While Almost Every Christian Marriage Begins With Great Hope And Joy, Many End In Divorce. Other Marriages Endure But Fall Significantly Short Of The Biblical Ideal Of Growing Personal Intimacy. After Forty Years Of Counseling, I Have Identified Six Issues That Are Crucial To Preserving And Strengthening Christian Marriages And Present Them Below. The Gospel Offers Hope That Couples Who Have Drifted Apart Can Enjoy Renewed Joy And Fulfillment In Their Marriages To The Glory Of God.
MICHAEL GEMBOLA - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
Marital restoration from infidelity follows the biblical pattern of Christian discipleship, involving specific action steps and progress of insight in a relational context. The teaching of Jesus that adultery comes from the heart provides a central guiding insight for conceptualizing infidelity and marital restoration. A framework is presented for the varied helping efforts required for the spouse who was unfaithful, for the spouse who was betrayed, and for the marriage.
BRAD BEEVERS - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
Legalism is, at its core, a wrong theology of the law. It is rooted in the conviction that God’s commands can be fundamentally kept with disciplined and earnest effort. A robust and practical theology of the law completely undermines this false faith. It shows how the law is spiritual (about the heart, not just behavior), comprehensive (addressing every similar situation), and perfect (requiring active love, not just avoiding harm). Grasping this makes Pharisaic piety impossible. ...
JIM NEWHEISER - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
From its inception, the modern biblical counseling movement has been rooted in the presuppositional apologetics of Cornelius Van Til and John Frame. The presupposition that the Bible is absolutely authoritative and sufficient leads to certain conclusions regarding who we are, what our purpose is, what is wrong with us, and how God can make us what we are meant to be. While we see a role for knowledge outside of the Bible, such knowledge is secondary in value and subject to the authority
NATALIE CARLEY - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
Spanish translations of Jay Adams’s pioneering works slowly attracted pastors and counselors in Spain and Latin America to biblical counseling. Beginning before the turn of the millennium, the content of the biblical counseling courses of Westminster / Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) were taught in Mexico, where CCEF faculty books were increasingly translated. As new centers for biblical counseling training arose at Westminster West, California, at ...
D. CLAIR DAVIS - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
Abstract
This essay, based on David Powlison’s The Biblical Counseling Movement and other works by Powlison and Jay Adams, reflects on the history of biblical counseling, in particular the relationship between Adams and Powlison. It also deals with the connection between biblical counseling and psychology. Concluding with John Calvin’s famous statement about the interconnection between knowledge of God and knowledge of self, it advocates with Adams a clear Christian view of the counseling ...
PETER A. LILLBACK - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
The topic we are discussing is biblical counseling, which is a unique contribution of the Reformed tradition ofWestminster Seminary,with its love for the Scriptures and its attempt to engage life for the glory of God and the good of people ministered to.What is the difference between classical pastoral care and biblical counseling? Pastors have always tried to nurture the souls of their congregants through caring for them in day-to-day and crisis moments through their preaching, but what ...
ANDREW MUTTITT - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
DONALD E. COBB - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
TODD M. RESTER - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023
editor - in Vol. 9 No. 1 / Apr 2023