I. The Need Of Counsel

A.Christians have largely given up making a contribution to counseling and have adopted psychology.

B. Counseling in the church is the responsibility of Christians. God has equipped us to do so:

1. In the WORD.
2. Within ourselves.

C. Everyone both sins and is sinned against. In the last days SIN will grow worse and worse.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

D. Although we are not "of the world" we are called to be "IN the world" as salt and light. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (John 17:15-16).

E. To the caring Christian, the one who has faith in the Word of God, faith in the power of God to change lives, who has the love of God in his heart, such problems are "last days" OPPORTUNITIES.

F. God allows people to face problems and situations too great for them to deal with with their limited resources. As a result they experience anxiety. This is an opportunity for them to call out to God for help. Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken (Luke 21:26).

G. It is possible to be transformed by the Gospel no matter how serious a person's problem might be. This process of transformation and renewal--of redemption--involves Christian COUNSELING.

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

H. There are always opportunities for ministry--one step at a time. We are living in a world full of pain.

1. Divorce.
2. Abortion.

I. We need to be equipped to deal with all this pain. We need to be equipped in both our hearts and our minds.

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