Life as a teen can feel like trying to ride a roller coaster blindfolded; every twist and turn brings something new, and you never quite know where you’ll end up. Biblical counseling is like having a trusted seatbelt strapped on: it doesn’t stop the ride, but it helps you hang on and actually enjoy the…
“The fear of man brings a snare; but whoever puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”—Proverbs 29:25 (ESV) Every day, we face the subtle temptation to shape our words and our lives around what others will think. George Everard reminds us that this “fear of man” isn’t harmless, “it stops many a one…
We live in an age awash with empty compliments, from social media “likes” to the instant reassurance of affirmations that often ring hollow. Yet Jonathan Edwards, preaching in colonial New England, confronted the same dangerous impulse two centuries ago. In his sermon “The Vain Self-Flatteries of the Sinner,” Edwards digs into Psalm 36:2 to expose…
Fear has a way of sneaking into our hearts unannounced, like that distant cousin at Thanksgiving who insists on sharing every detail of his conspiracy theories. Yet Scripture calls us to a different standard: “Walking by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7 ESV). At Radiant Hope, we often encounter individuals whose decisions are driven…
In our fast-paced, digitally connected world, the essence of true friendship often gets lost amidst likes, shares, and fleeting interactions. J.R. Miller, in his timeless piece “The Basis of Friendship,” offers profound insights into the nature of genuine companionship that resonate deeply even today. Miller begins by acknowledging our God-given social nature, emphasizing that we…
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, often called the “Prince of Preachers,” was one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 19th century. His sermons, writings, and pastoral care shaped not only the Victorian church but also modern evangelical thought. Spurgeon’s perspective on biblical counseling remains especially relevant today as many believers seek wisdom on how to…
In the Christian life, there’s often a tension between resting in God’s grace and actively pursuing holiness. How do these two ideas fit together? Jerry Bridges masterfully addresses this tension in The Discipline of Grace, a book that serves as a guide for believers who want to grow in Christlikeness without falling into either legalism…
In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave, Edward T. Welch provides a deeply biblical understanding of addiction, identifying it not merely as a medical issue but as a spiritual struggle rooted in idolatry and misplaced worship. Welch’s title, drawn from Proverbs 9:17-18, illustrates the deceptive nature of sin: “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten…
In Diehard Sins: How to Fight Wisely Against Destructive Daily Habits, Rush Witt provides a biblically grounded strategy for identifying and overcoming persistent sins—those ingrained patterns of disobedience that stubbornly remain even in the life of a maturing believer. Witt does not offer quick fixes or self-help solutions; rather, he directs us to the power…
Addiction is one of the most pressing struggles in our culture today, yet many modern approaches fail to address the root issue. In The Heart of Addiction, Mark Shaw challenges the common view that addiction is primarily a disease, instead pointing to Scripture’s clear teaching that addiction is ultimately a problem of the heart. By…