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169: The Letter Kills, But The Spirit Gives Life


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What You'll Discover in this Episode:


169: The Letter Kills, But The Spirit Gives Life



The Letter Kills, But The Spirit Gives Life

  • Ann-Louise Graham says:

    1.) Extremely important in the context of biblical counselling the reminder that its relational faith. That’s how we get strength in the Christian life – from a relationship with the living Christ. And that’s what I should point others to in their life. Agreed its not formula but rather a Spirit and word centred life.
    2.) The opposite is also true that I risk “serving death” to others if I seperate sanctification from a spirit filled relationship with Christ!

  • Serena says:

    Lean not on your own understanding Proverbs 3
    I absolutely love when Pastor Jeff said that “Nothing sources from us, it sources from God” When giving the example of asking others how much percentage do we use as a christian and how much does God give?! Us 0% and God 100% this is absolutely true.
    When someone is needing some answers and to be loved on, we draw from Gods Spirit and HIS life giving Word, because we have nothing to offer, we are merely broken vessels submitting and being used by God and for God.

  • Angela Shaffer says:

    I grew up in a very legalistic church. I always felt beat down, and had no idea how I could ever please God. I ended up leaving the church for two years when I was in college. I am so thankful for my church now and my pastor who preaches God’s grace. God never meant for me to do this on my own. A burden was lifted when I truly understood Matthew 11:29-30. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

    • Serena says:

      Amen Angela, It is God who carries you through. So Blessed to know that God knew who and what you needed. Our God is a Gracious God.

    • Tammy Reinhart says:

      Amazing how many legalistic churches there are. There is such freedom when we understand grace. I’m thankful that you are at church that has the proper perspective on God’s word.

  • Timothy Graham says:

    God confidence. A concept that is so important to own as a motto as a Christian and counselor. It is by Him alone that we have the ability to offer counsel. He is the one who provides purpose and is the only one who truly gives counsel for our lives as we strive toward holiness. If we try to do it apart from Him it will come to nothing. And that is the evidence that we are living/counseling apart from Him, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11.

    • Angela Shaffer says:

      I agree! God confidence is something I have not heard before and that will be a part of my vocabulary. So simple, yet full of so much meaning.

    • Tammy Reinhart says:

      I totally agree. Our confidence is in the Lord and he is the one who has the wisdom. I often find myself praying as I talk with people asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom, understanding and his words. His so gracious to provide the words.

  • Joycelyn Hoyte says:

    It is relieving to know that I don’t have to strive or struggle in myself to bring success as I counsel. God has provided such a powerful and dynamic resource through His Spirit and the Word which can produce life changing results in our counselees. I truly want to do ministry that is shaped, led, and empowered by The Holy Spirit, ministry that gives life and not death.Pointing people to Jesus and to His Word must be my focus in ministry. No matter how successful we may think we are, let us continue to be confident in God and do not rely on self. Thanks Pastor Jeff for the podcast.

    • Timothy Graham says:

      Amen! May it be all of our goal to feel the freedom that comes with recognizing that it is God who provides the life changing counsel that is needed.

    • Ann-Louise Graham says:

      Amen and then it will be God’s results for God’s glory.

  • Ann-Louise Graham says:

    What a beautiful reminder that we have all become living epistles and that our sanctification and our sufficiency comes from God! It is very tempting – however – to default towards the “yes but what do I have to do” mentality… And that is the challenge I think individually and as a Biblical counsellor to recognize that the Lord does it all, but I also have to renew my mind to his word and walk worthy. Knowing – however – that the strength to do any of those things comes from His all sufficient grace. Thank you again for constantly pointing out that we must point others to Christ. People do indeed need a saviour. And it is the Spirit who gives life.

    • Joycelyn Hoyte says:

      Good point you mentioned that we must point people to Christ. It is He who is working in us both to will and do of his good pleasure. In counseling the temptation is to draw attention to us as successful counselors, the ones bringing change, the one who is gifted to counsel but as Pastor Jeff pointed out it is 100%God and none of us if we are to attribute who is responsible for the success we can achieve.

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