The Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation is an excellent resource for a Scriptural-based approach to life’s problems. Their motto is “Restoring Christ to counseling, and counseling to the Church.” I have found their materials to be gospel-centered and grace-oriented. They are an incredible help to the church.
CCEF through its publishing arm, New Growth Press, makes available a wide range of booklets that address a host of common problems. I am going to highlight a few of these booklets in this post.
The booklets are sensitive to the life-situation they address, yet also apply the Bible and particularly the Gospel to the problem. I highly recommend them.
Single and Lonely: Finding the Intimacy You Desire by Jayne Clark.
This booklet explores how loneliness, which plagues single young people as much as it does the elderly, sick and widowed, is connected to the gospel. Protecting yourself, and aiming for one or two close friendships usually backfires. Recognizing our acceptance and love found in Christ, we should instead pursue wholeness and healing in a community of Christ-lovers. Practical steps for recognizing and dealing with the problem of loneliness in oneself and others are also included.
You can preview the booklet here, and purchase it directly from CCEF or from Westminster Bookstore.
Sex Before Marriage: How Far is Too Far? by Timothy Lane.
A counseling booklet with that title would scare me. But that’s the kind of question on many people’s mind. The booklet begins by rooting advice in a biblical view of sex. It’s wonderful and its a big deal, not something flippant or light. It goes on not so much as to prescribe boundaries but to expose heart issues and motivations. It admits chastity will look different in different cultures and times, but it gives an overarching principle: “Don’t act like you are married when you are not!” It draws a line and recommends no romantic or involved physical touching, let alone other questionable acts. It shifts the focus to marriage and will lead the conscientious reader right in this difficult arena.
You can preview the booklet here, and purchase it directly from CCEF or from Westminster Bookstore.
Find more of these helpful booklets here, or check out their mini book subscription program.
Hot topics among singles, and definitely two topics that need to be discussed. I agree the title of book #2 would scare to me, too! HA But, again, totally relevant. Thanks for putting resources out there for those searching.
It’s actually CCEF who is putting out the good stuff. I’m just happy to spread the word. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for giving some perspective – this is thought provoking.