The Biblical Counseling Podcast

What's the #1 priority in your life—and what does your answer reveal about what truly motivates you? In this two-part teaching through Philippians 3:7–14, Pastor Jeff Christianson calls us back to the highest priority of the Christian life: knowing God. The apostle Paul says everything else becomes "loss" compared to "the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). In this episode, we unpack why knowing the Lord is the supreme treasure, how we come to the Father only through the righteousness of Christ, and why real discipleship always flows from abiding—never from anxious busy-ness. You'll hear: Why knowing the Lord is the believer's highest priority (Philippians 3:7–8; John 17:3) David's charge: "Know the God of your father" (1 Chronicles 28:9) How God brings us from darkness to light (2 Corinthians 4:6) The three ways we grow in knowing Him: resurrection power, fellowship of sufferings, and being conformed to His death (Philippians 3:10) Pressing forward with a single focus: "one thing I do" (Philippians 3:13–14) A needed warning for distracted hearts: Mary vs. Martha—the one necessary thing (Luke 10:38–42) This teaching is a fresh call to count all things loss, lay hold of Christ, forget what lies behind, and press toward the upward call—so we can live a visibly resurrected life in a dead world. Scripture Focus: Philippians 3:7–14 Key Supporting Passages: John 17:3; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 9:23–24; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 5:20; Luke 10:38–42; Ephesians 1:17 "If you seek Him, He will be found by you." (1 Chronicles 28:9) The Biblical Counseling Academy We train Christians to counsel with Scripture so they can help hurting people find hope in Christ. Many believers want to help others but feel unprepared to counsel biblically. The Biblical Counseling Academy gives you clear and practical training rooted in God's Word. In as little as 12 months, with just 5 hours per week, you'll be equipped and certified to counsel with confidence and clarity. Your next step starts with a conversation. Call (828) 707-9034

In this final episode of our Family God's Way series, Pastor Jeff explores two pillars essential to every Christian household: the wisdom of God and the grace of God. Drawing from Proverbs 3:5–6 and Acts 20:32, we discover that families cannot flourish on human insight or human strength alone. Instead, the Lord invites us to trust Him with all our hearts, acknowledge Him in every matter, and receive the supernatural strength that comes through His grace. This episode unpacks: Why marriages and families must learn to lean on the Lord's understanding—not their own How God promises to direct our paths when we acknowledge Him in all things The indispensable role of grace in sustaining relationships, overcoming weakness, and walking in unity Why Christian homes must become households of prayer, continually seeking God's help and enabling How the Lord builds, strengthens, and upholds the family by His Spirit If you long for a home guided by God's wisdom and strengthened by His grace, this episode will point you back to the One who faithfully leads, empowers, and builds every household that trusts in Him. Many believers want to help others but feel unprepared to counsel Biblically. If that's you, you're not alone. We train Christians to counsel with Scripture so they can help hurting people find hope in Christ. At the Biblical Counseling Academy, you'll receive clear and practical training rooted in God's Word—designed for real ministry and real people. In as little as 12 months, with just 5 hours per week, you'll be equipped and certified to counsel with confidence and clarity. If you sense the Lord calling you to grow in this area… 👉 Enroll today and begin your training. https://www.jeffchristianson.com/

What does it really look like for the Lord to build a home? In this episode, Pastor Jeff continues the "Family God's Way" series by exploring three essential pillars of a God-built household: His Purpose, His Church, and His Glory. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:9–10, Ephesians 1:22 23, and Colossians 1:18, we discover that: We are not just families—we are God's people, redeemed to proclaim His praises. We were never designed to grow alone—God shapes marriages and families through His church, the fullness of Christ. Above all, the Christian home exists for His glory, that Christ may have the preeminence in all things. Pastor Jeff unpacks how these truths transform everyday family life, calling husbands, wives, parents, and children to live with a higher purpose than personal comfort or cultural ideals. When God's purposes guide the home, when the church supports and strengthens it, and when Christ is exalted above all, the household becomes a living testimony of His grace. If you long for a marriage and family shaped not by self-interest but by Scripture, this episode will encourage, challenge, and refocus your heart on the One who builds the home. Many believers want to help others but feel unprepared to counsel Biblically. If that's you, you're not alone. We train Christians to counsel with Scripture so they can help hurting people find hope in Christ. At the Biblical Counseling Academy, you'll receive clear and practical training rooted in God's Word—designed for real ministry and real people. In as little as 12 months, with just 5 hours per week, you'll be equipped and certified to counsel with confidence and clarity. If you sense the Lord calling you to grow in this area… 👉 Enroll today and begin your training. https://www.jeffchristianson.com/

In this episode, we explore the foundational truth of Psalm 127:1 (NKJV): "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." Every marriage, every household, and every family is shaped by someone or something. Scripture teaches that God Himself desires to be both Architect and Builder of the Christian home. When we attempt to construct family life in our own wisdom or strength, the results are fragile, fleeting, and ultimately futile. But when the Lord builds the house, His work produces stability, unity, and spiritual fruit that endures. Join Pastor Jeff as he walks through the implications of Psalm 127, examining: Why every family needs God as its Builder How human effort becomes fruitful only under God's hand The difference between a home built on self-effort and a home built on Scripture How to invite the Lord to shape your marriage, parenting, and household What it means to surrender the "blueprints" of your life to the Master Builder This episode offers biblical encouragement, practical insight, and Christ-centered hope for anyone longing for a home that reflects the grace and presence of God. Many believers want to help others but feel unprepared to counsel biblically. If that's you, you're not alone. We train Christians to counsel with Scripture so they can help hurting people find hope in Christ. At the Biblical Counseling Academy, you'll receive clear and practical training rooted in God's Word—designed for real ministry and real people. In as little as 12 months, with just 5 hours per week, you'll be equipped and certified to counsel with confidence and clarity. If you sense the Lord calling you to grow in this area… 👉 Enroll today and begin your training. https://www.jeffchristianson.com/

What is worship really about? In heaven, all attention is fixed on one Person — “the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:12). From Psalms to the Gospels to the Great Commission, Scripture reveals one unchanging truth: Christ is the central focus of all true worship. In this episode, we trace the thread of worship through key passages — from Psalm 2:12, to the disciples bowing in awe on stormy seas, to the worship of the risen and ascended Christ. Each moment reminds us that worship isn’t about our emotions or experiences, but about acknowledging the infinite worth of Jesus Himself. Leaders and counselors alike are called to model this heavenly mindset on earth — keeping Christ at the center of every heart, home, and ministry. Let this episode draw you back to what truly matters: Christ alone, worthy of all honor and glory. Grow deeper in your calling and equipping at counselorcertification.com  Contact Jeff: jeffchristianson.com/workwithme  

What idols are threatening today’s Christian families? In this podcast, Pastor Jeff Christianson equips pastors and leaders to stand firm against cultural idols—money, pride, pleasure, and empty religion.  Biblical counseling isn’t the same as secular therapy; it’s living a Christ-centered life and helping others do the same. Join Jeff as he calls leaders to flee idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14), walk in humility, and shepherd God’s people with Scripture and the Spirit. Learn how to take your equipping further and become a Certified Biblical Counselor at counselorcertification.com  Conatct Jeff: jeffchristianson.com/workwithme

When a family breaks under pressure, where do they turn? More often than not, it’s you—the counselor, the pastor, the leader—who steps into that gap. In this episode, we’ll walk through how God designed the family as the first place of discipleship, recognize when idolatry and misplaced priorities threaten their households, and how to redirect them toward Christ-centered living. If you’re called to lead, this conversation will sharpen your heart and strengthen your hands for the counseling ministry God has entrusted to you. Learn how to take your equipping further and become a Certified Biblical Counselor at https://www.counselorcertification.com

In this episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, Jeff Christianson shares a heartfelt reminder that every follower of Jesus is called to serve and to be equipped for that service, especially in areas like counseling and discipleship. He reflects on Ephesians 4:11 12, where it says God gave certain leaders apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers not to do all the ministry themselves, but to equip all believers for the work of ministry. That means it’s not just for pastors or full-time workers; every Christian has a role. Jeff encourages listeners to keep growing, whether through formal training, personal study, or learning from trusted mentors. But it’s not just about learning facts, it’s about growing closer to Jesus and helping others do the same. Throughout the episode, he points to Scriptures like Romans 14:19, Romans 15:2, and 1 Thessalonians 5:11, which call us to build each other up, comfort one another, and grow together in our faith. The message is clear and encouraging: ministry isn't just for a few, it's for all of us. And God gives us what we need to serve Him well. Ready to be equipped for biblical counseling? www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist  

In this episode, Pastor Jeff talks about how psychology is infiltrating the church.    Instead of the church impacting the world around us, the world is infecting the body of Christ.  So often, unbiblical, worldly messages are being brought into the church. The truths of Scripture are the message of the church and must not be mixed with humanistic philosophies.  God’s Word is powerful. The people of God need to hold fast to the Word of God and the Gospel, which is the power of God for salvation and a changed life.  Let us not embrace what is popular, but come back to the Word of God.  Jeff often talks about the difference between psychology and the Bible. But just to clarify, when he mentions psychology, he isn't referring to the entire field of psychology. He is mainly pushing back about the part of psychology that deals with human nature, how to live life, and how to make changes. This includes things like psychological counseling, clinical counseling, psychotherapy, and the psychological aspects of psychiatry. These theories have also influenced some parts of educational psychology, especially behaviorism and humanism. But the problem is that these theories focus on nonphysical aspects of a person, which can conflict with biblical teachings about things like sin, salvation, and our relationship with God. So, it's important to be aware of these differences when considering how to approach personal growth and change biblically. His point? God's Word is sufficient! Become a certified Christians Counselor at BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Christianson explores the life-transforming direction found in Philippians 3:12–14 and Colossians 3:1–3—pressing forward and looking upward. Contrasting the biblical call to focus on Christ with the inward and backward methods of secular counseling, Pastor Jeff emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture and the person of Christ in our sanctification journey. Drawing from years of ministry and mentorship under Pastor Chuck Smith and Pastor Bob Hoekstra, he reminds us that true spiritual growth comes not from introspection, but from setting our minds on things above. This episode is a call to refocus on the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Ready to be equipped for biblical counseling? www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist

How do you get equipped for counseling ministry without a seminary degree? Pastor Jeff unpacks Ephesians 4 and reveals God’s plan for equipping the saints—through the local church, gifted leaders, and a Spirit-led calling. Ready to be equipped for biblical counseling? www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist     Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034

Pastor Jeff Christianson teaches on the essential role of the Holy Spirit in biblical counseling, based on 1 Corinthians 2:12-13. He contrasts human wisdom with the Spirit’s power, reminding us that true healing comes from God’s Word, not worldly ideas. Biblical counselors are called to speak God’s truth, not popular psychology, and trust the Holy Spirit for real change. Ready to be equipped for biblical counseling? www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist   Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034  

Pastor Jeff Christianson continues his study of Romans 12:1-2, showing how a renewed mind in Christ leads to a transformed life. He emphasizes that this change comes when we offer our lives to God, reflecting His will. This episode reveals warnings against worldly counseling methods that mix human ideas with Scripture, encouraging biblical counselors to focus on God’s Word for true healing and transformation. Ready to renew your mind and step into biblical counseling? www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist

How does a biblical counselor think? In this episode, Pastor Jeff Christianson explores the Spirit-led renewal of the mind through Romans 12 and Ephesians 4. He unpacks the counselor’s role in pointing others to Christ, resisting worldly influence, and living in readiness for the Lord’s return. If you're called to counsel God's way—grounded in Scripture, transformed by truth, and guided by the Holy Spirit—we invite you to take the next step. Join the Waitlist: www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind...” – Ephesians 4:23 (NKJV)   Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034  

In this episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, host  Pastor Jeff Christianson talks about renewing the mind, based on Bible verses like Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:17-19. He shares his journey of transformation through studying the Bible and biblical counseling. Pastor Jeff explains that before following Christ, the world influences many people’s thoughts, but renewing the mind is key to Christian living. He also shares his experience of spending over ten years in Bible college, studying scripture in depth. He highlights Ephesians 4:23, which talks about being renewed in the spirit of the mind, and explains why this process is so important for personal growth and biblical counseling. Through this renewal, people can grow in their faith and develop a stronger, more Christ-centered way of thinking. Are you ready to renew your mind today? Start by spending time in God’s Word, praying, and being intentional about what you allow into your thoughts. God is ready to transform you from the inside out!   Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: https://www.BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com  

If you are a Biblical counselor, you have come face to face with many forms of human brokenness. It is overwhelming at times to see the effects of human sinfulness and depravity in the world. Men and women live in circumstances touched by suffering, substance abuse, anger, conflict, bitterness, depression, grief, sexual immorality, and shame. In this episode, hear Jeff Christianson talk about the work of the Holy Spirit and finding the balance between “Charismania” and a “lifeless spirituality.” Listeners will also hear Jeff’s testimony, as Jeff goes back in time thirty years ago to Los Angeles, California, and shares a story about how God saved a young and long-haired Jeff Christianson who had hit rock bottom in a world of hot rods, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com

Prayer

Living daily by God's grace depends upon getting to know Him and then walking in the humility and faith that result from fellowship with Him.  There are four ways to relate rightly to the Lord in humility and faith:  Living By The Spirit,  Living By Resurrection Power,  Living By The Sufficiency Of God Living By The Promises Of God. (Matthew 28:19 NKJV) (19) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (John 1:43 NKJV) (43) The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." (Luke 9:23 NKJV) (23) Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com Waitlist: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist

The season of Christmas is a memorable time for many people. The special holidays and decorations accompany festive gatherings and events, especially those events centered around the incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Yet, some people do not see Christmas as a time of celebration but a season of pain. Consumer Christmas and social media consistently remind us about the items we lack or the events we missed. Many people experience Christmas as a season of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. What truths can we remember during the Christmas season and the rest of the year to fight against depression, isolation, and worry?  In this week’s episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, Pastor Jeff Christianson draws the listener’s attention to one of the greatest miracles ever performed: the incarnation. The Christmas season is a special time for reflecting upon the descent of the Son of God into our fallen world as God’s Son took on human nature. Fully God and fully man, Jesus Christ is Immanuel, God with us. Pastor Jeff reminds us that the truths of Christmas should stagger us. Not only did the Son of God humble himself in an unfathomable manner, he promises to remain with us and abide within us. Jesus says in John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”  Biblical counselors must remind counselees of God’s amazing promise to abide in his people forever. Christ’s condescension and his perpetual identification with us in our humanity will forever bear witness to Christ’s continual presence among his people. All other religions propose that we may dwell with God only after producing enough works to gain his pleasure; only Christianity speaks of a God who dwells among the lowly and secures as salvation at his own expense.  At Christmas time, many sing the beloved hymn “O Come, O Come, Immanuel,” O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel. There are many people who struggle with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression from being isolated from others. They may feel as if they are mourning in lonely exile. For example, many people who survive suicide attempts concede that they felt alone and believed that no one cared about them. While biblical counselors cannot promise to make themselves available to every counselees whenever a need arises, counselors can point counselees to the one who never leaves them nor forsakes them. The truth of Christ’s perpetual presence among his people comforts the distressed soul. Furthermore, counselees can find repose from the fact that Christ understands feelings of loneliness and isolation, as he experienced abandonment of his friends at his most pressing hour. Struggling Christians can identify with their crucified savior who intimately knows the feelings of loneliness.  Christians are responsible for making themselves available to those around them. During the business of the holiday season, events and checklists can overshadow real people who need company or a phone call. This holiday season or any time of year, who needs the comfort of your presence? Who needs your condescension into the mess of their lives? As Christians, do we model Christ’s willingness to open himself up to the pain and suffering of others at the personal cost to himself? We who are rich in Christ, do we make ourselves poor out of love for others?  Want to learn more? Listen to this podcast to hear Pastor Jeff address:  An explanation and application of Jesus’s name, Immanuel An analysis of loneliness, depression, and anxiety during the holiday season An encouragement toward making yourself available to the promptings of the Holy Spirit for ministry opportunities   Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com  

Biblical counselors face criticisms for believing that Scripture contains everything that we need for counseling others. Many psychologists label this thinking as simplistic. Are biblical counselors simplistic by believing in the sufficiency of God’s Word? How do we think about the complexities of secular psychology and the simplicity of the Christian message?  In this week’s episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, Pastor Jeff Christianson defends the sufficiency of Scripture from the assaults of secular voices and opinions. Many Christians have been deceived by the allures of psychology’s insights and models. Pastor Jeff reminds listeners that the greatest threat to the church is the temptation to abandon Jesus Christ, the wonderful counselor (Is 9:6). Scripture speaks of the constant temptation to abandon God as the source of life for lesser substitutes which never satisfy our hearts (Jer 2:13).  Teaching from James 1:21-22, Pastor Jeff reminds listeners that the Word of God alone can save our souls. Humility defines every biblical counselor’s posture. We must come humbly to God’s Word and seek his wisdom. While secular psychology offers many observations and hypotheses, only God’s Word takes us from death to life. Also, we must put God’s Word to practice to avoid self-deception. The counselee who hears God’s Word but fails to put these words into practice is deceived and puffed up. We must devour God’s Word, absorbing its truths into our hearts. Then, we must apply God’s Word, fully convinced of Scripture’s authority. If God has called us to serve as his counselors, we must prepare ourselves with his Word to function as his instruments.  Secular psychology impresses many people with its observations and studies. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul warns us to watch for Satan’s deceptive tactics, which lure us away from the simplicity of Christ. While psychology parades around its complexities and insights, we know that psychology cannot penetrate the depths of our hearts. Only the true and simple message of Christ gives life to our souls. The gospel is not simplistic or non-substantial, it is simple yet profound, that God would send his Son into the world to redeem sinners and rebels. Yet, psychological theory is one of Satan’s most crafty tactics to hurt the church since it presents a way to life and self-modification without God. Many Christians are caught up in the pursuit of psychological training and submit themselves to the world’s standards of becoming a good psychotherapist. But the riches of wisdom and insight are only found in the gospel of Jesus Christ (Eph 3:8).  Want to learn more from Pastor Jeff? Listen to this podcast to hear Pastor Jeff address:    The greatest assault facing the church today The proper posture for submitting to God’s Word The deceptiveness of psychotherapy’s complexity    Jeff Christianson Biblical Counseling Academy
 PO Box 3021
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
 Admissions Office: (828) 707-9034 Make An Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeffchristianson/work-with-me Join the Academy: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/counselor-certification-waitlist Make A Donation: https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online Now Enrolling: BiblicalCounselingAcademy.com