All Roads Lead to Calvary: Using the Gospels in Counseling
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Hebrews 1:1-3 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
I want to discuss four themes of the gospel writers that should inform both how we counsel and what we discuss in biblical or Christ-centered counseling.
I. There is hope, joy, satisfaction, and comfort, based on the Identity OF Jesus
A. Jesus is God: The one who came to dwell among his people
B. Jesus is the Messiah: The deliverer and the redeemer of His people.
C. Jesus is the Suffering Servant: The one who would take our punishment.
II. There is freedom, forgiveness, regeneration, and redemption based on the Death, Burial, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus
This point is where the title of this message is derived.
III. There is a call to Heart change based on the meaning of True Righteousness
The gospels remind us of the definition of true righteousness. Let’s just think about three examples …
A. Adultery (Matthew 5:27-30)
B. Keeping your commitments (Matthew 5:33-37)
C. Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
Conclusions
Friends, the gospel accounts, as a whole, provide a rich theology needed in our biblical counseling world.
· They explain the IDENTITY OF JESUS so that we might have hope,
· They record in great detail the D/B/R/A of Jesus so that we might have freedom and forgiveness
· They record true righteousness so that we might repent in the inner man and not just in the outer man.
· They explain the nature of a disciple so that we might have a mission and purpose.
Friends, if you get nothing else, then get this. “Jesus is Awesome!”
