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Special Preview: Introduction to Midnight Mercies

Special Preview: Introduction to Midnight Mercies

by | Sep 8, 2023 |

What did you expect when you found yourself expecting?* Years ago, I imagined motherhood would be full of joyous milestones and memorable moments. What I didn’t expect was so much hurt, heartbreak, conflict, and disappointment. I’ve often felt clueless and incapable....

Two Truths and a Lie for Anxious Moms

Two Truths and a Lie for Anxious Moms

by | Aug 9, 2023 |

Motherhood is a rollercoaster ride! It is filled with the ups and downs of heartwarming moments and challenging twists and turns. Yet for anxious moms, this rollercoaster ride can turn them upside down and fill them with anxiety. Amidst the joys of raising children,...

Two Truths and a Lie about Caring for the Abused

Two Truths and a Lie about Caring for the Abused

by | Jul 31, 2023 |

What comes to mind when you hear the term “abuse”? Maybe you imagine crime scenes, physical violence, or torture. Perhaps just the sight of this word causes your radar to go up because it seems to be so overused and underdefined. My hope with this blog is to bring...

Two Truths and a Lie When People Disappoint You

Two Truths and a Lie When People Disappoint You

by | Jul 7, 2023 |

Relationships with people are a sweet gift our Father entrusts to us. Through friendships, siblings, spouses, children, neighbors, and mentors we can experience love, encouragement, being known, and helped in our lives as we work out our salvation and grow up into...

Two Truths and a Lie about Helping Anxious Hearts

Two Truths and a Lie about Helping Anxious Hearts

by | May 30, 2023 |

Your roommate doesn’t come home when they said they were going to come home, and you worry. You hear rumors about a merger at your company and wonder what it will mean for your job, and you worry. You imagine all the things that could happen to your child while...

Shepherding Counselees through Racial Issues

Shepherding Counselees through Racial Issues

by | May 9, 2023 |

“Woke” is a dirty word these days which can make us throw our biblical principles out the window. The ultra-conservatives spit out this four-letter word to silence any who “defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8–9). The ultra-progressives wear it as a...

Two Truths and a Lie about Wayward Children

Two Truths and a Lie about Wayward Children

by | May 1, 2023 |

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” are words written by the Apostle John in his third epistle. While John is addressing his spiritual children, these words resonate with parents who see their children walking faithfully with...

Two Truths and a Lie for Those Abandoned by Loved Ones

Two Truths and a Lie for Those Abandoned by Loved Ones

by | Mar 13, 2023 |

As a pastor, I have seen divorce tear families apart and I have ached with the abused. I’ve seen close friends commit betrayal or turn their backs on each other. These broken relationships leave many feeling abandoned and alone. So, how can the church compassionately...

I’m Sorry, But I Can’t Be Your Pastor

I’m Sorry, But I Can’t Be Your Pastor

by | Feb 21, 2023 |

In addition to counseling within my local church for over forty years, I have been involved in biblical counseling ministry to people outside of the church since 1993. While the Lord uses counseling ministries for good, one danger of relying upon outside counselors is...

Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola

Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola

by | Feb 13, 2023 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine...

Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris

Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris

by | Jan 27, 2023 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell...

Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt

Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt

by | Jan 15, 2023 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine...

Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman

Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman

by | Dec 19, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell...

Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy

Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy

by | Dec 5, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell...

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2022

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2022

by | Dec 1, 2022 |

In February 2020, IBCD launched the Hope + Help Podcast in an effort to host approachable biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. Since its inception, the show has been streamed nearly 175,000 times in 50 different countries. We're thankful to the...

Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies

Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies

by | Nov 10, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Tim Challies about his book, Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God. Some of...

Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop

Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop

by | Oct 20, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Mark Vroegop about his Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy Devotional Journal. Some of the questions...

Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith

Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith

by | Sep 12, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Esther Smith about her book, A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted...

I am sanctified

I am sanctified

by , | Aug 5, 2022 |

Sanctification is a dynamic process; established by God, carried out by God, and completed by God. Yet, human effort is involved in God’s design of sanctification. Much of that effort flows from an accurate understanding of self as having been crucified with Christ and raised with him to new life.

The Grace That Sanctifies 

The Grace That Sanctifies 

by , | May 24, 2022 |

The grace of God has appeared, . . . training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. (Titus 2:11–12)  The Billy Graham Library is about a thirty-minute car ride from my (Caroline’s) home, and it’s become...

How Thick is Your Bible?

How Thick is Your Bible?

by | May 23, 2022 |

It has been my privilege to participate in the training of biblical counselors for the past twenty years.  Many students enthusiastically embrace biblical counseling theory in the classroom, but then have trouble when they practice counseling in fictitious role play...

Top 10 Podcasts of 2021

Top 10 Podcasts of 2021

by | May 23, 2022 |

In February 2020, IBCD launched the Hope + Help Podcast in an effort to host accessible, biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. Since its launch, the show has been streamed nearly 114,000 times in 50 different countries. We're thankful to the many...

Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill

Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill

by | Apr 26, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Megan Hill about her book, Patience: Waiting with Hope. Some of the questions addressed in this interview...

Book Review: Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder

Book Review: Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder

by | Mar 2, 2022 |

by Nate Brooks Some books take courage to write. I suppose every author has a certain degree of courage as they set ideas in stone and allow others to evaluate and critique them. But some topics are more fraught with confusion and trouble than others. Christine...

Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch

Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch

by | Feb 28, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch Special Coupon Code for Hope + Help Podcast Listeners! Now through March 31st, get an additional 25% off the already discounted website price of A Small Book about Why We Hide: How Jesus Rescues Us...

Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick

Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick

by | Dec 20, 2021 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Brad Hambrick about his book, Making Sense of Forgiveness: Moving from Hurt Toward Hope. Some of the...

Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett

Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett

by | Dec 6, 2021 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Jenilyn Swett about her book Singleness: Living Faithfully. Some of the questions addressed in this...

Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts

Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts

by | Nov 22, 2021 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews author and Pastor John Crotts about his book Hope: Living Confidently in God. Some of the questions...

When You Wrestle with Despair

When You Wrestle with Despair

by | Sep 13, 2021 |

The Psalms speak realistically about tough situations, with the inspired writers venting their emotions on full display. God often shows up in unexpected ways—not every psalm ends with “happily ever after.” Authentic descriptions of problems show you can trust in...

Holding Fast to Christ when Processing Sexual Abuse

Holding Fast to Christ when Processing Sexual Abuse

by | May 11, 2021 |

  Abuse is a sad reminder that God’s kingdom has not yet fully arrived. We know Christ has conquered sin and death, yet we are left with the emotions and consequences of other people's sin. Healing from past victimization is really difficult. But not impossible....

Three Common Misunderstandings about Money

Three Common Misunderstandings about Money

by | Mar 18, 2021 |

  Author Jim Newheiser considers God’s wisdom about money by addressing three common money myths which could potentially lead people astray: 1.) Is Money the Secret to Happiness in This Life? The most common money myth among non-Christians is that money is the...

God’s Word Offers a Treasury of Financial Wisdom

God’s Word Offers a Treasury of Financial Wisdom

by | Mar 2, 2021 |

One question some might raise is, “Why do we need another book about money?” Dave Ramsey has built an empire with his radio show, bestselling books and seminars. He has created a curriculum which is being used in many evangelical churches. He even has a network of...

Importing Trouble: The Cost of Caring for Abusers

Importing Trouble: The Cost of Caring for Abusers

by | Feb 2, 2021 |

  An email lies in wait in the inbox. A quiet request is made for help in the middle of the sanctuary. A text bubble pops up. The small point of contact that begins a counseling case can quickly ripen into knowing far more about particular situations in a...

The Power of Narrative in Parenting

The Power of Narrative in Parenting

by | Jan 12, 2021 |

  “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as...

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2020

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2020

by | Dec 14, 2020 |

The Hope + Help Podcast is a great addition to the IBCD family. Christine is a wonderful host who draws wisdom from leaders within the Biblical counseling movement to provide her listeners with content that is both scriptural and practical. This podcast is a...

Not as They Seem: Anticipating Deception in Domestic Abuse Cases

Not as They Seem: Anticipating Deception in Domestic Abuse Cases

by | Oct 15, 2020 |

  In a world hard fallen under the curse of sin (Gen. 3, Rom. 8:20-22), occupied by “cosmic powers over this present darkness” and “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12), Christians are called to “keep alert” (Eph. 6:18). Rather than be...

A Phased Reopening of a Formerly Abusive Marriage

A Phased Reopening of a Formerly Abusive Marriage

by | Oct 14, 2020 |

  During the COVID crisis, restrictions have been put in place which have sometimes kept people apart for the purpose of safety. For counseling cases in which there has been marital abuse the victim often must be separated from the abuser for the sake of safety....

Domestic Abuse Victims: Sinners or Sufferers?

Domestic Abuse Victims: Sinners or Sufferers?

by | Oct 8, 2020 |

  “I love my husband and desire a godly marriage, but over the years I’ve been worn down under the weight of my husband’s constant criticism, anger, harsh words, and control. I live like a child in my own home, with almost no voice and little decision-making...

The Battleship of Abuse

The Battleship of Abuse

by | Oct 6, 2020 |

  Do you remember playing the game Battleship when you were a kid? You would try to discover where your opponent had stationed his ships on a grid representing the ocean so you could shoot and sink them. One shot, however, wouldn’t sink a battleship. Some ships...

Covid Fallout: Navigating Fear & Anxiety

Covid Fallout: Navigating Fear & Anxiety

by | Sep 29, 2020 |

  Navigating Fear and Anxiety in the Age of Covid Fear, stress, anxiety, worry…call it whatever you want, it’s everywhere right now.  There’s nothing like a global pandemic, a government-imposed shutdown, record levels of unemployment, and civil unrest to bring...

Do No Harm | Part 3

Do No Harm | Part 3

by | Sep 1, 2020 |

In Part 2, we looked at ways pastors can wisely care for abuse victims. The value of self-education was emphasized, along with the practice of thoughtful listening. In this post, we’ll look at ways to be Christlike in words and actions, and the appropriateness of...

Do No Harm | Part 3

Do No Harm | Part 4

by | Sep 1, 2020 |

In Part 3, we looked at ways for pastors to speak and act with wisdom as they care for the vulnerable. As they are clothed with compassion and humility, pastors can help and not further harm victims of abuse. In this final installment, we’ll briefly discuss abuse...

Do No Harm | Part 3

Do No Harm | Part 2

by | Aug 26, 2020 |

In Part 1, we looked at the intersection of pastoral care and victim care, uncovering potential dynamics for harm. We saw the value of naming and exposing darkness as pastors guide victims into the light of God’s truth. This post offers some recommendations for...

Do No Harm | Part 3

Do No Harm | Part 1

by | Aug 19, 2020 |

By Anna Mondal While working in an ophthalmology clinic, I often admired our doctors’ framed copies of the Hippocratic Oath. In this ancient code of medical ethics, physicians vow not to “play at God,” but acknowledge their limits. [1] They pledge to comfort and cure...

When Will Change Take Place?

When Will Change Take Place?

by | Jul 29, 2020 |

by Dr. Jim Newheiser During the past twenty years of working in a church-based biblical counseling ministry, in which I have tried to put these principles for change into practice, I have observed three general outcomes. Some counselees are quickly and radically...

Three Benefits of Childhood Catechesis

Three Benefits of Childhood Catechesis

by | Jul 29, 2020 |

by Chelsey Gordon One afternoon as I rushed my crew through the aisles of Aldi, hoping to get in and out without a small child throwing a tantrum or requiring a bathroom break, my two-year-old looked up at me from the front of the cart with a grin. “Momma?” she asked....

Don’t Do It Alone

Don’t Do It Alone

by | Jul 22, 2020 |

All marriages face disagreements. All Christian couples should agree that marriage sanctifies. Dave Harvey titled his popular book, “When Sinners Say I Do,” cleverly encapsulating the reality of each spouse’s condition. Because we’re sinners, it is wise to cultivate...

A Biblical Counseling Approach to a Divided World

A Biblical Counseling Approach to a Divided World

by | Jul 15, 2020 |

by Scott Mehl This is a particularly intense season in the world for all of us, and biblical counselors are no exception.  In fact, as biblical counselors, the recent increases in anxiety, fear, anger, and marital conflict probably have us busier than ever.  I know...

Hope & Help Friendship Discussion Panels

Hope & Help Friendship Discussion Panels

by | Jul 15, 2020 |

Friendship Discussion Panels In lieu of our yearly Training Institute, which was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, our podcast host, Christine Chappell sat down with some of our scheduled speakers to discuss the topic of friendship. If you missed the Facebook...

Managing the Structure of Your Counseling Sessions

Managing the Structure of Your Counseling Sessions

by | Jun 23, 2020 |

by Greg E. Gifford, PhD Every counseling session has a goal. If you’re meeting with a counselee for the first time, you are seeking to gain a trusting relationship, instill hope, and gather data. However, if this is your twelfth time meeting with a counselee, you are...

Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney

Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney

by | Jun 15, 2020 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor Brad Bigney via Facebook LIVE about his book, Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden...

Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney

Hope + Help LIVE Friendship Discussion Panels

by | Jun 15, 2020 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor Brad Bigney via Facebook LIVE about his book, Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden...

Finding a “New Normal” After Suicide Loss

Finding a “New Normal” After Suicide Loss

by | Jun 10, 2020 |

As dark as life gets when you lose someone to suicide, you can truly experience hope. You may have serious doubts today, and wonder how you can possibly go on, but you will survive. Your life will never be the same—that is true. Fellow survivor Albert Hsu wrote, Those...

Loving our Littlest Neighbors

Loving our Littlest Neighbors

by | Jun 3, 2020 |

Many Christian parents lack confidence in their biblical knowledge or feel ill equipped to correctly answer their child’s theological questions. These parents rightly desire to grow in knowledge and discernment (Philippians 1:9-10) and to be ready to give an answer...

Hope + Help for Pregnancy with Gloria Furman

Hope + Help for Pregnancy with Gloria Furman

by | Jun 1, 2020 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Pregnancy with Gloria Furman About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Gloria Furman about her book,  Labor with Hope: Gospel Meditations on Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood....

Talk to Me, Don’t Text Me

Talk to Me, Don’t Text Me

by | May 14, 2020 |

I once heard Sam Crabtree, who wrote one of my favorite books “Practicing Affirmation”, say that he had thought of writing a follow-up volume about “Practicing Correction”. But he said that if he did so, it would need to be a much longer book. This is because Sam...

Bible Literacy: Developed or Assumed?

Bible Literacy: Developed or Assumed?

by | May 14, 2020 |

“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,  Who seek Him with their whole heart,  Who also do no wrong but walk in His ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Your testimonies are my delight.  They are my counselors.” Psalm 119: 2-4, 24 As...

Book Review: Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Book Review: Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

by | May 14, 2020 |

Years ago, I saw a picture colored by a small kid sitting in a church service. Looming over the whole page was a big-headed man on a big platform behind a big pulpit holding a big Bible, with a prominent scowl and dark, frowny eyebrows. I don’t know the artistic...

Hope + Help for Evangelism with Becky Pippert

Hope + Help for Evangelism with Becky Pippert

by | May 4, 2020 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Evangelism with Becky Pippert About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Becky Pippert about her book, Stay Salt: The World Has Changed, Our Message Must Not. During the...

Hope + Help for Finding Identity with Quina Aragon

Hope + Help for Finding Identity with Quina Aragon

by | Apr 27, 2020 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Finding Identity with Quina Aragon About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Quina Aragon about finding identity in Christ. Quina reflects on being a child of Filipino and Jamaican...

Beyond Preparation

Beyond Preparation

by | Apr 22, 2020 |

As a fledgling counselor, I put a lot of time, toil, tears, and sweat into session preparation. I devoured every Scripture and supplemental resource on an endless list of topics. I wanted to be prepared for anything. Are you deathly phobic of mayonnaise? I’ve read all...

Hope + Help for Bullied Children with Tim Keeter

Hope + Help for Bullied Children with Tim Keeter

by | Apr 20, 2020 |

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Tim Keeter about his book, Help! My Child is Being Bullied. The conversation also features insights from Tim's 21-year-old son, Gabe, who endured bullying as a child. During...

Not So Fast

Not So Fast

by | Apr 11, 2020 |

I’m a patient woman. I can wait in the self-checkout line at least 26 seconds before I start deep-sighing and foot-tapping. I’ve also built up to exactly three seconds before I blast my horn at a still-stopped car when the light turns green. I can’t speak globally,...

Hope + Help for Spiritual Warfare with Iain Duguid

Hope + Help for Spiritual Warfare with Iain Duguid

by | Mar 30, 2020 |

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Iain Duguid about his book, The Whole Armor of God: How Christ's Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare. During the conversation, Iain unpacks various pieces of the...

Covenantal, Biblical Counsel

Covenantal, Biblical Counsel

by | Mar 26, 2020 |

I met her at Starbucks, across the street from the hospital. She was frantic. She was typically frantic when we got together, but this time it was worse. She was off her meds.[1] I studied her eyes. She told me about her nightmares and panic attacks. I found myself...

Book Review: Help! My Teen is Depressed by Christine Chappell

Book Review: Help! My Teen is Depressed by Christine Chappell

by | Mar 24, 2020 |

It is evident that Christine Chappell has written this “Help!” booklet from her heart. Her words overflow with the compassion and understanding that comes with walking gracefully through a trial. She writes that she’s both experienced depression herself, and walked...

Hope + Help for After an Affair with Michael Gembola

Hope + Help for After an Affair with Michael Gembola

by | Mar 23, 2020 |

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Michael Gembola about his book, After an Affair: Pursuing Restoration. During the conversation, Michael explains the short-term and long-term challenges married couples face...

Counseling with Metanarrative in Mind

Counseling with Metanarrative in Mind

by | Mar 17, 2020 |

When counseling, I have the privilege of entering into the story of another. These individual narratives, unique to the characters inhabiting them, involve a variety of movements. Though some are predicable, following the usual patterns and challenges of life, many...

Let the Lord Use You

Let the Lord Use You

by | Mar 12, 2020 |

Maybe you've sat in on a few counseling sessions. Perhaps you’ve watched biblical counseling videos but have yet to officially counsel someone. You wouldn't dare. Most of us never feel ready to counsel. It’s a daunting task to put yourself out there while still...