Heterosexual sexual activity is foundational to society as it allows for the continuation of humanity from one generation to the next. However, sexual relationships may impact mental health and wellbeing of the partners.

Teleios recently reviewed scientific articles evaluating committed and non-committed heterosexual sexual relationships and their impact on mental health in adolescents, college students, and young adults. We searched the peer reviewed medical literature from 1966 to present for studies including at least 120 subjects and identified 28 articles.

The review found a very consistent disadvantage of early sexual debut, adolescent sex, hookups, and casual sex compared to committed unmarried and married relationships. Specific mental health measures correlated with non-committed sex included: depression, suicidal ideation, aggressive behavior, anxiety, stress, loneliness, poor wellbeing, regret, and guilt.

Regarding the relationship itself, there was reduced general and sexual satisfaction in non-committed relationships. Non-committed sex was also associated with increased negative social behavior including: substance use, risky sexual behavior and risk for physical and sexual abuse, drug use and antisocial actions.

In contrast, waiting until at least some element of commitment was present before initiating sex was associated with better mental health, wellbeing, communication, relationship satisfaction, relationship stability, higher sexual satisfaction, and a more positive view of sexuality.

Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios, commented “Medical science clearly shows sex inside a committed relationship can benefit wellbeing and mental health over casual encounters because it fosters many positive relationship qualities such as: socialization, openness, confidence, encouragement, support, stability, satisfaction and sharing. In contrast, sex outside a committed relationship may be associated with many negative mental health effects.”

This review of medical scientific studies suggests casual sexual behaviors among adolescents, college students and adults are associated with many negative effects on relationships, wellbeing, mental health and lifestyle compared to unmarried or married committed sex.

More research is needed to better differentiate commitment with inside marriage versus non marriage relationship and sexual wellbeing.

Sexual intercourse outside of marriage

So why is premarital sex such a bad thing when sex is meant to be so wonderful? Our wise God made us and knows what is best for us. Please consider the following reasons:

• Relationship confusion – When sex enters into a relationship at almost any level, as wonderful as it might seem for the moment, it confuses a person’s ability to evaluate objectively their partner for a deeper relationship or marriage. This is because sexual intimacy will cover a multitude a personality defects, at least temporarily. Premarital sex can lead to a faulty marital choice!!
• Someone gets hurt – As designed by God, sex is the ultimate act of commitment within marriage. Therefore, committing the physical act with only a partial emotional dedication between partners can produce feelings of guilt, shame and abuse.
• Stifles the relationship with God – From the outset Christian couples need to build not only emotional love, but also Christian practices which should continue for a lifetime. This is vital, not only as a useful spiritual habit, but also to if potential partners are really obeying God. Premarital sex destroys the joyful habit of building a relationship with God as a couple because of the associated guilt and emotions surrounding coitus. The couple becomes consumed emotionally over the sexual act, whether it be guilt or the desire for more intimacy, and neglects building God or service to Him into their relationship.
• Inhibits God’s goal in marriage – When sex becomes the goal it typically blocks a couple’s ability to build a relationship with a mindset that marriage is evangelical in demonstrating to the world Christ’s love for His church (Ephesians 5:21-33).
• Medical issues – Of course, there are always complications to consider such as: an unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease, some of which are difficult or impossible to cure.

Take control of your life. Build your biblical knowledge and faithfulness into your professional, emotional and spiritual life over time. This takes patience in all these areas, but the results generated by a disciplined life faithful to scripture are boundless.

Such discipline includes waiting for sex until marriage because it will keep you healthy in mind and body and allow you to truthfully evaluate a potential partner without the burden of overlying truth with emotions and guilt. Marital choice is too important to be distracted by anything that reduces your careful assessment of your future partner.

Thanks for joining me. Join us next time as we continue to discuss the wonderful ways that God helps us through scripture.

Disclaimer – This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

Today’s Christians are blessed with resources in studying the Bible that are unmatched in history. We possess easy accessibility to searches of the Bible text, the languages, commentaries, Bible dictionaries and lexicons. All these convenient tools, from a website or a downloadable free program or app, can greatly enhance and speed our Biblical learning and make us better servants of God. Accordingly, with these advantageous resources how we study the Bible is changing rapidly.

Teleios recently surveyed adolescents and millennials regarding online/digital resources for the Bible. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 105 participants the majority were: female (66%), <35 years old (71%), from the United States (56%), and evangelical (77%).

When asked what online/electronic resources are used for Bible study, the most popular responses were: an online devotional (32%), stream a Christian pastor/speaker (32%), and Bible reading plan (31%).

When queried what online resources are used to answer questions about the Bible, the most popular responses were: search engine (46%), Bible study sites or software (44%), and email/text with a mentor (25%).

Regarding online resources for biblical inspiration, respondents chose: Instagram (63%), a Bible app (60%), and YouTube (30%). Instagram was also among the top choices for source of fellowship and praise.

Despite all of the online sources available, 63% still generally use a paper Bible. Further, most indicate they attend church in a physical building where a pastor is physically present or by video (84%). In the church service itself, 21% percent noted that either email or text is used equally to communicate with the congregation. However, 60% stated specifically the church did not use electronic communication methods with churchgoers.

The study suggests that adolescents and young adult Christians generally depend on, at least at some level, online/digital resources for Bible study and inspiration.

Caution should be used, however, in depending on secular search engines for answers regarding questions over Christ, God, the Holy Spirit and the church. Even online devotionals and commentaries need to be read carefully; with scriptural verification to assure they are correct.

Do your own research and study and become an expert in the scriptures! It will serve you and others well!

Join me again next time as we explore the exciting advantages of scripture together.

All the findings of the survey can be found here.

Disclaimer – This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

Welcome back to my blog. Last time we started an exciting two-part series on God’s leading, a topic important to all of us. We covered the fascinating survey Teleios performed regarding how millennials perceive God directs us and that scripture is the basis of God’s leading.

Today we discuss how to implement the scriptural directives of God’s leading practically into our lives.

God’s leading in practice?

In short, the Bible does not indicate that God or the Spirit lead us around, like a dog on a leash. Importantly, God’s leading is evident not by a moment to moment guiding, but rather it is observed as a result!

• Scriptural basis of leading – There are two verses in the New Testament that mention being led by the Spirit, : (Please see Figure 1 below.

• • Romans 8:14 – This verse indicates that those who are led by the Spirit are sons of God. Being a Son of God is demonstrated by being pure and blameless while living in a sinful world (Philippians 2:13-15). In other words, living a Christlike existence in the world shows you are a son of God and so are led by the Spirit.
  • Galatians 5:18 – This verse notes those Christians who are led by the Spirit, are benefited by not being under the Old Testament law. Further, not being constrained by the law allows the Spirit to produce mature fruit (Galatians 5:23). In other words, Christians who demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit show not only they are not constrained by the law (verse 23) but are led by the Spirit (verse 18) to a mature result (verses 22-23). Therefore, someone who demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit indicates they have been led by the Spirit, as per Romans 8:14.

• Functional outworking of ‘God’s leading’ – The details of the biblical principles of God’s leading might be the 5 ‘Fs’ (Please see Figure 2):
• Foundation (start with the Bible)– Hebrews 1:2 states that in the church age God speaks through His Son. His words are in the Bible. Specifically, for the church, God’s guidance for our decision-making is in the epistles. Further, the Spirit uses God’s expressed word as His sword, both internally (Hebrews 4:12) and externally, to demonstrate His power (Ephesians 6:17).
• Freedom (we possess broad choice in our life’s path) – We have relatively few specific commands in scripture, but the ones that exist protect us from going ‘out of bounds’ from God’s playing field. Therefore, when we act in life within His gracious boundaries we possess wide freedom to serve Him in faith. We can choose to use in this world what we wish through prayer and the Bible (1 Timothy 4:4-5).

• • • Further, our wonderful freedom in Christ is greater than the world’s because we know that we are liberated from sin, have a heavenly home and we have truth, as revealed in the Bible, to live wise and useful lives (Colossians 2:3).
    • In contrast, the world is bound by cultural norms, fads, jealousies and a quest for truth. All these efforts are ultimately fruitless in the spiritual sphere as well as costly in time and money.

• Faith (our action) – We are commanded to do everything by faith (Romans 14:23). Knowing scripture leads us to make choices in faith that will please and glorify God (Colossians 3:16-17). Importantly, we should not condemn ourselves when stepping out in faith in accordance to scripture. In other words, do not feel guilty (Romans 4:22)!
• Filling (maturing) – The relevant vital verse, Ephesians 5:18, uses alcohol as a negative example of mental control. The alcohol contrasts to a mature Christian who is controlled by the Spirit. The verse indicates that being controlled by the Spirit is through being ‘filled’ The word ‘fill’ in Greek (Gr: pluroo, πληρόω) has a secondary meaning of ‘complete’ or ‘mature’. Maturing (filling) occurs by the Spirit as we live by faith and seek God through the Bible (Galatians 3:3-5, 2 Corinthians 3:18). Importantly, the Spirit uses the Bible to mature us (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). As we mature by the Spirit we are able to make better life choices as we live by faith (Hebrews 5:13-14).
• Fruit (the results) – This is the outcome of God maturing us, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9). There are other signs of maturity (undoubtedly caused by the Spirit) in Scripture but these are the ones directly related to the Spirit by the Bible.

To summarize, God’s leading in scripture is by His word, applied in faith and freedom (individual choice). By this method of knowing the Bible, applied in faith and freedom, we learn to make better choices in life. Over time we then develop a pure and fruitful individual character (this is His leading). His leading is only observed by the results of the Spirit maturing us.

Thank you for joining me today and please return next time as we continue our lively discussions of the Bible and important topics in the Christian life. Praise God that He has given us truth in scripture to live a wise life.

God’s leading is an important subject for His people, but it is often confusing with Christians having a difficult time expressing exactly how God accomplishes this action.

Survey regarding God’s leading in adolescents and millennials

Teleios conducted a survey about God’s leadership on two Instagram accounts frequented by Christian adolescents and millennials. There were 437 responses. The majority of responders were: < 35 years (80%), and primarily from the United States (55%) or Europe (9%). The respondents identified themselves primarily as evangelical (71%) or social Christians (23%).

A plurality of participants noted that the extent of God’s leading , minute to minute, in their lives was continuous (46%) whereas slightly fewer (28%) indicated He provided direction in life by the Holy Spirit who uses knowledge of His word as a believer acts in faith. Another 18% were unsure.

Further, 53% said God holds a distinct plan for their life which He would implement; while another 20% said God’s plan would only occur if they were obedient. In contrast, 12% expressed that there was no distinct plan, but a Christian acts in faith and obedience, having freedom to decide their own path in life.

Most believers indicated God leads them by His word (58%) and the Holy Spirit (51%) while slightly fewer (25%) stated He directs them by their emotions.

When asked the basis of their belief in how God leads is actually correct, 30% said they felt it was right, 25% knew from their experience and 20% from a Bible reference.

All the findings of the survey can be found here as well as other findings from Teleios Research are on our website.

How does God lead Christians in the church age?

It’s important that we base beliefs and how we live our Christian lives on scripture. Therefore, we should ask “what does the Bible say about how God leads?” The Bible identifies several important sources for God’s leadership in our lives:

• The Bible – God’s leadership for Christians is through two agents, the Holy Spirit and Christ, through one medium, God’s word, the Bible. Let us examine these.
  • • • Christ – The Bible says in this age God speaks through his Son (Hebrews 1:2). Otherwise, all the previous means to provide revelation, for example angels, dreams, direct messaging, visions, and prophets, are no longer used. Further, God speaks through Christ by His word, revealed in the scripture, which we discuss below.
      • The Holy Spirit – The Spirit guides us by teaching us truth, in other words, what Christ said, (John 14:6, 16:13) and using His word as a sword to enable us (Ephesians 6:17).

Why is God’s word a basis for His leadership?

The Bible is truth to us from God. Therefore, the Bible provides a basis of leadership by the Spirit and Christ. The process of how God gave this truth is important in providing a basis of biblical authority:

• God gave truth to Christ (John 8:40-45; John 14:6).
• Christ taught the apostles this truth (John 17:7-8) and especially through the apostle Paul, through the Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16) to complete the knowledge associated with Christ’s first coming (Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:5).
• The apostles, and especially Paul, then taught the truth to the second-generation of Christians under apostolic authority (Titus 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Peter 3:2).
• During the second generation of the church, this truth was written down to provide our canon of scriptures which is the basis of God speaking to us today.

Wow, what great resources we have through scripture to help us with our lives!

Join us next week as we discuss how the Bible tells us God leads in practice a very important lesson. Don’t miss it.

Disclaimer – This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

As Christians we are privileged to communicate Christ’s gracious plan of salvation that others may also believe. Unfortunately, few topics produce more fear among Christians than sharing the gospel. It seems to be equal in desirability as going to the dentist. Accordingly, this fear may influence how people define ‘sharing the gospel.’

Teleios recently surveyed the frequency and methods used by evangelical Christians in sharing the gospel. The survey was promoted on Christian Instagram accounts frequented by adolescents and millennials. Of the 239 respondents the majority were: female (65%), <35 years old (70%), from the United States (56%), and evangelical (81%). In total, 82% thought the Bible was inerrant.

This survey showed both positive and negative results.

On the positive side, most participants noted they verbalize the gospel message to an unbeliever a from a few times a year to a few times a month (69%) and an additional strong minority as frequently as a few times a week to every day (16%).

On the negative side, many participants indicated they feared verbalizing the gospel to unbelievers (36%). For those who mentioned they were afraid, the most common reasons were: they did not know what to say (66%); they might be offensive (36%); or rejected socially (30%). Apart from fear, others indicated they rarely shared they because they could not answer objections (46%) or explain the gospel (38%).

Further, about two-thirds felt guilty they did not share the gospel enough (76%) and most thought they should share more frequently (93%). Further, 20% confessed they might exaggerate how often they shared the gospel to others.

Interestingly, participants noted their own best method to share the gospel was by lifestyle example (29%). In contrast, specifically communicating verbally the message of salvation was chosen by 10% (6th ranked choice overall).

Why do Christians hesitate to share the gospel directly? Prior Teleios research has found that, not surprisingly, Christians fear sharing the gospel because of social isolation or offending someone. However, the survey found that they also did not know what to say. Consistent with this, my wife and I have never taught a disciple that, when asked about the specifics of the plan of salvation, could give us a coherent answer.

Christian beliefs are correct, and we should have glad confidence in the message we bring (Galatians 6:14; Romans 5:11). Further, it takes just a little practice so learn how to explain the gospel. The gospel message on the front page of Teleios’ website and it’s easy to learn!

This survey suggests that young evangelicals realize they need to share the gospel and they perceive they frequently communicate it to others. However, the manner in which they tell others the gospel rarely involves verbalizing the plan of salvation but includes more messaging through lifestyle and encouragement.

This survey provides guidance to local churches and youth leaders as they develop their teaching plans to train young Christians specifically in the content of an efficient gospel message, how to answer objections and questions, as well as build a vision in bringing people to Christ.

Thanks for joining me with this blog. Visit again soon as we continue to explore the truth of scripture and its benefit to our lives.

All the findings of the survey can be found here.

So if we believe in Christ, why do we need to know the Bible?

Well, the good news is Bible-based Christianity improves wellbeing. Consequently, if we are wise we should be ravenously studying scripture to learn what it contains.

The data supporting that the Bible augments wellbeing come from scientific research and include the following:

• Teleios Research – We have found through prospective surveys and studies that Christianity helps wellbeing both generally and from additional specific measures. We will discuss these findings in greater detail throughout these blogs.
• Publications – Peer-reviewed scientific studies support improved wellbeing with Christianity! Many studies in the medical literature indicate wellbeing is improved by the practice of religion. Importantly, almost all these medical studies were performed in historically Christian countries. This suggests that most all the subjects in the studies would have identified as either social or believing Christians. Many of these studies can be seen in Teleios’ published reviews and are available on our website (publications). Otherwise, they can be searched on PubMed.

Let’s examine the impressive findings of Teleios and other medical literature which have shown that wellbeing is improved in Christians or religious people in Christian countries:

• Demographics – All age groups (10 years and older), both genders, and African-American as well as Caucasian races.
• Broad wellbeing effect – Specific wellbeing-related measures such as: sense of purpose, satisfaction, hope, stronger social relationships, and ability to forgive.
• Social measures – Vital areas of life such as the family, career, a sense of community and socialization.
• Family life – Christianity is associated with good health and higher levels of education and less substance abuse in the children. Family religiosity predicts better functioning for parents, better social network, and ties with families of friends. Further, church promotes happy marital relationships by encouraging spouses, especially the men, to live decent lives and to treat their partners decently.
• Careers – Christianity helps people’s ability to make career decisions and assists them to being open to a variety of career options. They also have been shown to have more positive feelings toward work.
• Service – Those who serve in or outside the church have better wellbeing questions including contentment, peace, joy, purpose and community acceptance.
• Practice of the faith – Those who practice the faith especially engaging in prayer, praise, fellowship, church attendance, studying the Bible and outreach to others have better wellbeing than those who do not. Further, the more one practices their faith the better generally will be their wellbeing.
• Physical health, healthy and patient populations – Christianity assists wellbeing in specific diseases including: glaucoma, rheumatoid arthritis, various cancers, chronic pain, fatigue, diabetes, diabetic eye disease, congestive heart failure, and HIV.

Summary: Wow! What a great God we have who provides us such true and useful guidance for life which has an obvious impact on our happiness. Our view of scripture should not be to avoid it out of fear from what we might read, to limit it to 15 minutes a-day to complete some pre-set time requirement, or simply to read it to get through another session in the Bible reading plan, but to devour it like a bowl of ice cream! It’s incredibly useful for our lives. Thanks for joining me today and return again for next blog.

Our research has recently found that those who believe they are saved by God’s grace alone to salvation have better wellbeing then those who do not. Unfortunately, many misconceptions remain among young Christians regarding what happens at salvation. Understanding these biblical events is important to help build a believer’s confidence in their faith and avoid the pitfalls of false guilt as well as insecurity in their relationship with God.

Accordingly, we recently surveyed Christian adolescents and millennials to determine their beliefs on what the Bible describes at the time of salvation, defined as belief by faith alone in forgiveness of sins by Christ’s death and resurrection. Of the 201 participants the majority were: female (55%), <35 years old (67%), from the United States (53%), and evangelical (80%).

The survey found, concerning salvation and:

• The church – Subjects noted they became aware they needed a local fellowship of other Christians (37%), and the Holy Spirit placed them permanently into the church universal of all believers (34%). In addition, 28% said they became cognizant they should be water baptized to express publicly their commitment to Christ. Separately, 65% of participants indicated they were adopted permanently into the family of God at salvation.
• Righteousness (sinlessness) – Participants expressed they were forgiven through faith by Christ’s death on the cross (54%). Nonetheless, participants also said they needed to ask forgiveness every day for new sin (52%). However, 34% indicated they have an advocate in Jesus Christ so no one can lay a claim against them.
• The Holy Spirit – Participants most commonly indicated He indwelt them permanently as a seal of their salvation (54%). Further, He regenerated them to a new person identified with Christ (57%) giving them power to defeat sin (34%).
• Regeneration – In total, 30% of participants believed they were baptized (regenerated) by the Holy Spirit at salvation. Further, 50% noted regeneration gave them power through the Holy Spirit to live a holy life. In addition, 35% recognized the regeneration created them as a new person identified with Christ.

This survey suggests that within a population of mostly adolescent and millennial evangelical Christians, they frequently recognize sound doctrine concerning events accompanying salvation, including the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a seal to salvation, forgiveness of past and future sins by faith in Christ’s death on the cross, adoption into the family of God, placement within the universal church, and regeneration to a new person who can defeat sin.

However, the percentages of subjects providing correct answers were generally between 1/3 to 2/3 of the survey sample. This demonstrates a strong need for biblical teaching by church and youth leaders concerning events accompanying salvation to help provide power for Christian living and security in salvation.

Further, each of us as true believers in the grace of God to salvation should encourage each other in our eternal security as well as the accompanying benefits of salvation described above.

We have a great God who is given us graciously a wonderful salvation. Discovering the full knowledge about salvation through scripture is vital to understand the great confident relationship we have with God which then enhances our wellbeing and helps us live our daily life. Scripture is true and is worth our time to investigate it!

Join me next time for more exciting explorations into the truth of scripture!

Complete results of this survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-8MSGG9NLV/).

Prayer is foundational to our Christian life and our relationship with God.

Teleios recently evaluated adolescent and millennial beliefs and habits about prayer. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 428 respondents, the majority were: female (76%), <35 years old (77%), from the United States (54%), and evangelical (69%).

The survey found that approximately 80% of participants pray to God every day. The most common topics for their prayers were: their own concerns (92%) and gratitude to God for their blessings (91%). However, when asked about what topics the Bible instructs them to pray, they most often indicated praise (87%) and thankfulness to God (86%).

Participants overwhelmingly prefer to pray at home and alone (93%). Further, they indicated they desire to pray at night (82%) with about 2/3 indicating morning or intermittent prayers throughout the day. Generally, participants preferred their prayers to be spontaneous (62%) while 19% used a predetermined mental or written list. Regarding responses to prayer, the great majority believed God answers prayer according to His will (88%).

Respondents noted Christians should pray in faith (77%), while about half each agreed the Holy Spirit and Christ pray for believers. When asked to pray for somebody else, a plurality of participants indicated they keep the information confidential (42%) and they pray for a while over time before stopping (40%).

Interestingly, when asked if praying in tongues or a person’s native language was more useful, 40% noted the native language should at least sometimes be used while 40% expressed praying in tongues made no difference. In contrast, 20% believed that tongues should at least sometimes be used.

Further, those who praise the most often (P<0.0001), and especially in their native language (P=0.026), reported better wellbeing than those who did not or prayed in tongues. These points might emphasize that clearly articulated, biblically based communication with God provides a potential of enhanced wellbeing in the Christian life.

This study shows that young evangelical typically pray daily, preferring a setting alone at home, at night and knowing God will answer prayer according to His will.

However, they generally appear to lack knowledge over a number of biblical teachings regarding prayer such as: the Holy Spirit and Christ praying for believers, and that Christians should pray according to scripture, pray for all people and for government leaders. This provides opportunity for teaching about prayer from pastors and youth leaders.

All the findings of the survey can be found here.

OK so what does scripture say about prayer?

Prayer is one of the cornerstones of the Christian life. Scripture tells us that we should pray frequently and persistently. As Christians we can come boldly before God in prayer, uninhibited and unafraid, to receive mercy in our every time of need (Hebrews 10:19-22).

• The content of our prayers – This should be consistent with what glorifies Jesus Christ (John 14:13,14, 15:7). The content of our prayer generally should be:
  • Thankfulness to God and for others (Philippians 1:3-4, Colossians 1:3)
  • Praise to God (Hebrews 13:15)
  • Petitions for ourselves and others (Philippians 4:6)
• Scriptural prayer guide – The apostle Paul offers 3 model prayers in which he emphasizes what God desire for us to attain by our prayers, no matter the situation (Ephesians 1:15ff, 3:14ff; Colossians 1:9-15) including: knowledge of our salvation and the Bible, wisdom, understanding, hope, power, knowing God’s love, service to God, patience, joy and persistence in our Christian walk. These wonderful prayers can be used as a model for what God wishes us to attain, in addition to any specific request we might pray for ourselves or others.
• God answers prayer (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14-15) – Wow, what a great promise! God says He will answer our prayers if we ask according to His will (i.e., scripture). Therefore, a key to an effective prayer life is knowing the epistles.
• How else does prayer help us?
  • Prayer provides a release for our emotions to God, perhaps relieving tension and frustration (1 Peter 5:7).
  • It engenders a sense that somebody cares and is listening. We also know that the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself pray on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26,34)
  • It causes us to pay attention to scripture as we pray and so provides us help to consider and form an answer to our problems as we ponder our requests to God.
  • It reminds us to be thankful for others and for His blessings to us. It is hard to be angry with someone while you pray for them, which might reduce tensions and help relationships.
  • It helps us to praise and remember that we have a great God whose purposes are greater than ours. Thus, it helps keep our own problems in perspective.

Therefore, prayer is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, invoking God’s help yet reminding us of scripture, praise and thankfulness, all which may our assist our wellbeing. Prayer is one of the great benefits of our Christian life.

Join us again next time as we discover the truth and benefits of the Bible together.

Our praise to God is a cornerstone of our Christian life, commanded in scripture (Hebrews 13:15-16), but changing our mindset and propelling us towards spiritual maturity.

Accordingly, Teleios recently surveyed adolescents and millennials regarding their views about praise. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 332 participants the majority were: female (78%), <35 years old (73%), from the United States (52%), and evangelical (71%).

Three-quarters (74%) of participants said they praise God every day. Most commonly they praise God because it is due Him (79%), but it also makes them feel good (79%). Importantly, those who praise God every day reported better wellbeing than those who praised less (P<0.001).

Participants indicated they praise God by expressing their gratitude to Him for their blessings (85%), singing hymns (78%), and recognizing His holy character and actions (65%). In contrast, they noted the Bible states praise is by expressing thanksgiving (84%), living a godly lifestyle (81%), and expressing to God (79%) as well as to other people (78%) His righteous character and actions.

Participants believed praise helps them by reminding them of God’s greater purposes and desires than their own (91%), giving them joy (85%), and causing them to be more humble (79%). Participants indicated that praise is directed to God the Father (97%), Jesus (89%), and the Holy Spirit (79%), although the Bible only directs praise to God the Father.

This survey showed that young Christian believers generally have a solid concept of praise, being thankful, and recognizing God’s righteous character and actions.

How then and why do we praise – what does scripture say?

• Definition of ‘praise’ – Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘praise’ as:
  • To express a favorable judgment or commend
  • To glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections
• Content of praise – Therefore, as a Christian what should be the content of biblical praise? The Bible gives some hints:
  • Acknowledgement of God’s perfect character (Ephesians 1:6)
  • Acknowledgement of God’s righteous actions (Psalm 139:14; Psalm 148)
  • Thankfulness (Hebrews 13:15)
• Reason we praise – Why do we praise God? The reasons are vital to our Christian life and are listed below:
  • The Bible commands us to praise – It is our duty to praise God. However, God does not give us commands without reason, so several potential explanations follow below (Psalm 150; Romans 15:11; Hebrews 13:15).
  • He deserves praise – Our Father in Heaven is the almighty God who has provided for us salvation through his precious Son, Jesus Christ, as a free gift through faith to eternal life. This salvation is a sure hope and anchor for our souls. Surely, He deserves glory, thanks, and praise (1 Peter 4:11; Hebrews 6:19).
  • It is good for us to praise – God made us! Therefore, He knows what is good for us. It is good for us to praise at least for the following reasons:
  • God’s ordained order – Praise reminds us of the order of the universe. We are not the most important thing in creation. God’s goals and priorities are above, and better than ours!
  • Humility – Realizing that God’s plans are more important than ours might limit our complaining and remind us that we are here to serve our great God.
  • Attitude – Praise teaches us thankfulness in realizing God’s gifts to us in creation, in Christ and His benefits in this life as our Father. These should promote an attitude of thankfulness and reduce expectations (Philippians 4:8).

We do indeed have a great God who is worthy of all praise! Make praise a part of your daily life and reap the benefits personally while giving God what He deserves.

All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://teleiosgrant.com/do-young-christians-praise/).