A guest blog from Dr. W. Rod MacIlvaine…

In his book The Future of an Illusion (1927) the father of psychiatry, Sigmund Freud, argued that religion is a false belief system. He likened the various religions of the world to “childhood neuroses” and “wishful illusions” that can only lead to a “disavowal of reality.”

Like other atheists of his day, his words were particularly rancorous against the Christian faith. He believed human beings created the God-concept as a means of wish-fulfillment, nothing more.

Clearly for Freud, no real truth could be found in the Christian faith, nor in any other religion, for that matter. On the contrary, Freud believed that only science can lead us into reality.

These truth assertions, however, were never tested scientifically through rigorous experimentation and research. Therefore, they were faith-assertions and mere opinions, nothing more! And yet, they were almost blindly accepted on the basis of Freud’s reputation as a physician and theoretician.

But now, 85 years later, these claims have been tested! And Freud has been proven wrong in his own arena, the arena of science.

In the past 40 years, mountains of research have been published seeking to answer this one simple question: Does active adherence to the Christian faith provide any measurable results in terms of wellness – both physical and mental?

The Bible clearly indicates that adhering to its precepts and commands should indeed lead to significant patterns of mental wellness.

• In the Old Testament, Psalm 16:11 is a case in point: “In your presence is fullness of joy at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
• In the New Testament, Galatians 5:22-23‘s the fruit of the Spirit is a vibrant picture mental health: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

But does adhering to the Christian faith also produce clear patterns of physical wellness?

When Dr. Jeff Levin began to research this emerging field in 1982, he was surprised as he noticed a pattern: Frequency of attendance in weekly worship services was associated with diverse patterns of physical wellness, including better cardio-vascular functioning, lower blood pressure, faster wound healing and better recovery from surgery.

One study even examined the relationship between church attendance and mortality rate. The study tracked over 21,000 people from the ages of 18-65 over a 9-year period. The found that non-attenders lived to an average of 55.3 years beyond the age of 20, but attenders lived for an average of 61.9 years after the age of 20. That’s nearly seven years longer!

One possible explanation for this was that religious people follow healthier habits. And yet, in one study, religious adherence had marked benefits, even if the person did not necessarily engage in healthy eating habits.

So radical were these emerging claims that researchers subjected them to very stringent testing protocols, and yet in each new study the pattern was clear: adhering to the precepts presented in the Bible was a predictor of overall wellness.

Today the most published researcher in this field is Dr. Harold Koenig of Duke University Medical School. He is professor of psychiatry & behavioral sciences and the director for the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health. Other scholars in this field include the epidemiologist Jeff Levin and practicing physician Dr. Dale Matthews.

At Teleios we too have actively sought to add to this growing body of literature. We are not only passionately convinced that the Bible is God’s Word – we believe that adhering to its precepts increases the health and vitality of the whole person. This is an exciting field because it leads us back to a statement that Jesus made on the night before he was crucified: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

About Rod MacIlvaine – Director of Faith-Based Research – W. Rodman MacIlvaine, III, DMin is on the adjunct faculties of both Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the founding senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Northeastern, Oklahoma – a church that has worked extensively to serve educational needs in the Spanish Speaking Caribbean. A Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Dr. MacIlvaine works with men and women in transition, especially those who are shifting into second careers. Dr. MacIlvaine specializes in apologetics from an historical and theological perspective. His emphasis is in showing how adhering to God’s word has generated many benefits to societies, cultures and individuals.

Christian counseling has become very common within church-based society, being utilized both by individuals and as referral sources by churches. Christian counselors themselves are trained both by established academic institutions and by gaining certificates from independent groups.

To better understand the experience and impressions of Christian counseling among young Christians, Teleios recently conducted a survey. Of the 235 respondents the majority were: female (71%), 18-34 years (77%), and from the United States (58%).

Participants overall viewed Christian counseling as positive with 9% currently in counseling, 7% stating they had been in therapy before and would start again and 30% indicating they have never been in counseling, but planned to go. Overall, 22% reported they had seen a Christian counsellor. Further, 27% said that every Christian should be in counseling now or at some time in their life; while 35% indicated they should go only for specific problems.

The greatest benefit of counseling (of all respondents) was: it saved their life (6%), it improved depressive symptoms (8%), it helped them recover from a psychological illness (3%) or from addiction (1%), it reduced anger (8%), or improved relationships (11%).

Spiritually, counselling helped participants seek God through prayer, fellowship, knowledge of the Bible or praise (about 10% in each case), but was less helpful in causing participants to teach the Bible to others (3%) or spread the gospel (4%).

Importantly, wellbeing did not differ statistically between respondents based on their current or past participation in Christian counselling (P>0.05).

Our survey speaks to the broad popularity of Christian counseling among young evangelicals. However, the clinical and spiritual results of Christian counseling remain undescribed. What are the potential pros and cons?

Potential pros of Christian counseling, it may:

• Provide a resource for busy pastors to extend the church’s help to individual believers in their congregation
• Give a mechanism for Christians to discuss their emotions and pain to a concerned listener
• Supply secular and spiritual advice to bring about emotional healing
• Fortify the participant’s life emotionally and spiritually
• Help further integration of the participant into the Christian community
• Provide an important gateway to psychiatric services to deal with profound or emergent mental issues that might lead to self-harm or violence
  • https://www.christian-works.org/benefits-christian-counseling/
  • https://www.guystuffcounseling.com/christian-counseling/christian-counseling-benefits

Potential cons of Christian counseling:

• The scientific results of Christian counseling, compared to secular counseling or no counselling, largely are unknown
• The methodology of Christian counseling and counselors’ training are not well proven
• The interaction between Christian counseling methods and the Bible is unclear, varies by institution and probably by the counselors themselves (https://teleiosgrant.com/christian-counseling-degree-courses/).
  • From our survey most young Christians who participated in counseling did not receive instruction in any of the 5 basic elements of the Christian faith that underpin maturity (Acts 2:42,47)
  • Universities training Christian counselors typically do so from a secular and not a biblical basis (https://teleiosgrant.com/christian-counseling-degree-courses/)
  • Christian counseling, while it may help in with practical advice and even some spiritual direction, may not provide the basis for growing Christian maturity as described in the Bible
• In our survey the average wellbeing was not different among participants who received prior or current counseling or if expressed desire for counseling in the future. This might signify that Christian counseling may not always be beneficial.

In summary, Christian counseling appears to provide a practical step in helping believers deal with issues in their lives and a vital resource for the church.

However, Christians should be careful in assessing their care to ensure it does provide guidance into biblical maturity through obedience in His word, or otherwise assuring these tools to maturity and the fruits of the Spirit are supplied by other sources.

More research is needed specifically regarding the outcomes of Christian counseling and ways to further benefit participants.

All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://teleiosgrant.com/how-young-believers-view-christian-counseling/).

Teleios recently surveyed adolescents and millennials regarding Christian fellowship and community. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 161 participants the majority were: female (72%), <35 years old (81%), from the United States (63%), and evangelical (73%).

A small majority (52%) of respondents indicated they participate in Christian fellowship at least once a week where biblical topics are discussed. In contrast, just over 25% noted they either never have fellowship, or do so only a few times a year. Fellowship generally is based around church events, most usually during and after church (61%), small group (48%), or other associated church events (46%).

Young believers recognize typically that the Bible teaches that Christians fellowship not only with each other (83%), but with all the members of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Ghost [≥75%]). Further, 75% noted that fellowship is necessary for the Christian life.

Participants generally know they should actively seek fellowship with other Christians and they accomplish this most commonly by scheduling specific times with other believers (68%) and by acknowledging the good things Christ has done in others (63%).

Participants also responded that fellowship is good for them because of the joy it brings (81%), their gain from the godly example of other believers (77%) and the mental correction to the greater purposes God has compared to their own (76%).

Importantly, respondents who noted that fellowship was imperative for living the Christian life demonstrated higher wellbeing than those who did not (P=0.005).

The study suggests that adolescents and young adult Christians generally hold biblical views on fellowship. The results are encouraging as they suggest that fellowship concepts are learned early by believers and are generally biblically based.

How do we fellowship as Christians?

Fellowship is foundational in the Christian life. How do we do it?

• Definition – The biblical word ‘fellowship’ is most closely expressed in the Greek by the word koinōnia (κοινωνία), and its derivatives, which mean basically ‘communion’ as well as the word metochē (μετοχή) which means ‘participation.’
• What does the Bible say about fellowship? – The Bible describes fellowship in the most general ways:
  • It occurs only between Christians – This is because we cannot be encouraged or learn from those who do not have the Spirit or who do not understand the Christian faith (1 John 1:6-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14).
  • Do not neglect – We are not to avoid fellowship. This is because it is good for us. It is also good for other people to see God working in us (Hebrews 10:15-18; Hebrews 13:15).
  • Functional definition – In reality, the Bible does not give a lot of detail, or a singular text, defining ‘fellowship.’ However, functionally any interaction between Christians that is spiritually based, as described in the Bible, might be considered fellowship (Colossians 3:12-17; Ephesians 5:15-20).
• Why do we need fellowship? – The benefits of fellowship are assumed in scripture. As Christians, we need the example, as well as the verbal encouragement and reminders of God’s word from others, to help promote our own walk with God (1 Timothy 4:12-16). Likewise, our actions and speech provide this to other believers.
• What biblical fellowship is not – One benefit we derive from church is social fellowship around food, games, sports, weddings, parties, etc. However, these events may or may not include true fellowship which should have a spiritual basis.
• How do we fellowship? – True biblical fellowship can occur in many settings. Regardless the setting, biblical fellowship is framed in a lifestyle that is upstanding (1 Thessalonians 2:10) and speech that helps and encourages others (Ephesians 4:29). How do we do this? Here are some ideas:
  • Know God’s word – This is important so you are speaking to others correct biblical truth and not church based jargon such as ‘That is not my gift’ or ‘I do not have a peace about that so I will not do it.’
  • Plan ahead – Consider before meeting with a person how you might encourage them specifically with: gratitude, commendation, thought provoking questions, sharing God’s word or recounting what God has done in your life (Colossians 1:3-7; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 4:16). If you don’t know what to ask, check their social media accounts and learn about them. If you are attending a gathering, then choose one person to target for fellowship.
  • Listen – Be sure and listen when conversing so you can learn and discover how you can even better encourage them (James 1:19).
  • Control the environment – It can be very difficult to discuss godly matters in environments that are controlled by other people, such as festive activities or groups of people who are unbelievers or non-serious Christians. If you’re finding it difficult to have fellowship then create your own environments in which proper fellowship can occur, such as:
    • Choose a meeting place that is quiet, where you will not have interruptions and where bible-based topics can be discussed.
    • Choose the person or the people specifically to join you who also seek Christ and with whom excellent fellowship can occur.

Although your church may provide activities and worship services that can promote building relationships with other believers, generally fellowship is up to the individual to plan, pursue and accomplish. It takes a little effort, but God will use it in your life to encourage and teach you. Make true Christian fellowship a routine part of your life!

Join us again soon for another informative blog to help you in your Christian walk

All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-WGHZ9QXPL/).

As Christians we are blessed with a number of resources that can help us grow in our Christian life.

Teleios recently surveyed young Christians to evaluate opinions about accepted forms of church and biblical resources. Of the 185 participants the majority were: female (63%), <35 years old (72%), from the United States (70%), and evangelical (70%).

This survey showed that these mostly young evangelical, Christians viewed their local assembly as a valid form of the church (86%). However, many also considered broader community-based Christian relationships (61%) and online fellowship or Bible study (46%) to be legitimate manifestations of the church.

Regarding their spiritual life, the local church was noted most often as benefitting expressions of the Christian growth in: prayer (86%), praise (90%), fellowship (90%), outreach (81%), and learning scripture (86%).

However, community Christian contacts apart from church also helped Christian growth (range of the 5 expressions noted above (41-51%). In addition, online interactions with individual Christians (31-43%), and organizations (26-33%), especially in learning the Bible (56%), were important in helping Christian growth. In contrast, local parachurch organizations were reported as meaningful by just 12-22%.

Within the local church itself, the resources that most helped participants’ Christian life were: the lead pastor’s sermons (79%), the worship service (70%), fellowship (59%), and Bible studies (58%). In contrast, the least important resources were identified as: accountability groups (22%), and non-teaching church-based service such as a helps ministry or assisting with childcare (21%).

Parachurch organizations assisted just over a third of participants, most typically with Bible study (38%) and fellowship (37%). Online resources also helped through streaming other church’s worship services (40%) or sermons (27% or their own pastor’s worship services (35%) or sermons (34%) Internet-based Bible study groups (35%) and fellowship (30%) also were identified as beneficial.

How can we best use Christian resources?

Here are some hints:

• Mindset – Realize that it is up to us ultimately to assure that we provide sufficient resources in our lives for Christian growth. No one can do this for us.
• What to include? – We call these the five tools to maturity listed in Acts 2 verses 42 and 47 which describe the activities of the 1st church in Jerusalem. These experiences need to be in your life in balance to assure proper Christian growth. Further, no individual source such as a pastor’s sermon, as good as it may be, can supply all our needs. They are:
  • praise
  • prayer
  • fellowship
  • outreach
  • Bible study
• Set a goal – consider carefully the resources available and be proactive in making sure that all the five tools for maturity are developed in your life
• Service mindset – while you greatly will benefit from the fruit of your planned experiences to enhance maturity in your Christian life, realize ultimately your goal is to give to others, the resources from which you now take, to other believer. Consider carefully how you can give back to them it actions and in speech.

Our survey demonstrates that young Christians are intent to take advantage of a variety of resources to assist their spiritual life, which most commonly derive from the local church. However, they also utilize online resources and other local individual and parachurch organizations to further their Christian life. Christian should plan carefully to include these resources in their Christian life in balance including: praise, prayer, fellowship, outreach and Bible study to achieve a mature Christian life.

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

Thank you for reading my blog. It is a privilege to create this blog and to have you visit. I hope you find the information encouraging.

Teleios’ mission is to show the truth of the Bible through scientific research and produce practical tools for scriptural understanding and confidence.

We recently performed a survey on the Instagram account, InstaPray, asking participants about their Bible study and discipleship beliefs. We had 822 participants of whom 25% were <18 years of age and 55% between 18 and 30. Half resided outside the United States, 80% described themselves as evangelical and 85% as saved by grace. Please visit https://teleiosgrant.com/what-are-young-christians-bible-study-habits/ for the full findings. We discovered many interesting points about Bible study and discipleship.

What is discipleship?

Our participants most commonly defined discipleship as seeking God ‘the best way they know how’ (62%). This is a fascinating finding. The general definition of a disciple is variable, but commonly means ‘a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher’.

The Greek word in the Bible for disciple (mantetes, Μαθητής) is a learner or a pupil (Strongs dictionary). Christ’s 12 disciples were taught by Him and there are other examples are shown in the New Testament such as Paul and Timothy.

Therefore, the word discipleship importantly suggests some measure of direction to the learner from a more authoritative source, not pure self-direction.

More consistent with the definition, the second most common choice by our survey participants was ‘being taught by a more mature Christian’ (50%) or ‘being in a small group’ (40%). The latter structure can be effective if it is scripturally based.

Mentoring is a modern term for a type of discipleship. Indeed, young Christians generally are helped by mentoring at some level because it is very difficult to determine efficiently the Christian life without some help to start you on your way.

Less frequent choices were ‘to have a prayer partner’ (40%) or ‘accountability partner’ (30%). These also could be effective if the partner is a more mature Christian who can provide life and biblical insight and guidance. However, if both partners are young it might be a ‘blind leading the blind’ scenario.

Be careful. Your time is valuable! Seek resources that can help educate you most efficiently in scriptural knowledge so you can be the best servant of God that you can be as soon as possible, but also avoid life’s mishaps which could have permanent and long-lasting results in career, family and marriage.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please join us again next week as we discuss more interesting findings from Teleios!

Over the past few years Teleios has shown the advantages of scripture on the wellbeing of individual Christians and society in general compared to non-believers and non-Christian societies. Please see www.teleiosresearch.com for more!

Despite the benefits of Christianity shown by Teleios and others, some individuals hate Christianity and Christ. Jesus predicted this would occur (John 15:18-25). Indeed, these people generally look for hope to another god, generally in a socialist, globalist and big government deity. Consequently, Christians need to be aware of the forceful enemies they face and importantly, their confidence is in God for His ultimate victory.

To evaluate evangelical millennials’ attitudes towards current events, in relationship to their faith, Teleios conducted a survey regarding faith and politics on two Instagram accounts frequented by Christian young Christians. Of the 336 responses the majority were: female (62%), <34 years old (79%), from the United States (80%) and evangelical (76%).

The majority of respondents (70%) indicated their faith was ‘somewhat’ to ‘very outreach oriented’ with only 19% saying it was private. Almost 80% ‘somewhat agreed’ to ‘strongly agreed’ their country was founded on Christian morality and ethics. Further, over 92% noted it was important to maintain Christian morals and ethics in society.

Regarding the current American president, Donald Trump, 63% ‘somewhat’ to ‘strongly agreed’ he was supportive to Christianity and the church, while 22% disagreed.

Respondents indicated the best way to be engaged in world affairs was to spread the gospel and support foreign missions (65% each) as well as keep informed of Christian mission related news (60%) and help the government keep order in society (53%).

Participants believed that Christianity was the most persecuted religion in the world (57%) followed by Islam (20%) with 21% being unsure. Several recent studies have shown that indeed Christianity by far is the most persecuted religion in the world (https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/).

Interestingly, while wellbeing scores were generally good (4.6 average on a scale of 0-6 with 6 being best) and consistent with our past research, when scores were compared to other individual questions, those who agreed to the questions below had better wellbeing (P ≤ 0.017):

• The church is engaged in a battle with evil forces both in your country and abroad.
• Believers should elect leaders and appoint judges who will protect the Christian faith and stand for traditional biblical values.
• Believers should maintain Christian morals and ethics in society.
• The current American president is supportive to Christianity and the church.
• Christians should biblically engage in world affairs, especially by spreading the Gospel and participating in foreign mission trips most frequently chosen as the way to be involved.

Importantly, wellbeing was better in Christians who face the issue of the resistance against their religion and also hold to biblical values. Therefore, living by the truth appears to be important in life.

In summary, young Christians recognize the importance of engagement in world affairs associated with Christian issues and recognize US President Trump’s support of the church. Further, they believe in maintaining the moral and ethical basis of Christianity in society. Such beliefs appear to benefit their personal wellbeing.

All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-NZGHBB238/).

Christianity underpins the foundation of Western society. Recent Teleios research has shown that individuals in societies embracing biblical values have better wellbeing than those in non-Christian nations and are characterized by other positive measures within the economic, legal, security, health, and educational realms that might serve as markers of personal happiness. Nonetheless, some deny the historical and current benefits of Christianity.

Teleios conducted a survey regarding the benefits of Christian society on an Instagram account frequented by Christian adolescents and millennials. There were 565 responses. The majority of responders were: female (78%), < 35 years (67%), primarily from the United States (60%) or Europe (13%) and primarily evangelical (88%).

A slight plurality (46%) believed they were living in a Christian versus secular based society (45%). Respondents noted advantages to living in a Christian society, compared to any other type of society (41%) and compared specifically to a secular society (18%). Participants indicated the top 3 potential advantages of a Christian society were a stronger moral (82%) and ethical base (71%) as well as greater love among people (75%).

Within the advantages noted of a Christian society in relation to government, the top three responses were: recognizing the primary biblically mandated role of government to keep order in society (60%); maintain individual rights, especially freedom of religion and expression (56%); and reduce corruption (54%).

In contrast, the greatest potential disadvantage of a Christian society was seen as Christians becoming too complacent with power and forgetting the love of Christ (64%). Participants believed most often Christians could help maintain a balance between preserving freedom and avoiding religious despotism by assuring the church and individuals are teaching the word of God (60%).

This survey suggests that young Christians recognize generally the benefits of Christian society. However, they lack a more complete knowledge of the benefits of biblical principles within society. This provides on opportunity for Christian teachers and pastors to teach young people to understand our heritage and scripture’s formative role and impact upon it.

All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-QLJP2FJB8/).

Our view of the future is key to how we live our lives. If we have hope in a sure eternity, we anchor our souls to a solid belief which helps protect our minds now and when we one day face the prospect of dying.

Just as importantly as facing death, even young people benefit from firm hope as they confront potential disappointments in life with family, work, marriage and health. This includes not only personal tragedies but also failing to meet expectations you once possessed for your life.

Teleios recently conducted a survey regarding biblical knowledge of end times. There were 678 responses. The majority of responders were: female (67%), <35 years old (73%), from the United States (60%) and evangelical (74%).

A plurality of respondents (38%) believed that prophetic literature in the Bible should be interpreted in a normal literal way; otherwise, how the original author intended it, whether a letter, poetry or symbols related to an actual event.

Regarding specific questions about the end times, when a response was provided, participants mostly answered in a biblically consistent way. For example, for the Rapture, the majority identified that it will occur at a time only known by God (78%), when believers will be taken to meet Christ (58%). For the Tribulation, 51% noted that it was a 7-year time period and 42% knew it will happen just before Christ’s return to the earth. Respondents indicated clearly ‘eternity’ is a believer’s lasting presence with God (71%).

For the Kingdom of Christ, 36% thought it is a time of peace and prosperity on the earth. However, 57% believed Christ’s Kingdom is heaven, which may not be the case as these locations are described differently in scripture (Daniel 7:27).

Nonetheless, the total percent of correct biblical answers were relatively low (30-55%) even though the percent of wrong answers were generally even lower (<30%). Those marking unsure’ typically were between 10-20%.

Wellbeing scores were generally good (4.5; scale of 0-6 with 6 being best) and consistent with our past research. However, those who demonstrated a greater knowledge of eternity as represented in the book of Revelation reported on average better wellbeing (P=0.03).  Interestingly, this finding is consistent with Revelation 1:3 itself in that it promises those who read it persistently will be blessed (happy).

These findings indicate that when young evangelicals answer questions about biblical end times they typically are correct. However, the overall percent of those answering correctly was low. This shows a need for better education about Christ’s second coming from pastors and lay leaders to help fortify young evangelicals and their hope in salvation.

Unfortunately, teaching about end times is often avoided because of controversy surrounding several different types of end times interpretations including Calvinist versus pre-millennial theologies. However, this problem may be resolved by simply teaching scripture in a literal, normal fashion.

Importantly these data also demonstrated better wellbeing for those aware of end times scripture.

Thank you for reading my blog. Return again soon as we continue discuss the amazing facts of the Bible and analyze the encouraging findings from Teleios’ research.

All the findings of the survey can be found here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-LF9CJDG58/).

We often ask students, whom we have the privilege to teach, where to find Bible related information. The automatic answer these days is to use an online search since they are fast and convenient. However, websites are written by different authors and the person writing may not hold a biblical view of Christianity.

Christian related websites are probably safe for material nouns such as person, places or things; for example, the tomb of Jeremiah or the temple in Jerusalem. However, great care is needed when searching theological topics such as salvation by faith and security of salvation. Despite these concerns little hard evidence exists, to our knowledge, if Christian websites provide either accurate or misleading theologically related information.

Teleios recently evaluated the accuracy of websites in presenting biblically related information by searching the term ‘gospel’ using the search engine Bing. We assessed if the plan of salvation, as described in the Bible, was presented accurately and clearly. We included the first 55 websites that appeared in order. To emulate a person searching for the contents of the gospel we limited the time on each linked website to one minute to determine if the gospel message could be clearly found.

The study assessed the presence of the four basic elements of the gospel message from Romans 3:23-26 and Ephesians 2:8-9 on each site provided by the online search:

• Man sinned
• God is just, requiring a punishment for sin
• But out of love God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who by dying on the cross, provided forgiveness of sins in taking man’s deserved punishment
• Therefore, by accepting with faith alone Christ’s gracious sacrifice for forgiveness of sins, man can gain eternal life

These four points were found in 22 (40%) sites. Incomplete or no gospel information was found on 27 (49%) sites and doctrinal errors were found on 6 (11%) sites (4 added works to salvation while 2 minimized the importance of the substitutionary death of Christ). Of the 22 (40%) sites that correctly presented the gospel, we judged the 4-step plan to salvation was easily found and understood within one minute on 9 (16%) sites.

This study shows for someone who searches for ‘how to become a Christian’ using a popular search engine with the term ‘gospel’, the plan of salvation is easily found and understood within one minute in about one-sixth of sites.

Further, in searching online for the gospel:

• It may take some persistence and surveying a number of websites before finding the gospel correctly stated.
• Many sites are verbose, and information is difficult to find.
• Some sites have doctrinal errors or incomplete information which may be confusing.

Consequently, the seeker might need to confirm the information found online with a knowledgeable Christian friend, pastor or by comparing to other websites. Also, they might compare the website information directly with scripture using a search function as in e-Sword (https://e-sword.net/).

This study was limited to one question, although a very important one. More research is needed to determine more completely the advantages and disadvantages of internet search engine queries for a Christian studying scripture.

Reda more at https://teleiosgrant.com/gospel-online/.

Thank you for reading my blog. It is a privilege to create this blog and to have you visit. I hope you find the information encouraging.

Our mission at Teleios is to provide science-based information on the truth of scripture, its positive impact in our lives and to educate on these results.

We recently performed a survey on the Instagram account, InstaPray, asking participants about their Bible study and discipleship beliefs. We had 822 participants of whom: 75% were female; 80% were 30 or younger; 40% resided in the United States; and 80% described themselves as evangelical. Please visit HERE for the full findings.

The survey discovered many points about beliefs about Bible study and discipleship. This week let us discuss what it revealed concerning how to learn the Bible long-term.

Future Christian educational goals

When asked ‘Over the next 5-10 years what are your scripture educational goals’, 63% of respondents indicated they wished to read the whole Bible, while 60% answered they should learn the major themes of the Bible. Also, 47% noted they needed to learn what was in each book of scripture and 25% wanted to master verse-by-verse study methods.

It is so heartening to see our participants have educational goals in the Bible. Very few (8%) indicated they had no study goals. At Teleios we emphasize three initial goals to most efficiently learn the Bible.:

1. Verse by verse study in the Epistles – This method of study provides a greater depth, joy and learning and consequently the more benefit of knowing scripture.
   • We suggest the Epistles because those letters are to the church and for our direction specifically.
   • We emphasize especially starting in Ephesians or Colossians because they provide the most efficient, compelling study comprising both who Christ is and the Christian walk.
2. Major themes of the Bible – Where verse by verse gives you an exciting idea of what is in each book and a competency in reading and interpreting scripture, studying the major biblical themes such as: salvation, security, the Church Holy Spirit etc. integrates scripture from all portions of the Bible to provide you topical knowledge. This is vital because as you talk to others you typically do so topically and not verse by verse. Books about Christian theology by Charles Ryrie or Lewis Sperry Chafer are very helpful (1,2).
3. Bible overview – Gaining a general knowledge of each book, its history, major themes and how it fits into the plan of God, does not take much time and completes an overall knowledge of scripture until the books can be studies individually. Talk Thru the Bible by Wilkinson is a good resource (3).

We have a wonderful text of scripture that is reliable and our ability to know God through it is almost endless. Our study of scripture provides a chance to influence not only our own lives, but our immediate community and society as a whole.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please join us again next week as we continue to discuss the immense value and truth of scripture.

1. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L1U112E/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
2. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BA51EK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
3. https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Thru-Bible-Bruce-Wilkinson/dp/0785212213