#teleiosresearch

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%). For full data - What happens after salvation?

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!

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research… Email - [email protected] Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

Change your life, pray to God!

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

Teleios 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%). All the findings of the survey can be found here.

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.

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: o Thankfulness to God and for others (Philippians 1:3-4, Colossians 1:3) o Praise to God (Hebrews 13:15) o 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? o Prayer provides a release for our emotions to God, perhaps relieving tension and frustration (1 Peter 5:7). o 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) o 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. o 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. o 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.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research… Email - [email protected] Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

What is discipleship?

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 performed a survey 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://teleiosresearch.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!

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research… Email - [email protected] Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

How to speak fluent Christian

How we speak to each other is critical in living a godly life. Yet controlling our speech is quite difficult and rarely discussed.

Teleios Research recently evaluated adolescents and millennials regarding their speech. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 215 participants the majority were: female (52%), <30 years old (93%), from the United States (83%), and evangelical (68%). See full results here - How to use Christian speech.

The top 3 responses nicely show a strong minority, at least on a list provided by a survey, are cognizant of the need to help others with speech and to discuss our great God with others.

Table 1: What is the primary purpose of biblical speech for Christians

Table 2: How should I speak to the needs of others as the Bible commands in Ephesians 4:29?

Not bad responses!

From a biblical standpoint, how do we speak “Christian” with each other? Like learning any language, it takes some discipline and training, but it is doable.

Fortunately, with biblical input and thinking, we will find it much easier to speak in a fashion that loves and encourages people as well as pleases God. However, biblical speech patterns do not come naturally. Here are some hints how to speak effectively as a Christian: • Consider first speech is not about you - Have you ever noticed that people generally talk about themselves, even at church? However, unless we really need someone else to bear our burdens (Galatians 6:2) speech should not be about us but about the other person (Ephesians 4:29). Biblical speech should address other people's needs. This is a huge transformation in thinking for many of us but it's an important first step to converse with others as God desires. • Realize you have much to give – Remember, the Bible is true and good for anyone who hears it (please see the Teleios website for scientific proof). Therefore, when you are speaking scripture and its truth, commending, being thankful, and praising God, you are using your speech as a powerful tool to help others. • Think before you speak – Prior to meeting with somebody consider specific ways you can express gratitude, commendation and encouragement. Planning ahead may not seem natural but if we don’t consider encouragement beforehand, generally it will not happen. Be specific in your commendation and thankfulness; the more precise the better. Spiritually, plan ways to encourage a friend or colleague in Christ, whether by discussing an applicable Bible verse, teaching other people (formally or informally), sharing answered prayed or even imparting the gospel if needed. We are all busy, if we don’t consider positive biblical speech ahead of time, we generally won’t do it. • Build a solid relationship - This is vital as people need to know that you genuinely like and respect them. There are many books on the subject and perhaps the best starter is the classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. You can buy a cheap used copy (or download a copy) at Amazon. It is frightfully easy to read and apply. Get a copy and read it! • Ask questions – If you do not know how to encourage someone then ask them questions or search their on-line presence! People love to talk about themselves. The more questions you ask, and the deeper the follow-up questions, presented in an interested and genuine way, the more you will learn about your colleague, spouse, boss, friend or new acquaintance. They will think you are wonderful and the extra knowledge will help you better pray for them as well as help and encourage them. • Build a solid spiritual relationship - This can be done by simply asking them about benign religious topics, progressing through such questions as: o Ask general questions about their life, family, or work. Follow up with more specific questions based on what they initially tell you. Show interest! Listen! o Go deeper, ask “What do you think about religious-based political issues such as Christian persecution?” Or “Does religion or the church help our culture?” o Ask their opinion about a challenging Bible verse, or a difficult doctrine like baptism or predestination. o Ask questions to help them based on everything that you have heard. Perhaps a question about the security of their salvation followed by an applicable verse such as in Ephesians 1:13-14 or 1 Peter 1:4-5. Perhaps they mention they struggle in their marriage and so you could take them to Ephesians 5:20-32. • Final step, biblical speech – Use the information that you have gathered about a person to consider how to help them with your speech. o How can you express specific commendation or thankfulness for them in their character or actions? o How can you encourage them in scripture? o How can you urge them to greater Christian growth or actions?

Summary, biblical speech is key to a functioning, effective, loving body of Christ.

Thanks for joining me today. Meet me here again next time as we discuss the truth and joy of God’s word and how it helps us live a fruitful and godly life.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research… Email - [email protected] Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

Is lordship part of the gospel?

We have been discussing why we share the gospel and how to share the gospel. What exactly is the gospel, anyways?

Teleios recently completed a survey about the gospel. We had 539 participants, of whom 64% were <30 years, and 85% evangelicals. In total 92% believed they were saved by grace through faith and 44% thought they could not lose this salvation. Full survey results can be viewed here - Salvation: What do you know about it?.

We asked participants, what were the elements of the gospel message they needed to transmit to an unbeliever. We were heartened to see that generally adolescents and young adults, when presented with a written text, agreed with the basic elements of the gospel which included: • 92% stated we should tell people that they had sinned • 83% agreed that this sin deserved punishment by a just and holy God • 92% indicated that God provided his Son, Jesus Christ as a perfect sacrifice for man’s sins that when accepted by faith, is the only provision needed for salvation (Romans 3:23-26, Ephesians 2:8-9).

However, 75% of participants noted that, although salvation was by grace, a person also needed to make Jesus lord of their life. In contrast, 17% said salvation was by grace alone.

How does one resolve the difference between the two statements that salvation is by grace, but also required making Jesus Lord of your life? This is a critical question. Let us see what scripture says: • Work/Grace combination - This scenario indicates that although salvation is by grace, we must work to make Christ Lord of our life while receiving more grace, allowing us to better submit to His lordship. This scenario is very close to Catholic dogma which indicates that we receive grace by the sacraments and work towards our salvation, receiving more grace as we do so, hopefully leading to salvation. There's no basis in scripture for this belief. • Make Jesus Lord - In this scenario, salvation is by grace, but we must make Jesus Lord of our life to maintain or prove salvation. Scripture clearly says that a true believer should show signs that Christ is Lord. This is the primary purpose of 1 John 2:4, giving tests that Christians can use to determine if someone is really a believer. Since we do not have access to the Book of Life up in heaven, while on earth we can be confident of a fellow believer’s salvation only by assessing the quality of their beliefs, obedience and love. Other scriptures also provide tests that we can use to assess others (Galatians 5:22; 1 Timothy 3). However, to say that we believe in salvation by grace, but we must work to make Jesus Lord of our life to prove and/or maintain salvation contradicts the security of our wonderful salvation in scripture on four levels. o Direct quotes - The Bible indicates we are secure (1 Peter 1:4-5; Romans 8:28-39; John 10:28-30). o Perseverance - God alone causes us to persevere, not us! It is out of our hands (2 Timothy 1:12-14; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). o Positions - We have unchangeable morphological and legal positions in Christ including being: justified, adopted, regenerated and sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:1-14; Romans 3:23-26; Romans 6:2-9). o Insult to Christ! - Not to believe in security denigrates Christ’s gracious death for us! Otherwise, His amazing gracious sacrifice was sufficient for all our sins for all time. Therefore, we are to ‘get over’ our past sins and leave behind the things of salvation. If we do not, and keep trying to prove ourselves worthy, we are saying to Christ that His sacrifice was insufficient and to sacrifice Himself again, putting Him to public shame. This is certainly very bad and scripture says as such (Hebrews 6:1-8; Hebrews 10:26-39). • Lordship comes from regeneration - This is a vital and underappreciated biblical point. When we believe at salvation the Holy Spirit enters us and regenerates us into a new person. The old person is dead and no longer functions to prove or disprove Jesus is Lord (Romans 6:2-9; Ephesians 2:4-7; Colossians 2:11-13). There is a new person created by God who then, and only then, can be obedient and do His works.

Therefore, lordship can only be proven by the old person, being saved by grace and regenerated into a new person, and is only then able to do the works of God by His grace (2 Timothy 2:1). The work of salvation, from His gracious choosing us to taking us home to heaven, is totally a work of God, to His deserved praise and glory, not our own. Accordingly, Teleios research has shown that people who believe in salvation by grace and in the security of their salvation report better wellbeing, anchored in the love of God and our eternal home.

Thank you for reading my blog today. Join me next week as we continue to evaluate scripture and its influence on our wellbeing.

THE GOSPEL - Be sure you are a Christian based on these biblical truths!

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 faith alone in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and belief in His resurrection, man can gain eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10, 3:21-26)

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research… Email - [email protected] Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

How to prepare to share the gospel!

We continue discussing how, as part of our Christian walk, we have the privilege to participate in God's plan for other people's lives, which can include sharing the gospel.

Teleios recently evaluated attitudes in sharing the gospel in young Christians. There were 457 total participants of whom about 2/3 each < 18 years of age, protestant and evangelical. More results can be seen here.

The results showed that these young Christians recognized the need to share their faith. However, many feared sharing the gospel generally, mostly because of social awkwardness, not knowing what to say, how to answer questions, and the contents of the Gospel itself.

In fact, verbally expressing the gospel to others was their fifth favorite way to share the plan of salvation (7%) whereas lifestyle, encouragement, praying and loving others were the preferred choices.

How then do we share the gospel without necessarily being a social outcast? This may not be easy to avoid always because Christ says that “they will hate us as they hated Him” (John 15:18-25). However, here are some tips that might help.

Mental preparation

Great message - Remember the Bible is true and good for anyone who hears it. What the world has to offer as a replacement god, for example humanism, statism, and atheism is hateful, bigoted, anti-freedom and very dark.

Don't be legalistic – Do not tell people the plan of salvation through guilt producing legalistic schemes.We have a great message which we can tell others with joy.

Don’t feel guilty - The epistles tell us to be obedient (just do it!) and does not mention guilt. We have the joy to tell others about salvation. It is the hearer’s responsibility to accept God’s message. Further, it is God Himself, not us by our efforts, who brings people to faith (John 6:44; John 16:8-11)

Learn the gospel - It is short and easy (Please see bottom of page).

Preparation to share

Plan - Most of us are too busy to remember this share the gospel. Therefore, think ahead of time about who might be responsive and plan an approach to tell them about salvation. I usually allow about 6-12 months to accomplish this goal.

Prepare the conversation - If you haven't already, take time to get to know the person with whom you wish to share the gospel. People generally like to speak about themselves. They want to know that you like and respect them. This means first listening to them about their life. Then ask questions about things that are important to them. Listen!

Bring God into the discussion - Over time, hen begin to ask how they were raised religiously, about church background, and what they think about God. Ultimately, you can ask them what they perceive their church teaches about Christ and what they believe about Christ. Our Savior is the key issue! At this point, you know what they think and their needs. You can then tailor-make your message to meet their needs. It can be as simple as after they tell you their beliefs about Christ, you can say ‘this is what scripture says is His message’, then simply tell them the plan of salvation.

Tell them the gospel - Be direct and do not be confusing. The gospel message is simple so be succinct. It ultimately requires a ‘yes/no’ response or ‘I'm thinking about it.’ Often, I will use the offer of a 4-week Bible study to discuss the claims of Christ and let them see it for themselves.

Follow-up - If the person with whom you are sharing accepts Christ as Savior, then follow up with them in a Bible study (such as in the book of Ephesians) or refer them to your church or somebody who can teach them. Make sure they have fellowship. Remember, it is God who causes a new believer to stand and it is not our work (Romans 14:4). So be responsible but don't be personally responsible. If they say no or if they're thinking about it, then follow up with them over weeks or months and ask them what they're thinking.

It’s a privilege to share the gospel and be a part of God's plan in people's lives, and to see its power to change lives!

THE GOSPEL - Be sure you are a Christian based on these biblical truths!

1.  Man sinned.

2.  God is just, requiring a punishment for sin.

3.  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.

4.  Therefore, by faith alone in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and belief in His resurrection, man can gain eternal life.

(Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10, 3:21-26)

Thanks for visiting and see you again next week.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email - [email protected]

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Do not fear sharing the gospel!

As part of our Christian walk, we have the privilege of being a part of God's plan for other people's lives, which, depending on the situation, includes sharing the gospel.

Teleios recently evaluated 370 midlife Christians from a Bible-believing church in the Midwest about their attitudes in telling others the plan of salvation. There was widespread hesitancy to share the gospel mostly because of social fear, not knowing what to say, nor how to answer objections. These church members opted for other perceived avenues to share the gospel such as lifestyle and invitations to church as opposed to explicitly stating the plan of salvation. More results from this study can be seen at https://teleiosresearch.com/explaining-the-gospel-and-wellbeing-among-christian-evangelicals/.

Teleios also evaluated the same type of questions in young Christians. There were 457 total participants of whom about 2/3 each < 18 years of age, protestant and evangelical. The results showed that young Christians recognize the need to share their faith with most doing so about once a year or once a month (62%) although some never tell others (17%). They indicated on average less fear in sharing the gospel (80%) or any aspect of their faith (53%) than their elders in the prior survey. However, they also seemed to have high levels of guilt for not sharing the gospel (96%) and thought they should tell others more (98%).

Like their older counterparts those who feared sharing the gospel generally did so because of social awkwardness, as well as not knowing what to say, how to answer questions and the contents of the Gospel itself. In fact, verbally expressing the gospel to others was their fifth favorite way to share the plan of salvation (7%) whereas lifestyle, encouragement, praying and loving others were the preferred choices. Importantly, almost all our participants (>90%) indicated the Bible is inerrant and true. More results from this study can be seen at https://teleiosresearch.com/young-christians-need-help-sharing-the-gospel/. 

The results of the survey are encouraging because it demonstrates there exists a young population of ardent evangelicals believe that the Bible is true, and that the gospel should be shared.

However, like their elders, young Christians have inhibitions in expressing the gospel and do not know its contents. The survey participants may be unfamiliar that scripture says for people to believe they explicitly must hear the gospel message (Romans 10:14-17). Otherwise, people are unable to interpret our love and lifestyle as knowing how to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. It takes a succinct verbal expression of the gospel for people to understand and believe (please see bottom of the page).

To the participants point, however, our lives must be framed in godliness (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12) to be an effective witness for Christ. But that life would be wasted if we cannot teach others how to become Christians.

For example, if your teacher stood before class and said nothing while living a good quiet life and then handed out a test, and you failed because you didn't know the information, you might be furious because she failed to teach you. Same with the gospel, our lifestyle just doesn't teach what God intended and we need to say it.

Another vital point from the survey, believers saved by grace through Christ should not feel guilt. Those forgiven have no reason for guilt and there is no injunction in the Bible to suffer with it.

At the Teleios Foundation we believe the Bible is true instruction to salvation and healthy lives. What we offer to society is correct and true. In contrast, what the world offers through globalism, humanism, communism, identity and statist politics cannot match the glory and the benefits from of our blessed Savior. We should not recoil from the world but realize what we have is good for our family, friends and society.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Next week and we will discuss ways to share the gospel and avoid those awkward fearful emotions. Please join us then!

THE GOSPEL - Be sure you are a Christian based on these biblical truths!

1.  Man sinned.

2.  God is just, requiring a punishment for sin.

3.  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.

4.  Therefore, by faith alone in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and belief in His resurrection, man can gain eternal life.

(Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10, 3:21-26)

Thanks for visiting and see you again next week.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email - [email protected]

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

Should you tithe?

Welcome back to my blog. I am glad you are here. The topic of tithing to the church can be a difficult one. To investigate young believers’ beliefs over this fascinating issue we conducted a survey of which 548 persons completed. Participants were: 80% female, 82% evangelical, and 85% <40 years of age. See full report here Tithing: What young believers believe? How the participants tithed is described in Table 1.

Further, 82% said that missions or parachurch organizations could receive part of their tithe while 60% indicated material possessions or time could be part of their tithe. Table 2 addresses the participant’s biblical basis of their tithing.

Tithing is a concept introduced in the Old Testament law and refers to 10% of gains in crops and herds be given to the use of God (Numbers 18:24-28; Deuteronomy 12:6-12; Deuteronomy 14:22-28). One prior mention of tithing stretches back to Genesis 14 in Abraham's tithe to King Melchizedek after his great victory over the Mesopotamians.

Tithing is not mentioned in the New Testament epistles for the church. Importantly, Christ said He is the end of the Old Testament law (Romans 10:4). Therefore, the law has been discontinued and does not govern the church; Christians do not have to follow it (Hebrews 7:12-22).

The New Testament does state (2 Corinthians 9:7), however, everyone should choose to give to God’s work, without sorrow, because God loves those who give joyfully! The Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:8) provides us an example when he states that he counts all things loss for Christ. Importantly, everything we do as Christians is done by faith, including the extent and manner of giving (Romans 14:23).

Many who adhere to Reformed Theology believe the church was mysteriously present in the Old Testament and so we must obey the law, including tithing. However, no one obeys all the law, so its practical application is selective and inconsistent. If the church was present in the Old Testament, it is not mentioned specifically, it existed spiritually and here was certainly not a church structure that required a tithe.

In summary, tithing is based in the Old Testament law which New Testament believers are not required to obey because they follow Christ. In contrast, we have the opportunity to serve Christ with all our mental and physical possessions, in faith, as guided by the New Testament and prayer (1 Timothy 4:4-5).

Thanks for visiting and see you again next week.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research… Email - [email protected] Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/