CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet
by CCEF
How do the treasures of Scripture connect with the troubles of life? As Christians, we have the privilege and challenge of exploring this question. Join CCEF faculty as they consider how Scripture meets us in day-to-day life, covering topics such as anxiety, grief, relationships, and more.Where Life & Scripture Meet is a biblical counseling podcast from the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation, which seeks to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. Learn more at ccef.org.
Episodes
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People-Pleasing & the Fear of Man
We all want to be loved, accepted, and approved of by others. But when that desire becomes something we need in order to be okay, it can begin to shape our relationships, decisions, and even our obedience to God. In this episode, Gunner Gundersen sits down with Ed Welch and Mike Emlet to revisit...
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When Work Feels Meaningless
When work feels repetitive, fruitless, or disconnected from our gifts, it's easy to wonder whether it really matters. In this episode, Gunner Gundersen talks with CCEF colleagues Lauren Whitman, Darby Strickland, and Todd Stryd about why even good work can feel meaningless. They explore how the...
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Envy: What Our Hearts Truly Desire
Comparison and envy are such ordinary parts of human experience that we often barely notice them. But what do they reveal about our hearts, and how do they affect our relationships with God and others? In this episode, Gunner Gundersen is joined by Ed Welch and Aaron Sironi to explore how envy...
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Biblical Counseling Engages with the Voices Around Us
How should biblical counselors engage secular psychology and the many other voices seeking to understand human desires and motivations? In this final episode of our seven-part series on CCEF's distinctives, Gunner Gundersen is joined by Jonathan Holmes, Dr. Mike Emlet, and Dr. Todd Stryd to…
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Care & Counsel Are Pastoral & at Home in the Church
What makes the local church the natural home for biblical counseling? In part 6 of our 7-part series on CCEF's distinctives, Gunner Gundersen is joined by Jonathan Holmes and Ed Welch to discuss why care and counsel are pastoral and at home in the church. Together they explore the beauty of...
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Help & Change Follow a Path, but Not a Script
In this fifth episode of our series exploring CCEF's seven distinctives, Gunner Gundersen is joined by Jonathan Holmes, Darby Strickland, and Lauren Whitman to discuss our fifth distinctive: "Help and change follow a path, but not a script." Together they explore the importance of dependence on…
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Our Hearts Are Active
Our circumstances, emotions, and relationships all shape us, but they don't define us. At the center of who we are is something deeper: the heart. In this fourth episode of our series exploring CCEF's seven distinctives, Gunner Gundersen is joined by Jonathan Holmes and Esther Liu to discuss what...
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We Are Embodied Souls Shaped by a World of Influences
Our bodies, relationships, culture, suffering, work, spiritual battles, and life experiences all shape us in significant ways. Yet none of these influences alone defines who we are. As image bearers created by God, we are embodied souls who live before him, responding to both blessings and...
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Scripture Comes from the Mouth of God
CCEF's second distinctive states: "Scripture comes from the mouth of God." But what does that mean for everyday ministry, counseling, and relationships? In this episode, Gunner Gundersen is joined by Jonathan Holmes and Aaron Sironi to discuss how God's Word does more than provide answers—it…
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The Personal God Gets Personal with Us
In this first episode of a new seven-part series on CCEF's distinctives, Gunner Gundersen sits down with Ed Welch and Jonathan Holmes to discuss the first distinctive: "The personal God gets personal with us." Together, they reflect on how Scripture presents a God who draws near to his people…
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Unity in Marriage: Lessons from Philippians (Part 2)
Some of the most formative marriage counsel isn't found in a book, a technique, or a counseling session, but rather it comes from watching another couple walk faithfully with Jesus over time. In part two of this conversation, CCEF's Gunner Gundersen and Aaron Sironi explore Paul's surprising...
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Unity in Marriage: Lessons from Philippians (Part 1)
What if some of the most important biblical passages for your marriage don't explicitly talk about husbands and wives? In this episode, Gunner Gundersen and Aaron Sironi explore how the book of Philippians offers a powerful framework for navigating conflict and cultivating unity in marriage. They...
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The Art of Mentoring
What does it mean to mentor someone well? In this episode, Gunner Gundersen sits down with CCEF faculty member Todd Stryd to explore mentoring as a long-term, relational investment that shapes both the mentee and the mentor. Together, they discuss how mentoring provides clarity, fosters growth...
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A Conversation with Jonathan Holmes: CCEF's Executive Director
"We're excited to announce Jonathan Holmes as our new Executive Director! In this episode, Gunner interviews Jonathan about his journey into biblical counseling, his background, and his vision for CCEF. They discuss the importance of counseling in the church, the founding of Fieldstone…
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The Beauty and Burden of Caregiving: A Personal Story (Part 2)
In this episode of Where Life and Scripture Meet, host Gunner Gundersen continues his conversation with CCEF faculty member Mike Emlet about caring for aging parents. Building on the previous episode, Mike reflects on the blessings and burdens of caring for his mother during her final season of...
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The Beauty and Burden of Caregiving: A Personal Story (Part 1)
In this episode of Where Life and Scripture Meet, host Gunner Gundersen sits down with Dr. Mike Emlet to reflect on his recent experience caring for his aging mother during the final years of her life. Mike shares about his mom, "Mim" — her vibrant faith, her lifelong commitment to the local...
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Life Together in Christ: Why Union with Jesus Changes Our Relationships
What does it mean to be united to Christ—and how does that shape the way we relate to others? In this episode, Gunner Gundersen, Esther Liu, and Darby Strickland explore the doctrine of union with Christ and its deeply practical impact on everyday relationships. If our truest relationship is...
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Revitalizing a Stagnant Marriage: Connection & Intentionality
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the often overlooked issue of stagnant marriages, exploring the subtle signs of disconnection and the importance of intentionality and spiritual friendship in marriage. They emphasize the need for curiosity and community support, as well as the difference...
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Understanding Grief: A Journey Through Loss
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the complex nature of lingering grief, exploring how it manifests in various ways. They share personal stories and insights on how grief can resurface during life milestones. They emphasize the importance of community support in navigating grief, as well as…
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Walking Through Life Transitions & Embracing Change
In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the topic of life transitions, sharing personal stories and insights on common struggles, temptations, and opportunities that arise during these changes. They discuss the importance of recognizing God's presence and providence through both big and small...
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The Beauty of Adoption into God's Family
In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the profound doctrine of adoption into God's family, discussing its theological significance and personal implications. Our hosts reflect on their own experiences and the relational significance of understanding God as a loving Father. They discuss how we…
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Biblical Self-Examination: Involving God & Others
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the importance of self-examination. They explore how self-examination is not merely a self-focused endeavor but a process that involves God and others. The conversation highlights the benefits of self-examination, including personal growth, awareness of one's...
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How to Grow in Patience
In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the multifaceted nature of patience. From personal anecdotes to biblical insights, listen as they delve into why patience is challenging, how it can lead to profound personal growth, and practical ways to develop patience in challenging situations. They…
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Understanding & Cultivating Forgiveness
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the complexity of forgiveness. They address common misconceptions, the true meaning of forgiveness, the challenges we all face, and how to cultivate a forgiving spirit. They also emphasize the importance of understanding forgiveness as Christians…
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Cultivating Gratitude: A Christian Perspective
In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the topic of cultivating gratitude as a Christian. They discuss practical ways to foster gratitude in daily life, the challenges posed by a discontented culture, and the importance of perspective. They emphasize the coexistence of gratitude and sorrow, the...
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Progressive Sanctification: Understanding Our Union with Christ
In this episode, Gunner Gundersen, Darby Strickland, and Esther Liu discuss the process of progressive sanctification. They explore its meaning and implications, and how it plays out in the lives of believers. How does our union and relationship with Christ serve as the foundation for our...
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Finding Faith When God Seems Silent
In this episode, CCEF faculty Gunner Gundersen, Esther Liu, and Darby Strickland discuss the often painful experience of feeling that God is silent. They explore the emotional turmoil and spiritual distress that accompanies this silence, particularly during prolonged suffering, and how it can…
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Navigating the Chaos in a Culture of Busyness
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the pervasive issue of busyness. They explore how busyness can often be a form of suffering, how our misguided desires can exacerbate the experience, and how the Lord's compassion makes a difference. They discuss why it's hard to say no to good things and the...
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Loneliness: How to Find Connection in a Disconnected World
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the different ways we can experience loneliness, particularly within church community. They explore the importance of recognizing and addressing these emotions, as well as finding ways to move toward those on the margins. They consider some helpful practices...
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Navigating the Complexity of Church Relationships
In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the challenges and expectations that come with church relationships. They discuss the importance of clear communication, understanding different personalities, and the role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful connections. They emphasize how our future…
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Finding Ways to Engage with the Bible
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the common struggle of engaging with Scripture, especially during difficult seasons. They consider God's patience and gracious intent for our Scripture reading, what it means to engage with the Word even when we don't hunger for it, and creative ways to…
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Overcoming Discouragement: The Role of Scripture, Community & Endurance
In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss discouragement and its various dimensions. They emphasize the importance of language in articulating discouragement and how honest expression can lead to deeper conversations with God. The conversation also delves into scriptural insights that provide hope…
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Anxiety & the Body: Understanding the Physical Aspects of Anxiety
In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the interplay between anxiety and the body, discussing personal experiences and insights. They consider the impact of past experiences on anxiety responses, the significance of community, and practical strategies for navigating anxiety in the moment.…
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God & Anxiety: Turning to Him for a Deeper Connection
In this episode, CCEF faculty share personal experiences of anxiety and consider how it manifests in many different ways. They share insights from Scripture and talk about how anxiety is a continual opportunity for conversation with the Lord. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the CCEF…
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Finding Hope in Psalms of Lament
In this episode, CCEF faculty share personal experiences and insights on how psalms of lament provide a framework for expressing sorrow and confusion, emphasizing the importance of honesty in prayer. The conversation explores the difference between lamenting and grumbling, highlighting the...
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[NEW] Navigating Conflict: Insights from Biblical Counseling
We're excited to be back with a new edition of the podcast! Join Alasdair Groves, Esther Liu, Gunner Gundersen, and Darby Strickland twice a month, on every 1st and 3rd Monday, as they discuss various topics, always seeking to bring the riches of Scripture to bear on the complexities of life. In...
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Replay: When You Can't Sleep
"We have a God who loves, cares, and knows, and I can rest utterly in the hope that he will be with me, he will walk with me, and he will provide. He will care for every last moment of my day tomorrow as I am exhausted." Do you ever have nights where you can't sleep? Whatever the reason may be,...
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Daily Bread: Today's Strength for Anxious People
Would you consider donating to CCEF to help us continue to provide the church with resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life? You can give at ccef.org/donate. Today's episode is a session from our national conference a few years ago on anxiety. This session is by Ed...
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Replay: Seasonal Depression
Today's episode is a rerun of an episode we released a couple years ago titled "Seasonal Depression." We hope it's an encouragement to you as we enter the winter season.
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Created to Do Good Work
Today's episode is a free session from the 2024 National Conference: Rest. The session is by Aaron Sironi and is titled "Created to Do Good Work." It considers the goodness of work and how it relates to rest in the cycle and rhythm of our lives. You can find more audio from our rest conference at...
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Replay: Negative Emotions (Part 2)
Today's episode is a rerun of an episode we released a few years ago titled "Negative Emotions: Part 2." We re-released Part 1 last month, so you can go back and listen to that if you haven't yet. In this episode, we continue to consider how we should think biblically about negative emotions.
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Sample Lecture: Pursue & Know People
Today's episode is an audio lecture from one of our online courses, Helping Relationships, which is taught by Ed Welch. This lecture is titled "Pursue & Know People" and it covers one of the foundational ideas to this course and to all of biblical counseling: that we aim to know people well and...
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Replay: Negative Emotions (Part 1)
Today's episode is a rerun of an episode we released a few years ago titled "Negative Emotions: Part 1." In it, I consider some common questions: Is it okay for Christians to feel really bad? Is it okay for Christians to get upset and feel terrible, to be angry, or sad, or afraid? How do we…
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Created to Draw Near: Beyond Devotional Doldrums
Today's episode is a session from our 2020 National Conference: Created to Draw Near. The session is by Mike Emlet and is titled "Beyond Devotional Doldrums: Using Scripture and Prayer to Foster Intimacy with God." Emlet discusses some practices to faithfully and creatively engage in Scripture...
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Replay: Rest
This fall we're taking a longer break from the podcast while we work on a new format with more frequent episodes. We're excited to launch that in 2025! In the meantime, we'll be sharing some previously released resources with you. Today's episode is a rerun of an episode we released a few years…
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Trauma: When Death Intrudes by Ed Welch (Bonus Episode)
Enjoy a bonus episode while we're on break over the summer! This episode is a recording of Ed Welch's plenary session from the 2023 National Conference: Trauma. This year's national conference will explore the topic of rest: a foundational way of living out the Christian life that can only be...
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Answering Your Questions on Emotions
In this last episode of our miniseries on emotions, Alasdair Groves answers 11 questions submitted by our listeners. We hope these answers are edifying to you! You can read a transcript of this episode here. Mentioned in this episode: We're excited to be doing a giveaway of some CCEF-branded…
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Jesus & Happiness
Is it okay to be happy? Was Jesus happy? Are you happy? Listen as Alasdair Groves considers these three questions. This is episode 5 in a miniseries on emotions, where we are considering how to understand Jesus's emotions and how that helps us understand our own. Mentioned in this episode: we...
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New Podcast: Introducing the CCEF Blogcast
Today we're excited to share with you a recent project we've been working on. We started a new podcast called the CCEF Blogcast, where CCEF faculty read their own blogs. We hope you enjoy this special episode as Ed Welch reads his blog, "Become a Psalmist." For more content like this, check out…
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Jesus & Anger
How can understanding Jesus' emotions help us understand our own? Listen as Alasdair Groves focuses on one particular emotion which Jesus felt: anger, which we see in Scripture is often directed at the things that turn people away from him. "Jesus is angry about anything that pulls his people…
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About this show
How do the treasures of Scripture connect with the troubles of life? As Christians, we have the privilege and challenge of exploring this question. Join CCEF faculty as they consider how Scripture meets us in day-to-day life, covering topics such as anxiety, grief, relationships, and more.Where Life & Scripture Meet is a biblical counseling podcast from the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation, which seeks to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. Learn more at ccef.org.
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