Ernie Baker

Dr. Baker,

Thank you so much for writing this! you presented many of the questions that I had regarding the subject. I have been thinking about it for a long time, and your answer was very helpful. I’m still trying to grasp this truth. I can’t believe that God does that for us!

Very encouraging, well said !, Something i will re-visit !

I don’t know why the Lord allows it, I just know it is happening more and more in America because we are so into liberty-our freedom-and have thrown away the need to submit fully to God, and each other, in order for His power to show up and make a real difference in our lives, churches, and nation.

Hi Ernie, I really appreciated your theological reflections. As a mediator in church conflicts it’s helpful and encouraging to have others think deeply about why God allows seemingly contradictory things to happen.

In response to the question,  “How can biblical counseling be more evangelistic?”, I’ve found that some of the most challenging and rewarding counseling I’ve been called on to do provides opportunity to show unbelievers how the how the gospel of Jesus shines divine light upon their darkness and confusion.  They must be helped to understand that seeking answers apart from the gospel is like staggering around in the darkness groping for relief that only results in more hardship and pain - much like people after a midnight earthquake will frantically crawl in the dark across broken glass trying to get out of their house.   The gospel alone provides light because it reveals the root problems involved, promises supernatural power for internal change through Christ, and doesn’t shy away from the complexities of sin in all of it’s manifestations. 

After giving these kinds of folks an opportunity to share with me what’s troubling them I pray for a gracious and compassionate way to ask them a question to the effect, “Did you know that the problems you’re experiencing are precisely the kinds of things you should expect to experience if you believe that the Bible is true?”  That usually opens the door for me to demonstrate from Scripture that sin in all of its dimensions is what alerts us to the problem of our inherent estrangement from God.  Then by building a solid bridge from their suffering and need to the divine provisions in the gospel I can offer them true hope.   It’s not a quick-fix false promise that ignores the complications and entanglements of sin, but one that offers assurance that by addressing the core heart issues involved, a number of the complicating relational and practical issues will solve themselves.    

Certainly, I’ve found many challenges to evangelistic counseling, not the least of which is the fact that most often men and women without Christ are driven to us merely as a last resort to find some kind of relief from their problems - not the radical reorientation and renovation of their life by Jesus!  Most folks just want advice on how to clear away the broken glass and debris after the earthquake so they can become comfortable once again crawling around in their darkness.  

Thank you, Ernie for your ministry to the biblical counseling community and for your ministry to me.  Keep shining His light!

And by the way, here’s a picture of a puppy just for you.