September 6th

Sent, Not Simply Leaving

Chaplain David McIlvaine


  • Sometimes faith means trusting God with the next step. Proverbs 3:5-6 & Proverbs 16:9
  • A new job can be a new place of calling. Colossians 3:23
  • This church has been a part of my calling. Philippians 1:3
  • There is a time and a season for everything. Ecclesiastes 3:1
  • Leaving doesn't mean abandoning. Continue to pray for us as we pray for New Bridge. 
  • The calling of a chaplain is to walk with people.
  • Don't be afraid of what comes next. Isaiah 41:10
  • What I hope to take with us: memories, friendships, lessons learned, prayer and encouragements. Colossians 3:12
  • Conclusion: Romans 15:13 - Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

August 30th

1 & 2 Samuel

A Study in Godly Leadership


The Importance of an Exit Plan

(Developing the Leaders who with follow after you)

1 Kings 1:1-40


  • Every Godly leader's time is limited. (v 1)
  • When Godly leaders fail to empower Godly successors, then ungodly ones will attempt to take control. (v 5-10)
  • A Godly leader should always be open to the advice of other Godly leaders regarding the character of those who follow. (v 11-27)
  • When a Godly leader is ready to hand over decision-making responsibilities, he/she should go all in. (v 28-40)

August 23rd

1 & 2 Samuel

A Study in Godly Leadership


The Problem with Passive Parenting

2 Samuel 13-14


We cannot:

  • Confuse anger over sin with discipline for sin. (v 13:21) David got angry but did nothing. Godly discipline seeks restoration.
  • Assume that isolation leads to restoration. (v 14:24,28)
  • Expect our children to hold to a higher standard than we do ourselves. (v 13:11-14
  • Make our children's pleasure the ultimate goal. (1 Kings 1:6)
  • Assume that our parental responsibilities are over once our children reach adulthood. 

Depression 

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 1


Who gets depressed? Everyone-all ages, races, education and economic status


Do faithful believers gets depressed? YES

Elijah-1 Kings 19:4, 9-10

Jeremiah-Lamentations 3:1-18

Job-Job 10:18-22

David-Psalm 38:6-8

Solomon-Ecclesiastes 1:1-7


Depression-a disturbance of mood that interfers with daily life and normal functioning for a length of time from weeks to years.  Depression is an illness that affects the total person - physically, emotionally & spiritually


Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Americans live with mental health conditions
  • 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men
  • 50% of all lifetime mental health issues by age 14 & 75% by age 24
  • covid triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of mental health issues

Characteristcs:

  • Melancoly mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
  • Felling of guilt or worthlessness
  • Withdraw from people who are close to you
  • Lack of energy; feeling tired all the time
  • Become easily angered, anxious or irritable
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Pessimism and indifference
  • Significant change in sleep patterns
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Aches and pains that hove no apparent medical cause
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Some Causes of Depression:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Lack of intimacy with God and sin
  • The stresses of life
  • Medical changes
  • Giving birth
  • Seasonal changes
  • Alcohol and drugs

*The biggest issue in dealing with depression is getting people to recognize that you might need help.*


God wants us to be well

and whole!

Jeremiah 33:3

James 5:13-14, 16

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 86:5-7

Series

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 2

No one is immune from depression!


Physical vs Spiritual

Physical - Depression is treated with medicine

Spiritual -  Depression is a made up condition "All in your head/ need to get right with God."


The following words are not found in Scripture: depressed/ depression, cancer, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

Medicine - 4 times in Scripture

Doctor - 3 times

Physician - 12 times (NT-Jesus)


Depression is a medical condition that affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.


Where to turn:

  • The Lord (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 147:3
  • General Practitioner
  • OB/GYN
  • Counselors
  • Pastor
  • Psychiasrist-Diagnosis/ treatment of mental health disorders & gives out prescriptions/medications

Many of the characteristics of depression can be side effects of the medical issues.


The Road to Healing

  1. Admit your need.  (1 Peter 5:6-7) This is the one problem that pastors deal with.  Admitting that you may be depressed is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of being frail and human.
  2. Seek qualified medical assiatance. (Luke 5:31)
  3. Seek the Lord's guidance. (James 4:8, 10)
  4. Seek Godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21)

Notes

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 3


Help for the Helpers


Learn about Depression 

2 Timothy 2:15

  • Know the signs
  • Realize the different thought patterns of those with depression. *Positive thinking doesn't work because of chemical changes in their brain.

Encourage treatment  

Hebrews 10:24-25

  • Talk to the person about what you've seen and why you are concerned.
  • Emphasize the possible underlying medical condition.
  • Express your willingness to help (but only if you are able).

Warning signs of worsening  Philippians 2:4

  •  Important: Everyone is different.
  • Typical signs of depression in your family member/friend
  • Behaviors/language when they are doing well
  • Changing circumstances that could trigger more severe episodes

If you see signs...

-Encourage contact with a doctor/ psychatrist.

-Encourage/implement self-care steps.


Recognize suicide risks 

1 Peter 5:8

  • Talking about suicide/ death/not being here
  • Withdrawal
  • Increased usage of drugs/alcohol
  • Giving away things/ setting affairs in order/ saying "Goodbye"

If you see signs...

-Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

-Seek help. DO NOT KEEP SILENT! Call the doctor. Call family/friends. Call 911.


Provide support

  • Listen/be available
  • Give positive reinforcement
  • Encourage to stick with treatment
  • Make plans together
  • Help them stay connected with church family

Finally: BE PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13:4

Galatians 5:22