Scripture-grounded guides, recommended reading, and practical tools for every season of life — curated by the Soul Therapy team at St. John MBC.
Browse the topical guides below. Each one addresses a specific struggle through the lens of Scripture — from anxiety and grief to addiction and broken relationships.
Each guide includes a biblical framework, key passages, and reflection questions designed to bring the Word of God to bear on the specific issue you are facing.
Resources are a starting point. If you find yourself needing more, our counseling team is here — ready to walk with you in a confidential, Christ-centered setting.
No resource replaces the care of a trained biblical counselor. Request an appointment and let the Soul Therapy team come alongside you in your journey.
These guides are not a substitute for counseling — they are an invitation to bring every struggle to the Word of God, where true and lasting transformation begins.
A note from Dr. Alfred: These resources are designed to point you to Scripture, not away from it. Read them with your Bible open. Let the Word do its work. And if you need someone to walk with you, we are here.
Scripture speaks directly to the anxious heart — not with platitudes, but with the living reality of God's sovereignty and care. This guide walks through what the Bible says about worry, fear, and the peace that surpasses understanding.
Depression is real — and the Bible does not pretend otherwise. From the lament psalms to Elijah under the juniper tree, Scripture meets the suffering soul with honesty and hope. This guide explores the biblical path through darkness.
Grief is not a sign of weak faith — it is the evidence of love. This guide walks through the biblical theology of lament, the comfort of the resurrection, and how the people of God mourn with hope.
Addiction is a spiritual struggle that requires more than willpower — it requires a new object of worship. This guide examines the heart dynamics behind addictive behavior and the sufficiency of the Gospel for lasting freedom.
God designed marriage to display the covenant love of Christ and the church. This guide addresses communication, conflict, forgiveness, and the biblical vision for a covenant marriage — both for thriving couples and those in crisis.
God entrusts parents with the formative years of the next generation. This guide addresses parenting challenges, blended families, conflict between generations, and the biblical vision for a home that honors God.
Unforgiveness is one of the most common roots of emotional suffering. This guide examines what biblical forgiveness is — and is not — and how the Gospel empowers us to extend to others the grace we ourselves have received.
Anger is not always sin — but it often leads there. This guide explores the biblical distinction between righteous indignation and sinful anger, and practical steps toward the self-control the Spirit produces in the believer.
Many of life's deepest struggles trace back to a disordered sense of identity. This guide grounds the believer in the biblical truth of who they are in Christ — and how that identity reshapes every other area of life.
Money is one of the most common sources of anxiety and conflict. This guide addresses financial stress through a biblical theology of stewardship, contentment, and trust in God's provision.
Loneliness is a spiritual crisis as much as a social one. This guide examines the biblical design for community, the comfort of God's presence, and practical steps toward genuine connection in the body of Christ.
God does not waste our suffering. This guide explores the biblical theology of trials — how God uses them for growth, what it means to count it all joy, and how to hold on to hope in the darkest seasons.
These books have been vetted by our counseling team for theological soundness and practical value. They are tools — always to be read alongside Scripture, never as a substitute for it.
A foundational text on how God uses ordinary people to bring lasting change to one another through the Word.
FoundationCenters all biblical counseling in the Gospel — ensuring that Christ and His finished work remain at the heart of care.
Gospel-CenteredAddresses the fear of man — one of the most pervasive roots of anxiety, people-pleasing, and emotional suffering.
Anxiety & FearA grace-filled, Gospel-centered guide for those who have experienced abuse and sexual trauma — bringing the redemption of Christ to the deepest wounds.
Trauma & HealingA compassionate, biblically grounded exploration of depression that takes both the spiritual and physical dimensions of suffering seriously.
DepressionPractical, Gospel-centered guidance for couples navigating conflict, communication, and the hard work of covenant love.
MarriageResources are a starting point. If you're ready to speak with a trained biblical counselor, we're here — at no cost, with compassion and confidentiality.
Questions? Call 661-324-5683 or email stjohnbakersfield@gmail.com