LIVING FAITH BIBLE INSTITUTE

Compulsive behavior is the product of ones need to establish a sense of control amidst all their anxious thoughts. Obsessive compulsion is fairly common — the National Institute of Mental Health say 2.3% of adults struggle with OCD in their lifetime. Many people get stuck in cycles of excessive and irrational performance BUT what if I told you that oftentimes spirituality and religion can exacerbate these tendencies? 

Scrupulosity—often called religious OCD—is a quiet struggle in many churches, where sincere Christians feel stuck in constant guilt and fear. They worry they’re never doing enough for God, replaying thoughts and prayers over and over just to feel “safe.” Instead of resting in Christ, they live exhausted and unsure. It looks like devotion on the outside, but inside it’s a trap of fear that steals joy and confidence. On today’s show, we hope to shine a light on this often-misunderstood battle to better understand how the gospel frees people from the weight of compulsive religion and leads them back into real peace with Christ.

To guide us through this important conversation, we’re joined by Jonathan Kindler, biblical counselor, faculty professor at LFBI and host of the Sound Mind podcast.

Nehemiah 3 is not the kind of chapter most people linger on. It is a list of names, gates, and construction notes that we are all tempted to skim. But if we look close enough, tucked inside those overlooked details is one of the most vivid portraits of the Christian life found anywhere in Scripture. The walls, gates, and towers surrounding ancient Jerusalem serve as a roadmap for spiritual growth, personal boundaries, evangelism, restoration, and the lifelong journey of walking with Christ. 

In today’s episode pastor Greg Axe of Crest Bible Church joins us to unpack how this “boring chapter” becomes a practical, convicting, and hope-filled blueprint for every believer wanting to build, rebuild, or strengthen their life in Christ. Greg Axe is author of several great books—including this recently released one called This is Your Life: A Study of Nehemiah Chapter 3 The Walls and Gates and Towers of Jerusalem.

And don't forget to catch this week's episode of SoundMind!

Hello Students,

As you wrap up your final assignments and submit your exams, we want to pause and say thank you for another wonderful semester. It is truly a privilege to invest in you, and we pray that what you’ve learned will have a lasting impact on your life and ministry.

As you finish strong, please take a few moments to complete your course surveys. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue refining and strengthening our classes. We would also be grateful if you’d consider leaving Living Faith Bible Institute a review on Google—this helps others discover LFBI and supports the work God is doing here.

Spring course enrollment is now open, and we’re excited about the upcoming semester and its offerings. We encourage you to secure your place and continue the journey.

Finally, we invite you to join us—either in person or online—for the Mission Focus Conference. God has used this conference powerfully to stir hearts and clarify calling, and this year we will also be celebrating our LFBI graduates.

We love you and are deeply thankful for each of you. Thank you for an incredible semester.

—LFBI Team

Hello LFBI Students,

We are praying about scheduling another LFBI Discovery Israel trip/tour over the 2026 Thanksgiving holiday. It would be 10 days with an itinerary very similar to past tours. Could you help us? We are trying to see the level of interest for such a trip. 

Please help us by filling out and submitting this form. Your information will not be shared.

As far as safety goes, here’s our travel agents input. (She has family in Israel and was in Jerusalem when the war started, and visits often.) “I do understand the concern because the media does not let go.  Since June, when the war with Iran ended, the life in Israel is 100% back to normal. Groups have been touring Israel since June! All airlines have resumed their operation, and the number of daily flights has significantly increased! That’s a very good sign because airlines do not take a chance! I’m talking about big groups that our operator in Israel has been handling (from Los Angeles (300 people!), Chicago, Florida, Boston, NY, and NJ.) Our operator is telling me that many groups are arriving from Europe, China, Nigeria. and more.  My conclusion is that many feel confident to travel regardless of the news and some don’t. 

The Hamas won’t stay in power! Yesterday the Israeli news stated that many Hamas terrorists requested to leave Gaza (after signing they won’t deal with terror.) Most of them left for Qatar. The army is getting more requests to let more of them go. So, while the media shows “drama”, in real life things are different. I think it will take time to settle the agreement, but it will happen. The Arab world won’t let Hamas stay there in power! Israel and the US won’t accept that either.

As for our company: we have a group booked for March and all.  Other group requests are for September through early December. I hope this gives you a better idea.”

Thank you,

The LFBI Team

Many Christians are also successful businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the corporate world. A good portion of these people steward their gifts and influence within their communities to advance the mission of Christ through their work. 

Navigating business ownership can be overwhelming, and without a clear foundation many believers simply adopt the patterns and the philosophies of the world around them. Today's conversation is about recovering a distinctly biblical way of building a business, one rooted in wisdom, integrity, stewardship, and the character of God himself. Whether you're running a small side hustle or leading a growing company, Scripture offers practical principles that speak directly to leadership, culture, planning, and the everyday decisions that shape a business.

To help us unpack all of this, we are joined by Eric Phillips, who serves as the praise and worship pastor at Midtown Baptist Temple and has spent years working in the secular business world in sales strategy and leadership. He is here to discuss his new book, Building Business Biblically, and to help us think wisely about what it means to build a business that honors Christ.

Visit https://www.lfbi.org/books to purchase Building Business Biblically by Eric Phillips

And don't forget to catch this week's episode of SoundMind!