Latest Blog Articles & Podcast Episodes
Indecision Is a Decision: Why Delay Is Never Neutral By David M. Tyler, PhD Over the years, I have counseled many people who knew what they needed to do but could not bring themselves to do it. They would say, “I need more time.” Or, “I just want to be certain.” Sometimes they were waiting for peace. Sometimes they wanted another opinion. Sometimes they hoped circumstances would change so that the decision would become easier. There are certainly times when waiting is wise. Scripture commends careful thought, prayer, wise counsel, and discernment. We should not confuse impulsiveness with faith. But there [...]
Featured Excerpt Modern culture treats desire as identity and impulse as authority. Scripture makes a crucial distinction modern psychology rejects: the body influences behavior, but it does not define the self. Jesus calls His followers not to express every impulse, but to rule them in obedience to God. Man and the Idea of Self-Expression The True Self, Sin, and the Gospel Answer to Self-Expression Part 2 David M Tyler, PhD This article continues the argument developed in Part 1, Man and the Idea of Self-Expression, where I examine how modern culture treats desire as identity and impulse as authority, [...]
Man and the Idea of Self-Expression A Biblical Critique of a Popular Philosophy Part 1 By David M Tyler, PhD Featured Excerpt Self-expression did not begin with psychology. It began with the serpent’s lie that obedience to God is suppression and self-assertion is freedom. Introduction Modern culture praises self-expression as essential to mental health, authenticity, and personal freedom. To suppress one’s desires is said to be harmful, even immoral. But Scripture tells a very different story. The Bible traces the idea of self-expression not to human flourishing, but to human rebellion. To understand the danger of this philosophy, we must [...]
📌 Featured Excerpt Are men and women equal in the Bible?Scripture answers clearly: yes. Men and women are equal in dignity, value, and standing before God because both are created in His image. At the same time, Scripture teaches that God created men and women different by design and gave them distinct responsibilities. Biblical equality does not require sameness. Are Men and Women Equal in the Bible? A Clear Answer from Scripture Are men and women equal in the Bible?Scripture answers clearly: both are created in the image of God, equally valued, and essential to His design. For a deeper [...]
✅ FEATURED EXCERPT In a culture drowning in confusion and contradiction, Christians must learn to think clearly. This article explains the three basic laws of logic, shows how they reflect God’s character, and demonstrates why clear thinking is essential for biblical counseling, discipleship, and everyday Christian living. Understanding the Laws of Logic: A Biblical Guide to Clear Thinking in a Confused World by David M Tyler, PhD Clear thinking seems to be in short supply today. Feelings often override facts. Personal experience is treated as greater than truth. Culture tells us that everyone can “create their own reality,” and anyone [...]
Is Compatibility Important in Marriage? By David M Tyler, PhD Introduction: A Popular but Misleading Idea Modern marriage advice often centers on the idea of compatibility. People are told to look for someone who shares their interests, personality type, education, background, or emotional temperament. The assumption is simple: if two people are naturally compatible, the marriage will be harmonious. But Scripture paints a very different picture. While studies may show that people of similar economic, social, or educational backgrounds tend to get along more easily, these external similarities are not what make a marriage biblical, or lasting. In fact, some [...]
Married to an Unbeliever By David M. Tyler, PhD It is not uncommon to find a Christian man or woman married to an unbeliever. There are several ways this can happen. Sometimes a believer ignores the plain teaching of Scripture that says believers must only marry “in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39). At other times, two unbelievers marry, and later one of them comes to faith in Christ. Either way, being unequally yoked in marriage brings spiritual challenges that require patience, humility, and steadfast obedience to God’s Word. The Challenge of Mixed Spiritual Goals in a Marriage to an Unbeliever [...]
Biblical Parenting in a Fallen World Embracing God’s Design for Raising Godly Children with Grace and FaithfulnessBy David M. Tyler, PhD Children Are a Blessing, Not a Burden Parenting begins with a right view of children. Scripture does not portray children as interruptions to the parents’ lives or obstacles to personal fulfillment. God says, “Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3). They are priceless gifts, entrusted to parents for spiritual shaping and discipleship. Even after sin entered the world, God did not revoke His design for the family. His command to [...]
Trials and Afflictions: How God Uses Suffering to Shape His People By David M. Tyler, PhD Every Christian who desires to serve Christ will face seasons of hardship. These trials are not meaningless. God uses suffering to shape His people, forming, maturing, and equipping believers so they can comfort others with the comfort they’ve received. Someone once said, “Preparation for ministry cannot be gotten from a degree or diploma. It cannot be learned in college or seminary… Our trials and sorrows become our credentials.” That statement captures a truth woven throughout Scripture: God shapes His servants through affliction so they [...]
The Sin of Apathy: Indifference and Spiritual Complacency Explained By David M. Tyler, PhD Introduction: A Sin We Rarely Admit Of all the sins Christians face, few are as subtle, tolerated, or spiritually destructive as apathy, a dullness of heart toward the things of God. Apathy does not always show itself through rebellion or loud disobedience. Many times, it shows itself through silence, neglect, laziness, and spiritual passivity. Apathy whispers, “It doesn’t matter… no need to hurry… no need to obey… someone else will do it.” But Scripture is clear: apathy is sin. It is a dangerous spiritual condition that [...]
Is My Loved One Sinful or Sick? In this episode of the David Tyler Podcast, Dr. David M. Tyler explores the important question: Is my loved one sinful, or are they sick? Nearly all marriage and family problems stem from sinful attitudes and behaviors. Yet today, culture often labels sin as a “disorder” or “disease.” Drawing from Scripture, Dr. Tyler examines the dangers of redefining sin, why it matters for biblical counseling, and how hope and healing are found only in Christ.
Who Are You When No one is Watching? “It’s easy to look spiritual in public, but who are you at home? This podcast calls men to authenticity, humility, and Christlike leadership where it matters most.”
A Counseling Ministry at Your Church; Why? Counseling is a targeted part of discipleship that addresses the personal struggles keeping someone from growing spiritually. It involves coming alongside them, applying Scripture to their situation, and helping them understand how to change. It’s a more concentrated and temporary form of discipleship with the goal of restoring spiritual momentum and guiding them back to steady, ongoing growth in Christ.
A Courageous Husband and Father The most foundational form of leadership in society is a husband and father’s leadership in the home. From creation, God established man as the head of the family, calling him to lead with Christlike love and raise his children in the Lord’s instruction. A father’s influence shapes future leaders, making strong leadership at home essential.
Why I Hated Counseling I served as a pastor for 27 years—and I loved it. I loved studying God’s Word and preaching it each week. But one thing I dreaded was counseling. When someone came to me with years of depression, anxiety, or anger, I didn’t know how to help. I could pray with them, listen, maybe share a verse… but deep down, I felt unprepared. What could I offer that would truly change things?”
Love Languages is Not Your Problem The Five Love languages by Gary Chapman. I do think he gives some constructive advice. For example, everybody has their preferences as to the way they like their spouse to show love. On the other hand, I don’t agree with his main premise. Chapman’s premise is built upon the fact that all people have a natural focus and bias toward self. Self, not God or neighbor is the focus of the book.
It’s Okay to Be Angry But … “Be angry and yet do not sin…” (Ephesians 4:26).The goal is not to eliminate all anger, only sinful anger. Unfortunately, many believers do not know how to distinguish between righteous and sinful anger. They think their sinful anger is righteous anger. The result is they remain un-reconciled with their husband, wife, mother, father, son or daughter. This podcast will help you to know the difference.
What Do Therapists Really Do? Psychotherapy is considered to be a medical intervention. But is it? What do individuals, called patients and psychotherapists, really do? They talk. Simply put… Psychotherapy is one or more people, called a patient, having a conversation with a therapist. And that is viewed as a medical intervention. Politicians, teachers, lawyers and Oprah talk but no one believes that their talk constitutes a form of medical treatment. My point is, when you consider what psychotherapists say they do and what they actually do is it really a medical intervention?
Overcoming Sinful Cravings and Desires Feel trapped by cravings that keep winning? Discover biblical, step-by-step help in our new post “Overcoming Sinful Cravings and Desires.” Learn why James 1 pinpoints the real battle, inside the heart, and how Galatians 5 shows the Spirit-powered way out. Freedom is possible!
When Crisis Strikes Your Family: A Biblical Response This episode addresses the struggles families face when unexpected trials and hardships come. Dr. David Tyler points listeners to God’s Word as the unchanging source of hope and direction in times of turmoil. This episode shows how Scripture provides clarity, comfort, and practical steps for families seeking stability in the midst of crisis. It’s a call to trust Christ and apply biblical truth when life feels overwhelming.
Is Alcoholics Anonymous Biblical? A Clear Biblical Evaluation David M. tyler, PhD. Is Alcoholics Anonymous biblical? Many Christians ask this question because Alcoholics Anonymous frequently speaks about God and spirituality. However, a closer look reveals that Alcoholics Anonymous is built on unbiblical foundations that promote spiritual relativism rather than the truth of Scripture. As Christians, we must carefully discern whether AA’s message aligns with the gospel of Jesus Christ or points people away from Him. Today, nearly every behavioral struggle, from gambling and overeating to compulsive shopping and substance abuse, has been reclassified as a “disease” and matched with a [...]
“When Grief Hits Home, Learning to Walk Again in Faith” “Grief That Leads to Growth” By David M. Tyler, PhD Biblical Counseling Marriage and Family This post is Part 4 of my When Grief Hits Home series. If you missed Part 1,2, or 3 you can read them here: https://davidtylerbooks.com Part 1: When Grief Hits Home: A Biblical Path Through Loss Part 2: When Grief Becomes a Habit: A Biblical Warning About Stuck Sorrow Part 3 When the Tears Won’t Stop: A Biblical Way Forward Edith’s Return to Church In a follow-up session one week later, I asked Edith [...]
“When Crisis Strikes Your Family: A Biblical Response” David Tyler, PhD “When crisis strikes your home, it can feel overwhelming. But Scripture provides a biblical response to family crisis, offering wisdom, comfort, and direction for every believer. God has not left us without guidance, His Word shows us how to respond in faith rather than fear, and how to lead our families through trials with hope in Christ.” Every person is either in a crisis, has just come out of a crisis, or is headed toward one. That is the reality of life in a fallen world. But the good [...]
Difficulties and Challenges of Parenting: A Biblical Perspective by David Tyler, PhD Parenting is one of the greatest joys and also one of the most difficult challenges entrusted to us by God. Children are not inconveniences to endure; they are gifts from the Lord, blessings that bring meaning, purpose, and happiness to our lives. Scripture tells us that children are “a heritage from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Yet in a sinful and fallen world, raising children can feel overwhelming. Many parents today wrestle with questions like: How do I guide my children toward truth in a culture pulling them the [...]
Is My Loved One Sinful or Sick? A Biblical Response to Modern Diagnoses by David M. Tyler, PhD Nearly all marriage and family problems are the result of someone’s sinful behavior and attitude. Sadly, in today’s culture there has been a major shift in how people view these struggles. More and more, what the Bible clearly calls sin is being described as a sickness or disorder. This confusion, often referred to as the debate of sin vs sickness, creates serious problems for Christians, because it replaces biblical categories with medical or psychological ones.Nearly all marriage and family problems are the [...]
