Call-In Classic Christianity Radio – Bob George P571 (09-17-20)
Synopsis
All of us are weak in our natural selves. We are told to boast in our weaknesses that the power of Christ might rest on us. We are not called to live a natural life, but a supernatural life. That life to be lived is not us, but Christ in us, as we rest and abide in Him. He loves us unconditionally and has given us everything we need for life and godliness. He shed his blood on a cross only to rise again so He can give His life to us, to be placed in us and to be lived through us. If He is for us and will never leave us and forsake us, who can be against us? We grab a hold of those promises of God, of who we are in Christ,and the power of the love of Christ within us, and little by little we grow and people see the fruit and testify that God is truly at work within you. There are those who were the recipients of that fruit.
At times we feel crushed on every side, overwhelmed or even despairing of life. The apostle Paul certainly experienced that. And the loneliness in a prison cell can be overwhelming. But someone reaches out to you and encourages you and sends a book or writes a letter of encouragement to you. You hold onto that letter, because it contains truth, and you hold onto it. It has become hope for you when you thought there was no hope left.
A person comes to Christ and the Spirit of God goes to work in the person’s heart. As he reads truth from God’s word, the word comes alive to him. Little by little changes occur in his life that are noticed by others, other family members, a brother, a sister, or a nephew. They take notice of the change in you. They notice your gentleness and kindness toward you. They give you a book that helps you to overcome depression. As you read the book, you sense that the book is all about you. Your blinders come off, and you too are overwhelmed by God’s unconditional love that you too are changed. You go back to the town you grew up and make it right with all those you have hurt because your heart has been changed.
These are the kinds of things several callers have called to share about, of how God so touched their lives. Many of them are so grateful to Bob for the time he spent sharing on the radio and sharing truth that sets people free. They call to express their gratitude and want to encourage Bob to continue what he is doing all the more. As Bob often says, it is not complicated. If truth sets you free, it is error that binds you.
Two particular books that many callers mention are Classic Christianity and Victory over Depression. Depression is very common even today with all people, to varying degrees, and there are some basic truths, as you battle with the mind, that can help you overcome, when you find yourself falling back into faulty thinking patterns. And there are certain basic foundational truths, such as understanding the difference between law and grace, the Old Covenant and the New Covenant we live under today, and the complete gospel, of being made complete in Christ, that has helped so many people to walk in the newness of life, in joy and peace.
Transcript
Stan from Denver, CO
Stan: I called not to ask a question, but to say thank you. I have been listening to your series on depression, probably fifteen times. Every time I listen to it, I pick up new information almost every time. I listen to it, to and from work. But, it has made such a difference in my attitude in my life. Depression is probably a think of my past now.
Bob: Great.
Stan: I also sent it to my sister. Depression runs in my family. I do not know if it is a biological problem or a training problem. But, I was on medication for depression, which just about pushed me over the edge. But it really did. My sister is on medication for depression. I just sent it to her. It is incredible the rethinking the Holy Spirit has done in my life. It is kind of hard to express. Just so many changes that have been made. The first one, God has given me everything I need for right now, and I live for today. My life is in God’s hands. Every morning, my wife and I pray and ask the Lord to help us through today. Stop living in the past. I could probably keep going on and on. There are so many things that have been corrected in my thinking. So, I wanted to call and say “Thank you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Bob: Brother, thank you for doing that, Stan. It is evidence of what Jesus says, that truth sets you free. That means error binds you. When you are depressed, you are in error. You are bound up in depression. That means there is error in your head that has to be dispelled. That is true of all of us. If I am depressed and I can get depressed, it is very simple. I let my thinking get away from the truth of the gospel and the truth of scriptures and started believing the lie of Satan. But, the beauty of that is, you come to a point where you can immediately identify where those thoughts are coming from and give it back to who gave it to you, and that is Satan. Replace it with truth and let that truth set you free. It is the renewing of the mind. The mind controls everything we do. The renewing of the mind on truth and truth can only be found through Christ Jesus and His word. That sets you free.
John 8:32
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Romans 8:6
6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Stan: I still have a few moments where it kind of wants to creep back. But I am starting to learn to rethink this. This is where it is coming from. This is what I can do, and it leaves. Between that series and your book called Classic Christianity, which kind of reinforces each other, in the fact that this is what Christianity and salvation is really all about. It has made a difference. At one point, it is like, “How can I witness to somebody when I do not have anything to offer them except rules and regulations. You cannot do this or or that. You have to behave in a certain fashion. You called it something like a hypothetical Christian. I cannot do that. But when I started letting Christ live through me and take control, those behaviors are a byproduct of what Christ has already done. It is just incredible. You want to get through this, let me tell you who can help you.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Bob: It is a supernatural life, brother. No doubt about it. The motivation and source comes from God and that is supernatural. It is not necessarily miraculous. It is just supernatural. That is really what we have the privilege of living, a supernatural life. We do not have to depend on the natural when we can live a supernatural life in Christ Jesus. That is when we are able to come up with thoughts that are His, that produces a life that is not a life the lost person can produce.
Stan: One thing I request is prayer for my sister and my mom. I am going to buy a copy and send it to my mom. She grew up in a Mormon church and has struggled all her life. If I could see her free, it would mean so much. I will let you go. I just wanted to call and say “thank you.” I am very grateful.
Bob: God bless you, Stan. We appreciate your encouragement. Bye. Bye.
Michael from Lubbock Texas
Michael: I called to bring encouragement to the studio here tonight. I know materials change and all, but if I remember, the fourth section of the conference is usually about the New Covenant. I do not know if it is that way still. Just to tell the people to definitely ask God to open them to that particular part of the study because that is again what bridged everything for me when I was at the conference a couple of years ago. It is just a tremendous time to be with those, that again, there is no pretense. You are of like mind, and you are relaxed. You are learning how to trust in the one who paid it all for us. And, just want to shout to you that encouragement. Again, to let you know that I am resting, and even back at that time was resting more than I thought, but it just had not come quite together yet. With you as well, I would have to be at a cowboy game that Sunday evening.
Michael: What I called for, and I want to get your feedback. I was trying to find this passage. But Paul said we need to be content no matter what. Do you have the chapter or verse on where that is located?
Philippians 4:10-13
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Bob: That is a phenomenal passage of scripture.
Michael: I knew he had written it, and I knew you had referenced it on the show many times, but I could not find it, and needed to know that. I need to take it to somebody else who I am talking with at this time. That is what I needed. Again, I will be in the Carrollton area over the weekend. I plan on coming to the metro on Sundays, and look for you there.
Bob: Good. We look forward to seeing you there.
David: I want to call and say thanks. A little over 12 years ago, I was strung out on crack cocaine. I went into a house and stole a purse. I spent over 12 years doing that. While incarcerated, your ministry and supporters sent literature to help me. It really helped a lot. It got me off the religious treadmill and the works, and to a relationship. I am out of prison now. I got out two weeks ago. I just had to call and say thanks. I was flipping through dials and you were on in this area.
Bob: That is phenomenal David. I am so glad to hear that, that we could be of benefit to you. You are out now. You had 14 years for stealing of a pocket book.
David: Yes, I served a little over 12 years.
Bob: Well, brother that crack, from what I understand is the most addicting drug that is in existence today. From my understanding, you do not have to do it twice. Once takes care of it.
David: Well, I guess the thing was, I was going to church and I felt like I did not meet up to the standards. I still smoked cigarettes and I was kind of depressed and just gave up on it and ran from God. I ended up into alcohol and got strung out. I am divorced now. I am starting anew. Things are looking up. It is not easy by any means.
Bob: No, it isn’t.
Galatians 6:1-2
1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
David: I really appreciated your ministry because when I did not have any money sitting in a prison cell, facing a lot of years, your ministry came through and sent me books and literature that helped me and encouraged me not to give up. I really felt like giving up. I found out there is a relationship to those who are less than perfect, who do not have it all together. God’s love is there for all of us, no matter how badly we fail. Today, I do not have to run from God, thinking He is angry that He is going to strike me with a tornado or a lightning bolt or a car wreck or something. I have learned that it is a relationship based on the grace of God through faith in Christ and His resurrected life. It has just made a lot of difference. I really want you to know, and your supporters to know, that there are not a lot of people that will reach out to help you when you are down flat on your back. But I appreciate it. As soon as I get on my feet and get some finances coming in, I would like to send you some support.
Philippians 4:17-19
17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 8:12-13
12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.
Bob: David, thank you brother. That is, I think what you are saying is so true that you have. People do not realize that when they give to a ministry like that they are really not giving to ministry. They are giving through ministry. Money comes on and then goes back out in order to help people such as yourself. Most people, fortunately, have not had the experience of being in a cell by yourself. You can relate a lot more to the apostle Paul in the part of his life than we can. But it is lonely. To be able to reach out to you like that was a privilege for us, David. It is what God has called us to do, is to reach out to all people. When Jesus said he did not come for the well, but the sick. Our whole ministry has not reached out to those who supposedly have it all together. Quite frankly, nobody has it all together. We reached out to people in all walks of life and have been able to touch the lives in every realm of society. We have done a lot in the prison ministries. We are grateful for the opportunity. Brother, we love you. Thank God we are able to be there for you, and we still are. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your call.
David: Thanks a lot.
2 Corinthians 9:12-15
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Bob: God bless, David.
Chip from Richmond, VA
Chip: A little quick background on me before I get to my question. I listened to you back in 1993. Before that I was in Christ for about 4 years. I remember being sincere in my faith. I was really living the Christian life in my own flesh, in the energy of my own flesh. I remember memorizing 300 bible passages and I really thought I was hot stuff. The problem was I had no understanding of what the New Covenant was, so I was confused of what they really meant. For example, I memorized the sermon on the mount, and I tried to learn how to live righteously. I tried to do what Jesus was doing in the sermon on the mount. It utterly condemned me. The more I memorized them, I questioned my own salvation. It led me to be a double-minded person.
Chip: It was soon after that, that I started listening to People to People. I learned most of all about the finality of the cross and what Jesus did to usher in the New Covenant. Then I began to experience the reality of the resurrection in my life. Kind of funny, that all of those bible passages I memorized, they then began to make sense. I wonder how I got off track. It seems we sometimes complicate the gospel yet it was right there in front of me all the time. I cannot thank you enough for the teaching you have been doing all these years. It is literally setting homes and so many people around the world free and I am a product of that. Thank you so much for that. It means the world to me.
2 Timothy 3:16
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 2:15
5 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Bob: Thank you, Chip. Thank you for sharing that with us. That is one of the things about scripture memory. It just depends. If you memorize scripture in its context, it is good. But if you don’t, it could be bad because you do not have the context to understand the meaning of something. You certainly memorized to understand what it says but to know what it means you must know it in its context. Most of those who promote scripture memory, do not promote it in its context, but just memorize verses. Once you know the context of scripture. Thank God you have it in your heart, but once you see the context, it all starts falling together for you. We are very grateful for you, pal.
Chip: Another quick encouragement. I am so excited you are on the internet now. I have not been able to look at you for the past five years, but now I can get you online now. Podcasting is the greatest invention of all time. I can listen to you anytime I want to now. It is good to get that teaching again. I am in the process of planting a church. That should begin in March of 2006. I just want to let you know that you might not have too active listeners, but at the same time, your ministry has touched my life. Hopefully we will be touching a lot of other people. Your ministry has multiplied. You touched so many people you probably never get to hear about. You guys are doing God’s work. Jesus Christ is saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant” to you now, and when you go to be present with the Lord. Just thought I would offer that as encouragement to you. Again, thank you for all you do.
Bob: You are welcome, Chip. Thank you so much for the encouragement.
Dean from Colorado Springs, CO
Dean: I cannot get you very well down here because I had power down on the station. I can hear you a little bit on the radio. I get some kind of music that comes in about half an hour after you come on and drowns you all out.
Bob: That is all a part of good old radio. You have to cut power back on A.M stations. That happens every year. The best thing to do is get on the internet during those periods of times and possibly pick up the program there.
Dean: I do not have a computer, but I certainly get into your books and I am reading them and listening as much as I can. But more than that I am able to share a lot of this with my family. I just wanted to share something with you, Bob, that has been absolutely a miracle. My sister, who is in Arkansas, and I have talked to you about her before. She is absolutely in love with the Lord. Her middle son had got caught up in drugs and things like that. He has been living with a gal for the last six years in Pensacola, FL. Finally, he just got fed up with it and went to Arkansas. And he saw that when he got there, he saw his mother, who was an absolutely changed person because of the Lord in her life now. He was just absolutely amazed and she was able to share a lot of this stuff, Bob, through your books and especially Classic Christianity and Victory over Depression. He said, “For some reason I have got to get back to Pensacola.” So he went back to Pensacola and he called me the other night, “Uncle Dean, I want to tell you something.” He will be 39 in December. “My mind is as clear as it has been in I do not know many years. I am thinking clearly right now. I am going to get a lot of stuff I left here in Pensacola and I am going to straighten out. I am going to tell people who I have wronged I am going to make right. When I read the first few chapters of that book, Victory over Depression, that man talked about me. My mind got so clear I could think for the first time in I cannot remember in how many years.” I want to share that your books have the power they are having in people’s lives.
John 8:32
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Bob: Well, Dean, thank you. It is very humbling to know that and to hear that. But again, it is back to that same old thing, that truth is what sets people free and error is what binds you. When you are in a condition that is totally contrary to the things of God, you are in error. Your mind is full of error. And it is not complicated. How do you get rid of error. You replace it with truth. It is not something you have to wallow around on the ground with. You just begin to, like what happened to the gentleman you are talking about, you begin to read truth and that truth begins to dispel error in your head, and if you have come to the Lord, that is the whole process we will be in as long as we are alive on this earth. We will be replacing error that is in our minds, and still to this day, full of error, and replacing that with truth. That is all a part of the renewing of the mind that will be taking place as long as we are alive.
Dean: This young man is my nephew. I love him dearly. My sister has three boys and my younger sister has three boys. I love all these boys. He told me the other night when he called me, and he was absolutely in tears. He said, “Uncle Dave, you lived this life for so many years. I saw it and I denied it. I have seen the change made in you.” He said, “I can see the difference it is making in me now. I want to thank you for being there for me.”
Bob: Wow! Well, that is what makes life worthwhile isn’t it, Dean?
Romans 8:31-33
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Hebrews 13:5
5 God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Bob: Yes. That is the message, absolutely. Talk about a purpose filled life. There is only one purpose for us being here and that is to make our bodies available to the living Christ who lives in us to live His life in and through us. It is not living by a group of principles or living by law or to get all the church together doing the same things at the same time at the same place with the same degree of enthusiasm. It is recognizing God saves you and me individually and is there to guide us individually just like He told Peter, “What is it to you if I have him to live forever? I am telling you to follow Me.” He is not telling you to get into church to do the same thing, the same time, the same place, with the same degree of enthusiasm.
Dean: Right.
John 16:13
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Bob: He says, “Individually I will guide you. I will tell you where I want you to go and how to do it.” If we will just learn to trust the Holy Spirit of God living in us, that would be amazing the results that would take place. I was thinking of a comment I heard the other day. Somebody was talking about all these birds. They all left to go to another place. It was getting cold here. Just like the swans coming back from California to Capistana. They do not have a calendar. How do they do that? They do not have to watch either. They just show up at the same time every year. Somebody said those are smart birds. No. Those are birds who are listening to whatever voice that is within them telling them what to do. They are just merely listening to it. If we ever learn to be obedient there is no telling what would be accomplished in our lives.
Dean: It was like the salmon that went back to where they were. How do they know to do that? It has to be something greater than ourselves?
Bob: Absolutely.
Dean: And it is not the big bang either.
Bob: Nope.
Dean: Anyway, I wanted to share that with you. I am just humbled by what the Lord is doing in my sisters lives and nephews now. The Lord had got a hold of Buddy now. His name is buddy. The Lord has got a hold of his life. The other two brothers are going to see a difference that he saw in his mother. He is going to have an influence on the other two boys. I just sense in my spirit that great things are going to happen very, very soon. I want to let you know. Thank God for your wisdom, Bob, and through your insight into the mind that we do not have psychological problems but we have thinking problems. We need to get our thoughts together. We need to get our thinking straightened out and everything else will fall in line.
Bob: Well, Dean, thank you so much for your call, brother. You call at any time.
