Rating: Summary: The Real Thing? Review: "How do we learn to love God?" Counselor Bob George labels his solution "Classic Christianity." A key ingredient: "It is the message of God's unconditional love. . . . That's our motivation." But why should UNconditional love motivate us to do anything? Doesn't the Bible teach one great condition for continuing in God's love and grace: persevering faith (Rom. 11:20-22; I Cor. 15:2; Heb. 3:12ff)? Mr. George does state that faith is "our source of power." But two pages earlier he writes, "there is no power in faith itself." Does he agree that, "faith working through love" means everything (Gal. 5:6)? He declares, "A life of faith and a life based on the law are continually presented as being exact opposites in the Scriptures." But Romans 9:32 indicates the law is a law to be pursued by faith. He insists that under grace there are no "if's" as under the law but his own counseling experiences contradict this. For example, he advises that the blessing of victory over sinful desires will only come, "IF you will step out in faith" and "make wise choices" and "avoid unnecessary temptation" and "keep at it." Although its jargon agrees with popular taste, this reader's digestion of Classic Christianity found it repeatedly disagreeing with The Real Thing.
Rating: Summary: An INCREDIBLE book!!! Review: "Classic Christianity," as you can tell from the numerous glowing reviews already posted here, is an INCREDIBLE book. Definitely a must-have for the Christian's bookshelf!! It was the first book on mine, and it has grown from there....now also including "Growing in Grace," George's follow-up to this book. I can honestly say that this book has played a big part in changing my spiritual life. A church retreat, encouraging friends, and "Classic Christianity" have totally reshaped my life and mind throughout this year. I read this book on the reccommendation of several friends of mine; we think so highly of it that it is referred to as "THE BOOK!!!" among all of us, and we would definitely agree with those other reviews who have said how wonderful a gift this book makes. Give it to EVERYONE!!! It's absolutely wonderful! George's wonderful analogies have a way of bringing new light to Scripture. Buy this book now!!!
Rating: Summary: What a Christian Book Should Do Review: ... Bob George doesn't have exclusive access to the truths he illustrates in his book. A Christian doesn't have to read this book to realize the abundant life he or she has in Christ Jesus. So why do I recommend this book so highly? Mainly because I believe that God has blessed Bob with an incredible ability to communicate spiritual messages to others. He certainly communicated those messages to me. Classic Christianity had a major impact on my life. Before reading this book, I was steeped in religion. I was brought up to believe that "God helps those who help themselves." Only later in life did I learn that the Bible never actually said that, Benjamin Franklin did. So everything I did as a Christian I did out of my own effort, trying to repay God a little for what He did for me by sending His Son to die on the cross. Oh sure, I sometimes asked God to help me when things were going a little rough, but I never considered asking anything of Him when situations were going well or my problems seemed manageable. I certainly didn't ask for God's help when I read the Bible, and this is why I never came to the conclusions Bob did until after reading Classic Christianity. Bob consistently returns to the scriptures while making his points. He helped me to realize the importance, rather the necessity of relying upon the Holy Spirit for guidance through ALL parts of my life. Once I started to let the Holy Spirit take control of my life, I began to see the Bible from an entirely new vantage point. Everything started to make sense. Bob's book does exactly what every Christian book should. It leads us back to our relationship with Jesus. Once there, we can receive truth right from the source of truth. Having reread most of the New Testament after reading Classic Christianity, I truly believe that the points made in Classic Christianity are valid. But don't take Bob George's word for it and certainly don't take mine. Read this book and then compare it to the Bible yourself. See if it doesn't have as big of an impact on your relationship with Jesus as it had on mine.
Rating: Summary: God's amazing grace! Review: A friend placed this book in my hands and I couldn't put it down. Bob George has captured the beauty of the Christian walk in the freedom of God's grace. I especially appreciated his insight into God's loving acceptance of His children and how love and acceptance go hand in hand. This is a masterpiece and I highly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: Five stars for content, three stars for writing style Review: A previous reviewer had stated that George is no Bonhoffer, no Lewis, no MLK, no Martin Luther. In terms of written prose, perhaps that reviewer is correct. Bob George's writing style is "common man" in every sense (that is, actually, part of the point). However, in terms of actual message, he is very much in the tradition of those illustrious men. In fact, his message is EXACTLY that of Martin Luther: that the Grace of God is central to understanding the Christian life; that we live by faith, not by works; that as Christians, we are co-heirs with Christ through his resurrection. In this respect, George is very much Pauline in theology: all Paul. Another previous reviewer has stated that when they read this book it changed the way he looked at the New Testament. I must mirror these remarks. I first read Classic Christianity when I was a Junior in High School(it is written at about a 8th-9th Grade reading level, I would suspect), and it completely re-arranged how I viewed my life as a Christian, how I saw my relationship with God, and how I read scripture from then on. George's message is FUNDAMENTAL to understanding basic Christian theology, and by basic, I mean core--the central message of the Gospel of John, the central message to Paul's epistles, Peter's epistles, and the letter to the Hebrews. This book is a must have for those who feel that they are floundering in their spiritual life. For this reason, I give this book five stars: six stars if you are a Lutheran.
Rating: Summary: Classic Christianity According to Bob George Review: Bob George does not come in any way, close to C.S. Lewis, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King or Martin Luther in his understanding of God's will. These were people with heartfelt belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Bob's view of christianity is Bob's view. - "It's my way or the highway" approach! All others' according to Bob's Gospel are not on the path of salvation. Bob needs to step back and look at the entire "Tree" - to embrace the salvation of all children of God. Please do not take this the wrong way Bob. Jesus loves you so do I. Bob, you need to open your eyes and your heart.
Rating: Summary: Great insight for the new or "seasoned" Christian Review: Bob George gives answers to everyday questions. The humor and very short chapters on each topic are easily read in one sitting. Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus come to earth? What is a "Christian" counselor? What is forgiveness? Who am I? What is eternal life? What is the signigicance of resurrected life? Are you at the end of your rope? If these are questions you have too, this book has some answers. The everyday illustrations and drawings helped me to understand Biblical Truths. Lighten up and enjoy this abundant life for which we were created.
Rating: Summary: This book will best decribe what Christianity is all about Review: Bob George has captured the true meaning of Christianity and the simpleness of it. This book will help you unlock the true mysteries of God and Jesus Christ, through a proper understanding of the scriptures. Each chapter is foundational for understanding the next, as Bob gracefully takes you through the practicality of Christianity. Every born again Christian should have two copies of this book. One to keep for review and the other to give away. The Classic Christianity Study Guide is excellent for small group Bible studies and will help you hammer home the mystery of the Gospel, "Christ in you, your hope of glory" (Col 1:27).
Rating: Summary: A step out of doing and a step into being Review: Bob George has explained the true essence of the Gospel in such a way that you'll wonder how you ever missed it in the first place. The words of the Bible have not changed, but after reading Classic Christianity, the way you see those words will. Through wonderfully relevent analogies and the author's own true-to-life stories, you will come to an understanding of how much the Christian life is identity, not behavior -- being, not doing. Though having grown up in the church, I turned away from God as I entered college. Before I graduated, however, I came back to Him because of the Gospel message as taught to me by Bob George. That was five years ago and I'm still plugging along with the full realization that His grace means everything. I've read Classic Christianity countless times in the 5 years since first picking it up and it never gets old, it only gets better. This book is rarely on my bookshelf, though. I seem to keep giving it away.
Rating: Summary: 10 STARS!!! BEST BOOK ON EARTH BESIDES THE BIBLE ITSELF! Review: Can't say enough about how much this book and People 2 People ministries have changed and influenced my life. It is soooo good to know the difference between law and grace, I only wish everyone could have the chance to read this. You just won't understand until you get a copy. STOP LIVING UNDER THE LAW AND START LIVING A FREE LIFE!
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