John Lynch joined us on the broadcast recently to discuss depression. Almost 7% of the population in America suffer from depression. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among teens. John speaks to the power of the gospel to set people free from depression. John says "for some it's temporary, for some it's intermittent, for some it's the result of chronic pain, for some it's the result of bad theology, for many there is no apparent basis for depression". As long as hope is alive, we can continue to move forward. But, without hope, the darkness envelops us. Believers don't have to be afraid of this issue, but to recognize that you are adored by God, He is not ashamed or frustrated. The God of all grace, He will himself will perfect and confirm and strengthen and establish you. What a promise that is!

Bob begins this edition with a discussion on anxiety and depression. What we think controls how we feel. Let the truth of God's love and grace change how you think and you will see a change in how you feel. Self-pity makes us vulnerable to the things of the world. There is a path to peace and it rests in the person of Jesus Christ. Edson asks for clarification on 1 Corinthians 15:29, the great resurrection chapter. Is there a baptism on behalf of the dead? Esha asks how to know if what I am thinking is an answer from God or just my human thoughts? Ken from Georgia asks about the book of James. Is James 4:8 speaking to believers or unbelievers? The key is to realize that the word "sinner" is not used for a child of God. Believers are called "saints".

Jackie asks about Psalm 119 - is the law truth? A listener In Montana asks about Isaiah 34:14 - does God scare me as discipline for my hypocritical ways? Autumn in Dallas asks about repentance - she is not sure she has repented sufficiently and therefore is not sure of her salvation. Bob gives a thorough explanation of repentance. This call ends with a prayer of salvation. Trudy in Idaho asks about her friends choice of church. The pastor claims to be a seer and is preaching about past lives. He has psychic readings, group readings for $50 each, etc. Her friends believe what he is teaching. How does she counsel her friends?

Mark asks about forgiveness. Is everyone forgiven, even unbelievers? Bob explains that salvation is much more than forgiveness. Luisa asks about speaking in tongues - is it proof that one is sealed? Brad asks for an explanation of what is means that God lives his life through us. An anonymous listener asked about the Bereans - are they a cult? Samuel asks about a friend who is encouraging him to doubt that the Holy Spirit exists. Myra asks what to do when your faith fails?

Daryl called to ask if there is a difference in the resurrected body whether it was cremated or buried. Jane asks about whether we need to ask forgiveness when we sin. Shouldn't believers just confess sin instead of asking forgiveness? Jeremy if repentance is simply turning from a single sin or totally changing our minds about God? Teresa asks where tithes and fasting fall within the New Covenant?

Lavonna begins this edition with a question about the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, man is controlled by the flesh. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? William shares his story of how God watched over him. His life was transformed in day and rescued from drug addiction. At that point he gave his life to the Lord. Was it the Holy Spirit who drew him to God? Sandra asks about her son. At age 4, he gave his heart to the Lord. Is it necessary for him to pray for salvation now that he's an adult? Martin in New York shares how the Basic Gospel broadcast has helped him share Christ with others. Roy asks when and why did Christians change worship from Saturday to Sunday? We end with a question about Matthew 16:28. John asks for clarification.

This edition of Basic Gospel Weekend celebrates the Resurrection of Christ Jesus. Without the resurrection, there is no life for the believer. Jesus was raised from the dead and therefore was able to restore us to life eternal. Matt called to ask about judgment. Will believers be required to give an account for our lives? Patty in Denver asks how we keep the joy of our salvation when troubles come our way. It is hard to keep our focus on Jesus when we are in the midst of trouble. Eula Lee asks about the Lord's Prayer. Should it be recited in church service? What is the proper way to look at this prayer?

Marcus asks about sanctification. Are we sanctified at salvation or is it a progressive sanctification? Ryan in Alberta, Canada called to ask what are some things he can expect as he faces a terminal illness. What insights can you share about Heaven? We ask that our listeners continue to pray for Ryan and his family as they journey through this illness. Charles in Ohio asks about 1 Corinthians 3:14-15. What are the rewards we receive in Heaven? Greg asks about backsliding. If a believer willfully sins after salvation, what happens? The good news is that if you are truly saved, you remain truly saved for eternity. Ken asks about our identity - are we sinners or saints? We are saints by calling, we have a new identity, and we will begin to see that identity transform how we think and act.

Joseph asks about sex before marriage. Does that defile the union that you desire after marriage? When you do get married, do you have to take your vows before God or just go to the courthouse? Daniel asks if forgiveness is contingent upon repentance or repenting? Bob explains that repentance is a much bigger word - it's really about going from death to life. Chris from Virginia asks what God's solution is to our timidity in sharing our faith with others? If fear of sharing an indicator that God is not wanting us to share with that particular person? When those feelings of fear come, what do we do with that? Jeff called to thank us for the ministry and to ask for direction in how to communicate with his friend. His friend is struggling with drugs, alcohol, and suffered the loss of both parents. How should he approach his friend with the Gospel? The answer is to simply talk to him about Jesus and let the power of the Gospel do it's work. Bob encourages all listeners to continue to keep our friend, Ryan, and his family in our prayers. Ryan is a dear listener of Basic Gospel and is facing terminal brain cancer with faith and trust in God. Please join with us as we continue to pray for God's perfect work in Ryan's life.

Justine asks about Matthew 9:43-47 which speaks about if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. What does that really mean? David asked about estate planning. Is he obligated to leave everything to his children or is it OK to leave a portion to an animal rescue. He knows his children would be upset about it but he feels that he wants to allocate part to non-profits. Gwen asks about relationships. Does God forgive past mistakes in relationships? Clay asks about "The Lord disciplines those he loves". Does this mean that physical spanking is OK? How do we season our parenting with grace?