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028: Leaving Yesterday Behind


What You'll Discover in this Episode:

Often times Christians are plagued by past transgressions. If you continue to look back at your past failures you will be unable to look ahead to see what Christ has prepared for you. Christ has made us new and there is no need to allow our past sin to weigh us down and eat away at our conscience. As we look ahead to the future glory that Christ has prepared for us we can leave yesterday behind. There is power in the forgiveness Christ has given us at the cross and Christ sent us with a Helper to overcome our past. Stop living in the past and leave yesterday behind. 


During this episode, we are joined by last week’s special guest, Dr. Bill Hines for an overview of his profoundly practical book, Leaving Yesterday Behind: A Victim No More. Through stimulating content and a very readable style, author Dr. Hines implores you to leave yesterday behind and begin your new life in Christ. 


A little over 20 years ago, Dr. Hines wrote this book during his ministry with youth. He was passionate about showing the youth that they were not destined to live as victim or to grow up to be like their parents. This book is recommended for biblical counselors, counselees, and anyone that has a past. We all have things in our past we have to with. Check out this interview between Dr. Hines and Pastor Jeff to explore the chapters of this book in greater detail.


Scroll down and leave your comment below!


Highlights from Pastor Jeff and Dr. Hines

  •  What is my problem and who is to blame? 
  • The Promise of Life
  • Grace for the Journey
  • A New Identity
  • Learning to Change: Taking ownership, Taking Aim, Taking Action
  • Anger
  • The Dynamics of Forgiveness
  • Avoiding Self-Pity
  • Loving God With All That You Are
  • Epilogue: A Victim No More

Resources:


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  • Steve Greenberg says:

    It is amazing how many people need to hear that they do not have to be victim? In our current culture people seem to be using the victim card to leverage getting something or to blame someone. We have to communicate as Chapter 1 Leaving Yesterday Behind says The fall of man and that we live in a fallen world. We are all victims of sin and therefore sinners but there is hope. We need a savior to set us free. I like Ch 3
    The idea of grace and the fact that it is misunderstood it is not an excuse to sin and you get mercy or just forgiveness it is much more. I like the illustration of a muscle you need to use and exercise, embrace, walk in, experience. With our new identity as a new creation in Christ, we have a new Father who is perfect which reminds me of the Kids that said do I have to be like my father? Exo 20:5…And the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, Exo 20:6 but showing mercy (lovingkindness or steadfast love) to thousands. We can be set free? Ch 5 learning to change and except the responsibility? We need to take ownership and ask God to change me, with His grace, and Holy Spirit put a plan into action. Do I need to live in self-pity? or do I trust God and His Word? Love your Lord with all your strength and love your neighbor as our self. It is really a life of gratitude.

  • Pablo Valdez Acosta says:

    Just like every week God has appointments for me to listen to proper scriptural and spiritual guidance.
    I have suffered and suffer from the “victim hood” having to always remind myself that freedom is in His hands only, not on the grip of the enemy. I must be entrusted in God to have joy in my life and not create further sin.
    Releasing the chains from pain that I tried to blame others to the feet of Jesus releases me to be His witness and use my testimony to guide others to this conclusion.
    Once and every time time Tahnk you Jeff

  • jeffchristianson says:

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    Here’s how to do it on your phone in 7 simple steps:

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    5. Scroll down to the “Ratings & Reviews” section
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    Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it!

  • Sari Sue says:

    In this podcast, Pastor Jeff and Dr. Hines give a quick overview of Dr. Hines’ book “Leaving Yesterday Behind.” I really enjoyed the quick chat because they touched on some really good points. For example, I was especially struck by the part of the conversation in which they discussed God’s grace. No matter our backgrounds, current circumstances, family situation, social status, etc., we all need grace. It makes me reflect on what a blessed life I have been given. I have a very wonderful family and am still very close with my parents. I know that not everyone has this. Even still, I have had my battles (both a product of others’ choices and my own) and I still struggle daily with my own sins. There are instances where you can trace back the origins of your “problems” to someone else but often times it is our own choices that lead us to today. Either way, we need Jesus and His amazing grace.

    • Erin Knorr says:

      I really enjoyed also the quick discussion on God’s grace and thought they made a really great point that everyone needs grace. I would agree with you that a lot of times it goes back to our own choices that have lead us to the point where we are at today. I think that goes back to our free will. Just because you go through a hard situation or something happens, you get to choose how you are going to react to it.

  • Erin Knorr says:

    First off, this book, Leaving Yesterday Behind: A Victim No More sounds like a great book with great insight. One of the things that stood out to me when listening was that one’s identity is not in who their parents are but rather our identity if we are believers is in Christ. Just because your parent or parents are one thing does not mean that you are going to be that. In Christ we are a new creation. The concept of being a victim no more, was really interesting and I would love to read more about it and Dr. Hines thoughts on it. It makes me think of the Bible verse, 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” And also Isaiah 43:25, “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

  • Melissa Hermosillo says:

    Being a victim is a choice. I loved that that was said, I don’t think we ever hear this idea. I believe it is an idea that scares us and we feel like we are condemning if we say it or even think it. People are allowed to suffer and we do not what they have been through, so why would we tell them that feeling like a victim is a choice we make? It sound harsh. We all have moments in our lives that we have felt they have been unfair and many of us live our lives being upset over a situation that robs our joy, our peace and our day to day lives. Once we take ownership that we are having the attitude of a victim, we take aim trying to figure out what we must leave behind. Processing the situation and really praying and analyzing what attitudes and ways of thinking are damaging us. The last thing is to take action. Many times we are good at planning, but not executing. If i don’t take what God has to offer me, it is my fault.. not His. We are called to live a life go gratitude and He is willing to help us if we just stop and listen for a minute.

    • Erin Knorr says:

      Yes, I would agree the idea of ‘being a victim is a choice’ is not something that is readily discussed today. I really liked how you said, ‘Once we take ownership that we are having the attitude of a victim, we take aim trying to figure out what we must leave behind.’ I think that is very true.

  • Tabitha Lee says:

    Dr. Hines book, ‘Leaving Yesterday Behind, A Victim No More’ – Addresses the fact that we are not destined to live like a victim. Do others determine how I live my life or see myself, or is it God who determines who I am? We are born sinners, each of us missing the mark. We live in a sinful and fallen world. I have heard people say, “You just don’t understand, my parents were awful to me and that is why I act like this.” But, we are responsible for our own sin and cannot control what others have done to us. We must lay those things at the feet of Jesus, forgive and allow His Word to wash us and restore us.
    Colossians 3:9-10 “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
    We are new in Christ, a new identity! It is because of what Jesus did on the cross that I can be new, I could not earn it. We are called to live holy lives as our Father in Heaven is holy. He gives us grace and mercy to do this. We continue to serve because we are called to love God and love our neighbor!

    • Kristie Gallagher says:

      It is so important to understand, though we cannot help how other people treat us, we do have control how we react. We can choose to do what is right and godly even when others have mistreated us. I love what Bill said, we don’t have to be victims anymore. We can walk in victory because of what Jesus has done for us.

  • Kristie Gallagher says:

    Another great podcast. I can’t wait to read this book. This is such an important topic because we live in a society that never wants to take responsibility for themselves but is seeking who it is to blame for their problems. I’m this podcast, Bill and Jeff talked about, though life has been difficult, maybe we have past sins that weigh us down or we have been mistreated people mistreated by others there is forgiveness in the Lord and healing for your soul. Christ has sent us a Helper to overcome. We don’t need to look back, but to look forward. We are no longer to live as victims, God has called us into victory. We are able through the Lord to take ownership of our life and to walk in Victory. We have a new identity in Christ. I am looking forward to reading this book to help me grow and to encourage others in this area.

  • Alejandro Anchondo says:

    Isn’t good that we are guaranteed to turn out just like our parents, or teachers, or like anyone in our lives who were an ungodly influence in our lives? God is so good. I am sure that this lesson can apply to most people. All of us were young at one point and afraid of the unknowns of the future. It’s the grace of God that changes the paths of people from what they would have become to who Christ wants to make them. It is a special way to apply the lessons from Ephesians 4 when it says we were created in Christ for good works. Once we know Christ we have a new future, new character, and are new creations. Everyone we counsel can benefit from the encouragement that in Christ we are not destined to be like our bad parents, or abusive relationships. In Christ we are predestined to be conformed to His Image (Romans 9). This is a relief and comfort.

    • Tabitha Lee says:

      thank you for sharing Alejandro!
      I think Bill and Jeff spoke to this, when they talked about the gospel. It is the gospel that changes everything. Apart from the saving work of Christ we are doomed and would likely repeat the sins of our fathers. But God. When He enters the picture we are changed and our identity changes! Like you said, …to be conformed to His image….this is a relief and a comfort!

    • Melissa Hermosillo says:

      Thank you for sharing Alejandro! I love what you said about being scared of the unknown and God’s grace! Yes, I think God’s grace makes everything new and patterns are broken… It is a fear that is not founded in who God is and we must remind ourselves and the people around us of that

    • Sari Sue says:

      Alejandro, I love your post. What amazing news! You are so right. We are NOT destined to become anything but in Christ, we ARE destined to be made into His image. That is a beautiful inheritance! It also makes me think about after Christ. Even as Christians, daily walking with Jesus, our life circumstances can tempt us to go back to the old man and the flesh but we have the Spirit to aid us in continuing on, even under pressure, to grace upon grace.

    • Autumn Duncan says:

      Yes! I agree that it’s wonderful that when we accept Jesus we are given a new life and future! That’s what makes following Christ so different than other religions. I’m thankful for the work He’s done on my life! I agree with you that it’s a relief and comfort!

    • Ulyana says:

      We are new creation, it’s such essential truth for us to grasp on. That in Christ we are new and no longer old man. And such a relive that we living not under law but under His grace and it’s a room for us to grow in His grace through His mercy.

  • Charlie Colleton says:

    I thoroughly enjoyed this podcast, and to be honest, look forward to reading this book. I want to jump towards the end where Dr. Bill talks about loving God & loving your neighbor. Too often we go to the “love your neighbor” section of this area of scripture first, thinking that if I love myself, I should love my neighbor the same way. As a matter of fact though, it is us recognizing and living out a life of gratitude because of all that God has done, and loving Him for it–truly and honestly–that we are then able to understand the true meaning of love. “When we learn to love God with all that we are, and then begin to love others in the same way–life changes” LOVE this statement. Thank you Dr. Bill & Pastor Jeff!

    • Tabitha Lee says:

      Hello Charlie! I was thinking the same thing by the end of the podcast! I need to get this book, read it and pass it along! By God’s grace we are saved and we can know the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:19 “and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” As we are filled, we can show that love back to God and to others!
      A love that we cannot even understand.

    • Autumn Duncan says:

      I can’t wait to read this book too! There’s so many important pieces of information in each section. Yes, that statement was something that I’ve thought about this week and its something I’m diligently wanting too work on inn my life.

    • Tom Zimbelman says:

      Amen, Charlie. The source of our love is God Himself. Such a good point. Our selfishness makes it easy to love ourselves, and hard to love others. God’s love is unconditional which, when imparted to us, empowers us to love others as He loves us. We can then lovingly say to others, as the Apostle John did in 1 John 1:3, “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”

  • Ulyana Gomes says:

    It was such great and powerful message. Thank you Pastor Jess and Dr. Hines. As a counselor I am constantly looking for tools to help others. This book have a lot of promise to become a main part when I ministry to people dealing with shame and/or guilt in their lives. It also deals with the dangers of lingering anger and need for forgiveness. I so agree on all the points was mention and as fatherless girl who found now the perfect Father and such relive, knowing I don’t have to carry the sin or burdens of my earthly father. It was so true how we can In the midst of challenges, stop allowing our mind to be sidetracked with victim thoughts like, I’m under attack. Instead, try thinking victorious thoughts like, God, thank You that in every battle there is an opportunity to take territory. And give the glory to God in the middle of. And of course only through God’s mercy we can walk victoriously over pain and straggles. I really like the way you describe grace, it is so true and grace take a path to build who God is in our lives.

  • Autumn Duncan says:

    This was another wonderful message with Pastor Jeff and Dr. Bill Hines with his overview of his book, Leaving Yesterday Behind: A Victim No More. I liked the chapter four where we learn about our new identity in Christ as we work through our issues from the past. That is our identity and not anything else. As the book continues in five and six in what we do after we move beyond our past and know our identity, was interesting as I had never thought of someone not being able to give gratitude to the Lord for all He’s done. That perspective made me think for awhile, as I have sometimes felt unworthy but so grateful. I have seen people not be grateful more and more as I work with children and their parents. It’s a really sad state of their heart. A final thought from the podcast, that it’s essential that we don’t see our self as a victim as we don’t hold onto our identity as a child of God. That is so important as the enemy want us to have the separation from the Lord and not know who they are in Christ.

    • Tom Zimbelman says:

      Hi Autumn,
      I agree – that was an interesting point about people avoiding giving gratitude and that being a reason why some don’t come for forgiveness. It kinda puts them on the hook – suddenly they owe gratitude for being washed clean. Their refusal seems counterproductive, but that’s the deceitfulness of sin, right? We can be our own worst enemy sometimes.

    • Melissa Hermosillo says:

      Thank you for sharing Autumn! I agree- When we hold onto being a victim we let go of our identity in God. We can’t be both at the same time and must let one go to grab on to the other. I pray we can always grab onto God’s identity for us

    • Sari Sue says:

      Autumn, I agree with you about living a life of victimhood. I have seen people who actually had the “right” of anyone because they have gone through hardship after hardship but instead they are strong, faith-filled people. Then I know others who play the victim over the silliest things. Then on the flip side, we can easily slip into a victim mindset ourselves. Whatever the reason, victim-mentality can really hold you back from the abundant life that Christ offers us because you cannot see outside of your circumstances in order to embrace gratitude.

    • Kristie Gallagher says:

      It is hard to believe and sad to see people who have so much and are not grateful to the Lord. There is so much joy in praising the Lord and getting our eyes off of ourselves and our circumstances and onto the Lord and His goodness.

  • Tom Zimbelman says:

    Wow – what a great discussion. We are not held to our pasts, there is hope for us today and into the future, our love for God compels us to change, and we alone are responsible for our sins. This conversation might not initially go over well in today’s society – we like to blame others for our problems: perhaps we weren’t privileged enough (like others); if only we had different parents; this church isn’t very welcoming (no one is talking to me); etc.

    Hurt is real, yes. The effects of sin can feel devastating (our own sin and the sins of others upon us). But this is all part of the incredible things about the gospel – it is powerful enough to change us, regardless of our past. Our forgiveness compels us to forgive others.

    I didn’t have the best of earthly fathers (I had three…), but when God became my father through Jesus Christ, there was a real, tangible effect on my life: I now have One who guides, who consoles, who disciplines, who does things in my life far beyond what I could ever imagine, including providing everlasting peace, joy, hope and love, not to mention the love and commitment of a wife and my own privilege of raising a bunch of kids. Wow!

    Of course, troubles continue in this life – but He is with us through it all. This life is not our utopia, it is our time to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. It is humbling, but in that, there is freedom and great reward as we yield to our God who “disciplines us for our good” (Hebrews 12:10).

    • Ulyana says:

      Tom I agree with you, that is such a relive to know God is all knowing and continue working through that pain and hurt that sometimes holds us down. And yes it’s easy to say then done. But knowing through His strength it’s be possible to walk through the deep waters.

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