Ebook
What is Christian about counseling? That far-reaching question is exactly what prompted Dr. Friesen to deepen his study of The Sermon on the Mount. "Is what I do consistent with what Jesus said? This must direct my counseling or it does not qualify as ‘Christian.’" He has been seriously engaged in the study of Psychology and Theology since 1974, beginning as a student at the Fuller Theological Seminary Graduate School of Psychology. Having specialized in the teachings of Jesus since 1981, the present book presents a fitting summary of Dr. Friesen’s work, bringing all of Jesus’ teachings together with what he has learned as a Christian Psychologist. Jesus’ teachings are all about him being with us in times of struggle. This book captures that truth in each chapter. Coming from more than twenty years in Bible study groups, Jesus, Clear and Simple: In Times of Struggle includes Life Group discussion guides for each chapter. That is where Jesus’ teachings come to life--when two or three or more are gathered together to learn from the Master.
”Jesus, Clear and Simple gives a clarion call back to
Jesus’ life and the simple, but profound effects of His message. I
highly recommend this book to you."
--Dave Collins, Healing Room, Claremont, CA
“Maturing, healing, and transforming into the character of Christ
has its spectacular moments, but few people realize more clearly
than Dr. Friesen that the depth of transformation we all desire
emerges from struggle."
--E. James Wilder, Author; Speaker
“Do you want the life you have always longed for? Then live a life
that’s all about Jesus. That’s what I want most out of this life,
and that’s what I love about this book, clear and simple."
--Mark Sandford, Spiritual Director, Elijah House, Coeur d’Alene,
ID
"This book is filled with new wine, fresh insight, and revelation
knowledge. Tender, sensitive, and extremely readable, JJesus,
Clear and Simple is a must-have.
--Mari Anne Andersen, Director, Freedom House, Chicago, IL
"Rarely have I read a book that has simultaneously awakened my
spirit and challenged my mind in such a synergistic, powerful way
as Jesus, Clear and Simple."
--Michelle Watson, Counselor; Author
"Dr. Friesen did an excellent job explaining the meaning of certain
passages of scripture that have become commonplace. This is a great
book and every Christian should read it.” --Henry Malone, Vision
Life Ministries International Inc.
"Do you want the life you have always longed for? Then live a life
that’s all about Jesus. It’s not, first and foremost, about what
you want Him to do for you (as important as that is); it’s about
the simplicity of knowing Him and being known by Him--heart to
heart. That’s what I want most out of this life, and that’s what I
love about this book, clear and simple."
--Mark Sanford, Spiritual Director, Elijah House, Coeur d’ Alene,
ID
"This book is filled with new wine, fresh insight, and revelation
knowledge. Tender, sensitive, and extremely readable, Jesus,
Clear and Simple is a must-have. You’ll find encouragement,
thought-provoking questions, and great insights to The Sermon on
the Mount. . . . This book powerfully demonstrates the Father’s
boundless and endless ways to love us to wholeness."
--Mari Anne Andersen, Director of Freedom House Ministry, Chicago,
IL
"Rarely have I read a book that has simultaneously awakened my
spirit and challenged my mind in such a synergistic, powerful way
as Jesus, Clear and Simple. Dr. Friesen is a brilliant
theologian, scholar, and clinician who comes alongside the reader
as a newfound friend, illuminating the teachings of Jesus in
practical terms, such that all can reach the hem of Jesus’
garment."
--Michelle Watson, Counselor, Author, Portland, OR
Over 30 years of pondering and practicing The Sermon on the Mount
in the presence of real life and suffering, have been distilled
into Jesus, Clear and Simple. Maturing, healing, and
transforming into the character of Christ has its spectacular
moments, but few people realize more clearly than Dr. Friesen that
the depth of transformation we all desire emerges from struggle. A
community of joy, prayer, and Bible study develops as we realize
the Kingdom of God is not somewhere in the future, but here now.
Gather a group together and use the study guide in this book to
have a new look at your life."
--E. James Wilder, Ph.D., Author, speaker
"It is worth your time to read this book. It will give you insight
and understanding on how to achieve and live life abundantly. Dr.
Friesen does an excellent job explaining the meaning of certain
passages of scripture that have become commonplace. This is a great
book and every Christian should read it."
--Henry Malone, Vision Life Ministries International, Inc.,
Lewisville, Texas
"Rarely is the life-transforming power of the clear and simple
teaching of Jesus in the Gospels actually made clear and simple in
a way that truly transforms lives as Jesus intended. Skillfully
designed by a biblical theologian and professional counselor for
use by small groups, it is equally effective for anyone who is a
faith-walking partner of someone who needs authentic light and
realistic hope in the darkness of deep struggles. This book
works!"
-- Richard Kriegbaum, President; Fresno Pacific University, Author,
Leadership Prayers
"We live in unprecedented times; people are coming to Christ more
than any other time in history. Many people groups and regions of
the world that traditionally have been closed off or difficult to
reach are now coming to Christ in the droves. At the same time the
church in the Western world has lost its edge for transformational
influence on culture. I believe it is time to re-examine Jesus’
teachings on the Kingdom of God. Jesus, Clear and Simple: In Times
of Struggle gives a clarion call back to Jesus’ life and the
simple, but profound effects of His message about the Kingdom. Dr.
Friesen’s book is both an invitation and a pathway for
understanding Jesus’ essential teachings that release the Father’s
love, presence, and provision. You will be stricken, as I was, with
how simply and effectively Jesus’ words release transformation. Dr.
Friesen writes from the heart with years of experience, and his
book is full of life examples and packed with wisdom. He is not
writing about a new theory, nor pushing the latest fad. He lives
out these values and helps others do the same. This book provides
practical guides with targeted questions that will lead the reader
and groups into self-discoveries, transformational wholeness, and
maturity as disciples of Jesus. I highly recommend this book to
you!"
--Dave Collins, Director, Claremont Healing Rooms; Executive
Administrator, Wagner Leadership Institute, Pasadena, CA
Jim Friesen is a Christian Psychologist and a Life Group leader in Southern California. A licensed minister of the Gospel and a licensed psychologist for thirty-four years, Jim Friesen's passion for God's work flows from every chapter of Jesus, Clear and Simple. His two other best-selling books, Uncovering the Mystery of Multiple Personality Disorder and Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You, point to Jim's long-standing interest in integrating psychology and theology. Straight out of seminary in 1979, Jim decided to specialize in the teachings of Jesus, and his diligence in that field led to this summarizing book. Over the years, he also has led many seminars and workshops about Christian Counseling. Jim has been married since 1972, and has two sons and three granddaughters.