Transforming Love: How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us
Ebook
Do you long for deeper, authentic connection in a world that often feels isolating?
In a time when loneliness is increasingly common, we often overlook one of life's most profound gifts: friendship. While our culture places a spotlight on romantic love, the lasting, transformative power of friendshig - especially friendship with Jesus - can truly change our lives.
Through the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Amy Boucher Pye explores how a relationship with Jesus isn't just another friendship; it's a sacred connection that meets us right where we are and invites us to grow into who we're meant to be. Jesus walked alongside his friends through their joys and challenges, empowering them to embrace life with newfound purpose, strength, and peace. He still does this today for us.
What would it mean to have a friend who understands you completely? How could friendship with Jesus deepen your faith and bring new joy to your life?
This practical, Bible-based work will encourage you, challenge you and inspire you. Wherever you are on your journey, let this book guide you to experience the grounding faith, joy, and peace that flow from a genuine friendship with Jesus - a friendship that has the power to transform you from the inside out.
Amy Boucher Pye provides new insights on how friendship with God has the power to change everything
Foreword xi
Introduction: Friends of Jesus 1
Part 1
Being and Doing: The Luke 10 Story
Chapter 1: So Distracted 9
Chapter 2: Listening and Learning 21
Chapter 3: Both . . . And 31
Part 2
Grieving and Rejoicing: The John 11 Story
Chapter 4: Waiting for Jesus 45
Chapter 5: Aftermath 59
Chapter 6: At the Tomb 71
Part 3
Loving and Serving: The John 12 Story
Chapter 7: The Party 83
Chapter 8: Liquid Love 95
Final Words: The Encounter that Changes Us 105
Acknowledgements 107
Leader's Guide 109
Notes 117
'What a beautiful, deep dive into knowing Jesus. Amy takes time not only to consider multiple, thoughtful aspects of the relationships between Mary, Martha and Lazarus, she also helps us to apply the living truth of God's Word to our own friendship with him. This is a practical, scriptural work that will encourage, challenge and inspire.'
'Amy Boucher Pye's gentle tone welcomes readers into a safe space to encounter God's healing grace in Transforming Love: How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us. With a beautiful balance of deep Bible study, trusted prayer practices, practical applications and intimate relatable testimonies, Amy offers a fresh perspective on the familiar story of three siblings - Martha, Mary and Lazarus - who experienced life-changing relationships with Jesus. Whether you've enjoyed healthy lifelong friendships, struggled with establishing lasting friendships, or are simply hoping to be a better friend, Transforming Love points to the source of "liquid love" who can enrich our earthly relationships by deepening our relationship with him - Jesus!'
'Transforming Love offers a fresh and compelling exploration of the relationships between Jesus, Mary and Martha. Amy combines profound spiritual insights with practical guidance and beautiful writing, drawing upon the wisdom of the Church Fathers. The book includes rich examples of how Psalm 23 applies to each scene and significant reflection questions for a group setting. It is a thought-provoking and inspiring resource for anyone yearning for a life transformed by Jesus's love.'
'Reading Transforming Love is both a rewarding and an immersive experience. Amy takes the biblical themes of faith and friendship and welcomes us into the story, so that we can truly appreciate the transforming potential of deeply rooted relationships with God and others. Grab your journal, find your favourite chair, and prepare your heart and mind for this enriching journey into the Gospels.'
'Diving deep into the friendships with Jesus enjoyed by the sibling group of Mary, Martha and Lazarus revolutionizes our understanding of the friendship we, too, can have with him! Here is a well-researched and honest look at the first-century relationships that speaks to us today. Thank you, Amy, for your glorious work!'
'For many years, I have been fascinated by the relationship between Jesus, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Their stories, their interactions, their honesty and their silence help me to trust in both Jesus and in the Word, because, in them, I find reality. Their family dance is like mine. Grief hurts, hospitality matters and each member of the family has a powerful role to play, yet sometimes this causes conflict which must be addressed. I understand and relate to this! Transforming Love prayerfully and pastorally navigates this family dynamic. Amy, too, bravely and humbly uses her own experiences to share some deep insights into human flourishing with passion and joy. She then encourages you, draws you into a deeper relationship with God, as much of St John's Gospel itself is designed to do. This is a refreshing book, where, in a grieving and hurting world, the thought of being "loved back to life" is deeply wonderful.'
'I have increasingly recognized the importance of godly, Christ-centred friendships. Amy gives us a framework for considering our relationships with Christ and others through the lens of the life of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Her words are practical, stirring and wise.'
- Title: Transforming Love: How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us
- Author: Amy Boucher Pye
- Publisher: Form
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9780281087969, 9780281087952, 0281087954, 0281087962
- Resource ID: LLS:9780281087969
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-11-21T11:47:57Z