About the Book
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. FOR BACK COVER: ""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 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. --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. FOR THE FRONT MATTER ""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
