No Fear In Love

In an age when we are as connected as we are contentious, an astounding number of opportunities exist that might compel us into an attitude of Us versus Them. In fact, Christians are getting the reputation of being "against" just about everything. But is this the best way to bear witness to the love of God before an unbelieving world? Or does it simply serve to push others further and further away from the life-giving power of Jesus? Story-driven and biblically based, No Fear in Love encourages readers to trade condemnation for compassion. Author Andy Braner challenges us to love others the way God loves us--unconditionally, brokenness and all--and to trust that God is truly in control.

In this no non-sense book, reliable spiritual guide, Will Willimon, invites readers to consider the gospel command to love (and not merely tolerate) those considered to be “Other” or outside mainstream Christian culture. Rooted in the faith of Israel and the Christian story and vision, Willimon brings a Wesleyan perspective to bear on what may be the hardest thing for people of faith to do: keeping and loving the "Other" as they are - without any need for them to become like us. Emphasizing biblical teaching to receive Others for who they are and their differences as gifts and mysteries bearing the grace of God, Willimon also offers a strong critique of the privileged who all too often rush to speak of reconciliation and evade the injustice of huge inequalities faced by foreigners and strangers - as well as the antagonism the stranger experiences. He identifies concrete, everyday ways persons are formed in welcoming others without annihilating their differences. Rooted in the New Testament understanding of Gentile outsiders grafted into the covenant community, Willimon invites readers to an on-the-ground faith that remembers the God who comes to us again and again through so-called outsiders, strangers, immigrants, and those without status. Beyond welcome, Christians must become “other” to the world, shaking off the dominant culture’s identity and privilege through practices of listening, humility, and understanding. “I love Will Willimon, and I love this book. Will writes with prophetic sarcasm, a touch of humor, plenty of self-effacement, and a pastor’s heart. And his words will make you laugh, cringe, cry, confess, and repent. This is a very timely book. I urge you, prospective reader, as you read this blurb on the back cover: buy and read it! You’ll be grateful you did.” —Adam Hamilton, senior pastor, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, KS; author of Half Truths “This gutsy, biblically rich, theologically searing book by Willimon gigs everybody’s sacred cow. Not only is the one whom Christ loves Other but God is Other. The ground beneath us shakes the walls that divide us. If you are holed-up happy with people who look like you, don’t read this thing. It will screw up your world.” —Tex Sample, Robert B. and Kathleen Rogers Professor Emeritus of Church and Society, Saint Paul School of Theology, Leawood, KS “Timely and prophetic, Willimon’s call to love the Other will quickly take hold of your soul, changing your preaching and your life. This book is not just a reminder of our Christian calling to welcome the Other but a call to conversion, a new way of seeing the neighbor and a new way of being in the world God desperately loves.” —Karoline M. Lewis, Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN “Bishop Willimon’s new book should come with a warning: Do not read unless you are ready to be changed and want to change the world!” —O. Wesley Allen Jr., Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX Now with a New Introduction!

Bestselling Author Reveals the Key to Fixing Broken Relationships Conflict is a part of life, but that doesn't mean we need to accept bitterness and broken relationships. But before we can properly heal our relationships with others, we must let God heal our relationship with himself. In this book, Neil Anderson invites you to see how Jesus brings about the miracle of reconciliation. Learn how to go beyond conflict management to freedom and healing by learning the basics of repentance, reparation, and forgiveness. Through true stories of people who have found reconciliation with God and with each other, you'll understand how to identify relationship problems, find effective solutions, and guide yourself and others through the process of forgiveness and healing.

In an age when we are as connected as we are contentious, an astounding number of opportunities exist that might compel us into an attitude of Us versus Them. In fact, Christians are getting the reputation of being "against" just about everything. But is this the best way to bear witness to the love of God before an unbelieving world? Or does it simply serve to push others further and further away from the life-giving power of Jesus? Story-driven and biblically based, No Fear in Love encourages readers to trade condemnation for compassion. Author Andy Braner challenges us to love others the way God loves us--unconditionally, brokenness and all--and to trust that God is truly in control.

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. God loves you perfectly, all the time. But if you sometimes feel unworthy, struggle with self-doubt, or believe He's mad at you, Joyce Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author, wants to help you embrace the power of knowing God's total acceptance. No matter what you have done or where you are in your life's journey, you are meant to receive this gift. God's Word says that His love for you is unchanging and He loves you simply because He wants to. In PERFECT LOVE, Joyce reveals how you can develop the certainty that God loves you fully and unconditionally-right now. Combining her own personal experience with biblical insights, she'll help you increase your understanding of God's genuine character so that you can live more fully, enjoy a lasting sense of confidence, and experience His love on an entirely new level. Chapter titles include: Learning to See Clearly Be the Person God Meant You to Be Developing Your Potential Amazing Grace Getting Comfortable with God "God loves you perfectly and unconditionally right now!" --Joyce Meyer

The NIV Study Bible is the #1 bestselling study Bible in the world's most popular modern English Bible translation. This best-loved Bible features a stunning four-color interior with photographs, maps, charts, and illustrations. One look inside this white Italian Duo-Tone(TM) edition reveals why this Bible is a favorite for over 9 million people.

Weston Scott is happy with his simple, quiet life in a small English village. Yet he is haunted by deeply closeted yearnings, a secret he has shared with only one person. His best friend, Mark. As a constant reminder to guard his own heart, Weston wears an emerald ring on his hand. Mark Goudy has a secret of his own, one that drove him to live far away in London rather than betray his best friend’s trust: he’s always been in love with Weston. Now he’s back, but not for a friendly visit. Mark’s done denying his emotions. And if he can manage to slip that ring off Weston’s finger for one night, he’s sure things will change. For both of them.

Do you know there is no fear in Love? This book is about coming to grips with the God of life who unconditionally loves us and is totally committed to our freedom. There are literally millions of people who do not know the freedom found in love. We have all kinds of fears that plague us, and some are more rational than others. One of the most common fears is the fear of death, for ourselves and the ones we love. We fear failure and rejection. We fear that we will run out of money, or we fear becoming sick. We fear being alone and growing old, and we even fear being afraid. In this world of fear and confusion, there stands a simple truth that defies logic. There is no fear in love! None at all! This may be a hard statement to embrace, especially if one has never experienced real love. Nevertheless, the fact remains that there is no fear in love. The key to overcoming our fears is not living in denial or medicating ourselves by numbing the fears. The key to a life free from fear is growing in love.