Several months ago we encountered some podcasts by teacher and author Jamie Winship. Before we knew it tons of others from our community of friends were tuning in as well. We continued to listen and investigate and weigh his teaching (which we do with all things) and recently ended up ordering a copy of this book. It is entitled Living Fearless.
We are encouraged by Jamie’s view of the Kingdom, where he agrees with both Jesus and John the Baptist indicating the Kingdom was “at hand.” This, of course, is because the King had shown up per the promise of the Hebrew scriptures. Do you know that the gospels only mention the word church three times but the Kingdom is spoken of over a hundred times? Jamie speaks of hearing God’s voice which has become a divisive issue in the American church ever since “charismatics” and “nons” were successfully alienated from one another within the “evangelical” church group (another smooth move, evil one). While God “has spoken” through nature, the Word of God, and His Son Jesus – He has also placed His Spirit within His children so we can have Jesus disclosed to us. This appears progressive rather than one and done.
Jamie also addresses our identities, both as humans made in His image, and then as Jesus’ sheep for whom He died. He and his and his wife Donna’s mission appears to be teaching people to reject fear (and all things associated with it) and entrust ourselves into the hands of our King. He thinks that if we live in our God identity that we are better equipped to reject the schemes of the evil one.
This book amplifies the radical nature of living free when we reject fear. Lies are often not far behind fear, and this gives way to establishing strongholds meant to subvert our obedience, hope, and effectiveness in Jesus. By defining a clear process to reclaim and hold to our true identities, we find freedom of mind and heart. Usually I highlight main quotes from a book when I review, but Living Fearless deserves to be read and weighed carefully as an asset to your spiritual life. I found it encouraging and helpful. His story contexts are very helpful for contextualizing identity conversations.
Jamie says: “How are we walking? Like victims who blame everyone, including God, and everything else for our difficulties and failures? Let’s stand up in the true identity given to us by God and let the redeemed of the Lord say so! God talks to us only in our true identity and says, “rise up as my leaders in a dark and fragmented world.” (page 73)
Burnadette and I are thoroughly enjoying the conversations. Although I must admit that I did procure her book copy for my purposes. What does that tell you about my identity?
Dave and Burnadette