Updated 12:58 pm.EST, Sat November 21, 2009

Entertainment|Thu, Oct. 08 2009 05:22 PM EDT

Max Lucado's 'Fearless' Message Resonates in Hard Times

By Audrey Barrick|Christian Post Reporter

Twenty-eight-year-old Zach from Chicago hates his job and is struggling with life and expectations.

While his friends seem to have it all – a good job, a marriage and kids – he fears he'll be in the same place, living with regret 20 years from now.

"What should I do?" he asks Max Lucado, prominent pastor and bestselling author.

Lucado's advice – verbalize your angst and concerns to God and to a trusted circle of God-seekers. "You needn’t live alone with your fear."

That's just one of many pieces of advice Lucado has been giving ever since writing his recently published book, Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear.

Released in September, the book debuted at No. 1 on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association October bestseller list (September sales). Fearless has also spent four consecutive weeks on The New York Times hardcover advice bestseller list and is currently at No. 10.

Christian publisher Thomas Nelson and retailers anticipated the book to be one of the biggest bestsellers of the year because of its timely message and relevance.

With slowdowns in the economy, terrorism, global warming, and disasters dominating the headlines, fear has taken hold of much of the world and many have been left with questions.

"Fearless is a message for the moment," said David Moberg, senior vice president and group publisher at Thomas Nelson. "Max's words are much needed during these challenging times."

During these tough times, Lucado challenges the public to fear less and the church to "turn folks to the one constant in a sea rolling with change."

"If quantity is any indicator, Jesus takes our fears seriously. The one statement He made more than another was this: 'don’t be afraid,'" Lucado said in a statement.

"What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, and doubt, what would remain? Envision the day when you can trust more and fear less."

To help churches relay the message of fearing less, Outreach Inc. is offering sermons, small group curriculum, and inreach and outreach tools to deepen the impact of the book.

"I hope that churches can band together to become an army of courage to enlist others to focus on God, not on fear," said Lucado. "By supporting, encouraging and loving one another, we are prepared to be bold witnesses to the world."

Lucado serves as minister of writing and preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He has sold more than 65 million books to date.

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  • Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:50 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    tpique,
    I have read Fearless, and Max Lucado makes many good points about the life in Christ, debunking all the annoyances and dreads that could consume life if not countered with the love of God and His providence. He makes a point that the one healthy fear is that of the "One who can place body and sould in hell." But the fear of failure, not being financial well off as one would like, of disease and death, and all the rest of life's boogeymen are eradicated by the Gospel of Christ.

    I know your point is valid. The Bible trumps all teaching. And there are moments when I can't agree with Lucado. But having read Fearless, I can say that it was an excellent read. See for yourself. But don't give up on daily Scripture study -- right you are on that issue.
    Warmest regards.

  • Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:22 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 1

    First of all... Max Lucado is a devout Christian who knows who Christ is. WHy is anyone attacking him? There is no substitute for reading the Bible and living by its teachings.... and there are also those annointed to teach..of which Max is one....

  • Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:55 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

    tpique1

    You said

    READ YOUR BIBLE! And stop reading garbage put out by preachers who haven't got the slightest clue who Christ is. That's my advice.

    First, I agree that we all need to make the Bible our primary source of information for any and all situations. But I do have some questions for you. Do have any evidence to suggest that Max Lucado has no idea who Christ is? Have you spent any time whith Max? Has he spoken with you about his lack of understanding? I'm not suggesting that I know the answers either.

    Galations 5:22-26
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

    Before you start making accusations about others, maybe you should follow your own advice and read your Bible.

  • Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:13 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 4

    "Twenty-eight-year-old Zach from Chicago hates his job and is struggling with life and expectations.

    While his friends seem to have it all – a good job, a marriage and kids – he fears he'll be in the same place, living with regret 20 years from now.

    "What should I do?" he asks Max Lucado, prominent pastor and bestselling author."

    ---

    Ooohh!..ooohh! ooohh!

    I KNOW! I KNOW!

    If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

    There, see, I didn't even have to buy Lucado's book to find the answer. It's in my Bible.

    "Do not store up for yourselves TREASURES ON EARTH, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

    "But STORE UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

    READ YOUR BIBLE! And stop reading garbage put out by preachers who haven't got the slightest clue who Christ is. That's my advice.

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