Forgotten God

Last week, I finished reading Forgotten God by Francis Chan. I enjoyed his first book, Crazy Love, as well, but I liked Forgotten God more. In this book, Chan addresses how Christians often neglect the Holy Spirit's presence and power in their lives. We talk often of God the Father & Jesus, but seem to avoid the topic of the Holy Spirit? Why? My opinion is that we are not comfortable nor do we understand the Holy Spirit's function. But Chan looks at what this neglect is doing to the church around the world. Are we choosing not to use God given power and wisdom because we don't want to be labeled "charismatic"? Are we afraid if we were led by the Holy Spirit we would have to quit our jobs and become pastors or missionaries? Chan in a very compelling way challenges the reader to understand biblically who the Holy Spirit is and to avoid thwarting His presence in our lives. I highly recommend the book whether you are a conservative or pentecostal. There is something for everyone is this book. I have already begun to think and act differently as a result of reading this book.

Here are a few quotes to get you interested:

"While no evangelical would deny His existence, I'm willing to bet there are millions of churchgoers across America who cannot confidently say they have experienced His presence or action in their lives over the past year."

"But when believers live in the power of the Holy Spirit, the evidence in their lives is supernatural. The church cannot help but be different, and the world cannot help but notice."

"Even our church growth can happen without Him. Let's be honest: If you combine a charismatic speaker, a talented worship band, and some hip, creative events, people will attend your church. Yet this does not mean that the Holy Spirit of God is actively working and moving in the lives of the people who are coming. It simply means that you have created a space that is appealing enough to draw people in for an hour to two on Sunday.
"It certainly does not mean that people walk out the doors moved to worship and in awe of God. People are more likely to describe the quality of the music or the appeal of the sermon than the One who is the reason people gather for "church" in the first place."

"Thousands of years later, I think most of us would also choose a physical Jesus over an invisible Spirit. But what do we do with the fact that Jesus says it is better for His followers to have the Holy Spirit? Do we believe Him? If so, do our lives reflect that belief?

"The Holy Spirit does not seek to hurt us, but He does seek to make us Christlike, and this can be painful."

"In short, we've kept the Spirit from breaking into our lives because of the fear of resembling "them".

"This is an important reminder of who is in control. Just as we don't get to choose which gifts we are given, so also we don't get to choose what God intends for us or for the church. The Spirit has a plan for our lives, for each of us. And He has a plan for the church, including your individual church body and the worldwide body of Christ."

"A sure sign of the Holy Spirit's working is that Christ is magnified, not people."

"Ask Him to supernaturally enable you to love Him and others. And let's trust Him to display miracles for His glory, in His time, and in His way."

"Desiring the Holy Spirit means we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us."

"He wants us to know that His gift of the Holy Spirit is really not for our own pleasure or purposes. The Spirit is meant to lead us toward holiness. The Spirit is here with us to accomplish God's purposes, not ours."

"one of the greatest aspects of being in relationship with the Holy Spirit is the intimacy, security, and encouragement He brings us."

"God cares more about our response to His Spirit's leading today, in this moment, than about what we intend to do next year."

It's safer to commit to following Him someday instead of this day."

"Christians can't ever lost the Spirit, but His filling is something we should constantly pursue."

"It does mean that when you are sinning, you are not simultaneously submitted to the authority and presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. He is still present, but you are most likely suppressing or ignoring His counsel."

"I want to live in such a way that I am desperate for Him to come through."

"I don't believe God wants me (or any of His children) to live in a way that makes sense from the world's perspective, a way I know I can "manage."

"Yet even so, we often choose to face life's issues and circumstances in exactly the same way as someone without the Spirit of God."

"What disturbs me most is when we're not really bothered that God living in us has not made much of a noticeable difference."

"When I live by my own power and strength, relying solely on my natural talents to see me through, then people naturally praise me for how I am living. But when I am living in a way that requires me to depend on the Holy Spirit, people respond by praising my Father in heaven."

"you have the choice each day to depend on yourself, to live safely, and to try to control your life. Or you you can live as you were created to live--as a temple of the Holy Spirit of God, as a person dependent on Him, desperate for God the Spirit to show up and make a difference."

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