"We need to eat our unexciting meatloaf in our boring, single-family homes with a few more outcasts around our table."

Matthew Loftus writes well about the "boring" Christian life and the hope of the nations.  How do they fit together?  Here is his conclusion, but read the whole thing.  It's full of insight.

It is important for those of us who have grown up in cultures with strong churches & Christian institutions to recognize the concept of church-planting movements in foreign missions, particularly in regard to three self and unreached people groups principles when discussing foreign missions. For not only is there a larger percentage of faithful, boring Christians in Missouri than in Somalia, but the Christians in Missouri have developed the cultural, theological, and ecclesiological resources necessary to create new churches in their culture and language. This is not true for thousands of people groups that do not know Jesus and have no human means to learn about Him. People in North America certainly need evangelism, discipleship, and theological formation just as much as people in Central Asia. The difference is that the institutions and churches carrying out those works in North America are not merely present, but have the ability to self-sustain, self-fund, and self-reproduce in their own cultural milieu. Such institutions aren’t just virtually absent elsewhere, but often lack the resources and personnel to propagate and persist. If we are serious about the value of these institutions, we should work slowly yet tenaciously to establish them everywhere and send enough Christians to places without them so they might be strengthened. 

There are needs everywhere, of course. Not only are the suburbs of America full of lost people, they are full of Christians who need one another to stay and build one another up through fellowship, prayer, service, and worship. Raising families in an increasingly hostile and materialistic culture is hard work requiring great spiritual resources, and we ought not minimize its importance. However, if we look at the needs of the world and the concentration of wealth, power, education, health, and Biblical knowledge that we’ve been blessed with, it looks a little disproportionate—especially when it comes to the institutions that drive the growth of the church and help to keep her witness faithful. We need to be quiet and patient in a few more places. We need to use the dividends of our thrift a little more intentionally. And we need to eat our unexciting meatloaf in our boring, single-family homes with a few more outcasts around our table.

Read the rest.  

A Conversation on Abortion and the Gospel: Francis Chan and John Piper Talk with John Ensor

Justin Taylor:

John Ensor is the president of Passion Life and the author of several books, including Stand for Life: Answering the Call, Making the Case, Saving Lives (co-authored with Scott Klusendorf), Answering the Call: Saving Innocent Lives One Woman at a Time, and most recently, Innocent Blood: Challenging the Powers of Death with the Gospel of Life. 

He recently sat down to talk with Francis Chan (whose mother died giving birth to him) and John Piper (who has spent time in jail for peaceful pro-life protest) 

Chan talks about his struggles to stand up for life. Piper talks about the need to expose evil, standing up for and defending the voiceless victims of injustice. They view depictions of abortion and talk about the need to respond with the cleansing power of the gospel of grace. 

WARNING: Graphic Images.

What To Do About Unanswered Prayer

Francis Chan responds in this video:

Erasing Hell - A Great Review

Trevin Wax with a very thoughtful review of Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle.  Here is his conclusion:

Chan and Sprinkle have put forth a historically orthodox understanding of hell, demonstrating the biblical foundation for their views. But Bell challenges this understanding by seeking to appeal to a more beautiful vision of God. The tragedy of Love Wins is that the character of God as described by Bell isn’t, in the final instance, much more than a glorified vision of 21st century man.

The problem with the responses to Love Wins is that, while we are experts at critiquing Bell’s vision of God, we aren’t stepping up with a more compelling portrait of God’s magnificence. We are scribbling down our thoughts under Bell’s chalk drawing instead of taking up the paint brush and creating something that reflects the beauty of biblical truth.

We can write 50-page criticisms of The Shack. Meanwhile, men and women like William Young continue to craft great stories. We grasp the issues, but others grasp the medium.

Beyond that, we often appear pedantic in the grasping of these important issues. In the study of the communication arts, there is a part of the brain known as Brocha’s Area which acts like the gateway to whether people actually listen. Surprising or intriguing Brocha is one way to get that door to open – something that art in its many variations is capable of doing.

Erasing Hell is functional, but not beautiful. From a functional point of view, I recommend it. But I think we need to be pushed on the beautiful side of this equation as well. The gospel shouldn’t shut down our imagination, but rather fuel it and direct it toward the beauty that is inherent to the truth. We need more than analysis; we need artistry.

Read the rest.

Dan Kimball on "Erasing Hell"

Dan Kimball writes why he endorses Francis Chan's new book, Erasing Hell.  He writes:

• it comes from a heart that is broken about hell. The pages themselves almost weep it is so heartfelt written. I know that sounds kind of corny, but it is true. This is written from a broken heart on the topic and that makes all the difference.
• it stresses how even when you wish something wasn't in Scripture or in the words of Jesus, we have to be very careful we don't then ignore it or create something else from our own human thinking or hopes - instead of what is in Scripture. If we create theology or beliefs from our own hopes or feelings of what God is or isn't like, in many ways we then create God in our own wishful image, rather than what He revealed in Scripture. We may say we don't want to follow a God as described and revealed in Scripture, and that's a choice we make. But then whether we realize it or not, we then create and follow our own version of "God" instead of what Scripture does reveal. We certainly may not like when hell is in the Bible (who does?). But when we alter Scripture or create a God or Jesus from the parts of Scripture we like while ignoring other parts is other words is not good biblical hermeneutics in my opinion. Very often (sadly) I keep hearing people describe Jesus, but only talk about aspects of His teachings that they like while ignoring other parts of His teachings. Or entirely ignore Paul's writings or other parts of the BIble and dismiss them as being wrong or not inspired. So we can do a pick and choose Jesus and a pick and choose God using passages from the Bible that align with our often good and understandable hopes or desires. But again, this is not good biblical hermeneutics. It may align with culture easier and may then be easier to talk about God to those who don't know Him. But we then aren't faithful to the whole of Scripture and what God revealed in Scripture about Himself. Again, one may not believe in the Scripture as inspired. So they then can do that and say that Paul was wrong or focus on parts of the Bible and not others. But for those who do believe that the Scriptures are fully inspired, then we have to be so careful with creating theology to match what we may wish God is like or isn't like.
• it is not a "here is every answer on hell" book, but it leaves questions and mystery in places about hell where questions are needed to be left. But it also states what is more clear in Scripture and in the teachings of Jesus too.
• it is not a just written with a "pray a prayer so you get to heaven and avoid hell" mentality. When a reductionist form of the gospel happens and following Jesus for people is about avoiding hell, that is not what they Bible teaches. The sadness of if that develops, it then becomes easy to ignore those in need and desire to see change happen in this life and just wait for "heaven". Jesus taught on the Kingdom of God here and to come. And for those who follow Jesus, our role is to be involved in justice, compassion and caring for the needy. What I appreciate about Francis, is that he is very passionate about those in need around the world. In fact, I don't know how public he will be about this, but for those who may even think this book is written because it is a hot theological topic right now and is jumping in and will generate big book sales and money etc. - Francis is not making any money from this book. He is giving all the money to charities and to the needy that comes in from this book.
• it is from a pastor, but Francis also brought in theologians to help with this book. For one, Preston Sprinkle, the co-author of this book has a PhD in New Testament from Aberdeen University in Scotland. But it didn't end there. he also had scholars from Cambridge University, St. Andrews University, Westmont College, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary also involved in looking it over for theological credibility. So Francis has theologians (multiple ones) look over the book so it wasn't just Francis' thinking on it.

Read the rest.  

Francis Chan on Making Disciples and Knowing Christ

Francis Chan - The Presence of Jesus in Suffering from Verge Network on Vimeo.

Francis Chan: On Hell

Randy Alcorn writes:

I promise the nearly ten minutes it takes to watch this video will be a great investment. Listen to it thoughtfully and prayerfully, and look at Francis as he talks. These aren’t just sound bites or a sales pitch, even though a forthcoming book is alluded to. This is from the heart and vitally important. It embodies both grace and truth.

This is one of the best responses I have seen to "Love Wins".  

BASIC - Francis Chan

Neither Radical Nor Crazy

Really good word here from Shaun Groves:

David Platt is not radical. And Francis Chan, in fact, is not the least bit crazy. Despite the titles of their best-selling books, they’re absolutely normal.

In Radical David urges readers to trade in the materialism and faux security of the American dream for a life of generosity, prayer, bible study, community, service and involvement in God’s provision for the spiritually and physically impoverished around the world.

In Crazy Love Francis asks readers to consider God’s lavish sacrificial love for them and the world and then respond by loving others likewise – living more simply, generously, passionately, obediently – together.

This isn’t radical. It sure isn’t crazy. It’s downright normal.

I’ve had the honor of meeting both men. David I only shook hands with and small talked for a minute but Francis and I have had longer conversations backstage, serving alongside each other at a few events. From our brief times together I walked away certain that neither man would label themselves “radical” or “crazy.”

Was it a publisher then, a marketer maybe, who foisted those labels on their words…and their life?

Unfortunate. Such labels lend credence to the lie we all tell ourselves: I’m not like them.

But we are like them, you and I. Forgetting this leads to an abnormal Christian life – Radically crazily sadly misinformed.

Read the rest.  

Francis Chan on Celebrity Status and the Holy Spirit

Question:

Jesus has always blessed his Church with gifted teachers. Unique to our day is the increased accessibility of these teachers. How should we make the most out of these resources while at the same time being committed to the local church? Could you give practical advice on the way forward?

Francis Chan answers:

These are things that I am trying to figure out right now, so I want to be careful not to speak too soon. What I will say is this . . .

I have benefitted greatly by hearing biblical preachers via podcast. I’m glad that there is so much solid teaching available. However, I am struggling with the celebrity status that comes from this kind of exposure. It’s not healthy for the preacher, nor is it healthy for those who talk about their ministry heroes so often (I am guilty of this).

In many ways, we are conforming to the pattern of the world. While it is good that people are talking about what they have learned from “Piper, Driscoll, Keller, Chan, etc,” I am concerned about how much we speak those names rather than the name of Jesus. It has gotten to the point where I believe we have taken glory away from Jesus. Personally, I am intentionally trying to mention human names less and speak often the matchless name of Jesus.

All believers have received the Holy Spirit. We must go forth in his power with confidence. God has placed people in your path. You are called to disciple them. We too quickly direct converts toward podcast preachers and neglect our God-given mandate to disciple. We must believe in the power of the Scriptures themselves, and we must trust in the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

Let’s use the resources God has given to the church at large, but let’s not shirk our responsibility to the local church. Let’s not boast too much of others, and let’s not underestimate what the Spirit desires to do through us.

CNN on Chan

CNN has an interesting profile of Francis Chan and his decision to leave his church and travel through Asia.

(HT:  T-Wax)

New Video From Francis Chan - Follow Jesus

Check it out here.  I would encourage you to watch this.

Not "Radical" but "Normal" (When you read the Bible)

You Should Watch This - Following Jesus

Francis Chan: Following Jesus [VERGE 2010 Main Session] from Verge Network on Vimeo.

Francis Chan Message from DG National Conference

I just finished listening to the Francis Chan's message from the recent "Think" conference put on by Desiring God.  In short, it wrecked me.  If you only have time to listen to one message I would listen to this one.  I am so thankful to God for this message.

God's Will For My Life?

“I think a lot of us need to forget about God’s will for my life. God cares more about our response to his Spirit’s leading today, in this moment, than about what we intend to do next year. In fact, the decisions we make next year will be profoundly affected by the degree to which we submit to the Spirit right now, in today’s decisions. It is easy to use the phrase ‘God’s will for my life’ as an excuse for inaction or even disobedience. It’s much less demanding to think about God’s will for your future than it is to ask Him what He wants you to do in the next ten minutes. It’s safer to commit to following him someday instead of this day. To be honest I believe part of the desire to ‘know God’s will for my life’ is birthed in fear and results in paralysis.” (120)

God wants to listen to his Spirit on a daily basis, and even throughout the day, as difficult and as stretching moments arise, and in the midst of the mundane. My hope is that instead of searching for ‘God’s will for my life,’ each of us would learn to seek hard after ‘the Spirit’s leading in my life today.’” (120)

“The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead is not someone we can just call on when we want a little extra power in our lives. Jesus Christ did not die in order to follow us. He died and rose again so that we could forget everything else and follow him to the cross, to true Life.” (122)

- Francis Chan, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit

(HT:  Tim Chester)

Free Francis Chan Audio Book This Month

Guest Post by Los

Christian Audio is a audio book seller that has great deals, and also offers a free book every month. This month's book is by Francis Chan called "Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit". Chan's books and preaching has had an amazing impact on my life and way of thinking so I do recommend this audio book to you. Plus it is free, so why wouldn't you??

Click here to go to Christian Audio.

"That is Your Joy?!?"

A New Chapter for Francis Chan

Catalyst Space:

Last Tuesday I had the honor of interviewing Francis Chan at Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, CA.  I was asked to wait to post this video until today because of the sensitive nature of what Francis shared...

After 16 years of serving as senior pastor for Cornerstone Church Francis is sensing the Lord leading him in a different direction.  Despite not having complete clarity on what this means or exactly what is next Francis is stepping out in faith, something he has done for so much of his life.  He announced this decision to the church yesterday no doubt solidifying the start of a huge transition for both the Chan family AND the Cornerstone Church family.  The beauty of this announcement is that it comes in unified peace and hopeful harmony.

When I asked Francis, "what's going on with you right now, what are you learning," I had no idea that he would share all of this...needless to say the remaining questions I had prepared were thrown out the window as Francis spoke from his heart and offered a vulnerable glimpse into his own personal journey...

"I would be a hypocrite if I didn't go..."

Francis Chan is stepping out in faith... from Catalyst on Vimeo.


Francis Chan - "Fun Five" from Catalyst on Vimeo.

Persecution In India

Persecution in India: Francis' Response from Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.


Unedited footage:

Persecution in India: Unedited Footage from Cornerstone Church on Vimeo.