Forgotten God, by Francis Chan

[1951rodriguez]

@ClumsyRoot. I'm going to let you in, in a little secret. YOU WERE NEVER A TRUE BELIEVER!! ((1-john 1:19)) "THEY WENT OUT FROM US, BUT THEY WERE NOT OF US; FOR IF THEY HAD BEEN OF US, THEY WOULD HAVE CONTINUED WITH US; BUT THEY WENT OUT THAT THEY MIGHT BE MANIFEST, THAT NONE OF THEM WERE OF US." ((1-john 2:19))

[1951rodriguez]

@ClumsyRoot. That was funny!!! You used to be a Christian?! Jejejejejeje.... Christianity isn't a method, technique, or a program that can work for certain people, Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is a relationship with GOD Himself. No one can claim to be a believer/Christian and then decide that, Christianity doesn't workout for him. silly ClumsyRoot!!! I'm going to let you in, in a little secret. YOU WERE NEVER A TRUE BELIEVER!. (((1 John 1:19)) ---======- "THEY WENT OUT FROM US,

[ClumsyRoot]

@1951rodriguez

I know it reassures believers to think that anyone who "falls away" from the faith was never really a believer in the first place. :)

[timothyboyle]

I just got this book!! I finished "Crazy Love" and it was awesome! It helped me grow my relationship with God!!

[ClumsyRoot]

Christianity is designed to make ordinary people feel special. Is it any wonder that people latch onto such an ego-massaging message?

[Jim1905]

@ClumsyRoot

Isn't it amazing that I can read this and then simultaneously read that it also makes people feel small and subservient and that it's oppressive.

If you have a chance read GK Chesterton's chapter The Paradoxes of Christianity from his book Orthodoxy and you'll realize what ridiculous statements you've made.

[ClumsyRoot]

@Jim1905

I'm don't know what Chesterton is referring to, but I'm not sure the discrepancy you reference above is necessarily a paradox.

Believers are made to feel that they are inveterate sinners, small and ineffectual, and that all their works are but "filthy rags." They must be broken down in this way in order to make them receptive to the happy ending: the Christian salvation scheme, which convinces them that the Creator of the universe loves them and has a special plan just for them.

[Jim1905]

@ClumsyRoot

Lol ok sure and you should take a look at what he says, it's based on his earlier life as atheist as he read attacks on christianity. Anyways, if that's what you take to be the christian message then I think you've severely missed the point.

[ClumsyRoot]

@Jim1905

Obviously, that's not Christianity's "official" message. I used to be a Christian; I understand what the religion teaches.

I was simply trying to break it down a bit, to explain how Christianity works: by first exploiting our deepest insecurities and existential fears, and then by drawing on both our hopeful nature and our innate self-centeredness to bring us into the fold.

Psychologically speaking, it's brilliant, which no doubt accounts for the religion's success.

[Jim1905]

@ClumsyRoot

sure...If that's what you want to believe then go ahead, it probably makes it a lot easier to deny in your heart what you know is true. Oh btw not only am I christian but I've also studied, through university and on my own, the works of Origen, Paul, Augustine, Aquinas, Chesterton, Lewis, etc. There is also an insidious thought process you have that usually acompanies the paranoid, but as they say "just bc you're paranoid, doesn't mean the government is not out to get you".

[ClumsyRoot]

@Jim1905

That's your response???

[TheChuck0946]

@ClumsyRoot How is it possible to have an ego and be a humble christian at the same time?Matthew 18:4(true christians are completely dependant on God as their father and care giver) An ego would imply some sort of self righteousness. Obviously God deserves all the honor. He did create everything after all.(including self righteous egos if that i what our heart truly desires)Romans 1:24

[ClumsyRoot]

@TheChuck0946

In theory.

In reality, all theists labor under the most self-centered of delusions: that the entire cosmos was created with US in mind. Such a worldview cannot help but foster arrogance, especially among those who considered themselves "saved" or "chosen."

[lsissysurfer]

I loved Crazy Love, and our church will for sure love Forgotten God. :)

[ThePredatorElder]

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. "-Jer 29:10-14

[droptozro]

@ThePredatorElder

Why did you proof-text out that Jeremiah quote? that has to do with Israel, not us. Now don't get me wrong, I don't believe God wants to harm us either--but be careful doing that, that's a huge lie proof-text that people run around and spread to gain followers. God isn't all about making our life great down here, most early Christians lived in hard times, poverty, persecution, and it's still going on in other countries... God calls THEM blessed, and US blind.

[ThePredatorElder]

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. "-Jer 29:10-14

[french7chic]

I'm buying this book now

[benjaminaster22]

Just like chan said, We need people to notice Jesus through us! Throughout this upcoming week think about how God can us you to make a difference, cause you can make a difference for christ

[yoadrienneaz]

In America, we have reduced the Chrisitian life to soccer practice, taking the kids to piano lesson, "going to church", reading the bible like a good book, .....but wher is the power, the authority in Christ? Where is the walking in boldness and miracles following those who believe? We must let the Holy Spirit have an active roll in our lives otherwise we are just Christian by title, yet void of power. Isn't that a Christian atheist?

[spritezeroderek]

@yoadrienneaz Amen!

[TheTruthseeker59]

@yoadrienneaz amen!

[wheresmylife]

I just spent the last 4 1/2 hours listening to the Forgotten God audio book, read by brother Francis himself. I can't begin to explain how much this book ministered to me. Everything I heard, I related to personally, whether it was incredulity, excuses, passion or the recognition that what we call church and Christianity in America really aren't. Francis helps you understand how vital and earnest the Holy Spirit is to the life of a True Believer. I am so, so very grateful for this book!

[Tomsedated]

@wheresmylife hey where can we get the audio book?

cheers mate

[wheresmylife]

@Tomsedated The audio book for Forgotten God is available on Christian Audio Dot Com. That site has a free audio book download available every month. In June it was Forgotten God. God bless.

[thadynastyrecords]

amen

[stoney490]

So, I guess He's not exactly a rigid cessationist, huh?  Sweet!

[Kevge13]

amen :) what track is playing the background btw? :)

[myheartsong3]

AMEN THIS BOOK SOUNDS AMAZING

[Mcdebnolds]

Awesome book! Continuing to change how I allow God/Son/Spirit lead me! Must read!

[FJUWANA]

thanks

[mikeyboy86]

I can't wait to pick up the DVD for this. Awesome book.

[vj5467]

I just finished reading Forgotten God. all i can say is "WOW".. hahaha. read it! life changing. and if you havent read Crazy Love, then go read that too! amazing!

[melody4cello]

just finished reading Forgotten God! AWESOME!

[danae4mccain]

I'm so excited! "Crazy Love" was life changing ans what we need as a church right now it to come into our authority through the Holy Spirit! AMAZING!

[danae4mccain]

I'm so excited! The first book "Crazy Love" was life changing!

[Lindafaithgirl7]

@danae4mccain Yes, for me too, thatswhy I have purchased this book yesterday and I am very excited to read it. God bless Francis Chan in his work because he is really in love with God.

[xchampx]

cant wait for it

[AzNLogiK]

Wooo!!! that's one of our textbooks for theology [: helps to go to his school :D