“Forgotten God: Reversing our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit” by Francis Chan
Francis Chan’s book speaks directly, simply, and profoundly
to a tragic reality in many of our lives and churches—the neglect of the Holy
Spirit. In His absence, individuals and churches operate in their own personal
strength and accomplish goals that are merely ‘human sized’. When we begin
living in the power of the Holy Spirit, our churches and lives will be vastly
different. It is upon that premise that Chan discusses the work of the Holy
Spirit as presented in the Bible.
Throughout the book, Pastor Chan challenges his readers with
questions to reflect upon. I found these questions especially convicting. For
example, 1 Corinthians 1: 6: 19-20 states that as a believer our bodies are the
home of the Holy Spirit. Most of us have likely read that passage several times,
but Chan challenges us to consider this statement in light of the way we live.
Should there not be a huge difference in the life of a believer versus that of
the unbeliever, given the reality of the Holy Spirit inside of us? Yet, why are
so many lives of Christians virtually no different than that of an unbeliever?
“When was the last time I undeniably saw the Holy Spirit at work in or around
me? (p. 35) Is it possible that for many, our relationship with the Holy Spirit
is based upon head knowledge rather than a total submitting unto His leading
every day? Through the process of encouraging readers to ask hard questions of
themselves, Chan truly helps us gain a better understanding of what it should
be to have the Holy Spirit within us.
Pastor Chan also digs into the reasoning we have for
desiring to be filled with the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. The
question we must address is it is one of selfish reasons ( for me and my
betterment), or for that of truly knowing the full experience of God in one’s
life, and how that experience reflects itself in a love of others and of
Christ’s church. A sure sign of the Holy
Spirit’s working in individuals (or churches for that matter) is that Christ is
magnified and not man. Further, Chan calls his readers to think less about
God’s will for one’s life for the future (which is often a veiled excuse for
waiting, doing nothing, and succumbing to fear of failure), and rather focus on
God’s will for their lives TODAY (p. 119ff). We are called to an active pursuit
of God and His will, not only for tomorrow, but especially for today!
Francis Chan does not allow us to use preconceived notions
of the Holy Spirit and His work. The author devotes an entire chapter (The
Theology of the Holy Spirit 101) to summarize the vital work of the Spirit, and
constantly references and expounds upon Scripture in his book. Further, the use
of human example (Esther Ahn Kim, Dave Phillips, Domingo and Irene Garcia,
etc.) and amazing comparisons in life (butterflies, tractors, and football) all
provide for an excellent and unforgettable understanding of the Spirit’s work.
Our church recently worked through this book and DVD study
guide in our Wednesday evening adult large group. It was a wonderful
blessing—one that I would recommend for you as well.
