I really enjoyed reading this book recently. The subtitle is ‘Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit’.
When Chan wrote this, he had been challenged by the fact that many churches, particularly in the West, focus on God the Father and Son but often reduce the Holy Spirit to more of a ‘bit part’, whether intentionally or not. He wanted to put this right in his own life, and the life of the church he was leading at the time.
I like to think that if you are involved with Inspire, it’s because you long for more of God. One quote I love from this book is “I have yet to meet anyone who has too much Holy Spirit”!
Chan gives a wonderful illustration about the Holy Spirit by using a caterpillar and a butterfly, saying “I don’t want to keep crawling when I have the ability to fly”. Another standout quote from the book (and for me there were many) is: “I spent years asking God to be part of whatever I was doing. When I read the book of Acts, I see people privileged to play a part in what God was doing”. This is one thing I love about Inspire – it’s not a Movement of people, although people are part of it – it’s a Movement of the Holy Spirit, who invites us to join in with what he is already doing. If you read this book, I believe it will whet your appetite for more Spirit-filled and Spirit-led adventures as whole life disciples and everyday missionaries.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow in understanding of the Holy Spirit, but particularly to those who want to grow in relationship with him. Even if you don’t feel like much of a reader, I promise it’s an easy read, and I doubt that it’s possible to read it without being challenged.”
Matt is an Inspire Missioner based in Leeds, UK.
‘Forgotten God’ by Francis Chan, David C Cook, 2009
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