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"First Friday" Freebie: Forgotten God by Francis Chan (5/4)

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[UPDATE: This contest is now closed. The winner will be notified by email.]

We’re starting something new here at the Blue Letter Bible blog, and I think you’ll be excited about it.

On the first Friday of every month, we will host a giveaway for one book. The books will be carefully chosen from our bookstore and are recommended for Christian growth and edification.

Our first giveaway will be Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan. I would describe this wonderful read as a sort of “Practical Theology of the Holy Spirit”; it uses Scripture to remind us Who the Holy Spirit is and shows how He works practically in the believer’s life.

Book Description:

A follow up to the profound message of Crazy Love, Pastor Francis Chan offers a compelling invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in our lives. In the name of the Father, the Son, and … the Holy Spirit. We pray in the name of all three, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two? As Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit―the Helper―so that we could be true and living witnesses for Christ. Unfortunately, today’s church has admired the gift but neglected to open it. Breakthrough author Francis Chan rips away paper and bows to get at the true source of the church’s power―the Holy Spirit. Chan contends that we’ve ignored the Spirit for far too long, and we are reaping the disastrous results. Thorough scriptural support and compelling narrative form Chan’s invitation to stop and remember the One we’ve forgotten, the Spirit of the living God.

Video from the publisher:

http://vimeo.com/5714177

Giveaway Rules: Fill out the form below to enter the contest. You may only enter once; duplicate entries will be disqualified. As soon as the winners have been chosen, all contact information submitted will be erased. Entries may be submitted until Monday morning, 8am PST. Winners will be notified by email.

[UPDATE: This contest is now closed. The winner will be notified by email.]

Comments

  2. This is cool.

    Suggestion: I think you should have a checkbox with the option to sign up for your mailing list (if you have one), that way, those that want to can stay in touch afterwards too. All that don’t would get deleted just like it says above.

    • Thanks Tim! We don’t have a working mailing list at the moment, but have plans for one soon. I implemented your suggestion. Thank you and God bless!

  3. What a great idea! I filled in my name and email address, but I don’t see a ‘submit’ button. What do I need to do?

    • Matthew,

      May I ask why you referred me to this site?

      Thanks~
      Barbara

      • Mathew,

        Okay, now I know. You were referencing the dialogue we were having on April 26.

        My kids and grandkids are coming in from out of town, so I don’t have time to write a long answer, which is something this topic really demands; however, I will try and get a few verses posted tonight or tomorrow morning for your consideration.

        Barbara

    • Mathew~

      As I wrote, there are several verses that will shed light upon speaking in tongues:

      I Corinthians 13:1 says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
      Here Paul says that there are two kinds of tongues, that of angels and that of man. When we read, then, we need to be careful to notice which one is being discussed.

      Acts 2:4 says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
      Was this the tongues of angels or of men? Verse 6b and 8b tell us that they were human languages: “every man heard them speak in his own language” and “our own tongue, wherein we were born” respectively. Examples of these human languages are listed in the subsequent verses.

      I Corinthians 14:2 says, “For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”
      In this verse, Paul is talking about the language of angels in which men speak to God and which no other man understands what he is saying.

      It is important, then, to first understand whether the verse or passage is referring to the language of angels or of men. Secondly, it is important to understand the specific gifts given by each member of the Trinity. Romans 12:3-8 lists the gifts of the Father. Ephesians 4:11 (also I Cor. 12:28) lists the gifts of the Son. I Corinthians 12:8-10, 28 list the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Thirdly, it is imperative that all relevant Scripture be reconciled when formulating doctrine. I Corinthians 12:6-11 says, “And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”

      The bottom line is that only when you are able to harmonize your beliefs about speaking in tongues with all relevant Scripture and especially with the above verses from I Corinthians 12, verses that you have ignored, that you will have solid biblical doctrine. While there is nothing wrong with reading other people’s commentaries, it isn’t to them that we are to look for truth.

      I have a proposition for you. When you can harmonize your beliefs with the verses I have cited, then I will take the time to address Mr. Hardy’s article. If you can’t, then, obviously, there really is no reason to continue on this topic.

      I pray that you will take God at His Word: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matt. 7:7-8).

      Yours in Christ~
      Barbara

    • There was no submit button except for the submit comment button at the bottom of the page. I am currently using an HTC Evo 3D Android phone to view your site. I was able to enter your giveaway by hitting the enter/return button on my phone while at the Enter Email line though.

  6. Hi. Sorry, is this open to people outside of the USA as well? I’d love to put my name forward for it as it’s a great idea, but I don’t want to do that if it isn’t.

    • I’m filled with the Holy Spirit, and yes, sometimes people think you are “crazy” because I am so “different” from them. Most people, INCLUDING christian are NOT happy, they hardly ever laugh, or just plain happy. I’m happy most always and if I’m sick and so am not happy, they ask what’s wrong with you Sally, you’re not happy today? LOL The Holy Spirit in my laugh gives me the strength I need for day to day living, and He intercedes for me when I run out of words to say and my heart is overwhelmed the Holy Spirit prays thru me. 🙂

  7. I did not see a submit button, even after reading the post above me saying it has been fixed.

  8. BLB-Staff and Brethren,

    Thank you for sharing this research tool tip it is very well presented.

    Daniel 12:4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

    We learn from this prophetic passage of scripture about the future of the world we live in. Most of us will agree that we are living in the age just before Jesus’ return to earth and His Millennial reign. This scripture speaks about an increase in travel (running to and fro, planes, trains, automobiles, etc) and the information age we now live in (knowledge increasing, Internet, Database access, Online Library access, Blueletterbible.org, Gatewaybible.org, Internet search engines, etc).
    This tool tip helps one do comparative study much like A. T. Robertson’s Harmony of the Gospels does and is good for Bible Studies that drive a point of truth home to the pupil.

    Thanks for sharing and I pray that our God and Father, Yahweh,
    will give you His love and peace!
    Brother Andybob 

  9. Hi! Thanks for this contest. I continually telling all my friends and church about Blue Letter Bible. Searching God’s word through the study of the original languages has revolutionized my Christian walk. Thank you for all you do.

  10. Hebrews 13:6
    So that we may boldly say the LORD is OUR helper
    and I will not fear what man shall do unto me

    Isaiah 2:22
    Cease ye from man whose breath is in his nostrils
    For wherein is he to be accounted of

    John 2:15&16
    And when HE had made a scourge of small cords
    HE drove them all out of the temple and the sheep and the oxen
    And poured out the changers money and overthrew the tables
    (16)and said unto them that sold doves
    take these things hence
    MAKE NOT MY FATHERS HOUSE AN HOUSE OF MERCHANDISE

    2 Peter 2:3
    And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you whose judgement now of a long time lingereth not and their damnation slumbereth not

    1 Corinthians 4:6
    And these things brethren I have in a figure transferred to myself and to apollos for your sakes
    that you might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written
    THAT NO—ONE—OF YOU BE PUFFED UP FOR–ONE– AGAINST ANOTHER

    Deuteronomy 32:2&3
    My doctrine shall drop as the rain MY speech shall distill as the dew as the small rain upon the tender herb and as the showers upon the grass
    (3) Because I will publish the name of the LORD
    Abscribe ye greatness unto our GOD

    Proverbs 4:1&2
    Hear ye children the instruction of a FATHER and attend to know understanding
    (2)For I give you good doctrine forsake ye not MY law

    Isaiah 28:9
    Whom shall HE teach knowledge and whom shall HE make to understand doctrine
    Them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts

    Hebrews 5:13
    For everyone that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe

    Isaiah 29:24
    They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding
    And they that murmured shall learn doctrine

    1 John 4:6
    We are of GOD
    He that knoweth GOD heareth us
    He that is not of GOD heareth not us
    Hereby we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error

    Matthew 7:28
    And it came to pass when JESUS had ended these sayings
    The people were astonished at HIS doctrine

    Matthew 22:33&34
    And when the multitude heard this
    they were astonished at HIS doctrine
    (34) But when the Pharisees had heard that HE had put the Sadducees to silence they were gathered together

    Mark 12:38
    And HE said unto them in HIS doctrine
    Beware of the scribes which love to go in long clothing
    and love salutations in the marketplace

    Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at HIS doctrine
    For HIS WORD was with power

    Hebrews 1:3
    Who being the brightness of HIS glory and the express image
    of HIS person and upholding all things
    BY THE WORD OF HIS POWER
    WHEN HE HAD BY HIMSELF PURGED OUR SINS
    sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high

    Acts 13:10&11
    And said o full of all subtilty and all mischief
    Thou child of the devil
    Thou enemy of all righteousness
    wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the LORD
    (11) And now behold the hand of the LORD is upon thee and thou shalt be blind not seeing the sun for a season and immediately
    there fell on him a mist and a darkness and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand

    Acts 13:12
    Then the deputy when he saw what was done believed
    being astonished at the doctrine of the LORD

    1 Timothy 6:1
    Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor
    THAT THE NAME OF GOD AND HIS DOCTRINE BE NOT BLASPHEMED

    1 Timothy 6:3
    If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesome words
    EVEN THE WORDS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
    AND TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH IS ACCORDING TO GODLINESS

    1 Timothy 1:4
    HE IS PROUD– knowing nothing but doting about questions and strifes of words
    whereof cometh envy — strife –railings — evil surmisings

    2 John 1:10
    Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of CHRIST hath not GOD
    He that abideth in the doctrine of CHRIST hath both the FATHER and the SON

    John 6:63
    It is the spirit that QUICKENETH
    the flesh profiteth nothing
    THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK UNTO YOU THEY ARE SPIRIT AND THEY ARE LIFE

    Psalm 80:17
    Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand
    upon the SON OF MAN whom thou madest strong for thyself

    Luke 22:69
    Hereafter shall the SON OF MAN sit on the right hand
    of the power of GOD

    Psalm 80:18
    So will not we go back from thee
    Quicken us and we will call upon thy name

    Psalm 119:25
    Daleth– My soul cleaveth unto the dust
    Quicken thou me according to thy word

    Psalm 22:29
    All they that be fat upon the earth shall eat and worship
    All they that go down to the dust shall bow before HIM
    And none can keep alive his own soul

    Psalm 119:37
    Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity and
    Quicken me in thy way

    Psalm 119:40
    Behold I have longed after thy precepts
    Quicken me in thy righteousness

    Proverbs 8:20
    I lead in the way of righteousness
    In the midst of the paths of judgement

    Proverbs 8:8
    All the words of my mouth are in righteousness
    There is nothing froward or perverse in them

    Psalm 119:88
    Quicken me after thy lovingkindness
    So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth

    Psalm 119:107
    I am afflicted very much
    Quicken me O LORD according to thy word

    Psalm 119:149
    Hear my voice according to thy lovingkindness O LORD
    Quicken me according to thy judgement

    Psalm 119:154
    Plead my cause and deliver me
    Quicken me according to thy word

    Psalm 119:156
    Great are thy tender mercies O LORD
    Quicken me according to thy judgements

    Deuteronomy 32:4
    HE is the rock HIS work is perfect
    For all HIS ways are judgement
    A GOD of truth and without iniquity
    Just and right is HE

    Philippians 1:9
    And this I pray that your love may abound yet more and more
    in knowledge and in all judgement

    Isaiah 61:8
    For I the LORD love judgement
    I hate robbery for burnt offering
    AND I WILL DIRECT THEIR WAY IN TRUTH
    AND I MAKE AN EVERLASTING COVENANT WITH THEM

    John 18:37
    Pilate therefore said unto HIM
    Art thou a king then
    JESUS ANSWERED THOU SAYEST THAT I AM A KING
    TO THIS END I WAS BORN AND FOR THIS CAUSE I CAME INTO THE WORLD
    THAT I SHOULD BEAR WITNESS UNTO THE TRUTH
    EVERY ONE THAT IS OF THE TRUTH—HEARETH MY VOICE—

    Psalm 119:159
    Consider how I love thy precepts
    Quicken me O LORD according to thy lovingkindness

    Psalm 119:104
    Through thy precepts I get understanding
    Therefore I hate every false way

    Psalm 143:11
    Quicken me O LORD for thy names sake
    For thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble

    Romans 8:11
    But if the spirit of HIM that raised up JESUS from the dead
    dwell in you
    HE that raised up CHRIST from the dead shall also QUICKEN
    your mortal bodies by HIS spirit that dwelleth in you

    John 1:1
    In the beginning was the word and the word was with GOD and the word was GOD

    Psalm 119:50
    This is my comfort in my affliction
    For the word hath QUICKENED me

    Psalm 119:93
    I will never forget thy precepts
    For with them thou hast QUICKENED me

    1 John 1:1
    That which was from the beginning
    Which we have heard which we have seen with our own eyes
    Which we have looked upon and our hands have handled
    of the word of life

    1 Peter 3:18
    For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins
    The just for the unjust
    —THAT HE MIGHT BRING US TO GOD—
    being put to death in the flesh
    But QUICKENED by the spirit

    1 Timothy 3:16
    And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness
    GOD was manifest in the flesh
    —JUSTIFIED IN THE SPIRIT—
    SEEN OF ANGELS PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES
    BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD RECEIVED UP INTO GLORY

    Romans 4:17
    As it is written I have made thee a father of many nations
    Before HIM whom he believed even GOD who quickeneth the dead
    and calleth those things WHICH BE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE

    Romans 14:18
    Who against hope believed in hope
    That he might become the father of many nations
    ACCORDING TO THAT WHICH WAS SPOKEN
    SO SHALL THY SEED BE

    John 6:63
    IT IS THE SPIRIT THAT QUICKENETH
    —THE FLESH PROFITETH NOTHING—
    THE WORDS I SPEAK ARE SPIRIT
    AND THEY ARE LIFE

    John 5:21
    For as the FATHER raiseth up the dead
    and QUICKENETH them
    EVEN SO THE SON QUICKENETH WHOM HE WILL

    1 Timothy 6:13
    I GIVE THEE CHARGE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD
    WHO QUICKENETH ALL THINGS
    AND BEFORE CHRIST JESUS WHO BEFORE PONTIUS PILATE WITNESSED A GOOD CONFESSION

    John 19:11
    JESUS answered
    THOU COULDEST HAVE NO POWER AT ALL AGAINST ME
    EXCEPT IT WERE GIVEN THEE FROM ABOVE
    THEREFORE HE THAT DELIVERED ME UNTO THEE HATH THE GREATER SIN

    1 Corinthians 15:45
    And so it written the first man Adam was made a living soul
    THE LAST ADAM WAS MADE A QUICKENING SPIRIT

    1 Corinthians 15:47
    THE FIRST MAN IS OF THE EARTH –EARTHY
    THE SECOND MAN IS THE LORD FROM HEAVEN

    LOVING THE LORD JESUS

  11. Praise God!!! I was approached by a very good friend on Friday who is consumed by Holy Spirit and is being persecuted by his family. All things work in His perfect timing as I have had 2 days of meditating and preparing for Wednesday’s call while he and his wife are at some psych’s office. Lo and behold after reconstructing my repaired computer I come here this morning and there are comments and Francis Chan’s synopsis of this very subject I am called upon to help him defend.
    As one who provides counsel to those Holy Spirit sends my way, this will be one of the most significant sessions facing me. If there is no objection some of these comments will be used along with any other scriptures I know of, any others submitted, and the wisdom of years as a professional counselor as I am led.
    Please add any scriptures and advice as I will be referring back to this page. I have loosly been affiliated with Pastor Chan and his work with the persecuted. Yes it is now becomming more widespread within the United States and will increase.
    Please keep me and my brother in prayer and I will make my phone # available through an email request if the staff are led to counsel me. 500 billion blessings to any and all who may read this.

  12. Help us O LORD to lose ourselves for YOU and YOUR gospel
    We ask and pray in your name

    Proverbs 18:1
    Through desire a man having separated himself
    seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom

    Proverbs 18:2
    A fool hath no delight in understanding
    BUT THAT HIS HEART MAY DISCOVER ITSELF

    Proverbs 18:12
    Before destruction the heart of man is haughty
    And before honor is humility

    Psalm 119:36
    Incline my heart unto thy testimonies
    and not to covetousness

    Proverbs 14:30
    A sound heart is the life of the flesh
    But envy the rottenness of the bones

    Acts 13:45
    But when the Jews saw the multitudes they were filled with envy
    and spake against those things which were spoken of by Paul
    CONTRADICTING AND BLASPHEMING

    Titus 3:3
    For we ourselves also—WERE—sometimes foolish—disobedient-
    deceived— serving diverse lusts and pleasures living in malice and–envy– hateful and hating one another

    Colossians 3:5
    Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupisence
    AND COVETOUSNESS WHICH IS IDOLATRY

    Hebrews 13:5
    Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have for HE hath said I will never leave
    thee nor forsake thee

    2 Chronicles 15:2
    And he went out to meet Asa and said unto him hear ye me Asa
    and all Judah and Benjamin
    The LORD is with you while you be with HIM and if you seek HIM
    He will be found of you
    But if you forsake HIM HE will forsake you

    Matthew 10:33
    But whosoever shall deny ME before men him also will I deny before MY FATHER which is in heaven

    2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer we shall also reign with HIM
    If we deny HIM HE will also deny us

    Thank you LORD JESUS for the mercy of repentance
    ———-May we have a repentant heart———

    John 7:17
    IF–ANY– man will do HIS will he shall know of the DOCTRINE
    Whether it be of GOD or whether I speak of myself

    John 7:18
    HE THAT SPEAKETH OF HIMSELF SEEKETH HIS OWN GLORY
    But he that seeketh the glory of HIM that sent him
    The same is true AND NO UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IS IN HIM

    Proverbs 8:8
    All the words of MY mouth are in righteousness
    There is nothing froward or perverse in them

    Psalm 119:144
    The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting
    Give me understanding —AND I SHALL LIVE—

    LORD JESUS WHERE SHALL WE GO TO MAKE SURE OF WHAT YOU ARE INSTRUCTING AND TEACHING US IS TRUE
    HOW CAN WE KNOW IF WHAT MAN IS TEACHING US IS TRUE

    Acts 17:11
    These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that
    they received the word with all readiness of mind
    AND SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES DAILY WHETHER THOSE THINGS WERE SO

    LORD SHOULD WE LOOK TO THE WORKS–BOOKS–OF MAN TO FIND TRUTH

    Ephesians 2:8&9
    For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves
    it is the gift of GOD
    (9) Not of works lest–any– man should boast

    Acts 8:20
    But Peter said unto him
    THY MONEY PERISH WITH THEE BECAUSE THOU HAST THOUGHT THAT THE GIFT OF GOD MAY BE PURCHASED WITH MONEY

    Luke 4:16
    And HE came to Nazareth where HE had been brought up
    AND AS HIS CUSTOM WAS HE went into the synagogue on the sabbath day AND STOOD UP FOR TO READ

    Luke 4:20&21
    And HE closed the book and HE gave it again to the minister
    and sat down and the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue
    were fastened on HIM
    (21) And HE began to say unto them this day is the scripture
    fulfilled in your ears

    Luke 4:22
    And all bare HIM witness and wondered at the gracious words that proceeded out of HIS mouth

    Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi FOR ONE IS YOUR MASTER
    EVEN CHRIST
    and all ye are brethren

    1 John 2:26
    These things I have written unto you concerning them that –SEDUCE– you

    1 John 2:27
    But the annointing which you have received of —HIM— abideth
    in you and you need not that any —man— teach you
    But as the annointing teacheth you of all things and is truth
    and is no lie and even as it has taught you
    YOU SHALL ABIDE IN HIM

    Psalm 33:4
    For the word of the LORD is right
    And all HIS works are in truth

    Daniel 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the king of heaven
    ALL WHOSE WORKS ARE DONE IN TRUTH AND HIS WAYS JUDGEMENT
    and those that walk in pride HE IS ABLE TO –ABASE–

    2 John 1:4
    I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in
    truth as we have a commandment from the FATHER

    Job 40:11
    Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath
    and behold every one that is proud and —ABASE—him

    James 4:6
    But HE giveth more grace WHEREFORE HE SAITH
    GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE

    James 4:7
    Submit yourselves therefore to GOD
    Resist the devil and he will flee from you

    James 4:8
    Draw nigh unto GOD and HE will draw nigh to you
    CLEANSE your hands you sinners and purify your HEARTS
    you double minded

    Thank you LORD JESUS FOR YOUR TEACHING

    LOVING YOU LORD

      • Hi Chris

        Would not these following WORDS of GOD allow the previous WORDS OF GOD to be included
        PLEASE forgive me if I have erred

        Romans 8:2
        For the law of the SPIRIT of LIFE in JESUS CHRIST hath made me free from the law of sin and death

        John 6:63
        It is the SPIRIT that quickeneth
        The FLESH profiteth nothing
        The words I speak unto you
        they are SPIRIT
        and THEY are LIFE

        Proverbs 6:23
        For the commandment is a lamp
        and the law is light
        and reproofs of instruction are the way of life

        2 Timothy 3:16
        All sripture is given by inspiration of GOD
        and is profitable for doctrine for reproof
        for correction for instruction in righteousness

        Proverbs 12:1
        Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge
        But he that hateth reproof is brutish

        Colossians 3:9&10
        LIE not to one another
        seeing you have put off the old man with his deeds
        (10)And have put on the new man
        which is renewed in knowledge after the image of HIM WHO CREATED him

        Galatians 1:10
        For do I persuade men or GOD
        or do I seek to please men
        for if I yet pleased men
        I should not be the servant of CHRIST

        LOVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

  13. What a great giveaway….sounds like a got od read.
    Thanks!
    Kimmie
    mama to 8
    one homemade and 7 adopted

    • O K Brother Chris … sorry for straying Of the Subject … Bless you Too .. amen shalom Bye !!!