Living Out God's Will: Francis Chan's Letters to the Church - Essay Sample

Introduction

The book contains different letters written to Church discussing the different aspects that God would want to see in the Church. The book tells stories of different challenges that Christians face in fulfilling's what God intends. The author believes that Christians stay away from the teachings of the bible. The author of the book Francis Chan was a pastor of Cornerstone Church; therefore, the book reflects on the advice that he gave the Christians that were followers of his Church. The author believes that church members need to be radical in changing the world through their actions on how they would like the world to obey the teachings of the bible.

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The author discusses the intention of God while creating the Church in terms of how God wanted the Church to function. There are different verses in the scripture that act as evidence that demonstrate how the Church is supposed to be like (Chan, 2018). All Christians should embrace the life of Jesus Christ by trying to live in a manner away from the sins. There is much vulnerability that people face and might lead to sin therefore Christian need to be cautious to avoid in engaging on the sins. The perspectives of the author on the book come from many years of experience and interactions with the Christians that attend hi Church. The other believes that Christians can change the world.

Among the factors that Chan believes can change the lives of the Christians and the people living in the world is through a humble attitude that will create an environment that all people feel comfortable living in (Chan, 2018). Arrogance makes people ignore what they are taught in Church, and non-believers do not admire the lives that Christians live. Humble attitude helps in spreading the word of God because the people are happy to learn from Christians. The author of the book believes that Jesus had the humility attitude that enabled him to interact with the people freely in spreading the word.

Different changes have occurred in Church and Christian religion where the teachers of the bible have changed their message. The pastors and priests are now focusing on preaching miracles to the followers where they give them hope of acquiring wealth (Chan, 2018). Chan believes that it's important to spread the word focusing on changing the people to begin following the teachings of the bible. Christians follow the example set by Jesus Christ therefore the pastor have a responsibility of taking the word to the people. Chan criticizes people that take their opportunities to make money at the expense of teaching the people about the word of God. Chan, in his book, believes that the main objective of the Church is to spread the word.

In his book Francis Chan makes the churches wrestle with the fact that many churches have shifted from God's desire. Chan challenges Christians to inquire about God's desire for His church. Chan wonders if when Jesus comes, He will find Christians caring for His bride (Chan, 2018). Christians are preoccupied, and it is not clear whether they live according to God's desire. Chan provides a guide for Christians to live according to God's vision for the church. Chan's guide encourages generations to do whatever they can to restore the church to its former glory. In this book, Chan applies lessons learned from different churches globally. He encourages Christians to learn from other churches and not to assume that only the western churches have something positive that can be adopted by other churches internationally. Chan does not only use examples of other people in showing how God is using people to change the World but also reflects his dreams and failures. He reflects on how God is using ordinary people to make an impact in the World.

Chan warns people who may criticize the church as they will be punished harshly. Chan warns the readers at the beginning of the book and indicates that whoever criticizes the church or even the church leaders risk being killed by God (Chan, 2018). The book addresses the differences between the American churches and other churches all over the World. The American churches are presented as individualistic and with consumerism and laziness systems. The book addresses the churchgoers who are not committed to the welfare of the church and God's work but rather are passive. He, however, fails to address the issue but rather criticizes the church and its leaders. This is a great book, but many readers may bad about their churches and the experiences they have once they read the book. The perception that one will have after reading the book will be different from what he/she had about the church and its leaders before.

Chan believes that the best churches are house and seeker-friendly churches (Chan, 2018). Upon reading the book, the Christians can evaluate their churches, although this may create discontent on the churches. Churchgoers will feel that the churches they go to do not meet those described as seeker-friendly in the book. Upon reading the book, one reflects on what the churchgoer and the church minister is supposed to do to fulfill God's vision for the church in the World.

The book criticizes the conventional church, and the credit goes to the house church (Chan, 2018). It, however, does not discuss how the shortcomings can be dealt away with and what churchgoers can do to improve their churches. The author does not discuss the necessary reforms that should be made in the traditional church to make it better. This leaves many churchgoers feeling that they are in the wrong place and that the churches they go are not good enough. Several insights are beneficial for Christians in the book, but upon completion of the reading of the book, readers may be filled with worry and guilt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the book contains a great message and evaluates what God wants us to do as a church. There are various challenges that Christians face, but if they are radical in their actions, then they will fulfill God's intent for the church. The author believes that churches should be seeker-friendly. The readers of the book, however, may feel guilty and discontent about the churches they go as they may not fit the description of the author.

In conclusion, the book Letters to the Church by Francis Chan consist of many letters that concern how the Church has changed over the years from the intention and Gods plan. The letters highlight how the Christians have drifted from the teachings of Jesus Christ. The letters critique the modern churches in terms of the problems that the churches are facing. Chan also proposes solutions to the challenges that the church face. Churches need to evaluate their practices and refocus on the initial plan and the purpose that the Church was supposed to provide. The solutions offered by Chan can be implemented, offering solutions to problems facing the churches.

References

Chan, F. (2018). Letters to the Church (1st ed.). Christian literature: Macmillan Reference, USA.