Chan Francis Quotes & Sayings

I don't want to lose the awe we get to help another human being. — Francis Chan

Yes, it is God who works in you. And, yes, there is work for you to do.
Yes, the Spirit empowers you to do the work. And, yes, you do the work. — Francis Chan

I grew up believing in God without having a clue what He is like. I called myself a Christian, was pretty involved in church, and tried to stay away from all of the things that 'good Christians' avoid- drinking, drugs, sex, swearing. Christianity was simple: fight your desires in order to please God. Whenever I failed (which was often), I'd walk around feeling guilty and distant from God. In hindsight, I don't think my church's teachings were incorrect, just incomplete. My view of God was narrow and small. — Francis Chan

If life is a river, then pursuing Christ requires swimming upstream. When we stop swimming, or actively following Him, we automatically begin to be swept downstream. — Francis Chan

Can you worship a God who isn't obligated to explain His actions to you? Could it be your arrogance that makes you think God owes you an explanation? — Francis Chan

I want to help people understand how to study the Scriptures with other people, to give them an overview of Scripture and assume that by understanding the Scriptures better, the Holy Spirit will bring to mind the right stories, the right teachings. — Francis Chan

There's a difference, in other words, between God's values that please Him (moral will) and those events that He causes to happen (decreed will).15 — Francis Chan

It is easy to use the phrase 'God's will for my life' as an excuse for inaction or even disobedience ... My hope is that instead of searching for 'God's will for my life' each of us would learn to seek hard after 'the Spirit's leading in my life today.' May we learn to pray for an open and willing heart, to surrender to the Spirit's leading with that friend, child, spouse, circumstance, or decision in our lives right now. — Francis Chan

Let us be eager to leave what is familiar for what is true. — Francis Chan

God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him. — Francis Chan

...no worship is better than apathetic worship. — Francis Chan

God wants us to give Him all of our time and let Him direct it as He sees fit. — Francis Chan

The message of the Bible is not about God in Heaven who wants to take from you. It's about God who wants to give to you. — Francis Chan

We are most alive when we are loving and actively giving of ourselves because we were made to do these things. — Francis Chan

Our lack of intimacy is due to our refusal to unplug and shut off communication from all others so we can be alone with Him. — Francis Chan

Why is it that we believe God's promises of blessing but not his promises of punishment? — Francis Chan

If you'd rather watch your kids grow up than see the face of your Savior today, you don't grasp the beauty of God. If you worry about what would happen to your children if you were gone, you don't understand the providence of God. — Francis Chan

We have control over our prayer life, our relationship with Jesus. — Francis Chan

It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our final day (attributed to Matthew Henry) — Francis Chan

In the United States, numbers impress us. We gauge the success of an event by how many people attend or come forward. We measure churches by how many members they boast. We are wowed by big crowds. — Francis Chan

Don't let yourself forget. Soak it in an keep remembering what is true. He is everything. — Francis Chan

Chan is drawn to his coauthor because he says they have, "different gifts but similar convictions". — Francis Chan

The way we live out our days is the way we will live our lives. — Francis Chan

Discipleship is all about living life together rather than just one structured meeting per week. — Francis Chan

In the craziness of our world, it takes tremendous effort to find a quiet place. It takes time to quiet your mind and your heart before the Lord. — Francis Chan

God doesn't want religious duty. He doesn't want a distracted, half-hearted, 'Fine, I'll read a chapter ... now are You happy?' attitude. God wants His word to be a delight to us, so much that we meditate on it day and night. — Francis Chan

I don't think my church's teachings were incorrect, just incomplete. — Francis Chan

As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there is no such thing. To put it plainly, churchgoers who are 'lukewarm' are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven. — Francis Chan

It is not scientific doubt, not atheism, not pantheism, not agnosticism, that in our day and in this land is likely to quench the light of the gospel. It is a proud, sensuous, selfish, luxurious, church going, hollow-hearted prosperity.5 — Francis Chan

I think it's far too easy to blame the American church without acknowledging that we are each part of the church and therefore responsible. — Francis Chan

He knew that what he had stumbled upon - the kingdom of heaven - was more valuable than anything he had, so he went for it with everything in him. — Francis Chan

[I]t's impossible to please God in any other way that wholehearted surrender... — Francis Chan

I've grown up in a generation that questions God for setting boundaries. Does He have the right to set boundaries? I've grown up in a generation that thinks where meeting with a God is an ordinary thing. — Francis Chan

This is the tension we live with as followers of Jesus. We are thrilled to know Jesus and be saved from God's wrath, yet we are burdened for our loved ones who don't know Him. — Francis Chan

When we present the gospel, we try to answer one question: How do I keep from going to hell? After that question is answered, we stop asking questions about God. With the American church being so concerned about converts, we don't take the time to present the God-centered universe to people. We don't try to dig deep into the truth of God. We need to learn the attributes of God before we know what He is like. — Francis Chan

My only prayer for my time with you is, "God I just want these men and women to long for you." — Francis Chan

Jesus said go and make disciples, but so often we just sit and make excuses — Francis Chan

You have access to the Tent Of Meeting. — Francis Chan

Some people say I would love to take a selfie with Moses. Do you understand the gap between Moses and God? — Francis Chan

Jesus' call to commitment is clear: He wants all or nothing. — Francis Chan

It is true that God may have called you to be exactly where you are. But, it is absolutely vital to grasp that he didn't call you there so you could settle in and live your life in comfort and superficial peace. — Francis Chan

There will be people who will teach for the sake of greed or for the sake of ego. So watch their lives. Do they look and act like Jesus? — Francis Chan

The point is not to completely understand God but to worship Him. Let the very fact that you cannot know Him fully lead you to praise Him for His infiniteness and grandeur. — Francis Chan

Jesus died! He chose the most grueling death to bring you to God! Everything is changed! You and I were destined for a horrifying encounter with God - we were "objects of wrath" (Eph. 2:3) - but that has all changed! Death no longer scares me! I can't wait to die! Thank you Jesus!!! — Francis Chan

I don't want Him to return and find me sitting in a theater. — Francis Chan

Jeremiah 1:4-5 - 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart....' ...God knew me before He made me. — Francis Chan

We have to believe it enough that it changes how we live. — Francis Chan

You've got to do some work now. Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue. Virtue is about moral excellence. — Francis Chan

My biggest concern for this generation is your inability to focus, especially in prayer. — Francis Chan

Christians are like manure: spread them out and they help everything grow better, but keep them in one big pile and they stink horribly. — Francis Chan

Can I go to heaven without truly and faithfully loving Jesus? — Francis Chan

[We say things like] 'Well, I'm not sure You are worth it....You see, I really like my car, or my little sin habit, or my money, and I'm really not sure I want to give them up, even if it means I get You'. — Francis Chan

The enemy just hates our prayers. — Francis Chan

The majority of believers on this earth find it laughable that we could reduce the call to follow Jesus and make disciples to an invitation to sit in church service. — Francis Chan

True faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God's fidelity to His Promises. — Francis Chan

Nothing compares to being truly, exuberantly wanted by your children. — Francis Chan

The stress that some of us feel - it's a lack of faith, it really is. — Francis Chan

A relationship with God simply cannot grow when money, sins, activities, favorite sports teams, addictions, or commitments are piled up on top of it.
Most of us have too much in our lives. As David Goetz writes, "Too much of the good life ends up being toxic, deforming us spiritually." A lot of things are good by themselves, but all of it together keeps us from living healthy, fruitful lives for God ... Has your relationship with God actually changed the way you live? — Francis Chan

People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him. — Francis Chan

Not being able to fully understand God is frustrating but it is ridiculous for us to think we have the right to limit God to something we are capable of comprehending. What a stunted, insignificant god that would be! If my mind is the size of a soda can and God is the size of all the oceans, it would be stupid for me to say He is only the small amount of water I can scoop into my little can. God is so much bigger, so far beyond our time-encased, air/food/sleep-dependent lives. — Francis Chan

God gave me the same power He gave Jesus. I ask myself daily, Why do I waste such a priceless gift? — Francis Chan

In an effort to gain "converts," Christians often refrain from telling the full story. We want people to follow, so like cheap salesmen, we share the benefits without explaining the cost. We tell them about Jesus' promises of life and forgiveness, but we don't mention His calls for repentance and obedience. We avoid His promise that we will experience persecution. When we do this, we cheapen the gospel. — Francis Chan

When I am consumed by my problems-stressed out about my life, my family, and my job-I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice. — Francis Chan

Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people he has made? — Francis Chan

There is a big gap between what we read in Scripture about the Holy Spirit and how most believers and churches operate today. — Francis Chan

As we love more genuinely and deeply, giving becomes the obvious and natural response. — Francis Chan

I want to live so that I am truly submitted to the Spirit's leading on a daily basis. Christ said its better for us that the Spirit came and I want to live like that is true. I don't want to keep crawling when I have the ability to fly. — Francis Chan

If someone asked you what the greatest good on this earth is, what would you say? An epic surf session? Financial security? Health? Meaningful, trusting friendships? Intimacy with your spouse? Knowing that you belong? The greatest good on this earth is God. Period. God's one goal for us is Himself. — Francis Chan

It's pride, plain and simple, that keeps me from giving God all the glory and keeping some of it for myself. It is a battle we all fight in some form or another, some of us daily or even hourly. — Francis Chan

It is the Holy Spirit who keeps us from this path and gives us confidence so we can enjoy intimacy with our Creator. Though I do not believe God gives us His Spirit solely for our personal benefit, it is undeniable that one of the greatest aspects of being in relationship with the Holy Spirit is the intimacy, security, and encouragement He brings us. It is then we can serve God as a beloved child rather than a stressed-out, guilt-ridden slave. — Francis Chan

The actions driven by fear and guilt are not an antidote to lukewarm, selfish, comfortable living. I hope you realize that the answer is love. — Francis Chan

It is also important to notice that Satan enters the biblical scene as part of God's creation. This means that he is not all powerful. He is only alive because God gives him life. He is a deadly deceiver, but his power is infinitely less than God's power. So we shouldn't be terrified of Satan's power, but we do need to be wary of his lies and manipulation. — Francis Chan

If one person "wastes" away his day by spending hours connecting with God, and the other person believes he is too busy or has better things to do than worship the Creator and Sustainer, who is the crazy one? — Francis Chan

Jesus was clear that following Him meant - get this - following Him. The church has put so much effort into inventing a new form of "following Christ" that doesn't require imitating Him. We teach that even though Jesus allowed His rights to be trampled, we should fight for ours. We teach that even though Jesus lived simply, we have the right to live luxuriously (some prefer the term "comfortably"). Even as we teach that Jesus was rejected by the world, we pursue popularity. — Francis Chan

God is not someone who can be tacked on to our lives. — Francis Chan

You must determine your goal. What matters most? Winning arguments? Or resembling Christ? Even in the heat of an argument we should be asking ourselves if we are acting like Christ. — Francis Chan

I believe He wants us to love others so much that we go to extremes to help them. — Francis Chan

When we become overly concerned about our appearance, our spiritual reputation, our coolness, and our acceptance, we are living as citizens of this world rather than as ambassadors. — Francis Chan

The God who loans you life sees your every move, hears each word you speak, and knows your every thought. And this is a good thing. You are seen by God. Noticed. Known. — Francis Chan

In the same way, you have to stop loving and pursuing Christ in order to sin. When you are pursuing love, running toward Christ, you do not have opportunity to wonder, Am I doing this right? or Did I serve enough this week? When you are running toward Christ, you are freed up to serve, love, and give thanks without guilt, worry, or fear. As long as you are running, you are safe. — Francis Chan

People see only my actions. Instead, if I focus on Christ with thanksgiving, people see Him. — Francis Chan

Due to our consumer mindset, people are prone to jump from church to church, which weakens the church overall. — Francis Chan

We have a God who is a Creator, not a duplicator. — Francis Chan

If a guy were dating my daughter but didn't want to spend the gas money to come pick her up or refused to buy her dinner because it cost too much, I would question whether he were really in love with her In the same way, I question whether many American churchgoers are really in love with God because they are so hesitant to do anything for Him. Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God — Francis Chan

It is impossible to make disciples aside from the church of Jesus Christ. — Francis Chan

If God is truly the greatest good on this earth, would He be loving us if He didn't draw us toward what is best for us (even if that happens to be Himself)? — Francis Chan

Life is about Jesus. We are not here to tell our story, but His. — Francis Chan

Too many Christians are content with appearing to be a bit more moral than the people around them. But the difference between a true Christian and a non-Christian is not about subtle moral distinctions - it's the difference between being alive and being dead! — Francis Chan

Non-churchgoer s tend to see Christians as takers rather than givers. When Christians sacrifice and give wildly to the poor, that is truly a light that glimmers. The Bible teaches that the church is to be that light, that sign of hope, in an increasingly dark and hopeless world. — Francis Chan

I have one reason why you should walk away from that temptation right now. One reason: God. Is. Better. — Francis Chan

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28). — Francis Chan

The fact is, I need God to help me love God. And if I need His help to love Him, a perfect being, I definitely need His help to love other, fault-filled humans. — Francis Chan

Where it gets weird is that nowadays there are millions of people on this earth who call themselves followers of Jesus, but their lives look nothing like His, and they're not obeying the things that He called them to do. — Francis Chan

There's no sense in improving your marriage until you are secure with God. — Francis Chan

God exists outside of time, and since we are within time, there is no way we will ever totally grasp that concept. — Francis Chan

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. — Francis Chan

Jesus asks for everything, but we try to give Him less. — Francis Chan

When it's hard and you are doubtful, give more. Or, as Deuteronomy says, "Give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the Lord your God will bless you in all your work an din all that you undertake." (15:10 NRSV) — Francis Chan

It's breathtaking to picture almighty God saying, "I know Francis Chan. He's my son. I love him!" Are you confident this is what God would say if I asked Him about you? Do you know God or just know about Him? Are — Francis Chan

Don't fall into the trap of studying the Bible without doing what it says. — Francis Chan