Bible Study Review - Francis Chan

Francis Chan is a great author and has several Bible studies and books available. One of the more compelling studies I have done is one of his on The Book of James. James has actually become one of my favorite books of the Bible, and partly due to this study.

Our church offers a service to the members called Right Now Media. It is coined a "Netflix for Bible studies" and it is amazing. If your church doesn't offer this, it would definitely be something worth looking into for your congregation. There are numerous authors with studies on every topic and even a section for kids.
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The Book of James by Francis Chan

This study is set up in 12 sessions with the videos only lasting seven to twelve minutes each. There are also leader guides for purchase and free group handouts available. He walks through each verse of James in these 12 videos. That's what I loved most about it was that he was breaking down the actual verses.

He reminds us that the Bible tells us we should welcome hard times. That is hard to think about and actually follow through, with an obedient and joyful heart. Who WANTS bad things to happen? But that is exactly what the second verse of the entire book says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3. Verse three just to remind us WHY we want trials.

Chan also walks through James to show the importance of works, but not just any works, works by faith. Works without faith is nothing just like faith without works. They go hand in hand. Chan is a great speaker and this video study did not disappoint.

Overview of the Book of James

If you aren't familiar with the book of James in the Bible, I wanted to share a high level overview. It was written by, it is believed James, Jesus' brother. He wrote it to teh twelve tribes scattered among the nations, as stated in James 1:1. Below are the main sections in the Bible throughout the five chapters of James.

• ​Trials and Temptations
• Listening and Doing
• Favortism Forbidden
• Faith and Deeds
• Taming the Tongue​
• Two Kinds of Wisdom
• Submit yourselves to God
• Boasting About Tomorrow
• Warning to Rich Opressors
• Patience in Suffering
• The Prayer of Faith

It really does cover almost everything in James about how to live your life as a Christian. I think I like this book so much because it is practical and really let's you know how you can apply being a Christian in your life.
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What I Learned From James

James is a reminder to me of what I should be doing. It highlights a lot of the sin that is in my life that I need to work through. Since staying at home, it has been difficult to find my "worth", my value. Not that I should, I am worthy in God's eyes and that should be enough. It is enough, until the sin creeps in.

I don't have a supervisor that I report to or accomplish a task to the extent that it is completely finished. My husband isn't my supervisor and laundry and dishes do not work this way. Once a meal is complete, another will have to be made in a few short hours. My worth comes from knowing God and believing that I am doing what He has called me to do. Right now, that is to raise the kids he has entrusted in us.

Truly submitting to God and knowing what I have has been given to me by Him. That even includes material things like our vehicle and house and I need to be happy with what I have, not wishing I had something more. That jealously creeps in for sure. Especially when I'm in a nice big kitchen with lots of cabinets and countertop space - one of my big "wants". But then I remind myself, and pray, for contentment and joy for the things in my life.

Boasting about tomorrow was an ah-ha moment. Do I really think about tomorrow and if what I'm doing is in God's will? Or do i just say I'm planning on doing this or that? This is an area I have improved in some ways and need a lot of improvement in others.

I pray about the big and medium sized things, but I forget more times than I remember to pray for the small things. Things like my routine and how I should spend my time during the day. God is in the details and those small things are just as important as the large things.

In every aspect of life, I pray to remember the words of God through James' letter.

More Francis Chan Books

Here are a few other books/studies that are on the to do list for the future. He has several others too, but these are two that I have heard good things about recently.
Crazy Love
​Me and You Forever