In AW Tozer's "The Pursuit of God", he states that Abraham had found the blessedness of possessing nothing! Even though he was blessed with everything, none of it owned him. As long as God is #1 in our heart above all things and other people, WE ARE where he wants us to be. Paul said he had found the secret joy of having an abundance or being in a state of need. Either way, we are still justified by Christ alone.

All due respect to Pastor Driscoll, I'm concerned with his tone about the people in the pews. Sure, he's the pastor of a large church, but his--40 years?--experience doesn't justify his cocky tone about the inevitable feelings by Chan's congregants about his departure (~1:50). Came off as cocky and too sure-footed for the young buck that he is. He veiled his contempt for people thinly...our total depravity notwithstanding.

I like Chan's responses. I know from people in his church that he's been a great influence. I value and appreciate his contributions to the generosity movement, and he comes across as a genuinely humble man.

The subject that these three guys are talking about has been a constant part of my prayer life and scriptural study for the last 2 years. What does the modern day church look like? Have we (as the church) become a part of the consumer-driven society that we live in and in-turn stripped away many of the foundational elements of Christianity? I love Francis Chan's answer to the idea of that his sanctification may be centered around "poverty, simplicity and suffering". His answer was that he believed his motives were driven by "love". In my estimation...the world is deplete with Christ-like love. Go Francis! Follow the Holy Spirit!