It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe - the creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor - loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.
Francis ChanMy only prayer for my time with you is, "God I just want these men and women to long for you."
Francis ChanA person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being.
Francis Chan[at CMC West Coast 2011, on 1 Samuel 14] If just a few of you would step up and be like Jonathan ... as you step out in faith, you know what's going to happen? There'll be people like Saul who'll say, "God's doing something through that guy, God's doing something through that girl. I want to be a part of that.
Francis ChanChurches we build only by our own efforts and not in the strength of the Spirit will quickly collapse when we don't push and prod people along.
Francis ChanIf 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)? Doesn’t His courting, luring, pushing, calling and even ‘threatening’ demonstrate His love? If He didn’t do all of that, wouldn’t we accuse Him of being unloving in the end, when all things are revealed?
Francis Chan