Francis Chan: HIM Conference 2007

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is about being in love with Jesus, not just using Him as a means to an end. The speaker shares a personal story of his grandmother who was deeply in love with Jesus, and how it impacted her life. He challenges the listeners to reflect on their own relationship with Jesus, asking if they are truly in love with Him or just using Him for what He can offer.

Key Scripture References

• Deuteronomy 6:5 - This passage emphasizes the importance of loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. The speaker notes that this is about love, not just duty or obligation.
• Jeremiah 2:2-12 - In this passage, God remembers Israel's devotion to Him in their youth, but notes how they strayed from Him by following worthless idols. The speaker sees a parallel between Israel's relationship with God and the church's relationship with Jesus.
• Jeremiah 3:19-22 - This passage highlights God's desire to give His people a beautiful inheritance, but notes their unfaithfulness in turning away from Him. The speaker sees this as a warning to the church not to follow after other loves and priorities.
• Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because they were unwilling to come to Him when He came to them. The speaker notes that Jesus' desire is for a love relationship with us, but we often turn away from Him.
• Revelation 2:4-5 - In this passage, Jesus holds the church in Ephesus accountable for forsaking their first love. The speaker notes that despite many good works and deeds, the church's primary failure was not loving Jesus.
• Matthew 25:31-46 - This passage is about the judgment of the sheep and goats, where Jesus says that He was hungry and thirsty but no one helped Him. The speaker sees this as a reminder that loving Jesus means loving the least of these, who are often starving or in need.
• 1 John 3:16 - This passage tells us to lay down our lives for our brothers, just like Jesus laid down His life for us. The speaker notes that this is a radical call to love and sacrifice, not just a moral obligation.

Reflection Questions

Is my relationship with Jesus about love or duty? Am I using Him as a means to an end, or do I truly desire a deep love relationship with Him?

Practical Application

The speaker challenges the listeners to re-evaluate their priorities and focus on loving Jesus first and foremost. He encourages them to ask themselves if they are willing to lay down their lives for others, just like Jesus laid down His life for us.