Francis Chan: Children's Hunger Fund 2014 (Session 1)

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is about the mercy of God, which is a fundamental aspect of His nature. The speaker emphasizes that God's mercy is not just a feeling or an attitude, but it is a part of who He is as a being. This teaching highlights the importance of understanding and experiencing God's mercy in our lives.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 2:1-5 - This passage describes humanity's condition before coming to faith in Christ, saying we were "dead in trespasses and sins" and "by nature children of wrath." The speaker uses this passage to illustrate the depth of our sinfulness and God's mercy in saving us.
• Genesis 6-9 (Noah's Ark) - This story is often seen as a demonstration of God's mercy, but the speaker points out that it also shows His wrath. The fact that God destroyed the entire world except for Noah and his family highlights the severity of our sin.
• Revelation 20:10-15 (Lake of Fire) - This passage emphasizes God's justice and holiness, showing that those who reject Him will face eternal punishment. The speaker uses this to illustrate the gravity of our sin and the importance of understanding God's mercy.
• Matthew 26:39-44 (Gethsemane) - This story shows Jesus' obedience to His Father's will, even in the face of great suffering. The speaker uses this passage to illustrate the depth of God's mercy and love for us.
• Isaiah 53:10 - This verse says that it was God's will to crush Jesus, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to bear our punishment.

Main Points

• God's mercy is a fundamental aspect of His nature.
• We are all born into sin and are by nature children of wrath.
• God's justice demands that we face the consequences of our sin, but He shows mercy in saving us through Christ.
• The depth of God's mercy can be seen in Jesus' obedience to His Father's will, even in the face of great suffering.

Application

This message encourages listeners to understand and experience God's mercy in their lives. The speaker emphasizes that we should not take God's mercy for granted, but instead seek to comprehend its depth and significance. This teaching also reminds us that our sin is serious and that we need to be grateful for God's mercy in saving us from His wrath.

Conclusion

The message concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding and experiencing God's mercy. The speaker encourages listeners to worship God with a deeper appreciation for His mercy, recognizing that it is not just a feeling or an attitude, but a fundamental aspect of who He is as a being.