Francis Chan - Rethinking Church

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message challenges us to re-examine our priorities and motivations as believers. We often assume that God is pleased with our gatherings, worship services, and church activities simply because we are doing them. However, Scripture reveals a different picture. Jesus Himself criticizes the churches in Revelation for their lukewarmness and lack of devotion to Him. He warns them that if they don't repent, He will remove them from His presence. This should give us pause as we consider what truly pleases God.

Key Scripture References

• Matthew 10:37 - This verse highlights the importance of loving Jesus above all else. Jesus warns that if we love our family, friends, or possessions more than Him, we are not worthy of Him. The Greek word for "love" here is phileteia, which refers to a deep affection or passion.
• Malachi 3:10 - In this passage, God warns that He will not accept the offerings of those who do not prioritize His presence in their lives. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face and honoring Him with our worship.
• Ezekiel 36:23 - The people of Israel had profaned God's name by their lukewarmness and lack of devotion to Him. This passage highlights the importance of prioritizing God's presence in our lives and seeking to honor Him with our worship.
• John 15:9-10 - Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in His love, which is only possible by keeping His Commandments and loving one another as He has loved us. This passage highlights God's desire for a deep, personal relationship with each of us.
• Revelation 2-3 - The letters to the seven churches in Revelation emphasize the importance of prioritizing God's presence in our lives and seeking to honor Him with our worship. Jesus warns these churches that if they do not repent, He will remove them from His presence.

The Challenge

We are challenged to re-examine our priorities and motivations as believers. Are we truly devoted worshippers of God, or are we creating a consumer culture that is more interested in entertainment than in seeking God's face? We must ask ourselves: "What would please God if we were to strip away all the noise and distractions?"

The Solution

God wants us to be people who are deeply devoted to Him, who love Him with a passion that is not easily swayed by external factors. He wants us to abide in His love, which is only possible by keeping His Commandments and loving one another as He has loved us. This requires a deep commitment to seeking God's face and honoring Him with our worship.

Practical Application

We must ask ourselves: "Am I a devoted worshipper of God, or am I more interested in what meets my own desires?" We must prioritize God's presence in our lives and seek to honor Him with our worship. This may require us to strip away the external trappings of church life and focus on seeking God's face.