Crazy Love Podcast

What if we've been playing it safe for so long, we've forgotten what it means to really trust God? In this classic teaching, Francis Chan opens up about fear, faith, and the kind of boldness that defined the early church. From the valley of the shadow of death to the comfort of our Shepherd's rod and staff, this isn't a call to recklessness—it's a return to childlike faith.

You ever feel like you're doing all the right things… but nothing seems to change? Like following Jesus is just harder than you thought it'd be? In this classic teaching, Francis takes us deep into the fight we all face—the struggle to stay faithful when no one's watching. He takes us into Galatians 6, where we're reminded: Don't give up. Because God sees it all… and the harvest is coming.

What if I told you… God doesn't hear all prayers? You've probably been told your whole life that He does — no matter what, no matter how. But Scripture says otherwise. Today, Francis Chan flips the script on casual prayer and exposes the one thing that made even Jesus' prayers powerful: the fear and reverence of God.

It's human nature to get drawn into the excitement of large church gatherings with lots of people and energy. But what happens when the music stops and the room is silent? Today, we're excited to share a recent conversation between Francis Chan and Dunamis Hangout in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This is a message that goes beyond what God is doing in South America. It's a call to break free from the distraction of this modern age and to live a life where every decision is guided by a reverent fear of the Lord.

What if the greatest gift you could give your children wasn't a perfect plan or polished behavior, but a life overflowing with joy in God? What if your passion for Jesus shaped them more than any parenting strategy ever could? Today, Francis and Lisa Chan reflect on over 31 years of marriage and parenting seven children, offering a vision of family life shaped not by formulas or fear, but by joy, intimacy with God, and wholehearted surrender. Rather than focusing on techniques or behavioral outcomes, they emphasize the power of modeling a life captivated by God's holiness and love—a life that overflows with authenticity, worship, and daily dependence on the Lord.

What if the greatest reason you're stuck in fear, sin, or apathy is simply because you've forgotten who God truly is? In this powerful teaching, Francis Chan dives into one of the most ancient declarations of the Christian faith: “I believe in one God, the Father Almighty.” He unpacks what it truly means to believe that God is not just loving—but all-powerful, sovereign, and unstoppable. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, defeated, or questioned God's ability to work in your life, this message is for you. Learn to rest in the shadow of the Almighty and walk in the strength that He provides.

We spend so much of our lives chasing identity, trying to prove we belong, trying to be seen, trying to matter. But the answer to who we are isn't something we earn. It's someone we belong to. Today, Francis Chan shows us that our truest identity is found in being children of God: created, chosen, adopted, and loved by the Father. And this identity redefines how we pray, how we worship, and how we live.

In this message, Francis Chan dives deeply into 1 John 4, unpacking powerful truths about God's love, wrath, and our true identity as believers. Have we missed the most important commandment Jesus gave us? Why don't churches prioritize love the way the Bible commands? Discover the transformative revelation about what it means to truly live as "beloved.”

When you gather on Sunday, do you go in thinking about someone else, ready to love, serve, and care? Or was your mind still on yourself? This week, Francis Chan pushes us to rethink love—not as a feeling, but as action. Real love is messy. It's sacrificial. It's the kind that makes you weep for the broken and move toward those in need. Because love isn't just something we receive—it's something we live.

When you go to church, are you simply attending, or are you seeking to encounter the living God? To experience the Creator of the universe in a way that transforms your life? In this message, Francis Chan challenges the way we approach worship, truth, and the Holy Spirit. Are we just hearing the Word, or are we responding to it? Are we pursuing knowledge, or a deeper intimacy with God? True worship goes beyond singing and learning—it's a life-changing response to God's presence.

Have we made God too small in our minds? Have we tried so hard to explain Him that we've forgotten the mystery and the weight of who He really is? This week, Francis Chan confronts the temptation to fit God into our human understanding. There are things about Him we simply cannot grasp. And yet, what He has revealed should move us—not just to knowledge, but to reverence, worship, and obedience. Because knowing God isn't about figuring Him out—it's about surrendering to the One who was, who is, and who always will be.

When was the last time you were in awe of God? Like, truly stopped and realize that we are talking about the Creator of the universe? The One who spoke the stars into existence and holds all things together. And yet, how often do we reduce Him to something we can explain or control? In this week's episode, Francis Chan challenges the way we think about the Holy Spirit—not as a force to be harnessed, because understanding God isn't about control—it's about surrender.

What if modern Christianity has complicated what was meant to be simple—so much so that we spend more time debating salvation than actually obeying God? In today's message, Francis Chan cuts through the noise to get back to the raw, biblical truth. He challenges us to stop overanalyzing and start obeying—to truly repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit as the early believers did. Because at the end of the day, faith isn't about endless discussion—it's about surrender, action, and a life wholly devoted to God.

What if the modern church is missing something so essential that without it, our faith becomes just another human effort? What if the power we read about in Scripture—the kind that heals, transforms, and emboldens—was meant to be normal for every believer? In this sermon, Francis Chan confronts a pressing and uncomfortable question: If the Holy Spirit truly lives inside of us, why do so many Christians look no different from the world?

What if Jesus leaving this earth wasn't a loss… but the greatest gift He could give us? That having the Holy Spirit inside you is better than having Jesus physically standing next to you? Do we actually believe that? Do we live like that's true? In this teaching, Francis Chan challenges us to examine what we believe about prayer, longing for heaven, and the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever wrestled with fear—fear of judgment, fear of not being enough, or fear of where you stand with God? In this powerful message, Francis Chan confronts one of the greatest struggles in the church today—the insecurity that keeps us from fully embracing God's love. Why do so many believers live in doubt, questioning their salvation? And how can we break free from the lies that hold us captive? Francis unpacks these questions and reveals how God's perfect love casts out fear and how we can find true confidence in Him.

As believers, we often find ourselves in a delicate balance between two perspectives. On one hand, we're called to love the lost without compromising the truth. On the other, we must stand firm in the truth while avoiding self-righteousness. So, how do we navigate this tension? In this week's teaching, Francis Chan dives into Paul's message in 2 Timothy 4, painting a picture of a church where truth is never watered down, love and boldness go hand in hand, and the mission is clear: preach the Word, no matter the cost.

In this episode, Francis Chan challenges common ideas about the end times, shifting the focus from speculation about prophecies and world events to personal readiness for Christ's return. He unpacks the reality of persecution for those living a godly life, the transformative power of Scripture, and how to stay faithful in a world that's increasingly hostile to faith.

In this message, Francis Chan challenges the Church to live out true faith in a world full of deception and false teachings. He reminds us that faith is revealed by us through action, especially in difficult times.

Are you living in fear of a world spiraling out of control, or are you standing in the peace and power God promises? In this sermon, Francis Chan challenges believers to move beyond fear, superficial godliness, and self-centeredness by embracing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, living with bold faith, and trusting God's sovereignty and the hope of redemption.

In this message, Francis Chan examines the signs of the "last days" as outlined in 2 Timothy, shedding light on the dangers of self-love, materialism, and a superficial approach to faith. Francis challenges us to reconsider our priorities and live with a love that reflects Christ's sacrificial example.

Have you ever stopped to think about what it means that God wants to be with us? In the busyness of life, especially at Christmas, we can easily forget the simple, powerful truth that God is rich in mercy and desires to dwell with us. Francis Chan shares the incredible reality that the Creator of the universe isn't just mighty and holy—He is merciful and wants to forgive us, empower us, and walk with us each and every day.

In this message, Francis Chan unpacks how true generosity is not a forced act but a natural byproduct of a life transformed by Christ. Drawing from Revelation and 2 Corinthians 8, he highlights the eternal promises of God that shift our focus from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, producing joy and selfless love. This message was originally shared on December 9, 2018 at Garden Church.

Francis Chan delivers a profound and challenging sermon, addressing the cultural shift in the church toward self-promotion and performance. Using Scripture and personal testimony, he calls believers to restore sacred practices like communion and public Scripture reading while embracing the mystery of God's love. This message was originally shared at the Fire in Our Bones Pastors Conference on March 1, 2024.

In the final message of his Ephesians series, Francis Chan delves into Ephesians 6 to reveal the significance of the full armor of God. He explains how each piece—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—empowers believers to stand firm against spiritual forces and persevere in faith amidst the challenges of life.

Do you get it? Do you truly understand what it means to know God, to experience His love so profoundly that it transforms your entire life? In this message, Francis Chan asks us to reflect on whether we really grasp the depth of God's love for us and how it should change us. When we understand this love, we will live with awe, humility, and radical love for others—just like the early church. This message was originally taught in February of 2017 to We Are Church.

How can embracing servanthood transform your life? In this teaching on Ephesians 6:5-9, Francis Chan reveals how choosing humility and following Christ's example of service can bring freedom, purpose, and deeper relationships.

Have you ever considered that your family relationships might be part of God's plan to reveal His character? In this message, Francis Chan explores how honoring and guiding one another in the family goes far beyond duty—it's a way to mirror God's nurturing love and authority.

What comes to mind when you hear “Wives, submit to your husbands” or “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church”? For many, this instruction from Ephesians can feel outdated or even uncomfortable in today's culture. But what if we're missing something crucial by viewing these words through a modern lens? In this teaching, Francis and Lisa Chan show us how true biblical authority isn't about control or power but about sacrificial love and humble service—modeled perfectly by Christ.

What if the secret to a thriving family life isn't about getting everything right, but about being continually filled with the Holy Spirit? In this week's teaching, Francis and Lisa Chan explore how being Spirit-filled can radically shape your home, your marriage, and even the future of your children. And they'll share how following God's design for marriage brings unity and strength in ways the world often overlooks.

What does it mean to truly live as God's temple? Not just in theory, but in every conversation, every relationship, every moment? In today's message, Francis Chan will explore the deep, yet practical reality of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Drawing from the book of Ephesians, Francis shows us how our lives can be radically transformed by the Spirit—shaping how we connect with God and love others.

Are you living the life God created you for, or just going through the motions? In this powerful message, we're reminded that God desires more than just our service or knowledge about Him—He longs for intimate interaction with us. Eternal life begins now, as we experience the joy of truly knowing and enjoying God. Let this sermon challenge and encourage you to press deeper into your relationship with Him. Take a step today to embrace the life you were created for: one that glorifies God through delighting in Him!

Francis Chan delves into the profound truth that God dwells among His people, transforming us from the inside out. Ephesians calls us to live as imitators of God, walking in love, and to reflect His presence in our daily lives. We are reminded that, through Christ, we have been made new and are called to be light in a dark world, rejecting the old ways of sin. As God dwells with us, He calls us into deeper unity, purity, and love, empowering us to live out His truth.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul instructs believers to put off the old self and to put on the new. But practically speaking, what does that mean? In this teaching, Francis Chan helps us see that our calling as the Body of Christ isn't just behavior modification. It's about becoming the kind of church that reflects the heart of God in every interaction.

If you look at the current state of the church in America, on a scale of one to ten, how would you rate our witness to the rest of the world? Francis Chan confronts the very things that do damage to the church and reminds us that we can embody the purity and love that God desires, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We all know we're supposed to grow in our faith—but how do we actually become mature in Christ? Francis Chan continues in Ephesians chapter 4, where Paul gives us the blueprint for spiritual maturity. Francis explores how Christ shapes us through the gifts He's given, the role of the church in building us up, and what it means to truly grow into the fullness of Christ.

In a world where we constantly see the same patterns—division, selfishness, and striving for personal gain—it's easy to fall into these habits without realizing it. In this teaching, Francis Chan explores the idea that, if we belong to Christ, we're not just human beings. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, called to live selflessly and pursue unity as God's people. This message was originally taught on October 29, 2017 for We Are Church.

We live in a culture that gives value to those who are rich, famous, or powerful. But as believers, we need to see ourselves differently. Francis Chan helps us understand how each of us has been uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit, not for our own personal recognition, but to build up the Body of Christ in unity and love.

As Americans, we're used to having choices in every aspect of our lives – whether its our jobs, relationships, or even our leaders. But what happens when we come across the commands of God? Are we willing to embrace the idea that His words are more than just suggestions? In this teaching, Francis Chan challenges us to break away from this cultural mindset and seek to be a church that Jesus desires.

In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul urges us to “maintain the unity of the body in the bond of peace.” But how do you maintain unity in the church when the church starts to look like the world? Is there a time that you need to separate? In this week's teaching, Francis Chan helps us wrestle through some of these challenging questions and points us away from seeking specific answers and points us towards the heart of Christ, Himself.

After studying the first 3 chapters of Ephesians and understanding the incredible blessings and promises that we've received from God, what should our response be? How should we live in light of these truths? In this week's teaching, Francis Chan begins to unpack Ephesians chapter 4, highlighting God's desire for the church, where everyone uses their unique gifts to build one another up in love and walk in a manner that is worthy of our calling.

Many of us come from a church background where our walk with God felt less like a like a relationship and more like a list of dos and don'ts. But if you read the actual words of Jesus, you get a much different impression. Francis Chan takes us to John chapter 15 and helps us see how a life of joyful obedience to God is a natural response to His overwhelming love.

When you read Paul's letter to the Ephesian church and he prays that believers would be “filled with all the fullness of God,” do you think that's possible for you? Francis Chan explores how the love of Christ isn't just a concept that we try to grasp with our minds, but it's something into which we grow deeper and deeper, impacting every area of our lives.

Sometimes in our walk with God, we can know all the right answers without experiencing the depth of relationship that's available to us through Christ. Francis Chan reveals how embracing the profound love of Jesus can break us free from spiritual complacency and lead us to a life of strength, holiness, and unity within the church.

Have you ever wondered how the unseen spiritual world impacts our everyday lives? Francis Chan dives into the book of Ephesians to show how recognizing this hidden reality can reshape our priorities, guide our actions, and align us with God's ultimate plan.

Often, it can feel challenging to evangelize — knowing where to begin or how to enter into conversations about faith. Dr. Vince Vitale explores how Christ's approach and dedication to conversation led people to the truth, and how we can do the same by following His model with the help of the Holy Spirit. You can hear more from Dr. Vitale at kardiaquestions.com. Kardia is a ministry that seeks to broaden and deepen our understanding of apologetics - reconciling hearts not only to God, but also to others and even ourselves. Dr. Vince Vitale was educated at Princeton University and the University of Oxford, and he taught philosophy and theology as a faculty member briefly at Princeton and then for several years at Oxford. It was during his undergraduate studies at Princeton that Vince was challenged to read the Bible by two soccer teammates and took an unexpected journey from skeptic to evangelist. He then completed master's and PhD studies at Oxford, receiving a Daniel M. Sachs Graduating Scholarship (at the time awarded annually to one graduating Princetonian) and a Clarendon Scholarship (supported by Oxford University Press). Alongside his work with Kardia, Vince serves as Faculty Scholar at CEO Forum and as a host of the Unbelievable? podcast. Previously, he served as Team Director of The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.

In our fast-paced modern society, it's easy to be tempted to build impressive things for ourselves, striving for personal achievements and recognition. We can lose sight of the deeper, more meaningful purpose for our efforts. As Francis continues to speak on Ephesians, he explores what it means for us to be built into Christ's temple, with Him as the cornerstone, rather than standing alone in our pursuits.

Have you ever felt a lack of excitement or awe about what God has done for you? For those of us who have been following Christ for some time, this can be a common experience. Francis Chan invites us to meditate on God's incredible grace that takes us from being dead in our sins to being seated with Christ.

When you hear someone preach a powerful message, what is it that moves you? The personality of the speaker? Or maybe the illustrations or stories that were told? In this week's teaching, Francis Chan pulls us away from these external motivations and brings our hearts back to the simplicity and true power of Christ and Him crucified.

There's a tendency that many of us face when reading scripture to skip over those passages that may be difficult to understand or offensive to our modern-day culture. Francis Chan focuses on Ephesians chapter 2 and shows us how worshipping God for all of His attributes makes the Good News even better.

When was the last time you prayed for the members of your church? And do you remember what you prayed for? In this week's teaching, Francis Chan continues his series through the book of Ephesians, and highlights Paul's desire for the church to receive a deeper revelation of God's eternal blessings.