Crazy Love

I'm hooked. Francis Chan has hooked me with his Crazy Love. And you'll love the subtitle: Overwhelmed By a Relentless God. Chan's style is simple and his words are powerful. His questions are provocative. There should be a huge warning sign on the front cover. Here are some of his thoughts:

"How many of you have read the New Testament and wondered if we in the church are missing it?" (p. 19)

"God never had an identity crisis. He knows that He's great and deserves to be the center of our lives. Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything..." (p. 22)

"But know this: God will not be tolerated." (p. 28)

"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control. Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional." (p. 42)

In his discussion of the Parable of the Soils, Chan asserts: "Do not assume you are good soil." (p. 67)

Commenting on Lk. 14:34-35: "When salt is salty, it helps manure become good fertilizer...but lukewarm and uncommitted faith is completely useless. It can't even benefit manure." (p. 81)

"Leftoevers are not merely inadequate; form God's point of view (and lest we forget, His is the only one who matters), they're evil. Let's stop calling it 'a busy schedule' or 'bills' or forgetfulness.' It's called evil." (p. 92)

So, maybe some of these thoughts struck you; maybe not. One thing is certain--if you read all of Crazy Love you'll find yourself more excited about your relationship with God and more challenged to love him in return.

--Terrell