Crazy Love Podcast

Today, Francis Chan and Gavin Ortlund continue their conversation and share practical, everyday ways to connect with God’s holiness, His deep love for us, and the call to live in the constant awareness of what Jesus’ death and resurrection means for us in the here and now. Drawing from passages like 1 Thessalonians 5 and Ephesians 3, Francis reminds us that God calls us to both warn the wandering and tenderly encourage the fainthearted with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, knowing that even when we make mistakes, He will teach and grow us through them. Gavin speaks vulnerably about navigating public ministry in an age of outrage, and how vital it is to withdraw from the noise and anchor ourselves in the simple, freeing truth of the gospel. Together, they offer practical wisdom for cultivating silence as a form of connection with God, strengthening yourself in Him, and entering His presence with confidence rather than condemnation. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to defend yourself, discouraged by online battles that never seem to end, or unsure how to grow in both truth and love at the same time, this episode will help you refocus your heart on Jesus and reflect His love for the world.

Francis Chan sits down with theologian and apologist Gavin Ortlund (truthunites.org) for a vulnerable, wide-ranging conversation about communion, church unity, and what it means to love other Christians in a fractured age. Francis shares his own journey wrestling with the Eucharist, reading the church fathers, engaging Roman Catholic and Orthodox perspectives, and discovering the “real presence” within a Protestant framework. Gavin explains why he remains gratefully Protestant and how he understands the richness of the Lord’s Supper and church history. Together, they talk honestly about the harsh tone of much online “discernment” content, the temptation to chase clicks by attacking other believers, and the deep grief they both feel over division in the body of Christ. Francis opens up about this new season of life and ministry, sensing a renewed childlike faith, a burden to guard and walk with younger leaders, and a longing to see gospel-centered unity rooted in truth and shaped by the love of God. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about the Lord’s Supper, Protestant vs. Catholic/Orthodox claims, or how to contend for truth without losing love, this conversation will both challenge and encourage you to fix your eyes on Jesus and pursue a unity that flows from the gospel itself.

In this powerful teaching, Francis Chan shares his experience visiting a village church in rural China - one of the most beautiful pictures of the Body of Christ he has ever witnessed. What he encountered wasn’t consumer Christianity or personality-driven gatherings, but a community of believers who had truly given themselves away. Francis contrasts this with the Western tendency to attend church like consumers, evaluating leaders, seeking comfort, and avoiding sacrifice. Through Philippians 2 and 2 Corinthians 8, he calls us back to the simplicity and costliness of following Jesus: dying to ourselves, becoming servants, and letting the grace of God transform us into givers. This episode paints a stirring vision of what the Church is meant to be, one that displays the manifold wisdom of God not only to the world, but to the heavenly realms. It’s an invitation to rethink what we’re chasing, to pursue the “race to the bottom,” and to embody the self-giving love of Christ.

Francis Chan invites us to linger at the foot of the cross and fix our eyes on Jesus. Drawing from the story of Gethsemane and 2 Peter 1, Francis reminds us that we’ve been given “everything we need for life and godliness,” called to become partakers of the divine nature, and urged to “make every effort” toward virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. He calls us to worship without distraction, to pursue holiness with grit, and to live for what is unseen and eternal (2 Corinthians 4). Scripture references: Matthew 26:36–46; Isaiah 53:10; 2 Peter 1:1–9; Ezekiel 36–37; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18. This message was originally delivered at the Passion Conference (2014).

In today’s message, Francis Chan paints a picture of what the Church was always meant to be - a family where every member brings their gifts, their stories, and their brokenness into the light. He shares how honesty, humility, and repentance create space for God’s Spirit to move and bring real revival. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 1 and the book of Job, Francis reminds us that God’s comfort in suffering is never wasted; it’s meant to be shared with others. If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, questioned God’s fairness, or struggled to make sense of suffering, this episode will remind you that the story always ends with God, the Creator, who holds the clay in His hands and is worthy of our trust, even when life doesn’t make sense.

In this powerful message from a worship night at Pepperdine University, Francis Chan challenges us to long for more than just emotional moments or great worship experiences, but to hunger for the presence of God Himself. Drawing from Exodus 33, Francis unpacks Moses’ bold statement to God: “If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” He reminds us that Moses wasn’t satisfied with blessings, success, or even an angel leading the way. He wanted God Himself. Through Scripture and stories from his own journey, Francis describes what happens when the Holy Spirit truly changes a person’s nature, when worship becomes a response of the heart rather than an act of habit. He contrasts outward religion with inward transformation, calling us to let God put both His fear and His love within our hearts so that our walk with Him endures for a lifetime. This message is a passionate invitation to examine what we really want from God: His gifts, or His presence. May it stir a holy desire in you to seek Him above all else.

In this message, Francis Chan invites us to slow down, pray, and truly believe that God Himself is with us, right here, right now. Teaching from Ephesians 1, Francis explores Paul’s prayer that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened,” revealing how deeply God loves His people and how much He longs for us to live in the fullness of His power and grace. Francis shares his own journey from insecurity and striving into a confident rest in God’s love. He reminds us that we are God’s glorious inheritance—His beloved bride—and that His immeasurable power is available to all who believe. This episode reflects the heart behind Francis’ newest book, "Beloved", an invitation to move from working for God’s love to living from it. 📖 Beloved by Francis Chan — now available wherever books are sold. 👉 For more information go to https://www.crazylove.org/beloved

In this powerful conversation originally recorded for Lecrae’s podcast, The Deep End, Francis Chan joins Lecrae for an honest and deeply personal dialogue about insecurity, identity, and the love of God that casts out fear. Together they explore the fear of man that grips so many leaders today, the dangers of living for approval, and how the revelation of God’s love transforms everything. Francis opens up about his own journey from striving and performance to living securely as God’s beloved - the same message that inspired his new book, Beloved. “If our chief aim is to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever, how do you enjoy a God you’re not sure loves you?” — Francis Chan This is an invitation to rest in the love of the Father, to release fear, and to rediscover the joy of simply being His. Beloved by Francis Chan — Now available wherever books are sold. Learn more at crazylove.org/beloved

Two classmates. Thirty years of ministry. And one question that wouldn’t go away: Am I truly loved by God? Today, Francis Chan sits down with long-time friend, Pastor Ken Murphy to talk about the drift from joy into performance and the moment a revelation of God’s grace finally broke through. This is a conversation about moving from “working to be loved” to living from a love that never changes. It’s the heartbeat of Francis’ new book, Beloved, an invitation to trade insecurity for assurance and worshipful joy. Beloved, is available for purchase now wherever books are sold.

In this episode of the Crazy Love Podcast, Francis Chan opens his heart about what it truly means to live from God’s love rather than striving to earn it. So many of us believe God loved us when we were His enemies, yet live as though His affection now depends on our performance as His children. Francis reminds us that God’s love is constant, unshakable, and infinitely beyond anything we can imagine. This message echoes the heartbeat of Francis’ brand-new book, Beloved, releasing October 7th. Written with his daughter Mercy, the book invites readers to move beyond head knowledge of God’s love into a daily, lived experience of His presence and delight. You can pre-order Beloved today wherever books are sold.

In this recent interview with Charisma Magazine, Francis Chan reflects on his personal journey from insecurity to freedom in God’s love - the message at the heart of his brand-new book, Beloved. Francis shares how the Word of God has not only convicted him but opened his eyes to God’s promises, how prayer shifted his life at a crucial moment, and why our deepest identity must be rooted in being God’s beloved children. Don’t miss this conversation that weaves together reverence, freedom, and the joy of experiencing God’s love. Francis Chan’s new book, Beloved, releases October 7, 2025, but you can pre-order now through Amazon: https://www.crazylove.org/link/amznbk

Do you care too much about your career, your house, or even your favorite sports team, and too little about what God cares about? In this challenging message, Francis admits his own struggle with this question. He explains that we often fail to weep over sin because we love to talk about God’s blessings and promises but shy away from His warnings of judgment. This message will force you to look at your own life and ask if your heart is truly aligned with God's. What breaks your heart? And is it what breaks God’s?

What would it look like if the Church truly lived out the radical faith found in the Book of Acts? In this compelling message, Francis Chan urges believers to go beyond passively hearing God’s word and begin living lives marked by deep repentance, bold obedience, and authentic transformation. He challenges the Church to break free from spiritual complacency and embrace a lifestyle that reflects the sacrificial, Spirit-empowered way of the early Christians. Chan paints a vision of a community where older generations uplift the young, resources are freely surrendered for Kingdom work, and God’s supernatural provision follows fearless steps of faith. This is a passionate plea for revival rooted in humility, surrender, and a willingness to give up comfort and control. The result? A Church that is fully alive, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and unafraid to dive headfirst into the unknown for the sake of the Gospel.

In today’s message, Francis Chan challenges our modern assumptions about worship, prayer, and the presence of God. Drawing from Hebrews 12, he paints a vivid picture of the God we’ve forgotten—blazing fire, darkness, tempest, unapproachable light—and reminds us that worship isn’t about our preferences or opinions, but about coming before the Almighty with reverence and awe. Wherever you’re listening today, this is a word to sit with, to wrestle with, and to let reshape how you approach the living God.

In this compelling message, Francis Chan shares the burden that has been burning in his heart: a deep longing to see people who are spiritually dead brought to life by the power of the Holy Spirit. He speaks about the kind of transformation we read about in Scripture—where people turn from sin, are filled with the Spirit, and become radically different, walking in holiness, conviction, and bold faith. Francis challenges the modern Church to stop settling for weak substitutes of true discipleship. He calls out the tendency to rely on programs, polished messages, and emotional experiences, instead of trusting in the Spirit of God to bring real, lasting change. He dreams of churches that look like families, where believers love each other so deeply and sacrificially that the outside world is stunned by the unity and generosity. This message is a bold invitation to believe again, to stop playing it safe, and to pray for courage to live out a faith that is real, sacrificial, and Spirit-empowered.

In this powerful message, Francis Chan challenges the modern church’s dependence on celebrity pastors and passive faith. Drawing from Exodus 19, Acts 4, and 2 Peter 1, he calls believers to go beyond relying on others to bring them into God’s presence, emphasizing that every follower of Christ has direct access to Him. Francis exhorts the church to pursue holiness, unity, and courage with urgency, envisioning a gathering where all believers come overflowing from time spent with God rather than arriving empty.

Why do dogs return to their vomit? Why does a washed pig run back to the mud? Because their nature hasn’t changed. You can clean them up on the outside, but they’re still the same inside. In this message, Francis Chan reflects on how his encounters in Uganda reshaped his life, family, and ministry. Sharing from personal testimony and Scripture, he warns against the danger of external religion—programs, good sermons, or emotional moments—without true inner transformation. Drawing on passages from 2 Peter, Jeremiah, and Romans, Francis explains that only the Holy Spirit can change our nature: giving us a holy fear of God and pouring His love into our hearts.

What if all the insecurity, fear, and comparison have been lies—meant to distract you from something God settled before you were even born? So many live with a quiet ache, wondering if they really matter—if they’re really made for anything significant. But in Jeremiah 1, God tells us something staggering: ‘Before I formed you, I knew you.’ In this teaching, Francis Chan opens up about his own journey of self-doubt, and the breakthrough that came when he realized he wasn’t an accident. He was made for a purpose—and so are you.

What if you could live without fear—truly fearless, even in the face of death, suffering, or the unknown? What if the hardest truths about your own heart didn’t crush you, but instead became the gateway to joy and courage? In this teaching, Francis Chan walks through Psalm 23. He unpacks how the Psalm shifts from God as an idea to God as a present Shepherd, and challenges us to live fearless lives rooted in God's sovereignty, goodness, and eternal promises.

Have you ever faced a season so painful, so intense, that you wondered if something had gone terribly wrong in your walk with God? What if the very trials we dread are actually signs that we’re right where we’re meant to be? In this teaching, Francis Chan opens up 1 Peter 4 to show us that suffering for Christ isn’t strange—it’s expected. He explains how trials test and refine our faith, and why the Spirit of God meets us most powerfully not in comfort, but in difficulty.