Chuck Smith emphasizes the urgent need for believers to have burning hearts filled with enthusiasm for Christ, contrasting this with the current state of the church, which often relies on gimmicks and lacks true passion. He reflects on the two men on the road to Emmaus, who, despite their love for Jesus, were defeated by their lack of understanding and hope. Jesus came to rekindle their fire by teaching them the Scriptures, demonstrating that true enthusiasm comes from a deep engagement with God's Word. Smith challenges listeners to examine their own hearts and seek a renewed passion for the Lord through personal study of the Bible. The sermon calls for a return to the fervor and hope that comes from a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

"BURNING HEARTS" Intro: One of the greatest needs in the church today is men with burning hearts. Our theology seems to be well defined, we know what we believe and why. The church seems like a smooth running organization. They have learned the fine art of money raising techniques. Why must the church use gimmicks to raise funds. The people have lost their enthusiasm; the fire. I. WHAT THESE TWO MEN STILL POSSESSED. A. A love for their Lord. 1. Their hearts were broken and shattered. 2. Jesus referred to their obvious sadness. 3. They spoke of Jesus with fondness. B. They still believed in Him. 1. Perhaps no longer as the Son of God. 2. "They called Him a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and man." a. They had forgotten His own prophesies. 1. He told them how He had to be killed, but the third day He would rise. 2. He told them if they destroyed His Temple, He would rebuild it in three days. 3. He told them of Jonah. b. They acknowledged that this was the third day. II. WHAT THEY LACKED. A. An understanding of the words of Jesus. 1. Because He didn't do things the way they expected and wanted, they were defeated. 2. How often we make this same mistake. a. We feel the Lord should do things for us a certain way. b. When He doesn't, we begin to lose faith. B. They lacked hope: "We had hoped that He would redeem Israel." 1. How dismal things become when hope is gone. C. They lacked a clear vision of Jesus. "Their eyes were holden." 1. How blind is the doubting heart. a. The answer can be standing right next to you, but you can't see it. D. They lacked the fire burning in their heart. 1. They had lost their enthusiasm. 2. How desperately the church needs that enthusiasm for Jesus Christ today. III. WHY JESUS CAME TO THEM. A. To rekindle the fire in their hearts. 1. Without hope and enthusiasm, life can be weary and drab. B. How did He light the fire? 1. By teaching them the Word of God. a. Beginning with Moses, He went through all the scriptures that referred to Him. 2. When did their hearts begin to burn? a. While He was talking with them and opening up the scriptures. C. Has your heart grown cold? Has your enthusiasm for the Lord cooled? 1. How long since your heart really burned with passion for Him? 2. You may talk of the past days of the small chapel or the tent. a. What about today? D. How to restore the burning heart. 1. Not by talking about it to each other. 2. Not by trying to find a place where the fire is burning. a. So many running around after experience. b. There are many artificial fires. 3. Let the Lord open up the scriptures to your heart. a. Get alone with Him and in the Word.