Chuck Smith emphasizes the need for passion in the Church, using the story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus who, despite their love and belief in Jesus, had lost their hope and passion after His crucifixion. He illustrates how Jesus engaged with them, reigniting their hearts by interpreting the Scriptures and revealing Himself through familiar teachings. The disciples' hearts burned as they listened to Jesus, highlighting the importance of listening to Him to rekindle our faith. Smith draws parallels between the disciples' experience and the current state of the Church, urging believers to seek a deeper connection with Christ.

BURNING HEARTS Intro: Greatest need of Church today. Have principles need passion. Not asking you to try to manufacture something that is not real. Painted fire never warmed anyone. I. THE TWO DISCIPLES ON THE ROAD, WHAT THEY POSSESSED AND WHAT THEY HAD LOST. A. What they possessed. 1. They still loved their Lord. 2. They still believed in Him. a. To Peter "Satan hath desired thee," but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail thee not. b. On road they were talking about Jesus. c. Amid bitter disappointment they still spoke kindly of Him. d. When Jesus joined them "what are you talking about that makes you so sad?" What things? "Concerning Jesus of Narareth." B. What they had lost. 1. Their hope "we had hoped that He would redeem Israel." For three years their hearts aflame. 2. These men a picture of Church today. a. People still loyal to Christ. b. Lost the passion. II. HOW DOES CHRIST DEAL WITH THESE MEN? A. By interpreting to them familiar things. 1. Did not our hearts burn as He talked. 2. Did not burn as they were talking to Him. B. What did Jesus say? 1. Nothing new went back to Moses and prophets. a. Give anything to have heard this talk. 2. In Moses He was the fulfillment of the sacrifices. 3. David's king "fairer than the children of men." 4. Solomon "lily of the valley." 5. Isaiah "A child is born and Son is given." 6. Jere. "Branch out of stem of Jesse." 7. Dan. "stone not cut with hands." 8. On down to Malachi "The Son of righteousness." C. What was the burning heart? The thrill of a new discovery of their Lord. D. How did it come? Listening to Jesus.