Wednesday, October 31, 2012

NAF- Day Seventeen


Today’s Scripture: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.         Psalm 119:105 ESV

 Read Luke 12. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?


In his Follower’s Journal Idleman asks, “On this trail called life, all of us are following someone‘s directions. None of us are really blazing our own trail. We all follow a path that‘s been laid out for us by someone claiming to know the way. The questions are: Whose directions are you following? What path are you on?”


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

NAF- Day Sixteen


Today’s Scripture: For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:38-39

Read Luke 11. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?


How does your security in Christ motivate you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Idleman laments,

Recently I was watching a college football game on TV when my twelve-year-old daughter came in and said, ‘I’ve never seen you so excited.’ She has seen me baptize new believers. She saw my reaction to the birth of her baby brother. She has seen me take her out for many daddy/daughter dates. But she has never seen me more excited than watching a college football game Ouch.

Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His unconditional love toward you.


Monday, October 29, 2012

NAF- Day Fifteen


Today’s Scripture: This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says:

I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who leads you in the way you should go.If only you had paid attention to My commands. Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:17-18

Read Luke 10. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?
 
In his Follower’s Journal Idleman writes, “When we do our own thing in spite of what Jesus has said about it, then we are acting like we know better than Jesus.”
Where is the Holy Spirit leading you to surrender to Jesus? Spend some time praying about this today.
 



331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

NAF Week 3-- Knowing About Jesus VS Knowing Jesus, Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Mark 13:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13, John 12:1-8, and possibly Luke 7:36-50 tells the account of Mary’s (the sister of Lazarus) anointing of Jesus at a banquet held in his honor. Simon, the wealthy host of the banquet, knows about Jesus, but Mary knows Jesus. In fact, she is the only one revealed in the gospels who truly understands the events that are about to fold and the sacrifice Jesus would make. Fans choose knowledge, followers embrace intimacy.

God wants to be known. God has revealed Himself to everyone through creation, common grace (benevolence) and conscience (what theologians call General Revelation). More specifically, powerfully and salvifically (knowledge leading to salvation), God has revealed Himself through the Scriptures and ultimately through Jesus (what theologians call Special Revelation). What do the follow Scriptures reveal about the desire of God to be known, and the blessings to those who truly know Him?

Jeremiah 9:23-24--

John 17:3--

Exodus 6:6-7; 10:2; 16:6--

Deuteronomy 4:32-35--

Joshua 3:10; 4:23-24--

1 Kings 8:56-60; 20:13, 28--

Psalm 9:10; 18:2; Job 19:25--

Isaiah 12:1-2; 41:17-20--

John 8:19; 10:14-15, 27-30; 14:6-11; 15:15; 17:26--

This week read chapters five, Following Jesus or following the rules? and six, Self-empowered or Spirit-filled? in Kyle Idleman’s book Not A Fan.

 

NAF- Day Fourteen


Today’s Scripture: For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it. Luke 9:24

Read Luke 9. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman writes, “When Jesus said to Matthew, ‘Follow me,’ He was making it clear His invitation to follow is not just for the religious elite, for the morally upright or for those who have their lives together. His invitation is for all of us who are hiding stains.”

What does it mean to you that Jesus loves and calls you… even with all your “stains”? How does this motivate you to follow Him even more wholeheartedly?





331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

NAF- Day Thirteen


Today’s Scripture: So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.                    Galatians 4:7 

Read Luke 8. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?
 
In his Follower’s Journal Kyle Idleman writes,
If being a slave to sin has left you broken and bruised and you find your life is in pieces… my master loves you and if you let him, He‘ll take the pieces of your life and turn them into a beautiful mosaic. My master invites all who are weary and heavy burdened to come to him and find rest for your souls because his yoke is easy and his burden is light. And when you become a slave to my master, He makes you His son.
Where do you see Jesus making a “mosaic” of your life (including the “broken and bruised” pieces)?
 
 

Friday, October 26, 2012

NAF- Day Twelve


Today’s Scripture: They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them. 2 Peter 2:19

 Read Luke 7. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?
 
In Not A Fan Idleman observes,
I meet people every week who are slaves to something, but they found freedom when they became a slave to Jesus Christ. They were slaves to possessions or slaves to their own pleasures, they were slaves to people, what other people thought of them. But they discovered that true freedom is only found when they live as a slave to Jesus Christ. Instead of shame and bondage and death, we find joy and grace and eternal life. You will never know true freedom until you have completely surrendered and become a slave to Jesus Christ.
How can sin be an addiction- and how is addiction like slavery?
Romans 8:14-15 declares, “All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’" Take some time today to thank Jesus for setting you free.
 
 
 

 



331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Knowing About Jesus vs Knowing Jesus



 

The second question Kyle Idleman in Not A Fan asks is, “Do you just know about Jesus, or do you really know Him?” This Sunday we’ll contrast mere knowledge about Jesus with genuine intimacy with Jesus. In Mark 14:3-9 Jesus is anointed with perfume by a woman who knew first hand forgiveness from Jesus. She does this at a table surrounded by “chief priests and teachers of the Law” who know doubt knew much about God and the Scriptures but did not know either intimately.

 
Listen here to Tullian Tchividjian as he discusses what it means to truly know God.

  

NAF- Day Eleven


Today’s Scripture: But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18

Read Luke 6. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?


In his Follower’s Journal Kyle Idleman writes,

“Doulos” is the Greek word for slave. A slave had no rights. a slave signed over everything to the master, even his own identity. A slave’s one word job description was obey. So Matthew understood, to call Jesus Lord, was to call himself a slave.

Do you want to be radical in following Jesus? Make a list of your primary possessions-- house, cars, bank accounts, etc. then make a list of your skills… Add a list of your core identities- husband, coach, leader, mother… Then (surrender) these to Jesus.

And everyone who has left houses, brothers or sisters, father or mother, children, or fields because of My name will receive 100 times more and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29


331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NAF- Day Ten


Today’s Scripture: And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 ESV

 Read Luke 5. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?
 
In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman writes,
Matthew understood that to follow a Rabbi was a twenty-four hour a day commitment. Matthew understood that it was not just knowing what Jesus knows, it was going to be living how Jesus lived. Matthew understood that in order to follow Jesus, he must call Jesus Lord.”
 
How ought it to shape my day to think of my day as a “traveling companion to Jesus”?
 
 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

NAF-- Day Nine


Today’s Scripture: He saved us— not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy,through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

 Read John 3. Compare the “fan” Nicodemus here in John 3 with Nicodemus the “follower in John 19:38-40. What changed? How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not A Fan Kyle Idleman observes,

In Not Nicodemus had made a decision about Jesus, but that’s not the same as following him… Jesus didn’t just want Nicodemus just at night; he wanted Nicodemus during the day too.
 

 “Have you made a decision for Jesus or have you committed to Jesus?”




331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Monday, October 22, 2012

NAF- Day Eight


Today’s Scripture: Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:2 ESV

Read John 2. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?


In Not a Fan-- Kyle Idleman, writes,

The Bible says in Romans (3:23) that all of us have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. In other words, none of us are good enough. We’ve all said things we shouldn’t have said. We’ve all done things we shouldn’t have done. And so we scrub and scrub at the stain, but the stain just won’t come out.
 
And we reach this point, where we’re not sure what to do. And so we live in denial of the stain. Or we blame others people for the stain. Or we rationalize and justify the stain. Or we just live in guild and fear hoping somehow that no one will notice. 

Sin devastates. The more we become aware of our sin, the more we recognize how it has tainted every relationship.

 
As my awareness of sin grows, I…

Jesus proclaimed that He, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Jesus did not minimize or hide sin. He does not brush our sin under the rug. He gave His life as a ransom (payment) for our sin. How does this truth motivate you to follow Him?


331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

NAF- Week 2-- An Unlikely Follower Luke 19:1-10 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

In Luke 19:1-10 Jesus encounters Zacchaeus while passing through Jericho. As chief tax collector, Zacchaeus was responsible for the collection of tolls along this major trade route. He is described as “rich” and likely made much of his wealth fraudulently. Zacchaeus is a poster child for an unlikely follower of Jesus. Yet, his repentance and transformed life is evidence that truly followership of Jesus is open to anyone.

Read Luke 19:1-10. What was the response of onlookers when Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house? How does Jesus respond to similar accusations in Mark 2:15-17?

In Chapter 8 of Not A Fan, Kyle Idleman observes, “Jesus begins His call to follow Him with these two words, If anyone… Anyone is a significant word because it makes it clear whom He is inviting. He is inviting anyone. Anyone is an all-inclusive word. Anyone means everyone. Jesus doesn’t begin with a list of pre-qualifications.”


What insights do the following “anyone invitations” provide?

Matthew 10:39; 16:24--

Mark 9:35; 11:23--

Luke 11:23--

John 3:18; 5:24; 6:47; 8:12; 8:51; 10:9; 14:23--

1 Corinthians 8:3--

2 Corinthians 5:17--

1 John 2:1--

This week read chapters three, Knowledge about Him or Intimacy with Him and four, a One of Many or Your One and Only? in Kyle Idleman’s book Not A Fan.
 
 

NAF- Day Seven


Today’s Scripture: From that moment many of His disciples turned back and no longer accompanied Him. John 6:66

Read John 1. Early on, were Jesus’ disciples more fan or follower? What hint to Jesus’ call to followership (discipleship) is revealed in Jesus’ words to Peter? How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?


In his Follower’s Journal Idleman asks, “Are there certain areas of our life labeled off limits, ‘or does Jesus have all access? Is there any area right now that you are seeing as ―off limits to Jesus? What are they?

What does it mean to say to Jesus, “I surrender all”?


939826: Not a Fan: Follower"s Journal Not a Fan: Follower's Journal
By Kyle Idleman / City On A Hill

A thought provoking 42-day devotional guide designed to assist you on your journey from fan to follower
- to help you discover your role on Christ's team, your storyline in God's grand production, your post among the fighting ranks
- and to personally know your coach, your captain, your director. The best followers know intimately the one they are following.
Carry this with you to consult each morning, noon and night for the prompts, suggestions, thoughts, and encouragement during your Not a Fan experience.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

NAF-- Day Six


Today’s Scripture: I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

 Read Mark 2. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In his Follower’s Journal Kyle Idleman, observes, “When a person has a ‘one and only,’ he often writes love notes, even poetry, to the beloved.” Take some time to write a few words to Jesus telling Him what you think of Him. If you need some motivation, spend some time reading  Psalm 103.


939826: Not a Fan: Follower"s Journal Not a Fan: Follower's Journal
By Kyle Idleman / City On A Hill

A thought provoking 42-day devotional guide designed to assist you on your journey from fan to follower
- to help you discover your role on Christ's team, your storyline in God's grand production, your post among the fighting ranks
- and to personally know your coach, your captain, your director. The best followers know intimately the one they are following.
Carry this with you to consult each morning, noon and night for the prompts, suggestions, thoughts, and encouragement during your Not a Fan experience.

Friday, October 19, 2012

NAF- Day five

 
Today’s Scripture: Summoning the crowd along with His disciples, He said to them, “If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. Mark 8:34
Read Mark 1. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?
 
In Not a Fan-- Teen Edition Kyle Idleman, writes,
In your mind picture yourself walking into a local coffee shop. You grab a snack and get a drink and then walk towards the back where it isn’t crowded… Now, imagine that Jesus comes in and sits down next to you… You suddenly realize you haven’t prayed for your food. You decide to say your prayer out loud, hoping that Jesus will be impressed. You start off okay, but you understandably get nervous and pray ‘Three things we pray: to love thee more dearly, to see they more clearly, to follow thee more nearly, day by day, by day.’ You quickly say ‘Amen’ when you realize you’ve quoted Ben Stiller’s prayer from Meet the Parents.”
 
At Jesus’ baptism God the Father declared of Jesus, “You are My beloved Son; I take delight in You.” (Mark 1:11) When you believed the gospel and trusted Christ as your Savior, you were “clothed in Christ’s righteousness and declared, “holy, faultless, and blameless” before God (Colossians 1:22). This means that the same delight God the Father had in Jesus, He now has in you. How does this truth motivate you to move from an enthusiastic admirer to a full on committed follower?
 

734001DA: Not a Fan: What Does it Mean to Really Follow Jesus? Teen Edition - Slightly Imperfect Not a Fan: What Does it Mean to Really Follow Jesus? Teen Edition - Slightly Imperfect
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Sunday At Six: When God's Spirit Moves Study

In John 14-16 Jesus makes many incredible claims about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. John 14:16, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.” John 15:26-27, “When the Counselor comes, the One I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. 27 You also will testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.John 16:7, “Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you.”  John 16:8, “When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment.”
 
Jesus said it, so we believe it. Yet, for most of us, we have to admit that our lives often do not measure up to what we know to be true. The Christian life is supposed to be a supernatural life. When we place our trust in Christ as our Savior, His Spirit, the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence inside us!

Sunday nights at 6:00 PM we’re doing a Bible study by Jim Cymbala entitled, When God’s Spirit Moves: Six Sessions on the Life-Changing Power of the Holy Spirit. In addition to the bible study, each week features a testimony of how the Holy Spirit’s power to change a life. Listen here to the story of how Jesus changed Roma Black’s life from lesson one. Join us Sunday night at six.
 
 

NAF- Day four


Today’s Scripture: Do not have other gods besides Me. Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…” Exodus 20:3-5

Read Luke 4. How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not a Fan Kyle Idleman, asks, “Is Jesus one of many, or is He your one and only?” Take a moment and answer that question.


The prophet Zephaniah writes, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.  Zephaniah 3:17 ESV


How does this truth affect your response?
 

331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Join Us for a night of Gospel Doo Wop-- THIS Friday, October 19th!

 
Join us THIS Friday night, October 19th, at 7:00 PM for a Gospel Doo Wop concert featuring the music ministry of Santos.

Santos spent many years in the music industry performing and touring with such notables as The Charlie Daniels Band, The Outlaws, George Benson, Dion, POD and many others. His musical style swings from 1950's Doo Wop to timeless hymns and everything in between. His testimony is one of a life set free from many years of drug addiction through the power of Jesus Christ. Listen below to Santos' testimony.

The concert is FREE. A special offering will be received to benefit the ministry of Child  Evangelism Fellowship in Monmouth County.

NAF-- Day Three


Today’s Scripture: From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. Acts 17:26

Read Luke 3. What qualities of followership do you observe in John the Baptist? How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?


In Not a Fan Kyle Idleman, writes,

I think Jesus has a lot of fans these days. Fans who cheer for him when things are going well, but who walk away when it’s a difficult season. Fans who sit safely in the stands cheering, but they know nothing of the sacrifice and pain of the field. Fans of Jesus who know all about him, but they don’t know him.

Looking ahead to what you have “scheduled” today, are you willing to let Jesus “interfere” with your plans? How so?


331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

NAF-- Day Two


Today’s Scripture: For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.     2 Chronicles 16:9a ESV

Read Luke 2. What qualities of followership do you observe in Simeon? How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?
 
In NAF Follower’s Journal Kyle Idleman, observes, “Remember Jesus has invited you-- not just you in general, as a part of the crowd, but you yourself, by name - to follow Him. (Consider) the thought of Jesus personally calling you.” What is your response?
 
 

 


331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!

Monday, October 15, 2012

NAF-- Day One


Today’s Scripture: Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23

Over the next 42 days you’ll read the entire Gospel of Luke as well as numerous other scriptures. As you read take note of those around Jesus. Are they fans for followers?

Read Luke 1. What qualities of followership do you observe in Mary? How is Jesus calling you to deeper followership?

In Not a Fan Kyle Idleman, writes,

Jesus was never interested in having fans. When He defines what kind of relationship He wants, Enthusiastic Admirer isnt an option. My concern is that many of our churches in America have gone from being sanctuaries to becoming stadiums. And every week all the fans come to the stadium where they cheer for Jesus but have no interest in truly following Him. The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but arent actually interested in following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.

DTR: define the relationship. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus as it is today? What do you want it to be like?

In the prologue of Not A Fan Idleman writes, “(We) will talk more about repentance than forgiveness, more about surrender than salvation, more about brokenness than happiness, and more about death than about life.” This is not because forgiveness, salvation and happiness are not important themes. They are and Jesus is the author of each. They are not the starting point for one desiring to be a follower. Jesus continues in Luke 9:24, “for whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Are you ready?


331933: Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of  Jesus Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
By Kyle Idleman / Zondervan

If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan-or perhaps someone who doesn't even care about the difference? Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life. Through biblical teaching, anecdotes, and humor, Kyle Idleman explores what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. He also shares several powerful Not a Fan stories--testimonies from fellow followers who turned to Jesus. Don't miss this wake up call to radical discipleship!