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‟ isn’t 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 aren’t 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?

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!