Fan or Follower?

      I guess you know by now that I tend to read a lot.  I love to get new ideas, look in different directions, and compare others' thoughts with my own.  The book I am reading now is "rocking my world" and in my opinion could be one of the most meaningful books I've ever read.
     I didn't plan to read it.  Probably wouldn't have bought it until much later when I heard about it from others.  The copy I am reading now was either given to me as I checked out from the Lifeway store, or it was offered to me so cheaply that I couldn't turn it down.  I really don't
remember, but I know that God had a hand in it.  I just love it when He does stuff like that, don't you?    
     The title of the book is " not a fan." by Kyle  Idleman.  Idleman is  the teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisvsille, Kentucky, the fifth largest church in Amcrica.  When he was about to address an Easter crowd of around 30,000 people, he was struggling to know what to speak about .  He decided to check out the Bible and find out what Jesus preached whenever he had large crowds.  Idleman found that when Jesus faced this situation He was most likely to preach  about very controversial issues. Issues that might cause many of His observers to leave.  Jesus was not a people- pleaser.  He was a God pleaser. And in this book, Idleman talks about a religion that is a God-pleaser. One that is not easy.  Or popular. Or based on outward appearances.  The difference lies in being a follower, not a fan of Christ.
     Idleman points out the differences. They are very clear the way he states them. What is most frightening is that when he describes "fans" of Jesus, he seems to be describing most of the church of today. .People who have knowledge but no intimacy.  People who follow the rules but know nothing of relationship.  People who can recite prayers but the concept of  just talking to God is foreign to them. People who have given their minds to the study of God,  but have never really given their hearts to Him.
     One statement, among many, rings true.  I know because it used to be who I was.  He says, " Fans of Jesus sooner or later find themselves exhausted.  Fans grow tired of trying to maintain an outer appearance that doesn't match an inner passion."
     Passion.  Love.  Relationship.  Not just words for romance.  Words that also describe what a REAL follower of Christ  has with Him.  Words that mean so much to those who take the risk and make the investment .
     Read the book.  You won't be sorry.




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