ARE YOU A FAN OR A FOLLOWER?

One of the most sobering passages of Scripture tells of a day when many who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus will be stunned to find out that he doesn’t even recognize them.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 

                                                              -Matthew 7:21-23

Is your relationship with Jesus just a casual weekend thing or are you fully committed? Fans often confuse their admiration for devotion. They mistake the knowledge of Jesus for intimacy with Jesus. How many think they can have a relationship with Jesus without having to make any real changes? Jesus wants complete renovation. Belief in Jesus is not the same as following him. When we decide to believe in Jesus without making a commitment to follow him, we become nothing more than fans.

There is no forgiveness without repentance. There is no salvation without surrender. There is no believing without committing. Jesus is the one who defines the relationship, not you. He is clear that being a fan who believes without making any real commitment to follow isn’t an option. At some point you will be in a position to have to decide between being a fan or a follower of Jesus.

Are you going to remain simply an admirer of Jesus or are you going to follow Him? Can you give up whatever it is that has hindered you to follow Jesus thus far?

So…

WHAT DOES A DEVOTED FOLLOWER OF JESUS LOOK LIKE?

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."  -Acts 2:42 (ESV)

From the earliest days of the church it was evident that followers of Jesus Christ were devoted to the things of the Lord.    From the New Testament what might we glean as the focus of our devotion to the Lord.

A Devoted Follower of Jesus is...

1)  Devoted to SEEKING GOD regularly through His Word & through worship with others in His Church.

2)  Devoted to SERVE GOD with the blessed gifts and resources He has to help His church & our neighbors.

3)  Devoted to SHARE ONE'S FAITH story with others & the meaningful way God has impacted one's life through the Gospel.

This Three-Part Ministry Plan of SEEK, SERVE, & SHARE must be an integral part of the life of the Lord's church.   Church Leaders must design measurable methods and strategies whereby an honest appraisal can be done to see that progress is being made in these vital areas.   If any program, event, or other ministry does not promote one or more of these three elements then the life and vitality of a congregation may be lacking focus on the true mission of the church.