“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.“ Matthew 13:44

Not being a fan of television viewing, I look for Christian movies to watch in the evening while others enjoy the tube. Stumbling upon one of the best I have seen in a very long time - I wanted to share some of the things that got my attention as I viewed the movie and now as I read the book, in hopes it will bless you, challenge you, make you think, and if need be reevaluate your Christian commitment.

‘‘ Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman

Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus? Fans admire Him, followers adore Him.

“if anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself….” Luke 9:23

Many have made a decision to believe in Jesus without making a commitment to follow Him. There is no forgiveness without repentance. There is no salvation without surrender. There is no life without death. There is no believing without committing.   Fans don’t mind Jesus making some minor changes in their lives but Jesus wants to turn our lives upside down. Fans don’t mind Him doing a little touch-up work, but Jesus wants complete renovation. Fans come to Jesus thinking tune-up, Jesus is thinking overhaul. Fans think makeup, Jesus thinks makeover. Fans often confuse their admiration for devotion. They mistake knowledge of Jesus for intimacy with Him.

Are you a fan or a follower?

If following Jesus cost you everything, would it still be worth it? One distraught father mused: “we raised our children in church, but we did not raise them in Christ.”

And the truth is, whether or not we do so unconsciously or intentionally, we all will answer this question - Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus.?. 

We are saved by God’ grace when we believe in Jesus and put our faith in Him, but biblical belief is more than something we confess with our mouth; it’s something we confess with our lives.