not a fan.
As we are ending our small group study of "not a fan,'' I'd like to reflect back on a few key points.
Jesus came to the earth for a divine purpose. He performed miracles: giving sight to the blind, raising the dead, healing the sick, etc. Then being beaten beyond recognition and crucified, all for us. So we could be healed and have salvation. He was the sinless lamb. He is the only one that I could be proud to follow.
Many people would say, "Yes," when asked if they were a follower of Jesus. Then when asked to "define their relationship" with Christ, it's not a response a follower should have. Lots of people want to follow Jesus but they have no desire to give any sacrifice. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice when He hung on that cross. Couldn't we give up something? For Him?
Fan - an enthusiastic admirer. That is where most Christians are today in their relationship with Christ. The followers however, will take up their own cross and actually sacrifice some things (which we find out weren't even important) so they may truly follow Jesus. It sounds like a horrible thing, right? Sacrifice... but when we stop and surrender all, we receive more than we had... and for me the best part about it is having joy and peace. No matter what storm may come my way, I will stand firm on His word and I will have joy and peace about the circumstance. There is no purpose in worry - it causes stress and is usually over things I can't control. So what's the point?
I see many people have been tested during this series at church. Some don't like the feeling of sacrifice because it's "uncomfortable." Sunday, Josh preached a great message titled, "The Comfortable Cross," nobody enjoys being uncomfortable. Today we revolve around comfort - we buy comfortable cars, mattresses, chairs, shoes and clothes. We keep the temperature in our house comfortable. We keep the noise level comfortable. We visit the same stores because we are used to them and it's comfortable. We talk to who we already know at church because that's more comfortable than saying hello to the new person. Jesus didn't come to the earth so we could all be comfortable. From the virgin birth to his death - His life was not one of comfort. He was born in a manager! He died nailed to a cross... which He carried Himself. Nothing screams comfort here.
If you feel a little uncomfortable about something, praise God for it. He is bringing you to new heights and opening new doors. Wouldn't you say going on an interview is "uncomfortable?" However, once you leave the interview and finally get that call that you got the job... aren't you grateful for those few moments of being uncomfortable? If you chose not to go because you can't stand being uncomfortable, then where would you be?
I'll end with this: for those of you who aren't familiar with the "not a fan" series, I challenge you to watch the video online. We have a clip on our website under the Life Choices tab. Ask yourself, are you a fan or a follower of Jesus? If you are only a fan right now, what's holding you back from becoming a true follower? Pride? So-called friends? What is really important to you? Having all the things of this world - which can't go with you when you die... or inheriting eternity in Heaven? Selah.
http://redemptionchurchstl.com/life-choices
Jesus came to the earth for a divine purpose. He performed miracles: giving sight to the blind, raising the dead, healing the sick, etc. Then being beaten beyond recognition and crucified, all for us. So we could be healed and have salvation. He was the sinless lamb. He is the only one that I could be proud to follow.
Many people would say, "Yes," when asked if they were a follower of Jesus. Then when asked to "define their relationship" with Christ, it's not a response a follower should have. Lots of people want to follow Jesus but they have no desire to give any sacrifice. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice when He hung on that cross. Couldn't we give up something? For Him?
Fan - an enthusiastic admirer. That is where most Christians are today in their relationship with Christ. The followers however, will take up their own cross and actually sacrifice some things (which we find out weren't even important) so they may truly follow Jesus. It sounds like a horrible thing, right? Sacrifice... but when we stop and surrender all, we receive more than we had... and for me the best part about it is having joy and peace. No matter what storm may come my way, I will stand firm on His word and I will have joy and peace about the circumstance. There is no purpose in worry - it causes stress and is usually over things I can't control. So what's the point?
I see many people have been tested during this series at church. Some don't like the feeling of sacrifice because it's "uncomfortable." Sunday, Josh preached a great message titled, "The Comfortable Cross," nobody enjoys being uncomfortable. Today we revolve around comfort - we buy comfortable cars, mattresses, chairs, shoes and clothes. We keep the temperature in our house comfortable. We keep the noise level comfortable. We visit the same stores because we are used to them and it's comfortable. We talk to who we already know at church because that's more comfortable than saying hello to the new person. Jesus didn't come to the earth so we could all be comfortable. From the virgin birth to his death - His life was not one of comfort. He was born in a manager! He died nailed to a cross... which He carried Himself. Nothing screams comfort here.
If you feel a little uncomfortable about something, praise God for it. He is bringing you to new heights and opening new doors. Wouldn't you say going on an interview is "uncomfortable?" However, once you leave the interview and finally get that call that you got the job... aren't you grateful for those few moments of being uncomfortable? If you chose not to go because you can't stand being uncomfortable, then where would you be?
I'll end with this: for those of you who aren't familiar with the "not a fan" series, I challenge you to watch the video online. We have a clip on our website under the Life Choices tab. Ask yourself, are you a fan or a follower of Jesus? If you are only a fan right now, what's holding you back from becoming a true follower? Pride? So-called friends? What is really important to you? Having all the things of this world - which can't go with you when you die... or inheriting eternity in Heaven? Selah.
http://redemptionchurchstl.com/life-choices
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