I. AM. NOT. A. FAN. OF. JESUS.
When Jo and I were Freshmen in college we were part of a group that used to do things together. At the end of the school year I asked her to go on a date and we went to see “Love Story.” Yeah, the movie with that stupid saying, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” But I digress. We had a disagreement on the date (she would rather have been with someone else) and at the end of school went our separate ways. Once we got back to school though, we renewed our friendship and began dating. A couple months in I told her I loved her and she was not thrilled with that. She broke it off during Christmas break. Less than a week back, I came back from basketball practice to a Hershey kiss on a card asking me to give it a try. She was fighting unfairly using the chocolate, but I gave in. 
Eventually she told me she loved me, but then during Easter break she broke it off again. (I think I despised breaks after that). About a week later she asked if we could try again and I told her, “Sure, but third time is no charm.” My threat worked and here it is over 39 married years later. At the beginning of our Junior year I asked her to marry me and gave her a ring before Thanksgiving.
I was asking her to DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP.
You have done that I’m sure. Spouse. Parent. Child. Friend. In any human relationship that desires to go further, the parameters need to be defined or established.
In our walk with Christ we need to DTR. How serious will we be? How deeply will we go? How far will we take it? So I repeat…
I. AM. NOT. A. FAN. OF. JESUS.
R U? I begin a new sermon series called Not A Fan, based around the book and study (for small groups) by Kyle Idleman. For six weeks I will be confronting the “comfortable Jesus notion.” I have prepared 4 weeks of sermons already and it has been very uncomfortable. This week we will all be challenged to check out the line Jesus has drawn in the sand and make a choice what side we are on. Sort of reminds me of this speech.
FAN OR FOLLOWER? WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE? This is going to be a hectic weekend for me. Tami is coming in Thursday night and we will be doing a bunch of stuff together on Friday. Saturday afternoon Jo is having a “surprise” 60th birthday party for me (even though my birthday is Tuesday). I will comment whenever possible. I would appreciate your prayers for Sunday. Thanks.
I’m not a fan, either.
Nor am I a “completely committed” follower.
I am a weak and sinful follower who has to be constantly returned to the flock by the Good Shepherd.
Have a wonderful birthday, Bill!
Thanks Steve.
Hi Bill,
By God’s grace I am not a fan of Jesus but a follower. The rubber hasn’t totally hit the road in my life, but I continue to make good decisions. There is no doubt that God helps me in this area at times. He closes the door of opportunity for mistakes and sins. Left to me, there are times where I might have walked into error and its certain consequences.
I think that these are days when we have to know and count the cost of following Jesus. We also have to know and experience the provisions of Jesus Christ in each of our lives. God is alive. There is no doubt in my mind. We serve a great and mighty God. He is worthy of any sacrifice we need to make. With sacrifice also comes blessing.
Happy 60th Birthday Bill! These are good years. We have some spiritual maturity and life experience to share with others.
These are challenging times but they are also exciting times. These are days of opportunity to move into closer communion and work with God. What’s better than the Holy Spirit working with us? This is just an amazing thought. God is so good.
I will remember you and OVCF in prayer this weekend. I have started my new job. I had to take today off because I was sick. I am well again. God is so very good. I talked to God about his having to help me to do this full time work again. My environment is stressful at times with alot of noise. But I like it.
Talk to you later.
Have a great weekend with your family. Count yourself a blessed man with a faithful and loving wife!
Thanks for your wishes Linda and especially for your prayers. I am blessed.
I think it would be neat to observe how my pastor puts together a sermon. Is it formulaic, inspiration, like doing a research report, comfortable, frustrating, something done while watching T.V.? Anyway, I will be praying and I wish you great blessings.
Mine has to be done in my office with no interruption and noise. Thanks for your prayers.
I would say that I am a follower. Sometimes, though, I may act more like a fan.
Ditto.
Bill – have a great birthday party over the weekend. so how is the surprise not a surprise?
I have wanted to read that book but haven’t picked it up yet.
Prayers to you for the sermon on Sunday!
I totally surprised Jo when she turned 60. She has given up trying to surprise me (so she says) so she told me. She also invited the church and put it on FB to invite past friends from churches.
She told me even though I don’t do FB. Good book. Worth your read. Thanks for the prayers.
I am not a fan, but I am a follower! In spite of my past, God loves me!
I also know no matter what I do He will never love me more and He will never love me less for things I did before coming His child. That is His promised to us.
Happy birthday!
Ed
Your second paragraph says it all for me. Thanks for coming by Ed.
Praying for your teachings and wishing you a happy birthday, Bill! God bless.
Thanks for your prayers Floyd.
I love the background info on you and Jo! Priceless!
Always pray for you.
I know you do jan. Look forward to seeing you.
Happy Birthday, Bill!
I HAD to come comment after your comment at Tom’s. haha! Praying for you as you deliver these next sermons, as uncomfortable as they may be. May HE comfort you through it all.
God bless!
Thanks for the birthday wishes Debbie. Always appreciate prayers when preaching. Thanks for not just stalking my site, but commenting.
I’ve heard a lot about that book though I haven’t personally read it. I’ll be eager to see what you have to say!
I started once and then stopped. But when I went back to it i went with a purpose and was glad I did. Worth the read.
All I know is I’m crazy…about the Lord.
Happy Birthday!
Loving Him is cool. Thanks Ed.