Download
1 / 23
E N D
YOU FINISH THE STORY!Once there was a congregation in which every member was just like you. Each one cooperated and supported every program just the way you have been doing. Everyone worked as hard and attended the same services and gospel meetings that you did. The elders, deacons, and preacher were all as interested in the church as you are at this time. They put the same emphasis on their recreation, business, and other material affairs that you do. Each member gave as you do. Each one studied, prayed, visited others, just like you.Within a year or so, this congregation......
D-T-R • Define • The • Relationship
Everybody needs to define their relationship with Jesus. Many want all the benefits without the commitment.
They want to be fans not followers. And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
A FAN - defined as an enthusiastic admirer. A FOLLOWER - denies himself, takes up his cross and follows Jesus.
Are you a fan or a follower? Jesus almost always put people in positions where they had tochoose. Lots of folks today wear the cross but don’t bear the cross.
Don’t ever confuse the difference in knowingabout Jesus and knowing Jesus. There is a big difference between knowledge & intimacy.
We want Him to do a little touch up work, He wants a renovation! We think tune-up, He thinks overhaul! We think make-up, He thinks makeover!
As you D-T-R with Jesus... Question #1 - Is the relationship one of convenience, or one of commitment? Fan #1 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” (Luke 9:57) And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Luke 9:58)
M.S.N.B.C. - The New Vegetarians Christy Pug, age 28 - “I usually eat vegetarian, but I really like bacon.” “I really like vegetarian food but I’m not 100% committed.”
I REALLY like Jesus… • don’t really like worship • don’t really like Bible study • my resources are mine • like these friends
Big Fan... ...don’t ask me to forgive ...don’t talk to me about my sex life
It will never work to wear the name of Christ and act like He invites us to a buffet.
“We raised her in church, but we didn’t raise her in Christ.” Remember...like immunizations, a little bit can make you immune to the real thing!
Fan #2 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-60) The truth is the longer you putHimoff the less likely you are to follow.
Fan #3 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:61-62)
Question #2 for you: Is Jesus one of many or is He my oneand only? “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.” (Luke 9:24)
‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.’ (Rev. 3:15-16) “Tell him he’s taking this way too seriously.” Time prayer giving sharing & teaching
Are you a Fan or Follower? You decide.
