Jesus Wants More FANS

Does this surprise you?

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Recently there was a best-selling Christian book titled Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. I haven’t read the book, but I understand the idea: that Jesus isn’t looking just for fans but for true followers. I couldn’t agree more with that sentiment.

Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash

However, in this article I’d like to take an opposite perspective—that Jesus wants more FANS: followers who are:

• Fanatical

• Adamant

• Never-wavering

• Sanctified

Let’s consider each of these and why Jesus wants more FANS:

1. F = Fanatical.

We get the word “fan” from “fanatic.” It’s simply short for fanatic. The word “fanatic” comes from the Latin word “fanaticus” which means “inspired by god.”

Jesus wants more fans: People who are fanatical about following Him. People who are “inspired by god.”

Fanatical Muslims and Hindus:

• kill people

• blow themselves up

• kidnap children

• terrorize

Fanatical Christians:

• Love their enemies

• Do good to those who persecute them

• Love the unlovely

• Sacrifice for others

This is well portrayed by the new movie “Paul, Apostle of Christ.” I highly recommend that you watch this excellent movie. It is gripping and impactful.

Fanatical commitment to Jesus is seen in these verses:

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?’” (Matthew 16:24-26 NLT)

The phrase “cross to bear” comes from these words of Jesus. But the true meaning has been lost over time.

Today we hear people saying things like,

• She has a bad complexion, it’s just her cross to bear.

• Mowing that huge lawn is his cross to bear.

• His great success as an athlete has brought tremendous media attention. It’s not ideal, but we all have our cross to bear.

• Poor Carolyn is married to Mark (me)—it’s just her cross to bear!

What Jesus was really saying is made clear by the latter part of this passage. He wants you and me to be willing to “give up your life for my sake.”

To “carry our cross” means that we are willing to die for Him, just as He died for us, on a cross.

That, my friends, is truly fanatical. And it is NOT optional:

“And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27 NLT)

2. A = Adamant.

When you picture someone who is adamant, do you picture someone who is bullying, rude, loud, obnoxious and unkind?

If so, replace that with the picture of Billy Graham preaching lovingly yet insistently the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He was known for saying, “The Bible says…” Then he would quote the Word of God as authoritative and he was adamant that in order to be saved, one must follow Jesus.

That’s the kind of adamant I am talking about.

But the problem is that today we have those who call themselves Christians but don’t want to follow the Bible. They only want to follow what they want to believe.

Often that means they think that there are good and devout people who are Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and so on, so surely they are saved.

Here’s a message from God’s Word to those who claim to be Christians but want to say these so-called “tolerant” things:

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8 ESV)

The Bible is clear that there is only one way:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV)

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 ESV)

Fans of Jesus affirm that there is:

• No other Gospel!

• No other way!

• No other name!

For more on this topic, please see my articles:

• Six Reasons all Roads DON’T Lead to Heaven

• Five Questions for Those Who Think Many Roads Lead to Heaven

3. N = Never-wavering.

We live in a day of wavering by many who call themselves Christians. They waver because:

They are pressured to compromise for political correctness.They think they are smarter than God’s Word. What they “think” is what they do—no matter what the Bible says.

But true FANS of Jesus don’t waver.

A prime example today is the issue of homosexuality and “gay marriage.” Please see my article: “What Scripture Says About Homosexuality: Uncut, Uncensored and Unedited.”

For most of history everyone agreed with the biblical perspective. Today in many places such as the USA where I live, unbiblical behavior that the Bible calls “sin” cannot be questioned, and if you ever did so, you are condemned.

It is so sad to not only have to oppose the culture, but also those who call themselves Christians, yet who follow the culture in contradiction to what God’s Word teaches.

Christians are being persecuted for taking a biblical stand on this issue. They will continue to be persecuted:

• Burdened with crushing lawsuits

• Christian colleges defunded if they don’t bend to the culture

• Believers called narrow, bigoted haters if they follow what has been taught by Christianity and the culture until just a few years ago.

But listen to the words of Scripture:

“But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:62 NLT)

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” (2 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV)

It says, “Share in suffering.” I don’t like suffering, but when called upon, we must be willing to suffer for being never-wavering. True FANS of Christ stand strong in the face of persecution.

For a wonderful example of this read the book Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas.

Important: Don’t be unwavering on issues the Bible isn’t clear on—that are merely your opinion and only make you dogmatic, doctrinaire and dictatorial. We should only be dogmatic when the Bible is dogmatic. Please see my article Let’s Stop Majoring on Minors in the Christian Life.

4. S = Sanctified.

What in the world does “sanctified” mean?

First, whatever it means, it is important: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3a ESV)

Definition of sanctified: “to set aside as or declare holy”

True FANS of Jesus live holy lives.

“Sanctified” is related to the word “saint.” We are to be saints. In fact, the Bible repeatedly calls all true believers “saints.”

All Christians are to be sanctified and saintly. Not just St. Francis, Mother Teresa, St Paul, etc.

This means:

• Honest in business dealings

• Self-sacrificing toward others

• Blessing others instead of cursing

• Having unquestioned character

Question: How can we become sanctified and saintly?

Answer: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” (James 1:22 NLT)

As we obey the Bible, God works in us through the Holy Spirit to produce holiness.

The ministry I founded called Discipleship Journeys with Jesus will lead you through 52 lessons of Bible study to maturity in Christ from A to Z. Please check it out and consider doing the studies leading to sanctification.

Finally, here’s a warning to those who do not mature and become sanctified:

“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.” (Matthew 7:21-23 ESV)

Obedience, sanctification and saintliness is NOT optional.

IN CONCLUSION:

Jesus wants more FANS:

F = Fanatical

A = Adamant

N = Never-wavering

S = Sanctified

Help Spread the Word!

\ If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Jesus Wasn’t Always “Seeker Sensitive”

• How to Share Biblical Correction and Guidance

• How to Receive Biblical Correction and Guidance

• Podcast: Isn’t Christianity arrogant to claim to be the only way to heaven?

• What is the Worst Sin in the World?

• Podcast: Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?

• Video vlog: Self Realization Fellowship

• Podcast: Is salvation found in various religious traditions? (Pluralism)

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

You Will Cast All Our Sins Into The Depths Of The Sea. -Micah 7:19

God has graciously provided a way for all our sins to be forgiven. This verse uses powerful imagery to describe the total forgiveness available through faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, God’s forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice is so complete; it is as though all our sins have been cast into the deepest part of the sea, never to be retrieved or brought up again.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net. 

This verse is so comforting that God forgives all our sins. I grew up in the Catholic Church and it was hard to keep track of my sins to confess them to the priest. Sometimes, I would make up sins to confess, because I was too embarrassed or couldn’t remember them. I would pray through the rosary beads, but I never felt forgiven. The more I tried not to sin, the more I sinned, until my sins became so great that I quit going to church and confession.

Then 14 years later, I attended a Presbyterian Church where I understood that we can accept Jesus Christ and His death on the cross; and at once have all our sins forgiven. This includes all past, present and future sins. I went home and prayed to accept Him as my Lord and Savior, and a huge weight was lifted from me.

Have your sins become too great a weight to bear? If so, Jesus Christ is the answer. He is God’s only solution for all our sins.

The Bible says that all have sinned in Romans 3:23, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (NLT)

Even though we deserve to be punished, God sent Jesus to earth to be a sacrifice for all our sins. Jesus lived a sinless life and died on the cross for us; thereby taking our punishment. God raised Him from the dead proving that Jesus’ sacrifice was acceptable to God.

He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:25 NIV)

Through personal faith in Jesus Christ and because of God’s grace, we can be forgiven for all our sins and receive the gift of eternal life as Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NLT)

There are many wonderful Bible verses that promise and describe God’s absolute forgiveness for us through Christ:

• Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (NIV)

• Isaiah 43:25 says, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (NIV)

• Jeremiah 33:8 says, “I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned against Me and by which they have transgressed against Me.” (NIV)

• Psalm 103:12 says, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”(NLT)

You may be wondering if being forgiven means we won’t sin any longer. No, in fact Christians go through times of great temptation and testing.

James 1:13-15 says, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (NIV)

God does not tempt us, but we are tempted by our own desires (the flesh), the world (1 John 2:16), and the devil.

When we do sin, we can confess our sin to God and ask Him to forgive us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)

It is so wonderful to have assurance that we have been forgiven and received salvation!

1 John 5:13 says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (NIV)

The Bible says that we can know that we have been saved and that we have eternal life.

Perhaps you’re not sure if you have been saved or maybe you have doubts about your salvation. If so, then don’t delay; today make sure you are right with God and pray to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or pray a prayer of recommitment.

Are you rejoicing and giving thanks to God for His forgiveness and salvation?

Please click here if you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

“You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:19 ESV) | CLICK TO TWEET

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Who Needs Jesus, I’m a Good Person

• Why a Loving God Sends People to Hell

• Podcast: Isn’t Christianity arrogant to claim to be the only way to heaven?

• Podcast: Since Jesus paid the price, is everyone heaven-bound?

• Four Powerful Proofs Jesus Lives

• How I Moved from Doubting My Salvation to Assurance

• Podcast: What exactly is hell?

• What Caused Me to Doubt My Salvation

• Forgiving is so Important It’s Scary

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

Easter = HOPE

The resurrection of Jesus provides eternal answers.

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Just a few days ago I celebrated another birthday. I’m well into my sixties now and on the downside of the hill. Yep, I’m quickly headed for the biblical projection for life on this earth, “three score and ten.” That is, 70 years. Pondering this makes Easter more and more special with each passing year.

The resurrection of Jesus provides eternal answers

Here’s the entire “three score and ten” verse in a modern paraphrase: “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away.” (Psalm 90:10 NLT)

Was the Psalmist having a bad day? The last half of the verse certainly sounds like it! But it was also realistic, because life really is tough.

This is why I’m so glad for Easter. Easter = HOPE!

What kind of HOPE?

H = His

O = Outrageous

P = Provision

E = for Everyone

1. H = His.

When I say “His,” I’m NOT referring to the Easter Bunny!

For many, Easter is Easter Egg Baskets, Easter Egg Hunts, and candy, candy, candy.

But they miss the best part of Easter, the actual reason we celebrate Easter: it is about Jesus and His resurrection from the dead.

That’s right, Jesus overcame death. If you doubt this, I suggest you read my article 4 Powerful Proofs that Jesus Lives.

Then read my article The 3 Best Explanations Why Jesus’ Resurrection Never Happened.

The point is that Jesus was totally unique. No one else in all of history overcame death as He did.

2. O = Outrageous.

What’s outrageous about the resurrection is that Jesus was willing to die in the first place.

Those who understand the message of the Bible understand that Jesus was not another ordinary Joe. He was the only person who ever lived who was both God and man. Fully God and fully man.

This passage describes the steps of humiliation that Jesus willingly took:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV)

That Jesus would stoop to become a man, to die on the cross and then after three days in the grave rise again, is outrageous.

3. P = Provision.

What was the point of it all? The point of Jesus death, burial and resurrection were to provide the hope of eternal life.

He did what we cannot do for ourselves—He died in our place to make payment for our sins and provide eternal life for all who receive His gift of salvation.

If you think you don’t need His outrageous provision, please read my article Who Needs Jesus, I’m a Good Person.

To learn how to receive this gift, please click HERE.

4. E = For Everyone.

Who is this HOPE available to? It is available to all who receive it. “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” (Romans 10:13 ESV)

Have you called on the name of the Lord? If you have and are truly saved, you are born again and have hope for all eternity.

The blessed hope!

If you lack assurance, please see my article How to Know if You are Truly Saved.

None of us knows exactly when we’ll depart this earth. But because Jesus conquered sin and death, we can know our eternal destiny is in heaven.

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of God’s Son so that you can know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 CEB)

Yes, Easter = HOPE

H = His

O = Outrageous

P = Provision

E = for Everyone

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• 10 Reasons Why the Resurrection Matters

• How to Age Gracefully in the Light of Jesus’ Resurrection

• How I Moved from Doubting My Salvation to Assurance

• What Caused Me to Doubt My Salvation

• Please Don’t Call Yourself a Christian If…Please DO Call Yourself a Christian If…

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth