Monday, October 10 was a powerful day for me personally. Around one year ago, I met a guy named Derek Catherall. (using his name with permission) Derek is a real estate agent. We initially became friends because of our shared love for real estate. Most people don’t know this about me…but I enjoy old homes and love a good game of monopoly. . Another blog…:)
Over the last year Derek and I have talked and become close friends. Matter of fact, we joke that we had to put each other on our “A” list on our cell phone plan.
This week I had the privilege of leading Derek to Jesus. It was a humbling experience for me. We were sitting in Starbucks and he started to share his own story. I enjoyed listening to the ups and downs of his story. He was honest about his life. I love redemptive conversations of this nature.
At one point I asked him, “Derek, is it ok if I ask you a very personal question?” He said yes. I asked him, “Are you a fan or follower of Jesus?” Then I followed up, “Have you personally confessed Jesus as the Lord of your life?” With an honest look on his face he said, “I am a fan of Jesus but not a follower.” Then, with a glare in his eye he said, “I want to be a follower of Jesus. I’m ready.”
We talked about the difference between being a fan and follower of Jesus. A fan benefits from the teachings of Jesus, may love the church and even be loyal to many of the nuances of the game. He admitted in the past he has been a fair-weather fan and recently he has become die-hard fan—but he has never personally confessed Jesus as the Lord of his life.
I explained to Derek what I call the ABC’s of following Jesus. I said, “Derek you must…”
- Admit you’re a sinner. You must personally confess your sin before God.
- Believe and put your trust in Jesus for salvation. I explained Jesus, alone, is our salvation.
- Confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Jesus is more than a friend or acquaintance. He desires to be your Lord and Savior.
Sitting there at Starbucks, we prayed together! At this moment my friend became a follower of Jesus Christ. The clouds didn’t open up, no angels showed up—just two men sitting at Starbucks praying together and trusting Jesus for salvation.
Here is a question I want to ask you: Are you a fan or follower of Jesus? Have you personally confessed Jesus as the Lord of your life?
I am not asking: “Do you like Jesus? or “Do you attend church?”. There are a lot of people who like Jesus and attend church–but are not followers of Jesus.
Some of you may be neither a “fan” or “follower”. You may be “neutral” to the claims of Christ…or you may even be antagonists of Jesus. Either way–I think it is incredible that you are willing to have the dialog. I have a deep respect that you are willing to read a blog like this and wrestle with questions in a honest way. This is a big deal to me personally.
Here are some personal questions for you: Are you a fan or follower of Jesus? Have you ever confessed your sin to God? Have you ever put your trust in the Lordship of Jesus Christ? If not, why? What is the one thing that stops you from following Jesus? I would love to hear from you.
If you are ready to become a follower of Jesus, I want to encourage you to pause right now and pray. In your own words talk to God. Pray something like this, “Father, I admit I am a sinner. I don’t deserve the mercy of God. I believe and put my trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. I confess you as Savior and Lord. Thank you for salvation, for the cross and resurrection of Jesus.”
Question: What is the difference between a fan or follower of Jesus?
