I was watching the NBA playoffs this week and I saw something that you’ve seen before. A player was standing at the foul line getting read to take his shot. Behind the backboard a man was holding up a sign. It was simple and it wasn’t very big. But written clearly on the sign was a Scripture reference. You know what it was. John 3:16
You could probably get close to quoting the beautiful truth of John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV) That’s a great verse to hold up. It’s an incredible promise that needs to be made known. But I was thinking there is a tendency for us to present the invitation of Jesus with passages like John 3:16 without including passages like Luke 9:23. Have you ever been to a game where someone held up a sign that said Luke 9:23? Probably not. Here’s what Jesus says in Luke 9:23: If anyone would come after me he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. (NIV) We may not hold it up on a sign. We may not shine a spotlight on it; but this was part of the invitation that Jesus offered. Jesus offers us salvation but He also calls for surrender. We have a tendency to talk about the life Jesus offers you without talking about the death He requires of you.
I think sometimes I’ve done that as Pastor. In a sincere effort to help people discover eternal life in Jesus, I have unintentionally preached the parts of the Gospel that I knew would make people feel comfortable. I’ve talked plenty of Jesus dying on the cross but have said little about the cross we’ve been called to carry. I have focused often on salvation, but haven’t said much about surrender. I’ve taught the truth of the Gospel, but have made becoming completely committed followers of Christ the fine print of the deal. I think there is a term for this in corporate sales. It’s called “bait and switch.” You attract the customer in and get them to sign up without fully disclosing the terms of the deal.
Maybe some of you have embraced John 3:16, but haven’t really thought about the call of Luke 9:23. I want to hold up the sign. I want to shine a light on that invitation. Because I have found that trying to follow Jesus close enough to get all His benefits—but not so close that it requires sacrifice—just doesn’t work. It’s only by taking up our cross daily and following Jesus that we experience the joy of life in Christ.
Permanent Link to Which sign are you holding? Comments 17
Too many churches in America do this today, preaching only the salvation message. It is really a shame. But sometimes even churches preaching both salvation and surrender. End up repeating the words calling Jesus, Lord and Master, without ever stopping to think what they are saying really means. The word of surrender should never be seperated from salvation. No matter what the situation. And sometimes it maybe neccesary for us to stop and explain surrender just like we would stop to help them understand salvation.
Thanks for your honesty.
Ok, I totally get two thirds of it. In every not a fan picture, I see the deny himself and the carry the cross. I know how to deny myself, and carry my cross, but how do I know if I am following? I can imagine myself standing on a beach, and being approached by Jesus, and he would say, Carri, will you follow me, and I would say YES LORD, lead the way. But here in Louisville, in my home and work and marriage… how do I know I am following? I need a checklist, or a 3 step something so I can say…yep, yep, yep… doing those things. I’m good. Not a fan, a follower.
I’ve always been a fan of Jesus, but through your teaching I’m becoming a flower of Christ. I feel like surrender is the key to accomplish this.
I feel compelled to tell you how pleased and amazed I am by this web site,the sermon series it is based on, and the courage neccesary to pursue this subject.Our comfortable, affluent,suburban world isn’t particularly tolerent of anything that questions its ever more shallow value system and we aren’t immune to this phenomenon just because we are Christians.Self discipline to the point of conflict,self denial to materialistic or hedonistic pleasures and raw spiritual self examination aren’t very “religiously correct”,but they are exactly the things we need to be seriously discussing,praying about and motivating our spiritual walk with.I’m not easily impressed or surprised and you have managed to do both.Continue the mission Kyle and remember,if you are ruffling some feathers it probably means you’re doing it right.May the God of our fathers continue to bless you and your family.Luther
I listen to these messages and my heart is filled with joy. A person who doesn’t know Jesus will wonder at that statement, “How can there be joy when talking about denying yourself and dying to self?” But the reality is, the Holy Spirit is saying a big AMEN to these messages.
Kyle;
I failed. I couldn’t wait to get the t-shirt. I wore it today and my ex-wife asked “Not a fan of what?” And, afraid of ridicule, I couldn’t answer.
It’s easy to sit in church or Bible study and be a follower. It’s another thing away from the safety of the sanctuary.
I may have to put my shirt away until I get the courage to actually be a follower.
Norm
Thank you for being a follower. Thank you for your example. Thank you that out of your love of Jesus, and following Him, I benefit.
A friend of mine pointed out that Peter and the boys went back to their old habits (fishing – and getting nothing out of it), even after they had seen the resurrected Christ. Then Jesus appeared to them on the shore and they finally surrendered.
Will we go back to our old habits? I pray I do not, and that I learn how to die daily. Then others may see Jesus out of my following Him – like Peter and the boys…
I’m wearing the shirt again! Christ gave me the courage I needed to be a follower and not just a fan.
To recognize the fact that we are failing is a good thing! Think of those who fail everyday, and THINK they are doing ok.
We are blessed that Kyle has been given the courage and strength and wisdom to interfere with our lives, and help us to kick our faiith up a notch!
Chad: you bring out a good point about the disciples. After the ressurection they were actually afraid to go out into public, for fear that they would be recognized as followers of Christ and be persecuted. So He sent them the Holy Spirit, to give them the strength and wisdom to go out and teach ALL Nations. To make them fishermen of MEN.
When I am down on my knees, and praying the Not a fan daily prayer, I ask for the strength of the Holy Spirit to help me Die to myself and to surrender to Him everyday. I couldn’t do it alone.
NORM: Great Job brother!
Thanks for the post. I enjoyed reading it. You have a very nice website.
Do you know if this is something that works over night or does it take a bit for it to work?
I’ve tried not to set my hopes up high on Rampage coming to the UFC. Because as much as I would love to see how Rampage would do in the Octagon, it’s gonna be hard for the UFC to compete with Japan considering the tax thing as the threadstarter brought up. Even if the UFC was able to match a PRIDE contract, the lack of taxes in Japan would make PRIDE’s offer 30-40% better than the UFCs.
Appreciate it. Still another quality way of looking at things, undoubtedly exactly why My spouse and I come to your webpage over and over again.
GERMAINE
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