Не фан: Стаючи істинно відданим послідовником Ісуса

by Kyle Idleman, Марина Білонога (Translator)

Словник дає визначення слову «фан» як «палкий прихильник». Фани хочуть бути близькими з Ісусом, щоб отримувати всі переваги, але не настільки, щоб іти на жертви або зміни у своєму житті. Вони моляться, відвідують церкву і вважають себе християнами. Але чи таких стосунків хоче Ісус із Своїми послідовниками?

Ісус ніколи не був зацікавлений в прихильниках. Він ніколи не шукав фанів.

Книга «Не фан» кидає виклик, змушує переосмислити, що для тебе насправді означає — бути християнином. Кайл відверто, розкриваючи некомфортну правду, запрошує тебе чесно подивитися на твої стосунки з Богом. Його заклик іти вслід за Ісусом може здатися радикальним, але це саме те, чого прагне Ісус від кожного віруючого.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity, Religion, Spirituality

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2011

About the author

Kyle Idleman is the teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fifth largest church in America. The bestselling author of the award-winning book Not a Fan and AHA is a frequent speaker at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife, DesiRae, have four children.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book because my son's girlfriend gave it to him. It's just another book written by another well meaning believer who thinks he has the "to-do list" of an A+ believer in Jesus Christ. In reality what he is spreading is not the Christian way of life but religion. His list includes not having sex, working in soup kitchens, going on mission trips, etc... All these things are fine if they are produced BECAUSE we have a spiritual life. They should never be presented as what we will do as evidence we are a "follower".

In addition all these books have one thing in common. They tell you to surrender, commit (or recommit), give your life to Jesus and/or Jesus must be the Lord of all. But they never tell you how to surrender, how to make Jesus Lord of all--they only give you a list of things you will be doing IF you have surrendered, etc...

Christians spend way too much time reading someones book or listening to someones personal experience than building their own. You've got to have your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

You need to KNOW Christ!!! Knowing all about someone is completely different than knowing them. Think about it. You can know all about a friend of a friend because they are always talking about their friend. You can imitate the person you have heard everything about--saying the same things, doing the same things, being in the same places--but you don't KNOW them. And, even scarier--they certainly don't know you!!!

Once you have believed the gospel message your spiritual life begins. It begins and ends with Christ. He is the author and finisher!! He doesn't begin the process and then turn it over to you. We are told to "grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ".

How do you grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus??? By getting to know Him.

How do you get to KNOW Him? Just like you get to know anyone else. You spend one on one time with Him on a daily basis!!! Pick up your Bible and really study the letters within its pages. Begin your study of Scripture with prayer (confess you sins to God the Father). Diligently search the Scriptures and ask God to help you understand His Truth. It's God Truth that we need!!!! (THIS is the true meaning of surrendering. Setting aside your previously conceived idea. Setting aside your human viewpoint of what you think you already know. Surrendering your thoughts and ideas to the absolute truth of God's viewpoint!!! If you will approach God's word, the Bible, without your own ideas, your churches ideas, pastors ideas, your friends and families ideas and surrender your mind to be filled with the Absolute Truth of God's word--God's view point-- you will be amazed at the new found confidence you will find in Christ. This!! This grace oriented approach to God's word!! This!! This is what it means to surrender!!! If you will surrender you mind to the viewpoint of God, you will be blessed beyond measure in your soul!!!)

As believers we need to become preoccupied with the person of Jesus Christ!! We need to stop putting our focus on doing things that others can see and start doing things they can't see. Grow in Grace. Grow in the Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Being the genuine article is what its all about--it's not about producing the works that give the desired human appearance. Our spiritual life is about who and what we are IN Christ. When we grow IN Christ, the light of this relationship will be seen by others. The radiance of Christ IN YOU will be evident in ways that you can not even imagine. Others will be touched by your words and actions in ways that you will likely never even know about.

All you have to do is approach the Word of God through prayer, confessing your sins to God then it's just a matter of diligently studying and rightly dividing the Word of Truth. The Holy Spirit will help you discern what is Truth and what is not. Through this process, which is the hidden transformation of your mind, you will develop a massive spiritual root system (completely unseen) that will carry you through all the storms of life with incredible stability in Jesus Christ. By doing so, you will become a vessel in which Jesus Christ is clearly seen!!!

All the glory, praise and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

If you want to read more......please see Message 29 in this thread: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

One reviewer sadly commented after reading this book, "I guess I don't measure up." I would like to encourage her by saying "Of course, you don't. None of us 'measures up.' We are all sinners and that is why Jesus had to do it all. He loves you even though he knows you don't measure up."

I am afraid that for some readers this book may teach that there are two kinds of Christians--lazy pew sitters and radical foreign missionaries. Each chapter ends with an inspiring example of someone who is living the Victorious Christian Life. Now don't get me wrong. I love these stories, but I wonder how they speak to a humble Christian whose vocation may not take them to the deserts of China or the jungles of Burma. It's wonderful to want to serve God. Should you do it because the clock is ticking? Should you do it because you know 'God expects more from you'? It seems to me that the author implies that human will power is the difference between being a fan and being a follower. We can be obedient, but the power is all on God's side of the equation. Don't let this book steal your joy and hope!

[Jason Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a fan of Jesus. This book is so powerful and so convicting, I felt uncomfortable reading it. But that is exactly the point. Christianity has become too comfortable and too safe. Christians view following Jesus as getting saved, attending church services, praying before meals and before bedtime, reading some devotionals, listening to Christian music. These things are great, but what truly defines being a follower of Jesus is sacrifice. Jesus demonstrated pure love by giving up his life and all he asks in return is that we give him our lives. This book will stir something. It might make you angry and you may not take anything it says seriously, but I urge you to take its message to heart. Jesus doesn't want fans. He wants followers who will truly follow him. The best section of the book is the final one, "following jesus -- wherever, whenever, whatever" but it will make you squirm.

Readers of this book also recommend Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream That is next on my list.

[Trinity Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman was truly an incredible read.

Idleman shares short stories from his own spiritual walk to help guide us through our own. His outlook on our journey as a Christian is quite inspirational and really helped to direct me. One thing that I really drew from the book was that what we have with God isn’t “religion” but a relationship, and we often get the two confused. We often find ourselves so used to the “rules” of being a Christian that we’ve conformed to being the everyday fan instead of a true follower.
This book opened my eyes to many things that I was doing in my own life.

Luckily for me, I read this with a group of people and was able to collaborate on it with fellow believers.

I recommend this book for anyone whose looking to further strengthen their relationship with God and how they view it.

[☾❀Apple✩ Blossom⋆｡˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Following Jesus will cost you something. Following Jesus always costs something.”

Dear Christian, are you ready to take your relationship with Jesus to the next level? This book delivers some "uncomfortable truths", and definitely doesn't tell us what we want to hear, but challenges the way we view ourselves as Christians and our relationship with God, as we ask ourselves: are we fans or followers? In other words, how deep is our commitment to Jesus?



I love this author, and I always listen to his sermons on Youtube. The thing I like the most about him is that he has the ability to deliver uncomfortable truths in a very direct, simple but unforgiving way; which doesn't feel like preaching, or "scolding" the believers, but more like: "hey, you know things are like that, and deep down you always knew". Deep down, we all know that being a Christian doesn't mean having a fish bump-sticker; and that Jesus called us not to wear a cross around our necks, but to carry His cross on our backs.



Living our faith truly and deeply can sometimes be challenging, especially during these times when it is so unpopular - at least where I live - and the values we grew up with seem especially difficult to maintain in a world full of temptation. This book made me think about the fact that sometimes we back away from things because they seem to go out of our comfort zone, but we should never forget that if you never take risks you never go forward in life. The weird coincidence was that, right while I was reading this book, our priest did a sermon on this exact topic during the Mass. Coincidence? I don't think so 😏

Finally, there is a verse of the Bible which always made me uneasy since I was a child, and it's this one:

"So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."

Revelation 3:16 NKJ

God doesn't want us to be lukewarm, He wants us to be either be all in or all out, in other words, He wants us to pick a side and commit to it. I saw this book as a call to live my life as a Christian always, and not only when it's easier - in Church, during the Holidays, or while surrounded by other believers - but every single day and night of my life. Loved it!

[Tanara McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got your church T-shirt? Your “Jesus is my co-pilot” bumper sticker? What about your WWJD bracelet?

Bible? Check! Some verses memorized? Check! Personalized tithe envelopes? You know this maaan!

Okay, okay. Now what about Jesus? You’ve got all the paraphernalia–the outward stuff that clothes you with the Christian image–but do you really have Jesus? Are you a fan, or are you a follower?

Uhhhhhhh……………..what you talkin’ bout Willis?

Willis isn’t here. But if you want to know what I’m talking about, pick up Kyle Idleman’s Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus. Idleman uses an in-your-face and step-on-your-toes approach to distinguish between professors of Christ who are merely fans, and followers of Christ who are all in.

Kyle addresses several indicators of fandom. In short, they know about Jesus but don’t know Him, they praise Him with their mouths but their hearts are vacationing in self-ville, or in Kyle’s words, “They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.” Followers, however, don’t just put Jesus first. He is it. He is all. There is no competition.

Because the book is non-fiction and the theme very specific, it’s difficult for me to review it in-depth without giving away too much. What I can say is that it will challenge readers to do a great deal of self-reflection. It is written in such a way that, fan or follower, you cannot walk away from it without digging deep inside to see where your loyalties lie, whether they are divided, or even if somewhere along the way they’ve shifted.

Most of the time Idleman addresses the reader as if he/she is already a fan. Some might sit a little straighter at such presumption, but calm down. Following Christ is a daily calling, not a one time deal. And every opportunity to search the heart and “see if there is any wicked way” in it (Psalm 139:24) is time well spent. Remember: followers of Christ welcome a righteous rebuke, we don’t refuse it (Psalm 141:5).

If you’re a fan and you’re happy right where you are, my guess is Kyle’s message will seriously offend you. If you’re a fan but no longer want to be, it’ll challenge you to bolt out of the stands, suit up, and get to the business of living like a true follower of Jesus. If you’re already a follower you’ll identify if and when you tend to have seasons of fandom, or whether there are compartmentalized areas of your life where your spiritual weapon of choice is a set of frilly pom poms.

Where this book is concerned, I have to say I would qualify as a fan of the book. I am “an enthusiastic admirer” of the message and the style of writing. I laughed (hard), I cried (loud), and when I put it down I started calculating how much it was going to cost me to get one in the hands of way too many people. I found the personal testimonies particularly powerful. I gave it five out of five stars.

When it comes to Jesus, however, I am not a fan.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not A Fan is a bold, in-your-face book that aggressively packs a punch. It confronts anyone daring enough to ask the question, “Am I a fan or am I a follower?” From the jump, the book holds nothing back, and it asks the reader to define her relationship with Christ. It will challenge, affront, influence, and very definitely impact you as a Christian.

Rating: 5/5 Stars *****

[V.K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid read. I think it isn’t meant for the season I’m in. I believe if I had read this ten to fifteen years ago, it might have spoken to me more. However, I find that a lot of the topics handled, aren’t relevant to where I’m currently at with my relationship with Christ, so I personally didn’t get much out of it.

Now, I do take issue with a handful of ways Idleman went about his “practical application” in this book. It felt like a lot of Christian platitudes and virtue signaling, in many ways. Rather than dealing with the true heart of life, he tells us to sacrifice our vacations and go on a mission trip. And that’s fine, but to me, that is hardly the root of being a follower of Christ. Instead of suggesting we serve at a soup kitchen, it’s first and foremost important that we fix our relationships with our family and friends. Idleman asks “when was the last time our faith cost us something like a promotion or putting our lives in danger,” as a statement about carrying our cross. But I’d ask “when was the last time you forgave when you didn’t feel like it, when were you patient when you felt like getting angry, when did you last exhibit the fruit of the spirit?” Those questions feel more pertinent and impactful to me.
I think this is a common problem in Christian sermons, books, and culture. We don’t want to get in people’s business, so rather than telling each other to deal with the root of our selfishness and start serving our spouse and children, our parents and siblings, our friends and coworkers today, denying ourselves through caring more for them than we care for our personal desires, we tell each other to sacrifice our vacations and weekends for people we don’t even know. Those things are valuable, but what really changes the world, what really shows how closely we’re following Christ is how we treat the people around us—starting with our families and friends and even ourselves.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some points in this book that I did not agree with, but at the end of the day, it did make me question where the priorities in my life were. However, I do need to say that I would not give this book to a new Christian. The theology is a little confusing. I am, of course, basing this opinion on what I have learned and truly believe. I do believe that we are saved through the grace of God through belief in Jesus as our savior. I am not a big expert on the Bible, but I think it says somewhere in there that we aren't saved by our own works, but by the grace of God. This doesn't mean that I believe that you can just let yourself go because God will forgive you anyway. I just really believe that this belief that we are saved through grace causes people to want to change and live the life that Jesus would want us to live. There was one point in the book where Idleman said he received an email from someone who read his book that thanked him for the message and let him know that he was trying to be a follower of God. This was not an appropriate response, according to the author. The appropriate response was that he should die to himself to become a follower. While I kind of agree with this statement, I have to say that I don't like Idleman's approach at all. He is a very, "If you don't do this, you're not a follower" kind of author. He focuses TOO MUCH on things we should be doing (when, once again, our works prove NOTHING to Jesus). I don't feel like I need to sell all of my possessions for Jesus accept me as His child. I'm sure Idleman would say that that means I'm not a true follower, but he is not present in my actual relationship with God. Being a follower of God, to me, means listening for His word and then doing our best to obey what He asks us to do within the boundaries of our own individual relationships with Jesus. Some people may need to sell all their possessions or do some other drastic thing if that is TRULY what God is calling them to do. Idleman talks a lot about sacrifice and that if we aren't denying ourselves or are somehow uncomfortable with life, than we aren't a true follower of God. Here's the thing, though. God loves a cheerful giver. Jesus sacrificed Himself because he loved us. He gave Himself up for our sake because he WANTED to, not because God was making Him and not because someone told Him He didn't love God if He didn't do it. Selling your possessions to prove that you are a follower of God means nothing if your heart isn't in it. And God calls us each to do different things; has gifted us with different skills for fulfilling His purpose. In the beginning of the book, Idleman talks about Jesus saying that on the day of Judgement, he will not recognize some people who claim to be of the faith. But if you search your heart, you know if you really know Jesus. I am just terribly wary of anyone who spends too much time focusing on the works of man. Also, the fact that he divides his book into two sections, the first seeming to do with belief and the second with works, makes it hard to reconcile the fact that the two go hand in hand; a fact that he gives glancing notice to. But after true belief comes a true desire to live in a way that is pleasing to God. It takes time to get to know God, His word, and what He would expect. But this comes from a deep desire to please God and not some kind of desire to prove that you are "not a fan".

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book's popularity is well-deserved. The text has just the right amount of quotable lines (that have you reaching for your pen to copy them down) but not enough to seem gimmick-driven. The examples/metaphors are simple, effective, accessible. The occasional moments of humor are genuinely funny (and never distract from the message of the text). The arguments are supported/spotlighted with quotes from Scripture. The narration is appropriately confessional, encouraging, yet challenging.

You get a sense that Kyle Idleman is the kind of guy you would want to grab coffee with because you'd feel like he cared and you'd respect him, even if you got into a disagreement. This is grace-filled writing.

But the strongest recommendation I can give this book is that I have seen it impact the lives of people in my community; this book has challenged many to re-evaluate their devotion to Christ. Mini-faith-crises like that are good if they pull us deeper into a relationship with Christ, yeah-ah.

[Lidia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really difficult book in the sense that speaks some truths that for many Christians are hard to accept. But this is what following Jesus really means, it dose not mean a rich life or a comfortable one, or a popular one but it means making sacrifices for the man that sacrificed his all for each of us.

Unfortunately many of us are fans of Jesus not real followers but despite all that this author kinda teach us to lean on our strength instead of God's or more precisely on The Holy Spirit's and those are not the Bible's teachings. I think we need first to surrender our heart to Jesus and then the Holy Spirit will work miracles in us. To tell you the truth from my experience He works when you truly search for Him.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent look at what it really means to follow Jesus! I recommend this to all Christians!

[Kat · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book made me sick. I am not a fan and I don't claim to be a follower. I am a fan of books like this because I just don't like the whole "grace only" belief and "repeat after me and you get eternal life" movement. I really thought I would like this book and it would get me all psyched up about becoming a "real christian" but it made me sick from the beginning.
I thought a fan was going to be described as a one of those people that live however they want but if you ask them, they claim they are a christian while a follower would be described as believers who you can just tell are christian without them having to say anything because their love for God shows. Instead, a fan was described as someone that does a lot of christian things while a follower was pretty much just described as a believer. This made no sense to me. If I know someone that is very involved in church ministry then someone that drinks, curses, and treats people badly, I am not going to assume the first is just a fan but the latter is probably a follower because they believe.

This book was so contradictory it would make anyone run as far away from christianity as possible imo. It did a great job of pointing out all the contradictions that atheist use to make christianity look bad.
He literally calls everyone that ACTS like a christian just a fan in one chapter then in the next chapter argues that faith without works is dead so you must do more than just believe in grace (but don't be lukewarm or Jesus will spit you out)
How do you know who is a fan and who is a follower if everyone is supposed to have their own personal relationship with Christ? By judging. The author basically tells people they can only show that they're a follower by acting like a fan because after all what you do is evidence of what you believe but wait dont go acting like a christian because that's what fans do. ????
Another atheist argument I found is when christians cherry pick scriptures. He used certain translations when he got technical with meanings of words in scripture to prove his point. Jesus wants us to be 100% but I didn't see the author mentioning any of the uncomfortable commandments in the bible like women not being able to speak and God telling people to kill anyone that doesn't believe in Him.

To be fair, the author does talk about taking up your cross and giving up your life for Christ but that's it. There is no how. He spends the whole book bashing you for being a fan but leaves you with vague advice on how to actually be a follower.
When he talked about being filled with the spirit the very actions he used to describe fans were now used to describe outward behavior by someone who has an inward change
He talked about taking up your cross and dying but not how. Taking up your cross and dying is supposed to be fully committing yourself to Christ but beware as soon as you start showing fruits of the spirit make sure you're not becoming just a fan. Those darn fans act like christians all the time.

Okay Im starting to get annoyed just writing this so Im going to end this with I HATED his talk about slavery. I get what he was trying to say but this was another instance where he gave groups like black atheist, muslims, hebrews, etc another strike against christianity since historically white people used the bible to justify keeping blacks in slavery. And I hated the "not a fan stories that describes someone who "comes to Jesus" after a near death experience and claims to be not a fan.
At the end of the day, we are all children of God and we are all works in progress. You're version of God in your mind is probably not my version of God. We probably have different interpretations of scriptures. Who doesn't with all those different translations out there? And with so many denominations I just don't think this book is for every christian. I definitely don't think it is for a new believer. Who can have peace in God and stand firm in their belief if they are always wondering if they are doing enough for God or believing enough in God then on top of that thanks to this book worrying about "christians" like Idleman accusing them of being just a fan?

[Clark Goble · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to read Idleman’s book immediately after Tozer’s The Pursuit of God. I say this because “Not a Fan” is the perfect counterpart to Tozer. Idleman challenges the reader to identify themselves as a follower of Christ or a mere fan and presents the argument that many who identify themselves as the former are actually the latter.

Idleman presents a wonderful argument against the “cheap” Christianity that runs rampant in the Church and encourages his readers to “get to a place where following Jesus is so important to them, that if they lost everything it would still be worth it” (p. 66).

This book causes the reader to reflect upon his own faith. In my case, I was convicted in several areas of my life. I was able to recognize those parts of my life that I simply wasn’t prepared to surrender to Christ. It’s a simple concept really. When Christ asks us to give up everything to follow Him, what is the one thing you would refuse to let go of? This may be a simple concept but is difficult in practice. If Christ isn’t what we hold most dear, we are a fan – not a follower.

While Tozer’s book placed in me the desire to pursue Christ daily, Idleman’s gave me a practical vision of what such a pursuit entails.

This book will certainly be added to my list of recommended reading.

[Lorrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thought-provoking book. A lot of what he said made sense; still, I'm left somewhat confused. I completely understand the concept of fan versus follower; I've personally known many 'fans' in my life. But for the true believer, I feel that this book may have him question his salvation. 'Good' some may say, but God wants us to rest assured that we belong to Him, not worry sick about it.

I John 5:13 - These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

The key word in this passage is 'know'.

I realize that many, in fact most (if you believe the surveys), of the American population identifies with Christianity, but without having any idea of what being a Christian means. I'm sure they fill up many a church pew every Sunday. This book would be a God-send for these people. They are indeed the fans that the author refers to in his book.

I just worry that the true born-again believer in Jesus Christ and His finished worked on the cross will be left wondering if they need to do more. Or because they didn't obey God's calling 20 years ago to go to the mission field, that they aren't truly a follower of Him.

It's a very touchy subject. And it will be frightening indeed to hear God say to some who thought they were Christians because of their 'good works' to hear from Him "Depart from me; I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23). But we have to be very careful not to cross the line into works-based salvation.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our pastor is using this book as the basis for our current sermon series. A challenging book written in contemporary language. Incredibly relevant. The basis of a book is challenging people to be a follower of Christ who is totally sold out to loving others rather than a fan who shows up on Sundays and lacks committment the other six days a week. I would definitely recommend. It's a quick and easy read to follow, but I found myself writing a lot of notes in my Bible margins as it went along.

I'd rate this book a PG for some testimonies and topics with semi-mature themes.

[Emily Herron · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because many people had encouraged me to read it, and it was really frustrating to me. To be sure, Idleman makes some helpful distinctions of what we think following Christ looks like vs. what it actually looks like, but it seemed like the whole book we was just dogging on “fans” who weren’t “fully committed” (are any of us?) and not admitting that Jesus also pursues those people. Jesus loves the fans too. He is in pursuit of us, and it seemed like Idleman made it sound like Jesus just disappointedly sits and waits for us to finally follow him correctly.

[Jacob Rychlicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christ calls us to be all in, not just when it’s convenient. Idleman’s book is truly a must read, but is also a clear, God-inspired reminder to look inside ourselves and what idol is taking the spot of the Lord and Savior!

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t always review books that I read for personal growth, but this book hits home so well, I have to share it! Not a Fan is Christian non-fiction about becoming a completely committed FOLLOWER of Christ, not simply a FAN. Author Kyle Idleman uses some everyday examples to make each chapter’s concept crystal clear, and then connects that example to a passage of Scripture to illustrate the difference between being a fan of Jesus vs. being His follower.
Warning: Be prepared to feel conviction! Kyle isn’t out to make the reader feel warm and fuzzy; he’s out to turn fans into followers. And that’s what I most appreciate about this book—he’s concerned about sharing the truth about what it means to follow Christ, not about popular opinion.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly reccomended

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Excellent book. Kyle Idleman does a great job presenting Biblical examples of what Christ meant when he called people to follow him.

There is a discord, particularly in the American church, between what being a devoted follower of Christ looks like in the Bible and what it looks like now, in our lives. The New Testament is full of examples of people who gave up everything to follow Jesus. In our culture, we expect praise when we do God the favor of showing up to church 3 Sundays a month. Total commitment is now viewed as radical, instead of foundational.

The book goes through a number of different encounters from the Bible where Jesus interacted with different people, using them as examples of some of the same behaviors we can be guilty of today. Each example helped drive the overriding message home. Jesus doesn’t want to be one of your top priorities. He wants to be, and must be, your first priority. Idleman is very direct, laying out exactly what the cost is of following Jesus and what that means for your life.

Not a Fan is one of the easier to read Christian books I’ve encountered. It’s well written, in simple language with short chapters and a tendency toward sarcasm I quite enjoyed. It managed to convey a challenging message while being a very accessible read, something not easy to do. It’s definitely a book I would recommend to other Christians as the message is one we all need to hear (me included) and hear again sometimes when we don’t get it quite right.

[Miss Me. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent for anyone who's sick and tired of the mundane Christian life. This is a book that encourages you to not just claim to be a Christian, but to be a follower of Christ's teachings. Anyone can say that they are a "Christian" but to actually live a life that emulates who God truly is.

I was hoping for a Francis Chan type of teaching from this book. But even though this book wasn't an in depth challenge to me, it did serve as a good reminder of what it means to be a Christian.

I recommend this as a gift to one who is still seeking what it means to follow God and it's not being a "fan" of the "stories". But it will disturb and perturb anyone who can say, "I'm am a good person!". This book forces someone to realize that our definitions of our own personal morals never measure up. And if it upsets you, then might I suggest you ask yourself why and then match your reasoning to the Word. If it doesn't match, then someone is wrong and I can almost guarantee that it isn't God.

[Hunter Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

God used this book to completely tear me apart. All in good ways. Never before have I felt so convicted but yet excited to keep learning more about how much of a mess I am without Jesus. Would recommend to any and every one.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a follower of Jesus, or just a fan? How you live your life tells the tale. This book challenges the read to closely examine their lives to see if we are all in and putting God above all else, unreservedly. This is one I will add to my “ To be Read Annually “ list.

[Anna Ustynova · Rating 5 out of 5]

книга не перевертає життя з ніг на голову (принаймні моє), але ставить багато незручних запитань про щоденний вибір. змушує задуматись про те, хто ти є і куди прямуєш. чи на правильному ти маршруті? а що, як...? чи правдиве моє християнство або це тільки зручна недільна маска, яку у понеділок вранці можна зняти та й піти по своїх справах?
у книзі багато конкретних прикладів з життя відомих і невідомих людей, які змушують поглянути на власне життя під незвичним кутом. вона не містить відповідей на задані питання, відповіді кожен має знайти самостійно. та врешті решт сказати Богові "так" чи "ні". сьогодні. зараз

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book! He had some very good points and reasons for being a follower of Jesus and not a fan. I only rate 4 because there were a few applications of these principes that he gives that I don’t agree with.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago. Very good book.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are couple things that were said that I didn't completely agree with, but overall, I feel this is a great book to get you really thinking about your relationship with God. Am I "all-in"? Am I committed? Am I a fan, or an "enthusiastic admirer," that is running lukewarm for Christ, instead of on fire?

At the beginning of this book, I would answer wholeheartedly that I am a follower of Christ. In all honesty, this book revealed to me that I'm not 100% completely committed. When I'm honest, I put other things before God. Not all the time, but sometimes. Do I surrender all? Do I die to self everyday? It's sad to say the answer to these questions is . . . no. I can be full of pride, I can be selfish, I can be judgmental. I'm a sinner, but I love the Lord with all of my heart! I am in awe of God, the gift of His son, His sacrifice, His love for me, and His amazing grace. I believe that Jesus is the answer to everything. But have I fully committed myself to following Him? No. This book has shown me that I need to step it up, because I'm not as "on fire" as I thought I was. I don't want to be lukewarm. I don't want there to be a disconnect between what I believe and what I do.

As I mentioned, there were some things I didn't completely agree with. When Kyle mentions things like, "We looked at our finances and figured out what changes needed to be made so that our offering to God was more than our house payment" (page 60), that came across a little unrealistic to me. I don't believe that our offering has to be more than our house payment to be a fully committed follower. Maybe that's not his point, but that's how it came across to me. Also, when he mentions things like adoption, missions trips, and foster parenting, I know he was giving examples of things one can do as a follower of Christ, but it came across to me as . . . if you're not doing these types of things, maybe you're not really following Christ the way you should. I don't believe that God calls everyone to serve in the same way, so maybe He has called me to something "smaller," I need to be faithful in that place, and not feel like less of a follower because I'm not going on missions trips, or adopting a child, or being a foster parent. On page 206, he lists some questions where he asks things like, "Have you exchanged following Jesus for a job that pays really well? Have you exchanged following Jesus for a house that has all of the upgrades?" My immediate thought was, can't someone have a good paying job and a nice house and be completely committed to God at the same time? Of course, I would say absolutely, yes. So these things threw me a bit, and maybe I misinterpreted what he was saying. Bottom line, as Christians we have to put Him first above all else. He needs to be our one and only. And when He calls us to do something, we need to be willing to say yes . . . "wherever, whatever, whenever."

I appreciate the fact that this book makes one really take an honest look at their relationship with Christ. I appreciate that it has made me reevaluate what I've been doing, and it's given me the push that I need to go deeper in my relationship with Christ, and that's always a good thing.

Since I've finished this book, it's really got me thinking. Honestly, I'm confused. Is it truly black or white? Is it really fan or follower, and no in between? I know that God doesn't expect perfection. We are human, and we do fall short of the glory of God. I feel like there are times that I'm just not going to get it right. Does that mean I'm not a completely committed follower? Isn't that where grace steps in?

I know that He wants all of me, not 50%, not 90% . . . all of me. I get it, and I'm ready to pick up my cross, and follow Him.

EDITED on DECEMBER 29, 2011 to add:

This book has really got me thinking, and for a while doubting my commitment. I want to add this:

Am I committed? Yes. 100%? No. And I'm not making excuses, but it's just not realistic to think that I could be 100% *anything* all of the time. That would be perfect, and none of us can be that. I am saved by grace though faith in Jesus Christ. My "works" are the fruit of my belief. They don't secure my salvation. My salvation is sure, because I put my faith and trust in Christ for the forgiveness of my sins. What Jesus did on the cross was the "perfect" sacrifice. I can't do anything to earn it or deserve it. But most certainly through the power of the Holy Spirit in me, I will do the will of my Father in Heaven -- keeping my eye on Jesus, and following Him -- the perfect example of how we are to live our lives. Will I fall short? Will I miss the mark (sin)? Absolutely. I don't believe that this lessens my commitment.

Like I mentioned in my review, this book has encouraged me to go deeper in my relationship with Christ. It has reaffirmed what I already knew -- that I often put other things before Him, and I need to change that, and go deeper in my commitment.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23).”

“The cross that represented defeat — for a follower it is an image of victory.
The cross that represented guilt — for a follower it is an image of grace.
The cross that represented condemnation — for a follower it is an image of freedom.
The cross represented pain and suffering — for a follower it is an image of healing and hope.
The cross that represented death — for a follower it is an image of life. The cross may not be attractive, but for a follower it is beautiful.”

“So in case someone left it out or forgot to mention it when they explained what it meant to be a Christian, let me be clear: There is no forgiveness without repentance. There is no salvation without surrender. There is no life without death. There is no believing without committing.”

Kyle Idleman is an author that I highly recommend. I was blown away by his book “Grace Is Greater” and equally blown away by “Not A Fan.” He blends together spiritual truths, humor, illustrations, and real-life stories in such an interesting and captivating way. I am a fan of his, for sure!

His books are a wake-up call to both the church as a whole and to individuals on a personal level. It a call to be more than a casual fan or admirer of Jesus; it is a call to 100% commit your life to Jesus. And when we make that commitment, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. We might have to give us some of our comforts, our desires, or worldly loves, but in the end it will all be worth it. In Jesus, we will have a new identity.

My name is Wade. And I am not a fan. I am a follower of Jesus.

For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...

[Morgan Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read many non-fiction books just because I get bored of them really easily and I never seem to learn anything. Every now and then I'll come across a non-fiction book that is just so amazing I want to buy it for everyone and force them to read it(which I absolutely would do if I could). Kyle Idleman begins the book with a question. Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus Christ. Most Christians would answer that question without a second thought but as Idleman gets more in depth I began to question the priorities in my life and I gained a very different viewpoint from what I had before. Whether your a Christian or not I think this is a book for everyone and if you haven't read it yet you should!