*Moment of Encounter Devotional*
By: Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida
*Title: Be a Follower of Christ, Not a Fan.*
Text: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” – Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)
🔥 Devotional Message:
Christianity in our generation is dangerously tilting toward celebrity admiration rather than sacrificial discipleship. The body of Christ today is full of “fans” who admire Jesus but few followers who obey Him.
A fan is someone who shows excitement when things are working well, but disappears when challenges show up. A fan is emotional, excited, and loud in public—but shallow in private. A follower, however, is consistent, faithful, disciplined, and rooted in truth, even when it’s costly.
🧍🏽♂️Examples of Fan Christianity in Today’s Church:
1. Worship without Obedience:
Many lift hands during worship but drop integrity in business. They sing “I surrender all” but surrender nothing when God demands obedience.
2. Church Attendance without Transformation:
A fan attends every program but resists the Spirit’s work in their heart. They are always present in church, but never present in the Word.
3. Spiritual Excitement without Spiritual Depth:
Fans shout “fire!” during revival meetings, but avoid personal prayer and fasting. They are stirred by emotion but not anchored by discipline.
4. Shouting “Amen” but Living “Never!”
They loudly agree during sermons but quietly disobey after service.
5. Social Media Christianity:
Many fans post scriptures and Christian memes online, but offline, their lifestyle contradicts the gospel.
🎯 Characteristics of a Fan:
Emotionally Driven: Fans follow Jesus as long as it feels good.
Selective in Obedience: Fans choose what parts of the Bible to accept.
Easily Offended: Fans quit church when corrected or challenged.
Loyal to Titles, Not the Truth: They follow personalities more than Christ.
Demand Miracles but Resist Maturity: They want results without responsibility.
Spectators, Not Soldiers: Fans watch the battle of faith, but avoid fighting.
🛡️ Characteristics of a Follower:
Surrendered in Heart and Action: Followers don’t just say “Jesus is Lord”—they live it.
Rooted in Truth: Followers study and obey God’s Word, even when it’s tough.
Endure Hardship with Joy: Followers remain steadfast during trials, knowing suffering produces character.
Live for Christ, Not for Applause: They seek heaven’s approval, not human praise.
Carry the Cross Daily: Followers embrace self-denial, not self-promotion.
Fruitful in Character: Their lives reflect love, patience, holiness, humility, and faithfulness.
📜 Biblical Insight:
In John 6:66, many of Jesus’ fans walked away when His teachings became hard. They loved the bread and fish, but not the demands of truth. Only the twelve disciples remained—followers, not fans.
In Luke 9:57–62, several people said they wanted to follow Jesus, but they had conditions. Jesus exposed their shallow commitments. Real followers do not delay obedience with excuses.
🕊️ Real-Life Reflection:
We have built a generation that is quick to attend concerts and gather around popular preachers, but reluctant to carry crosses and commit to holiness. We admire men of God but reject the God of men. We have filled our pews with cheerleaders, but the Lord is looking for cross-bearers.
A fan sits in church for years but still gossips, cheats, lies, and lives like the world. A follower may struggle but always returns to the altar of truth and transformation.
🙏 Prayer:
Father, deliver me from being a fan. I surrender my emotions, pride, and selective obedience. I choose to follow You wholeheartedly. Give me the grace to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and walk the narrow path of truth and discipleship. Let my life be an offering, not a performance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
📖 Further Reading and Meditation:
Luke 9:23–26
John 10:27
Galatians 2:20
James 1:22–25
1 Peter 2:21
🗣️ Prophetic Charge by Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida:
In this hour, the Lord is calling for followers, not fans. Heaven is not impressed by emotional displays without obedient living. The Master does not need admirers—He needs disciples who will go where He sends, say what He commands, and live how He instructs. Choose the narrow path. Follow the crucified Christ, not the crowd. There is no crown for fans, only for followers who endure to the end.
Your Brother
Prophet Dr Abiodun Adesida
CAC IBUDO ONA ABAYỌ
cacsolutioncenter@outlook.com
0700-700-2462