2-08-98............. Are you going Fishin’?............. Luke 5
by Ronald E. George Jr.
Saint Peter, halted a man at the entrance to heaven. "You've told too many lies to be permitted in here," he said.
"Have a heart," replied the man, "Remember, you were once a fisherman yourself."
Paul Harvey said, "Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men but keepers of the aquarium."
Scripture Text: Luke 5:1-11
Luke 5:1 (KJS) And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing [their] nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto [their] partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Sometimes the decision to do nothing is wise. But you can't make a career of doing nothing. Freddie Fulcrum weighed everything too carefully. He would say, "On the one hand... but then, on the other," and his arguments weighed out so evenly he never did anything. When Freddie died, they carved a big zero on his tombstone. If you decide to fish -- fine. Or, if you decide to cut bait -- fine. But if you decide to do nothing, you're not going to have fish for dinner.
When God buries our sins in the deepest sea, He posts a sign which reads: No Fishing!
Some things to remember…
1. Fish don’t want to get caught. Neither do people …
2. It takes time, talent, and treasures to learn how to fish effectively. It will cost you.
3. Sometimes you catch some and sometimes the big one gets away.
4. Only God can make a fish bite a hook. If they don’t bite don’t take it to heart. If you have done the fishing that the Lord has sent you to do.
5. God wants everyone in his family to fish. This means all of us.
6. God thinks people are worth a lot more than fish…
Four Things you must know before you go Fishing for Men…
1. A Passion for Fish <><
Do you love fish? Do you love people? Do you care about your friends, family and neighbors? How do they know you care? Do you want them to be saved to spend their lives with the Lord?
2. A Plan for Fishin’ <><
Check the handout on Fishin’ for Men.
God has an eternal plan for your life.
3. A Patience for Fishin’ <><
Don’t quit or give up. The hard ones are the ones that the Lord specializes in. He wants to save them
2Pet 3:9 (KJS) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
4. A Pattern for Fishin’ <><
Jesus is our pattern for goin’ fishin’ for men. He came for us, died for us, loved us first, and invited us to come in. He wants us to do the same.
We must work together, don’t pull against each other. Keep the main thing the main thing.
Would you follow Jesus to become a Fisher of Men?
Are you ready to go Fishin’?
Jesus told his disciples, ‘Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ The call that Jesus extended to his disciples back then extends to us today. Yet many church members today have never tried to catch others for Jesus. Some have tried once or twice and have given up. And some continue to daily fish for men. Which group do you find yourself in?
Some of us may think that we don’t know enough, we don’t have the right equipment, or we don’t believe that it is our gift/duty to fish for the unbelievers of our society.
Remember what God said to Moses. Exod 4:11 (KJS) And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 12 now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
Yes, but how can I get started?
If you take just a moment to think about it, you’ll realize that there are people in your life-faces you see everyday that will never see Jesus in anyone but you. That is why it is important that you take the time to care to let Christ’s love flow through you…to take a genuine interest in them as Jesus does. You and I are His representatives in the here and now.
It’s time to go fishing for people. First, on this brochure, or on another piece of paper, list the names of friends you believe could be interested in attending church. Then, begin to pray for each of them specifically, asking god’s Holy Spirit to prepare their hearts to receive the life-changing message of Jesus Christ’s love through you.
Next, invite them to the services. Talk to them about the uniqueness of the church and the special people who attend with you.
After the visit, Follow Up!
If they were not able to make it to church, let them know that you missed them and would still like to see them attend.
Tell them why the Lord is special to you and what he has done for you. This is your personal testimony. Share Him!
Leave their decision up to Him, Jesus. But don’t give up, continue to pray, invite, and share Jesus. Use the scriptures on the back of this brochure to share God’s Plan of Salvation for their lives. Now, begin to make your list of friends, family and neighbors to pray for:
1.__________________________
2.__________________________
3.__________________________