Let"S Go Fishing!

"Let's go fishing"

Mat_4:19 “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

How many here like to fish? I have tried it and I am not very good at it. As we look at this text today I want you to realize that to be a follower of Christ is not an easy task but for those who persevere there are many rewards. Last week we talked about using the giants of this world as stepping stone to get at the grapes of God’s promises and blessings. This message also should encourage you to face the challenges of this world. In fulfillment to the command of Jesus it should be every believer’s ambition to further the kingdom of God on this earth. As we look about us today we see empty pews and we all know people who desperately need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

Now take a look at this scripture. When Jesus asked these men to follow him he was not calling them to an easy task. They were going to have to give up their lives and follow him. Dwell on that for a moment. Have you made that commitment to God? Have you put everything else on the back burner and said “Here am I, use me Lord.” I want you to know that Jesus is still looking for some people who will cast the nets to capture souls for him. Are you that person? Being a member of the church (the body of Christ) demands a total commitment.

It doesn’t mean just showing up on Sunday morning and tossing a dollar in the plate.

It doesn’t mean maybe coming on Sunday night,

or showing up for Sunday school if you happen to get up on time.

It doesn’t mean if I’m not too tired I will come Wednesday night.

A fisherperson for Jesus is fully vested in the cause. He is ready to get on the Old ship of Zion and

cast some nets,

cut bait,

swab the decks

or whatever it takes to reach a lost world for the master.

Patsy and I have been fortunate enough to take two cruises one was a short cruise to Mexico and the other was a longer cruise to Alaska. Both were enjoyable. Now I love cruising and it’s not just for the food (I know what you are thinking) When you are on a cruise they cater to your needs, serve your food, clean your room, make your bed and on one they even left animals made from towels with mints on your bed.

“The Old ship of Zion is not a cruise ship, where you lay around and have every whim attended to by somebody else - it is a working fishing vessel and if you want to fish - there's room for you. If you want a cruise - wrong ship!!!”

If you are ready to board the ship there are some things that you need to know before you can catch any fish. You need to know who is Captain of the ship, what kind of fish you are fishing for, and what to do with them when you catch them.

To catch fish you must know:

1. Who the Captain is. The invitation or actually if you look real close it’s a command is being given by Jesus. Now before anything else can happen in your life, before you can ever catch a fish, you must be willing to let Jesus be the captain of your ship. I work with a man named Karl who loves to deep sea fish. Now when he goes down to the ocean he doesn’t jump in a boat and wonder around the sea hoping to find fish he hires a captain with a proven record. Let’s look at this scripture from Luke:

Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

Luke 5:5 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.

Luke 5:6 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

I really don’t understand why but it seems that most of us want to wonder aimlessly around through this world and hope that we land on the right course for our lives. Let me tell you that Almighty God has a plan for your life and He has asked to be the Captain of your ship. Will you let Him on board today? Jesus is the evidence of the love of the father in that he came and laid down his life for the sins of you and me. The bible tells me that “All have sinned” and God said “if you sin you shall surely die.” This same Jesus (who is atonement for sin) is calling out to you today saying “Come”. Will you come? Becoming a child of God is as simple as “believing in the Lord Jesus Christ” but being a child of God means that you have to let him captain the ship!! Did you here what I said? He has to be the captain!!!!!