Lesson 05 of the Follow Me Series
Followers Make Good Fishermen
Compiled by Grady Henley
Text: Mat 4:19-25
Key Verses:
1 Tim 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1 Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
INTRODUCTION:
Have you ever considered why God compared soul winning to fishing? Think about it for a while before you come to a firm conclusion, for there is not one simple answer to this question. The answer might just lie in the ministry of the Lord and the men He called. The first men that He called into the soul winning business were fishermen.
A sign on a barber shop wall read: “The Lord created the world with 6 times more water than land. Therefore, anybody can see that the Good Lord intended man to fish more than he works.”
Mat 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
I. THEIR TRADE.
Fishermen come in all shapes, sizes, and types. There are:
1. Sportsmen—These are the catch and release fishermen.
2. The weekend fishermen.
3. There are professional guides engaged in this business.
4. There are some that fish for a living. Such were Peter, James, John, and Andrew. Their trade as fishermen caused them to interface in some of these areas:
· To the sea to make the catch.
· Back to shore to clean the haul.
· To the marketplace to sell their trades for profit.
· It took them to particular places where they could mend their tools (nets and boats) used in their trade.
· In all these areas they interfaced with shoppers, suppliers, and other fishermen.
· Once the catch was sold and repairs made, the circuit began again.
This lessons deals with the attributes common to soul winners and what it takes to become a dedicated soul winner for the Lord. What the Lord told these men that day remains good advice today: “Follow me, and I will make ye fishers of men.
A. Professionals.
One of the first things we note about these brothers is they did not need anyone telling them how to catch fish. They could write books on the subject. Regardless of their level of expertise, the Lord is about to show them some things.
B. Change Professions.
What they were not aware of is the Lord is about to modify their professions. If they will allow Him the freedom, He will take their skills and trades and incorporate their several abilities into His grand plan for the local church body and individual believers. Simply stated this means they are about to cease being leaders in the world of fishing for fish and will soon be followers in the profession of fishing for men. The souls they win will follow them and the circuit begins again.
Once they left their nets and followed, they entered His discipleship program. This is a big step for some of these men. Peter is probably the oldest of the apostles, and for him to change professions at this stage of his life would be akin to what we call a mid-life crisis. In order to change each of these men must have some discipline.
Discipline is one of the characteristics that goes into making a good fisherman. As they tutored under the Master, they will learn how to apply discipline to win souls, for it takes much more discipline and patience to catch men than it does fish.
Without discipline, it is impossible to be successful fisherman. Even so, it is impossible to be a full time disciple without discipline. Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me..
Once they learned the “tricks of this new trade,” each of them will again be a leader in teaching others the skills necessary to succeed in being a fisher of men. This is all part of the maturing process of growing into that man or woman in the works of the Lord.
As these brothers learned, they applied. Soon they will be what James told us to be James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. The closer they followed the Master, and the more they study and apply His techniques, assures them they will soon graduate from His discipleship program.
C. It Is the Lord’s Work.
The third thing we learn from verse 19 is, it is Jesus that is going to do the majority of the work. He said I will make you. “I will make you” does not mean He is going to make them catch men whether they want to or not. What it means is He will make them into something that they presently are not. For the change to be effective, they must be obedient. They cannot be obedient without discipline.
In our text we read they were mending their nets. As they mended the tools of their trade, those items did not resist their hands. These men must commence thinking of themselves as a net, boat, or clay so that each one can be a vessel fit for the Master’s service.
We use the word fit and sometimes we fail to contemplate its meaning in the context of our task. We do not immediately ‘fit’ into a particular work. We have to be outfitted, that is, supplied with the necessary items and hone our skills so that we may do the work. As the Lord works upon their very being they must offer no resistance, but always allow Jesus to do the work, Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
The Potter has a unique design for each life, Isa 64:8. This same thought applies to fishing for men as well. Some fishers of men will be involved in street preaching, others will take up a prison ministry, some will be pastors, etc. Regardless, it is the Lord’s work and He is the one that will outfit each of us so that we fit into His plan for our lives.
II. APPROACHING THE SUBJECT:
How is it we can strike up a conversation with a complete stranger over just about any subject save salvation? How is it we can talk of sporting events and movies with our best friends and never once speak of the Lord? Even though we know we should, sometimes we refrain from testifying or mentioning His name. One thing is certain and that is if we do not engage a lost soul in a conversation about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we will have a difficult time winning that one to the Lord.
The way we approach a lost soul regarding the subject of salvation determines to a large degree how effectively God uses us. Jesus walked up to these men and did not strike up a conversation. He gave them an order and they followed. Jesus had that unique ability to speak and people moved.
What we learn from this is the Lord commands us to be fishers of me. Obedience is not an option. Agreeing to be like Him was part of our covenant when we willingly followed. The bible teaches that EVERY Christian should endeavor to tell other people how to be saved. It is the wise thing to do: Prov 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
The Bible compares giving the gospel to people to:
1. winning a soul
2. shining a light
3. feeding the hungry
4. and fishing for men
A. How Can You Identify a Real Fisherman?
If we are to be fishers of men, we ought to be able to recognize fellow laborers. You cannot always tell a fisherman by his clothes, although it is unlikely to see a man trout fishing in a three-piece suit. You cannot always tell a fisherman by his conversation, although it is likely that a man who never TALKS about fishing never actually GOES fishing.
A real fisherman has some marks about him that reveals his line of work. Here are few worth considering. As we read these identifying traits, bear in mind that the soul winner will have some, if not all of these marks as well.
B. Finds Fishing A Pleasure, Not a Chore!
Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Fishermen are passionate about fishing. In many cases they would rather fish than do anything. They do not mind the long hours of hassle because they are satisfied with the processes, purposes, and identities that come with their lifestyle. Fishing is more than just a job, it is a way of life. For the passionate fishermen, fishing is a pleasure.
For the fisher of men, soul winning is one thing that always helps him relax. Although it is work, it takes his mind off the other pressures of life and his own infirmities. It is rather difficult to remain worried and cranky when sharing the gospel You start knocking doors, you find people with greater problems than yours.
When we consider what the Lord is using us for and how our witnessing fits into His Master plan, we ought to consider it a joy to tell someone what the Lord has done and is doing. Fishing helps the fishermen refresh himself in the Lord, 1 Sam 30:6, John 4:31-34.
Soul winning is refreshing. This is manifested in John 4:6 where in the Lord was refreshed by sharing the water of Life with a lost soul. Just as a fisherman grows weary sitting in the boat without catching a thing, all it takes is one tug on the line to refresh his outlook. The catch brings a sense of well doing and heavenly rejoicing.
C. He Prepares For His Fishing Trips, Mt 4:21.
Mat 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
The Lord prepared Himself for His fishing trip. He just spent 40 days and night fasting in the wilderness, Mat. 4:2. He came down off the mountain and found Peter and Andrew casting a net into the sea, Mat 4:18. Answering His call, they left their net, their earthly trade, and started studying evangelism.
A bit farther along the way He found a family owned and operated fishing business. ( We are not exactly sure what the name of their enterprise was but rumor has it as being named: ‘The Zebedees of Galilee,’ Zebedee & Son’s owner. They even had a slogan that read something like this: “The fish you have on your table today, slept last night in the sea of Galilee!”) James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, Mat 4:21, These men prepared their lives for fishing.
II. THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE.
A dedicated fishermen equips himself with the best tools suited for whatever fish he pursues. In order to assure a good catch, a fishermen buys the latest equipment, acquires knowledge, and machinery to make the most of every opportunity. They constantly read the latest journals, articles, and news bulletins to find the best places, methods, and tools to catch the kind of fish that will be most profitable.
Fishermen are contextually wise about how the environment effects the kind of fish they want to catch. They are students of the situational factors that will help them determine the right kinds of bait suited for the fish they want to catch. They realize that one kind of bait will not appeal to every kind of fish. They study the habits of fish through practical experience as well as educative literature that gives them a leg up on their competition.
In order to catch men, we must always remember we may change the method; we may not change the message.
A. The net.
Observe as well they prepared their tools.
· Peter and Andrew were casting a net into the sea.
· James and John were mending a net.
· The net was a tool of their trade.
· The net is what is used to ensure that the catch is not lost nor damaged.
· Used correctly, it holds the fruit for the laborer.
Every fishermen ought to have pride in the tools he uses in pursuit of his number one pleasure in life. Those tools ought to be in the best of care. “Take care of your equipment, and your equipment will take care of you.”
B. Other items.
Not only is the net a tool in the fishing trade, but lures are also used. The fisherman has a lure for just about any type of condition and fish. He knows which one to use and he knows how to use it.
The fisherman fishing for souls ought to know his equipment as well. Furthermore, the fisher of men should know when and how to use his tools in winning souls. Someone once said,
· Our pole is the power of God - Acts 1:8
· Our line is his love for souls. The line draws the catch and love is what draws all men to Christ.
· The fishing weight is our walk with God – holds the line steady
· Our hook is the Holy Ghost – not fancy words, or trickery. 1 Cor 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 1 Cor 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
· Our bait is the bread of life - the gospel of Jesus Christ in this BOOK. You might catch other fish on various types of bait, but there is only ONE bait that will save a sinner: the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!
· That tug (the cork bobbing on the surface on the surface) on the line is the Holy Spirit working on the heart. Then when the ‘bait is taken’ that cork goes under. Those that accept the offer, go under the water in baptism as well.
III. ARE YOU PREPARED TO GO FISHING.
Real fishermen do not sit around and philosophize about fishing. These men are too busy with the task of bringing fish into their boats to spend time talking about it. They sometimes grow discontent with others who are just spectators or armchair critics. Realizing that they will always have scoffers they have developed a thick skin to handle accusations, misunderstanding, or abuse.
Fishermen catch fish. They do more than talk about fishing in meetings. Repairing their nets, buying lures, mending their boats are means to an end: fishing. They are productive people.
You know them by the fruit of their labors.
Considering the traits of a fishermen, each of us needs to examine self and determine if we are really fishermen. If we are, how effective a fisherman am I? Let us take a look and determine our state of readiness.
A. What Do I Need?
One of the first thing we need to do is what God wants us to do. Good fishermen do not do more or less than God wants. They give reasonable service. They stay away from those who would make their profession into a glamorous Hollywood enterprise.
Similarly, they resist the temptations to just be weekend fishermen (Weekend fishermen are those who fish (serve the Lord) on the weekend. By week’s end, they are week in the end.) who only give God their two hours on Sunday mornings. Dedication to this ministry of fishing for men is a must.
There are other things needed. Things like:
1. You need the power of God – surrendered life that is clean.
When Jesus found James and John, they were taking care of their nets. Luke tells us they were washing their nets, 5:2, while Matthew said they were mending their nets. Either way what this pictures is they were taking care of their equipment.
Before we go fishing, we need to clean our hands. We usually think of cleaning that takes place after the catch. Not so with being a fisher of men. We clean our hands by confessing our sins. We should not expect God to bless our efforts with known sins in our lives. Psa 51:2, 7, 10. Prov 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Cleaning the net represent our testimony and daily walk. Every once in a while we need to clean our lives and polish our testimony.
The cleaning does not stop here. It is our job to catch them, it is God’s job to clean them. Too many times old fishers of men try to do the job of the Holy Spirit by telling a new convert what to allow in their lives and what to eliminate. When we begin to do the work of the Holy Ghost, we make that young convert into what we think they ought to be. What we need to do is allow God to do the remaking. It is our job to tell it, it is the receivers job to change.
Not only do we need to clean our nets, we also must repair them as well. Nets that have tears, holes, and rips allows the catch to escape. We cannot be effective fishers of men if our lives and our church is filled with divisions. Who would want to join a divided body? Our net must be mended before we can be effective fishers of men, John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. If you want to be an effective fishermen, you have to tend to your net.
2. A good, strong line – love for souls that people will sense when you are witnessing.
Just as the fisherman loves to fish, each of us ought to have a love for our fellow man. It ought to be a deep burning desire in each of us to see family, friends, neighbors, and strangers come to know the Lord. If we would realized where our lost ones are headed, and for how long, and with whom they will spend eternity, it ought to make each of us more aware of the necessity of loving the lost.
3. You need a walk with God that holds your concern steady – not on and off.
This is discipline exercised in the life of a dedicated fishermen. It is required of a steward that they be faithful. Have we even considered that God is counting on us to be His mouthpiece? He does not change. Therefore, He expects us to be steadfast as well. The director of any evangelism program needs faithful helpers, James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Fishermen do not get side tracked by disappointments. When someone does not catch a great quantity of fish he does not get discouraged. They are equally concerned about the quantity and quality of their catch.
Fishermen are dependent on the Lord for their success just as much as the farmer is dependent on the Creator for his harvests. Too many times we fail to catch fish because we are side-tracked by failure. I have yet to ever hear a fisherman say, “I quit fishing cause I never caught a thing.”
4. You need the Holy Spirit guiding you, and drawing the sinner.
This is probably the most difficult part of fishing, allowing someone else to control the situation. If we think in context of a captain of a ship is in control of, not only the vessel, but everyone on board, it is not that difficult. Christ is the captain of our vessel. John 15:5 without Him, we do nothing. The Holy Spirit is our Guide. He knows how to fish, where to fish, and where the hungry ones are.
Remember that there guides engaged in the profession of fishing. For a nominal fee, a fisherman will hire a guide to take him to the best fishing holes. The guide often instructs the fisherman on what bait to use and how to work the lure.
Such is the office of the Holy Spirit. He is our Guide. We are His followers. We ought to listen to the voice and wisdom of experience and apply those techniques so that we are effective!
As we witness, we need to realize that we do not have the power to convict the lost soul to accept the Lord. That is the office and duty of the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to be a useable vessel.
Fishermen realize that by following Jesus, He makes them into fishers of men through a long process. They are humble enough to know that they are always in the process of becoming more like the Master.
Never do real fishermen rest on their laurels and insist that they have arrived. Have you ever heard of a retired fisherman? Have you ever heard a fisherman say: “I have caught the biggest fish and there is no more glamour in the sport for me.” They do not demand respect for their accomplishments. These men recognize it is the Spirit’s transformation that changes people into
His image and gives lasting blessings without sorrow.
5. You need some strong bait – King James Bible verses.
The bait is the gospel message found in the word of God. The soul winner must have faith in the bait. If we do not believe the bible is the word of God, how can we convince someone to trust what we do not believe? The following passages of scripture ought to be marked in your bible with the phrase ‘go to’ written after each one.
(1) Romans 3:10 (2) Romans 3:23 (3) Romans 5:8, 12
(4) Romans 6:23 (5) Romans 10:9-10 (6) 1Tim 2:5
(7) Heb 9:27 (8) Acts 13:38, 39 (9) Ephesians 2:8-9
Other verses can be used as well. The ones you use will depend upon your ability to expound upon what you read.
6. You need a clear profession of faith.
No more of this wimpy “I felt Jesus!” “I feel I am already saved.” Salvation is not a feeling; though it makes you feel good. Feelings will fool us. 2 Tim 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Fishermen are unique. They do not mind being misunderstood. They do not mind when people laugh at them about their seemingly lower class standing in the community. They believe that they are on a holy mission from God that transcends social-economic class. They are not afraid of being disliked for what they do, even by their relatives who would prefer that they take a more profitable job somewhere closer to people of power. (Your lost relatives rather you do anything other than invite folks to church.) If you go out and knock doors inviting folks to church, get ready for ridicule!
7. A fishing partner, Eccl 4:9,10.
Although there are times when you will be alone, God's usual plan for soul-winning is to send TEAMS of TWO. Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
a. The partner can work the boat. Working the boat means the partner helps with opening conversations.
b. Partners are a team. One of the team may start the conversation and the other can pick up the line and begin working it.
c. The partner can watch the line (pray). While one is talking, the other is silently praying.
d. The partner can ward off problems. Once the team senses the Holy Spirit working on the heart of the lost one, this is where the team effort will be most effective. Satan is not going to sit idly by and watch a soul slip from his evil net.
When you are catching "a big one," (a lost soul) there might be things that hinder your efforts. In the physical world of fishing, there are snakes, alligators, limbs, snags, stumps.
Applying this to the spiritual world there are hindrances as well. Things like: phone calls, dogs, TV, children, and other interruptions. The partner wards off these things that detract from the conversation at hand. Do not let the devil snare that which the Lord is giving.
B. Be Aware of Problems.
Fishermen learn a great deal through on the job training. By never ceasing in their learning about the art and science of fishing they acquire new ideas. They are never too proud to learn from even the youngest or the oldest fishing advisor. They recognize the diversity of gifts, abilities and callings in their profession so that they may utilize a wide diversity of people in accomplishing their mission. By learning from others, it makes one wise to other problems arising in this field. If you know where the problems are coming, you can handle them more efficiently.
1. With the wind, Acts 27:4.
Sometimes the winds are contrary. Always remember that God did not send us to save the wind or to use the wind as a means whereby we determine what we should or should not do, Eccl 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. Things are going to work against you – uphill battle - when you decide to be a soul-winner.
2. With the water
A fisherman is well aware that the type of water wherein he fishes is sometimes a factor. Sometimes the water is rough, muddy, too high or too low. Regardless, the water is not the reason to go fishing – that is just WHERE the fish live!
3. With the weather
Sometimes it is too hot to fish and enjoy it. Sometimes the same is true of soul- winning. It works against the flesh. No matter. We go anyway. If the weather is bad, it is a good time to make hospital visits.
4. With the will
That is the main problem. You must submit your will to GOD'S will and go soul-winning because HE commands such. Look at Peter – pressed to witness to a Gentile, ROMAN soldier. Look at Jonah – preach to his enemy. Look at Jesus facing the cross!
C. He Is Persistent, Luke 5.
In Luke 5:4-7 we have the account of Peter fishing all night and not catching a thing. He is somewhat frustrated as his livelihood depends upon his success. How exasperating it must be to labor all night and see no fruit.
What Peter endured was some of those things listed above. In order to defeat those things thrown at you, consider the fisherman and his love for his sport in that just because one trip was unproductive, does not mean you sell your boat.
The Lord told Peter launch out into the deep. What the Lord told Peter was to get away from the shore or get to where I want you. When Peter obeyed, he had a great catch.
There is another thought on this passage of scripture that we would do well to remember in our fishing for men. When we go fishing we are launching out into the deep. There is an evil spirit inhabiting the deep!
· The deep is the abode of that great sea monster, Isa 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
· Have you ever witnessed to someone and knew that your efforts where hindered? Did you ever wonder why? The reason might just be is you were in the domain (the deep) of the evil one. Satan is not going to relent and willingly turn loose of those snared in his evil plan.
· Launching out into the deep means getting out of our comfort zones. Get out into the highways and byways of life and look for someone that needs the Lord. The healthy folks do not need a doctor. It is the sick.
Peter, the professional said, “Lord we have toiled all night and we did not even get a nibble. But, at thy word I will give it one more try.” Examining this situation a little closer we find:
1. The key word here is draught for it means catch.
2. Jesus told Peter to let down the net for the catch.
3. Peter was standing there with the net in his hands.
4. Jesus did not make Peter cast the net.
5. Once Peter obeyed the Lord, he needed help drawing in the net.
What made the difference? Jesus gave them the formula for success and they caught more than they could hold. What made the difference? Persistence and doing as the Lord commanded.
What we learn from this?
1. Jesus already told us that if we would lift Him up, He would draw all men unto Himself.
2. We have the words (the net) in our hand. The word is in our hearts.
3. We are standing in a sea of mankind.
4. It is up to us to let down the net and draw the lost out of the deep and into the safety of the boat.
5. Jesus did not force Peter to let down the net. He will not force us.
6. When Peter drew in the net, he needed help. The point here is there are millions that are drowning in the deep.
7. It is our responsibility to cast the net. He will not make us, but we may rest assured that one day we will definitely wish we had.
1. The dedicated fishermen:
Are you a dedicated fisher of men?
· A real fisherman thinks about it all the time. We ought to pray about soul winning all the time. Ask the Lord to bring someone across your path today.
· He rejoices in past trips. Based upon what the Lord did on his last trip, the faithful soul winner looks forward to future trips.
· He likes to hear about other successful fishing stories.
· He will attend conventions about it.
· He will buy books and tapes about it.
2. He tries it again and again – never gets really discouraged
· He will fish all day long, from dawn until dusk.
· He will go out fishing next week, even if he caught nothing this week.
· He will go out fishing next week, even if his boat capsized this week! That’s why Jesus chose fishing to compare with soul-winning!
3. He triumphs eventually
· A real fisherman will not go forever without catching some fish. He will eventually catch fish:
CONCLUSION:
THE BIG ONE DO NOT ALWAYS GET AWAY. A sincere fishermen has proof of his fishing skills. Notice the word "doubtless" in the Ps 126:6. There is NO doubt about whether or not you will catch fish. It is certain you will not catch any if you never fish!
Caught fish are an example of being obedient to the commands of the Lord. They are examples of the power and grace of God. A saved soul is a "trophy of God’s grace” both on you and them. One day these trophies will be laid at the feet of the Master Fishermen for the glory of the Father, Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Caught fish are encouraging acts of exhortation for the whole body. Souls saved reveals the power of God still works in the hearts of people today. Fishing is contagious.
When is the last time you went fishing for men? When is the last time you caught a "trophy of grace?” Did you know that the soul winner will have a Crown Of Rejoicing, 1 Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy. Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Heaven rejoices when a sinner is saved. This is a crown of rejoicing is for the soul winner and for the church that is active in the business of seeking and saving the lost.
If we are born again, we need to ask ourselves some questions:
1) Have we caused any rejoicing in heaven?
2) Have we planted any seeds that would spring forth into a new birth in someone’s heart?
3) Are we just saved and satisfied?
4) Does the thought of loved ones and friends dying and going to hell move us?
If those questions bother us, we have two choices:
(1) get out and get busy in winning the lost
(2) quench the Holy Spirit each times He provokes us unto good works.
5) Am I a faithful follower of the Lord?
If we are faithful follower of the Lord, there are many thing we can do. Things like:
1. Pass out tracts. At work; at a restaurant, on visitation.
2. We can earnestly pray for the Lord to send a lost soul our way.
3. We can gather as a body at set visitation time and get out and knock doors and invite folks to church, witness to them.
4. If our health prevents us from walking, we can pray.
We all can have a part in winning souls.
1. We can pray during the invitation.
2. We can discipline our children to not be rowdy during this sacred time.
3. We can remain seated and not disturb the preaching of the word of God.
God has given each of us a unique ability to use in winning souls to Him. That was what Jesus died for, to redeem man. He expects us to labor for Him so that as we lift Him up, lost souls are saved.
If we are going to be soul winners we must take what is in our hands, (our trade) and allow God to use it not only in us to make a living, but also show others how to live. We must always have a testimony of what Jesus has done for us when we are on the job, in the grocery store, or spending some quite time at some serene place.
Will you get a partner and go soul-winning this week? If you have never been fishing for lost souls, you are missing the greatest experience since you were born again. If someone offered you a crown of rejoicing filled with diamonds, precious jewels, rare stones, one that could not be bought with all the gold found in the world, you would take it. Such is what God is willing to give to those that are willing to win souls. God will give us crowns of rejoicing that are priceless and they will never fade in beauty.
(Mat 4:19 KJV) And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
