Tag Archives: Matthew 28:19-20

July 13th 2023 ‐ Fishers of Men

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Let’s explore the profound metaphor of “Fishers of Men” This analogy speaks to our calling as believers to share the love and message of God with others, just as fishermen cast their nets to catch fish. Let us delve into this concept and discover its significance for our lives.

Imagine, if you will, the serene scene by the shores of the sea. Picture a group of fishermen, going about their daily work, casting their nets into the waters. Jesus, in His wisdom, used this everyday scene to teach His followers about their purpose and mission in life.

1. A Divine Call – Jesus called His disciples to become “fishers of men,” inviting them to leave behind their former lives and follow Him. This call extends to us today. We are chosen and called by God to be His representatives in the world, to share His love, and to bring others into a vibrant relationship with Him.

Matthew 4:19 – “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.'”

2. Casting Our Nets – Just as fishermen cast their nets into the sea, we are called to cast our nets of love, compassion, and the message of salvation into the world around us. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones, reaching out to those who are hurting, lost, or in need of the hope that only Christ can provide. Let us be intentional in our actions, seeking opportunities to share God’s love with those we encounter.

Mark 1:16-18 – “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”

3. Trusting in God’s Providence – Fishing requires faith and trust in the provision of God. Fishermen cast their nets and wait, knowing that their catch is ultimately in God’s hands. Similarly, as we engage in sharing the Gospel, we must trust in God’s timing and His ability to work in the lives of those we reach. We plant the seeds, but it is God who brings the increase. Let us have faith that He will bring forth a bountiful harvest.

Luke 5:10-11 – “Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ So, they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”

4. Nurturing and Discipling – Once the fish are caught, fishermen take care of their catch, ensuring their well-being and growth. Similarly, we are called to nurture and disciple those who respond to the message of Christ. We walk alongside them, guiding, teaching, and supporting them on their journey of faith. Let us be a source of encouragement, offering guidance and sharing the wisdom and truth found in God’s Word.

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The significance of being fishers of men.

May we embrace our divine call, casting our nets of love and truth into the world around us. Let us trust in God’s provision and timing, knowing that He is at work in the lives of those we encounter. And may we faithfully nurture and disciple those who respond, guiding them towards a deeper relationship with Christ. Remember, our role as fishers of men is not limited to a select few; it is an invitation for all believers to participate in the redemptive work of God. May we embrace this calling wholeheartedly and be ambassadors of His love and grace in the world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We come before you today with humble hearts, seeking your guidance and strength to be fishers of men, just as Jesus called his disciples to be. We acknowledge that it is through your power and grace that we can fulfill this calling. We ask for your wisdom and discernment as we interact with others, that we may have the right words to share the good news of your love and salvation. Help us to see people as you see them, with compassion and a desire for their spiritual well-being.

Grant us the courage to step out of our comfort zones, to reach out to those who are lost and searching for meaning in their lives. Give us opportunities to build relationships and establish connections with those who are in need of your saving grace. We also ask for your patience and perseverance as we walk alongside those we are discipling. Help us to be good listeners, ready to offer guidance and support. Give us the words to speak truth and love into their lives, pointing them towards you and helping them grow in their faith.

May your Holy Spirit empower us to be effective witnesses of your truth, shining your light in the darkness. Give us boldness to share our testimonies and the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

Father, we surrender our own desires and agendas, and ask that you align our hearts with yours. Help us to be obedient to your leading, following your example of love and service. We ask all these things in Jesus precious name, Amen.

Invitation:

Have you ever eacknowledged Jesus as you Lord and Savior?

If you do not know Him personally. I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. We truly are living in the end days, a d the only road to Heavwn is through Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus

If you would like to request a prayer Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 30th 2016 – Locate Your Spiritual Passions

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“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Paul tells the church of Corinth to “examine themselves as to whether you are in the faith.” In the same way today we should take some time to examine ourselves as well. In the military before soldiers go into battle, two soldiers will stand in front of each other and check to make sure they are each equipped for the battle.

Do you know that you are in the battle, spiritually speaking?

Since we are in a battle, obviously at times we need to examine ourselves. So what does it look like for us to examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith? I see these as “Spiritual Passions”, or more appropriately the spiritual disciplines to help us examine our lives in Christ. At times, we should take a look at these passions or principles to see where we are spiritually with the Lord. Taking a survey, if you will, of each principle and rating ourselves on a 1-to-10 scale: 10 meaning you are walking in this maturely and 1 pointing to the need to step up in this area.

Let’s look together at these:

Worship – This is not something you do at church on Sunday mornings, but worshiping the Lord in everything we do. Whether you are at work, home with your family, or serving in your local church these things are a form of worship. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Read/Study – As we grow in Christ our main point of hearing from the Lord is through His Word. We want to be followers of Jesus, and the best way to do that is having our noses in the Bible “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2nd Timothy 3:16)

Fellowship/Family –  Fellowship is a great privilege, possible whenever it occurs; in church, Bible studies, prayer meetings, home groups, with roommates or family. It is how God meets our needs–it is His “supply line” “For wherever two or three people have come together in my name, I am there, right among them!” (Matthew 18:20)

Prayer – Jesus died not for just our sins, He died for a relationship with Him. There is nothing more important than a life of prayer. ” Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven” (Psalm 107:28-30)

Serving – If you have received Christ in your life you are called to ministry. The term “full-time ministry” is really misused as we are all in full-time ministry. We get to serve the King of kings with the gifts that He gave to us as the church. “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) 

Giving – We see scripturally the practice of the tithe to our local church body, but more than being concerned with the financial aspect of that is giving away our selfishness. We are called to support the work of the ministry whether through the tithe or offerings. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Evangelism/Discipleship – We get to share the Gospel, invite people to church and help raise others up in the faith. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Where are you with these Spiritual Passions? Looking at these passions in our personal walk will help to identify areas of weakness in our lives. Once we see the weaknesses, then we begin to grow in our relationship with Christ because we want to be more Christ-like.

The Bible is clear that our salvation is by grace alone, through faith, by Christ alone. These are just great disciplines to help us examine whether we are in the faith. Remember, we are all growing in Christ and are in different areas of that growth so extend grace to yourself and extend grace to others.

Take this opportunity see where you are at right now in your walk with Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving me enough to sacrifice Your Son to be able to wash away my sins and have a relationship with You. Thank you for Your Word that shows me the way to live a Christ centered life. Thank you for Your Spirit that allows me to live a life that shows You to a lost and dying world. Please help me to continually examine my life and make sure I am not neglecting one of these areas of spiritual growth. In Jesus name. Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org