Sunday Sermon

Becoming a Fisher of Men Dave Shaner January 23, 2005

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:16-20

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

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 make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Introduction: Churches can be very self-serving. Jesus wants you to be a fishionary. You were sent on His mission for his purposes.

Text: Mark 1:16-18

I. Disciples of Christ ____________ to be ____________.

A. You must learn to catch fish.

B. The most important business in the world is the people business.

C. You must intentionally pursue becoming a fisherman.

II. What we must learn to be a fisher of men.

A. Be able ______________________________.

1. You don't have to answer everything to be a fisher of men.

2. Romans 3:23

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

3. Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

4. Romans 10:13

for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

5. II Corinthians 5:20-21

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

B. Be aware ______________________________.

1. Types of approaches:

a. ________________ approach (Peter - Acts 2:22-24;36)

"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." ... "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

b. ________________ approach (Paul - Acts 17)

c. ________________ approach (Luke 5:29)

Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.

d. ________________ or Samaritan approach (John 4:29)

"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"

e. ________________ approach

f. The ________________ approach (John 9)

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. - Colossians 4:5

C. Be alert for ______________________________.

1. God's offer for men is not just what you do, but who you are.

2. It may not come natural to you, but God majors in the supernatural.

Conclusion: What do you want to be known for? Fishing for men is the most important work in all the world.

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