We Christians were blessed in order to become a blessing. We were made a disciple to go make disciples.
Every disciple is a believer, but not every believer is necessarily a disciple. Anything short of discipleship, however, is settling for less than what God really desires for us.
Loving God more than anyone or anything else is the very foundation of being a disciple. If you want to live your Christian life to its fullest, then love Jesus more than anyone or anything else. Stay in touch and follow where He leads you. You and I must choose, either you will have harmony with God and friction with people, or you will have harmony with people and friction with God. You become a disciple in the biblical sense only when you are totally and completely committed to Jesus Christ and His Word.
As a true disciple, your life won’t only be characterized by practical results and a hunger for Scripture, but you also will have a love for other people — especially for Christ most, and then a love for fellow believers. Without all of these characteristics, you can’t really claim to be His disciple.
Billy Graham once said, “We are the Bibles the world is reading. We are the creeds the world is needing. We are the sermons the world is heeding.”
- A person who has been with Jesus will pray, will obey, and will go tactfully witness.
Yes, they will live the life and boldly share his or her faith in order to win somebody to Jesus Christ.
“The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.” ― Greg Laurie
- A person who has been with Jesus will change, will grow, will mature. They will be a person of godly character.
- A person who has been with Jesus will be mocked, joked about, and persecuted at times.
Jesus Calls Every Christian To Become A Fisher Of Men (People).
After our personal worship priority (I mean worship that's acceptable/biblical), we want to reach out to fish for people. The Lord guides each of us in this. (In fact we are committed to this lifestyle, after our commitment to Christ and his five Essentials this tops the list).
HERE’S A PICTURE OF MANY MODERN-DAY CHURCHES AND BELIEVERS.
Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And lo, there were many fish in the waters all arounda. In fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams, seas, and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry too!
Week after week, month after month, and year after year, those who called themselves fisherman, gathered in important meetings and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing means, defended fishing as an occupation, and declared that: “Fishing is always to be a primary task of fishermen!”
Continually they searched for new and better methods of fishing and for new and better definitions. Further, they said, "The fishing industry exists by fishing as fire exists by oxygen, fuel, and combustion or burning."
They loved slogans such as "Born to fish," "Fishing is the task of every fisherman," "Fish ’till you drop," "Every fisherman is a true fisher," and "A fisherman department for every fisherman’s club."
Some zealous people really dug in deep to learn more information -- sure cuz study can be good if it doesn't self-terminate there! They were aiming to gain some expertise in all the finer points of effectual-fishin'.
They sponsored special meetings called "Fishermen’s Campaigns" and "The Month For Fishermen To Fish!" They sponsored expensive nationwide and worldwide congresses to discuss all the points of fishing-specificity and to promote simple fishing too. It was a great time to hear all the complex or far from complex plans. What's needed is excellent methods of fishing minus wrong compromise. It was the place to preview all the latest fishing equipment, books, fish calls and to see whether any new bait was discovered
These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings called "Fishing Headquarters." The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and every fisherman should fish. One thing they didn’t do, however, they didn’t fish.
In addition to meeting regularly, they organized a board to send out fishermen to other places where there were many fish. All the fishermen seemed to agree that what is needed is a humble board which could challenge fishermen to be faithful in fishing. The board was formed by those who had the great vision, or degrees, and courage to speak about fishing.. to define fishing, and to promote the idea of fishing in faraway streams and lakes where many other fish of different colors lived.
Also the board hired grateful staff members and appointed committees and held meetings to define fishing, to defend fishing, and to decide what new streams should be thought about. But the staff and committee members were too busy to fish.
Large elaborate and expensive training centers were built whose original and primary purpose was to teach fishermen how to fish. And these wonderful buildings and their maintenance operations took on the greatest of importance as their leaders wisely prioritized. One craftsman made a beautiful silver plaque for the entry of one such center, with their engraved watchword, "We duplicate what we are! Our constituents will fish like we as leaders fish, more than if we just tell them to go fishing!"
Over the years, specialized courses were offered on the various needs and dependencies of fish, the nature of fish, the politically correct fisher, fish self-esteem, fish as victims, healing the fish we plan to catch, where to find fish, the psychological reactions and phobias of 22nd century fishermen, also how to sensitively approach and feed fish.
Many of those who eloquently taught fishing had earned doctorates in fishology. But the teachers did not fish. They only taught skillful fishing. Some of them, thought of as having fishing expertise, felt that actual fishing with pole or net, was to be left for the few groups of fishing clubs that were so gifted. But year after year, after tedious training, many were graduated and were given fishing licenses. They were sent to do full-time fishing, some to distant waters, which were filled with fish.
Some financed and actually spent much on research, on travel to go learn the history of fishing, and to see faraway places where the founding fathers did great fishing in the centuries past. They lauded the faithful fishermen of years before who stayed with the club and handed down the idea of fishing.
Further, the fishermen built large printing houses to publish fishing guides. Presses were kept busy day and night to produce materials solely devoted to fishing methods, equipment, and programs to arrange and to encourage meetings to talk about fishing. A speaker's bureau was also provided to schedule speakers on the subject of fishing.
Many who felt the call to be fishermen responded. They were commissioned and sent to fish, however, like the fishermen back home they never fished. Just like the fishermen back home, they engaged in all kinds of other occupations. Some were convinced that they were allergic to fish. So, they made all kinds of equipment to travel here and there to look at fish hatcheries. Some also said that they wanted to be part of the fishing party, but they felt called to furnish fishing resources and premiums.
Others felt that their job was to relate to the fish in a cool and friendly way so the fish would know the difference between good and hypocritical fishermen. Others felt that simply letting the fish know they were nice, land-loving neighbors and how warm and kind they were, was enough to make these fish eventually get themselves caught.
After a stirring meeting on "The Necessity for Fishing," one young fellow stood up, left the meeting and went fishing.
The next day he reported he had caught two outstanding fish. He was honored for his excellent catch and was scheduled to appear on all the prime time fishing-talk shows and drive-time radio shows. His face appeared on the cover of many fishing magazines and book contracts were signed. They scheduled him to visit all the big meetings, as much as possible, to tell how he did it. Crowds always wanted his touch, his autograph, his podcasts …or his son to come talk to them. Countless sought to get closer in different ways. And his own speaking became "in demand" internationally, so he quit his fishing in order to have the time to tell about the experience to the other fishermen. He was also placed on the General Board as a person having considerable experience and there was even talk of eventually making him the president of a reputable fishing college.
Now it's true that many of the fishermen sacrificed and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Some lived near the water and bore the smell of dead fish every day. They received the ridicule of some who made fun of their fishermen's clubs and the fact that they claimed to be fishermen yet never fished. They wondered about those who felt it was of little use to attend the weekly meetings to talk about fishing. After all, were they not following the Master who said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers..?"
Imagine how hurt some felt when one day a person suggested that those who don't catch fish were really not fishermen, no matter how much they claimed to be. Yet it did sound correct. Is a person a fisherman if year after year he never catches a fish? Is one following if he isn't fishing?
"One can love fish but never catch any himself until he goes fishing." ~ Vance Havner
Is there such a thing as Christian discipleship that is non-evangelistic? Uhh, no. According to Jesus Himself, a plain result of following Him is acceptable worship and that we each choose and become fishers of men and of women.
It's not enough just to follow our Lord's life principles, teachings, or His good example, we must follow Him where He's presently going! The Scriptures make His purpose clear.
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost" (Luke 19:10).
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Doing your part to pray and believe and to biblically witness.. being involved in saving souls is still the master passion of Jesus (the only one who can forgive and save a soul) and He wants to use you in this ministry!
That’s regeneration, it’s free — no earning it!
Next comes ministry and sanctification for each of us. So, go tell someone all that He’s done for you. Tactfully share His gospel message for the purpose of winning lost people to Him.
“The sinner cannot convert the sinner. Fish will not be fishers.” ~ Charles Spurgeon
 |
| Photos by Stephen Momot |
Thank you J.D.! I (Kurt W.v. Schleicher) adapted this piece from “a plea for fishing” by John Drescher.
“Love is a verb.” ― Jack Hyles
“Preaching is truth set on fire.” ― Jack Hyles
Need Some Bible Verses About Soul Winning from the King James Version?
Proverbs 11:30 - The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.
Matthew 28:19 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 - 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? (Read More...)
Matthew 10:32 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Daniel 12:3 - And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Romans 10:9 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 3:10 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Hebrews 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Galatians 6:7-8 - Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Read More...)
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
John 3:5 - Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Luke 23:39-43 - And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. (Read More...)
Luke 23:39 - And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Ezekiel 33:1-9 - Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (Read More...)
Romans 10:10 - For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 15:16 - Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 5:24 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Luke 18:13 - And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Isaiah 55:6 - Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Romans 10:13 - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 5:12 - Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:21 - And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
John 8:11 - She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Luke 14:23 - And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.
Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:15 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Matthew 16:26 - For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Joel 2:32 - And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Isaiah 55:7-8 - Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
John 20:31 - But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
John 20:30 - And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 1:45 - Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
Luke 18:14 - I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Luke 18:10-14 - Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. (Read More...)
Isaiah 53:6 - All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 - For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
John 1:40-43 - One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. (Read More...)
Mark 2:1-28 - And again he entered into Capernaum after [some] days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
God's mandate for all of us believers in some way: "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."
Let's consider that some 3.11 billion people in the world live in communities where reborn Christians with the Message and their own story of faith.. make up less than two percent of the population. We want to live balanced and spiritual before a watching world.
13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “LORD, who has believed our message?”
17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. Romans 10
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment