Let’s Go Fishing! (Father’s Day)
Pastor Phil Derstine 6-18-23
Fishers of Men – Jesus used metaphor of Fishing
· Matthew 4:19 “And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
· Fishing isn’t pretty – Ministry is messy!
· Need to “Catch ‘em before you Clean ‘em!”
How to Fish (Soul winning metaphor)
1. Hook – Is Jesus
· Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
· Tying on the Hook – Make sure you’re well connected to Christ!
· Baiting the Hook – “Live” bait, Artificial bait, Cut bait (what kind of bait are you?)
2. Line – Your talk, conversation
· Romans 10:14 “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher.”
3. Sinker – Your testimony (gets the bait down to where the fish are)
· I Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
· II Cor. 5:20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
Fishing Tips
- Don’t fish alone – Jesus sent disciples 2 X 2
- Practice makes perfect – Have to “go” fishing
- Get your bait in the water – Not just boating around
- Baiting the hook – To look natural; Be yourself
- Different types of Rods & Reels – God uses everybody
- Your tackle box – Preparation; The Word of God
- Cleaning fish – Ministry is Messy
Where to Fish
· Mark 16:15 “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
· Matthew 5:6 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
· John 21:6 “And He said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find…”
When to Fish
· John 4:35 “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
· II Corinthians 6:2 “I tell you, NOW is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
Why Should I Fish?
· John 4:34 “My food, said Jesus, Is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” (My nourishment; what keeps me going, gives me life)
· I Samuel 15:22 “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…”
· Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
· I Corinthians 4:15 “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the gospel. (16) Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me (imitate me).”
