Untitled Sermon (21)

A patient in a north Ga hospital knocked over a cup of water which spilled on the floor beside his bed. Afraid he may slip on the water if he got out of bed he asked the nurse’s aide to mop it up. The patient didn't know it, but the hospital’s policy said that small spills were the responsibility of the nurse’s aid while large spills were to be mopped up by housekeeping.

The nurse’s aid decided the spill was a large one so she called housekeeping. The house keeper arrived and declared the spill a small one, and an argument followed.

“It’s not my responsibility” said the nurse's aid, “because its a large puddle.” The housekeeper did not agree. “Well, its not mine” she said, “the puddle is too small.” The exasperated patient listened for a while, then took a pitcher of water and poured the whole thing on the floor. “Is that a big enough puddle now for you two to decide whose responsibility it is?” It was.

We live in a time when people do not want to take responsibility for much of anything. This is true in our Christian life. But, we must understand that Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with God through Christ Jesus, a relationship that also effects our fellow man. And, it is time that we Christians uphold our responsibility.

Context:

CPS: We have a responsibility in Christ to obey Him, love Him, and follow Him.

I. We must Obey Christ. (1-8)

Jesus called Peter and the disciples to be fishers of men (Matt. 4:19, Mark 1:17, Luke 5:1-11). Like wise He has called each us to the same mission (Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-48, Acts 1:8, John 20:21). Its interesting to note of Jesus’ discples, at least 7 were we fisherman. They were couragous, dedicated, patient, not easily distracted, knew how to take orders, and how to work together. For Peter to go fishing was to return to the profession he was called out of. But his work (fishing) was invain, but when Jesus said throw your net on the other side he was successful. Success was a boat’s width away. Until we learn to obey Jesus and cast out nets where He directs we too will be unsuccessful.

Possible ILL/Quotes: There’s a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot.

There are more fish taken out of a stream than ever were in it.

Our idea of fishing is to put all the exertion up to the fish. If they are ambitious we will catch them. If they are not, let them go about their business.

II. We must love Christ (9-18)

III. We must Follow Christ (19-25)