Are You A Fisherman or Are you Just Fishing?

Mk 1:16-18 NRSV - 16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, Follow me and I will make you fish for people. 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

We have been given the command to, “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: 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you, And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

You may be saying to yourself, “Pastor you keep saying that, but how do I do that?” Well stay with me, keep coming back and I’ll tell you. But it’s a process, so you won’t get it all in one message.

So let me start with a question for you this morning and the title of today’s message, “Are You A Fisherman Or Are You Just Fishing?” While it may sound like the same thing, they are very different.

So what’s the difference between being a fisherman and just fishing? We’ll get to that.

In today’s text Jesus is talking to Simon and Andrew, two brothers who are commercial fishermen. They are where fisherman would be, by the water. In this case, at the Sea of Galilee.

They are minding their own business, but as Jesus is passing by, he notices them and calls out to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Of course he knew who they were, he was God. And…he knew what their response would be.

Immediately, they left their nets and began to follow Jesus. They were the first of Jesus’ disciples. What I need you to see in this exchange is,

• They didn’t really know a lot about Jesus, but they had seen him around.

• They asked him no questions.

• They dropped their nets and followed him immediately.

• They left what was comfortable and familiar and went to the unknown.

Keep that in mind.

Now let’s talk about just fishing. When you’re just fishing, you decide on a whim to go down to the lake, the pond or a fishing hole. There’s not much forethought that goes into just fishing.

You get whatever bait you can find and hope that’s what the fish want that day.

You have no real plan. You’re just going to throw your hook into the water and hope a fish takes the bait you’ve put on it. You’re not even picky about what kind of fish takes the bait.

Now let’s bring it to the church.

When you’re just fishing or just a church goer, you put no real forethought into the assignment you’ve been given.

So this is what it looks like. While you’re out shopping or running errands, you may invite someone to church.

You don’t know the church’s motto, mission, vision, or any of its goals.

• You can tell them what time service starts,

• you may or may not mention Sunday school,

• but you’re not sure of the church’s address

• and you’re not good with directions so you really struggle with telling them how to get here.

• And oh, even though we have postcards in the back with all that information on them, you don’t have any of those with you.

Here’s another thing for you to consider, if they do per chance make it to the church, will they see you when they get here or will that be a Sunday you decided to do something else?

Are you a fisherman; or are you just fishing.

The problem with just fishing is it usually doesn’t yield a harvest. There is no real plan and the person you’re talking to will probably not make it to the church.

See, when you get a fish on the line, you have to set the hook, or you won’t get them to the boat or the shore. And so the church limps along from Sunday to Sunday.

Perhaps you’re an online viewer who really enjoys watching the message on Facebook or on our YouTube channel, and we really appreciate that. But you never contribute financially, nor do you share the message, you may or may not leave a comment.

Please don’t get me wrong and don’t be offended, but when you hop from message to message to message online and you do nothing to further or contribute to that ministry you’re just fishing.

To our online viewers, we get anywhere from 350 - 700 views per message. Now imagine if you will if each of those views donated just $5, can you imagine how that would help to advance the ministry? If you donate through PayPal, you can set up a recurring donation so you don’t have to go in and do it every week or every month, you could set it and forget it.

If you really wanted to become a part of the ministry and fully experience the services you could join us at 3500 Hwy 5, Ste 101, Douglasville, GA or if you don’t live in the area or homebound you can join us on Zoom where we do Sunday school, Worship Service, Bible study and Intercessory prayer services. That is if you’re not attending an in-person worship service or already part of an online ministry because there’s a real reason you aren’t able to get out of the house.

We’re trying to determine are you a fisherman or are you just fishing?

My dad was an avid fisherman. He loved to fish; so I spent every weekend of every summer of my youth sitting on a lake somewhere with my mom, dad, a fishing pole, and some sort of bait. That is until I got my driver’s license and a job and was old enough to say I have to work today.

When you arrive at the fishing spot, the fisherman may look the same as the one just fishing, until you look a little deeper.

A fisherman is committed to the task at hand.

A fisherman plans the day and time they’re going fishing.

A fisherman decides what kind of fish they’re going to catch so they can get the right bait.

• Some fish like night crawlers.

• Some fish like smaller fish, like minnows.

• Some fish like flies

• Some prefer lures.

• Some fish like raw meat like chicken.

• Some fish like shrimp.

• Some fish like catfish prefer a really stinky bait.

A fisherman knows what type of bait to have for the fish they want to catch.

A fisherman has the right rod and reel for the size fish they want to catch. The rod and reel you have to catch perch is going to be much different than what you would use to catch a marlin.

A fisherman has put some thought into where they are going to fish and they know the rules of the place where they’re going to fish.

A fisherman will have the proper paperwork that allows them to fish for what and where they’re fishing. Some states require special licenses for certain types of fishing.

A fisherman invests in their craft, it is an investment to be a true fisherman. They have to purchase

• their equipment

• their license

• depending on the type of fishing they want to do, they may need a boat

• they may need or want to take some classes

A fisherman is going to invest their time, they’re going to watch fishing shows when they’re not out fishing.

A fisherman is going to do some research. They’re going to find the best places to go fishing so they can go to the right fishing spot.

You can have the right rod, the right reel, and the right bait but be at the wrong spot and you’ll never catch what you were fishing for.

A fisherman gets up early in the morning and heads to the spot they’ve researched and prepared for.

A fisherman is intentional about fishing, they love it and they will fish every chance they get.

When they get to their chosen spot and begin fishing, they have to be patient, the fish may not bite right away. There are many factors that go into when fish will and won’t take your bait.

Are they already full? If it’s a stocked lake or pond have they just been fed? Is it too hot and the fish have gone deeper than your line is set? Are you using the bait they want today?

We’re trying to establish, are you a fisherman or are you just fishing?

And then, after you catch the fish, there are steps you must take so they will still be good when you get them home.

You have to keep them alive, you have to have a cooler or basket to keep them in with some water. And you have to keep them from predators, snakes, birds, bears, and other animals in the area that may come and try to take your catch.

When you get home you have to clean the fish. The type of fish it is determines whether you’re going skin it or scale it. How you’re going to cook it and its size will determine if you’re going to fillet it, leave it whole, or cut it into sections.

Maybe you’re not going to cook it right away, maybe you’re going to freeze it and save it for later. There’s a process for that too.

Now what does it look to fish for people? Another word for fisherman today is disciple.

Well, when you walk into the church the disciples and those just fishing or just attending church will also look alike.

• They may both sing

• They may both clap their hands

• They may both say amen

• They may even both shout

But when you look a little deeper…

• A disciple is committed to the task at hand. They’re committed to the assigned task of making more disciples.

• The disciple plans the day and time they’re going out witnessing. It’s not just an afterthought.

• The disciple knows that Christ died for all, therefore they will not be selective about who they approach.

And while Jesus is the right bait for every race, gender, ethnicity, and age fish. There are many characteristics, aka bait, to draw them in.

• The person you’re talking to may need just an ear to listen.

• They may need a hug.

• They may need a smile.

• They may need something to eat.

• They may need somewhere to live.

• They may need a safe place.

A disciple knows that a woman running from an abusive man needs something different than a man who just lost his job and is trying to find a way to provide for his family. The rod and reel are very different for them.

A disciple knows about their environment. They know where and what they are inviting the person into. A disciple who is planted at Love Christian Center knows that

• Our motto is: Where the love of Christ is at the center of all we do.

• Our mission is: Lifting up Jesus, winning souls for the Kingdom of God.

• Our vision is: Be a place where people come for enlightenment, encouragement, and empowerment to advance and enhance the Kingdom of God.

• Our goals are:

1) To win lost souls for Christ through evangelism.

2) To biblically educate Christians through sound Scriptural teaching and preaching. And

3) To equip Christians spiritually, physically and financially through comprehensive coaching.

A disciple knows what branch or church they’re called to serve in. And within that church they learn the rules of the church.

A disciple knows that they need to have training to fully perform the role they have in the church they’re in, so they’ll best know how their gift and talent is to be utilized in that specific church, because every church operates differently.

A disciple knows some positions in the church are a calling. Some require training, some require licensing and some require ordination. While others just take knowledge, a willingness to serve, and an appointment to the position.

A disciple invests in their church. Malachi 3:10 says it this way in the NLT, “10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”

What is a tithe? It’s a tenth of your income, whatever your income is, whether it’s $10 or $10,000. So if you’re at the $10 level, your tithe is $.10 If you’re at the $10,000 level, your tithe is $1,000.

And don’t be ashamed if you’re at the .$10 level because here’s what Jesus had to say in Mark 12:41 “He [Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

It’s not how much you give, it’s the attitude with which you give it. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. Talk to the Lord, set it in your heart how much you’re going to give and give that. If it’s less than the 10% God said to give, you make a commitment stick to that commitment and watch the Lord bless you to get to that 10%, then watch him take you further.

To those who say I can’t afford to tithe, I say to you, you can’t afford not to. When you tithe you make a demand on God’s promise. What?!

Let’s go back. God said If you do, then he will. If you bring all the tithes into the store house, the church, God will open the windows of heaven for you. Not only did God say he would open the windows, he’s going to pour you out a blessing you won’t have room enough to receive it.

Then he gives you a dare, He’s says, “Try it! Put me to the test!” But that blessing is conditional, you have to go first.

A disciple not only invests their money, they invest their time and their talent.

• They come to Sunday School, every week.

• They come to Worship Service, every week.

• They come to Bible study, every week.

• They participate in intercessory prayer every week.

• They pray without ceasing and in their prayer, they pray for their pastor every day.

• They give and serve as unto the Lord and not to please man. But know this, when you give unto the Lord, man will benefit.

• They serve with humility, not haughtily, not pridefully or arrogantly. They don’t have a, you better be glad I’m here attitude. But they come with a praise on their lips and joy in their heart, excited about how they can serve the Lord this day.

A disciple rises up early in the morning. Jesus rose up early in the morning to talk to the Father. Not only is a disciple up early they are intentional about the time they spend with the Father. They set aside time to spend with God.

You say you’re not a morning person? OK you may be a night owl, set aside time in the evening to spend with the Lord. A disciple is intentional about setting aside time daily to spend with the Lord.

A disciple understands that some will plant, some will water, but God provides the increase. So be patient as you go, they may not receive you the first time or the second or the third. But, when it’s time, God will draw them in so be ready when they come. Have a hug and smile for them, not a IT’S ABOUT TIME! You never know what they’ve been through or are going through. Just be there and wait patiently.

Simon and Andrew were commercial fishermen. It’s how they made their living, so they had all the equipment, the knowledge, the boat, the time, and the dedication to be fishermen. Yet they left it all to follow Jesus. But even so they did not stop being the fishermen they were.

If you go to the 5th chapter of Luke you’ll see that sometimes you very well may have the knowledge, the boat, the bait, the time, and the dedication but you still don’t catch any fish. But don’t stop fishing. Jesus is saying launch out into the deep and cast your net.

A disciple knows we have the Lord’s rod and staff to comfort us, so when we are rejected, and we will be, shake the dust off and move on. Not every fish is going to take the bait you’re fishing with that day but do make sure to pray and ask God which bait to use today for what person.

You don’t know why they’re not taking it. They may already be part of another ministry, they may be dealing with some church hurt, it may be they’re just not ready. But you be ready to circle back around another day.

And when they do come, greet them with love and compassion. We have to set the hook by accepting them as they are because…

A disciple knows the enemy comes but to kill, to steal and to destroy, so we have to cover them, pray for them, protect them. Sometimes we may have to comfort them. Sometimes we may have to console them.

It should be our desire that no one falls behind or drops out.

• We want to bring them along with us.

• We want them to be disciples with us.

• We want to teach them and for them to learn with us.

• We want them to desire a closer walk with the Lord and with us.

• We want them to grow in grace with us.

• We want them to make disciples too, with us.

And finally, when it comes to cleaning the new disciple, STOP RIGHT THERE! … that’s God’s responsibility. You may try to get rid of the very thing God wants them to use for His service, he just needs to put his shine on it.

As a disciple, it’s your job to just teach them what God has commanded, and he will do the rest.

Are you a fisherman or are you just fishing? Are you a disciple or are just a church goer? Only you and God can answer that question.

The first step in becoming a disciple is to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. He died to give you that opportunity.

· He died so that you might have life, and life more abundantly.

· He died so you can be an overcomer.

· He died so you can have victory

· He died so when you come before the throne of God, when you stand before the judgement seat of God, you will hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

· And not, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”.

If you want to be a disciple and not just a church goer there are steps.

First you must be saved, it starts with a prayer.

Father, I confess I’m a sinner. I believe you are the one true God and that Jesus is your son. I believe he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died for my sin. Jesus, I want you to be Lord of my life. I give you my heart. In your name I pray. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer for the first time welcome to the family. Find yourself a Bible believing, Bible teaching church where you can truly learn and practice being a disciple.

Now for those of you who have already professed Jesus as your Lord and Savior but you’ve just been fishing and you’re ready to be a fisherman, for those who are ready to be a disciple and not just a church goer, let’s pray.

Father, I’ve given you my heart, now I truly give you my life. All that I am, all that I have, all that I long to be I turn it over to thee. Lord, use me for your service, remove anything in me that dims, dulls or destroys your light and let your light shine through me. Allow me to be that city that sits upon a hill that cannot be hid.

Father, I desire to be a disciple and not just a church goer. Help me to fish for people, help me bear fruit that remains, help me to contribute to the growing body of Christ and Love Christian Center.

I thank you in advance, I praise you in advance because I know you hear and answer prayer. You said the prayers of the righteous availeth much and we are righteous through the blood of Christ that covers us.

I declare that I am your disciple and I will go and make disciples as you have commanded. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.