Session 2 | Strongholds 2025

VOLLEYBALL BIG STUF CAMP — DROWNING STORY — We are busy on the beach — TANNING — VOLLEYBALL — WHILE PEOPLE ARE SINKING TO BE BOTTOM

JESUS CARES ABOUT PEOPLE. JESUS MET 1 ON 1 WITH PEOPLE 132 TIMES IN GOSPELS

Luke 5:1–2 NLT

1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.

JESUS NOTICES THEY HAVE CAUGHT NOTHING. AND NOTICE WHAT JESUS DOES NEXT:

Luke 5:3–4 NLT

3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

WHEN GOD WANTS SOMETHING DONE HE CHOOSES TO USE PEOPLE.

TWO COMMANDS — GO OUT — LET DOWN

WHAT HAPPENS HERE. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE WELL ISN’T MEANT TO STAY THERE.

We are meant to carry it with us to go out. And then we are called to “Let down” to put it into action.

Luke 5:5–7 NLT

5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

We’ve tried. I’ve invited. I’ve shared. Nothings worked. Why would I keep trying? What’s different now?

HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE TRIED TO INVITE SOMEONE TO THE WELL OR TRIED TO SHARE YOUR FAITH AND IT JUST COMPLETELY DIDN’T WORK?

WE DON’T SHARE AND INVITE BECAUSE IT WILL WORK EVERY TIME. WE DO IT BECAUSE WE ARE CALLED TO.

WE DON’T KNOW WHAT ROLE WE ARE CALLED TO PLAY. SOME PLANT, OTHERS WATER, OTHER REAP.

Luke 5:8–10 NLT

8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

JESUS SAYS “YOU FISH… I CATCH”

WE’RE NOT CALLED TO CATCH. WE’RE CALLED TO FISH.

You cannot save anyone. You cannot change anyone. Only Jesus can.

We are called to go out and share our faith. Share our invite. Live our lives in such a way that people ask “what’s different about them” then Jesus does the rest.

If you feel a pressure that you have to have all the answers, have the right responses, that’s not from Jesus. He’s just called you to fish.

Luke 5:10–11 NLT

10 Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

They saw what Jesus could do. And immediately said “I’m in. They didn’t look back.

Sharing our faith is important. It’s something we are called to do.

1 Peter 3:15 CSB

15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

YOUR INVITE

Inviting to the well or to SCC is huge. Do you realize that if this Sunday everyone just brought one person with them that you would double the size of the well.

And it’s not about a number. It’s about how every number is a name. And every name has a story.

You have no idea who is waiting on your invite and who’s life could be forever changed by your invite.

YOUR LIFE

Does your life look different?

The way you live your life is an opportunity to share Jesus with others. If you have given your life to Jesus your life should be something that people take notice of.

They notice the things you prioritize, they notice the way you respond. They notice how you react and how you act.

Do you life your life in a way that it makes people ask “what’s different about them? I want that.”

YOUR STORY

Your Story is the only thing someone cannot argue with.

It’s your story. Someone can try to argue about the Bible, or about who Jesus was, or if the church really matters. They cannot argue with “I gave my life to Jesus and here is how my life has been changed.

Have you thought about your story? Have you thought about your testimony? I would encourage you to write down your story.

What was my life like before Jesus?

How did I meet Jesus and start a relationship with him?

How has my life been different after meeting Jesus?

Romans 10:9 CSB

9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

WE SINNED. JESUS PAID THE DEBT. WHAT’S YOUR RESPONSE

It’s not about knowing all the verses. It’s not about getting all the words right.

There’s no magical words, no perfect sentence.

It’s just we need Jesus. He came and died so we could be forgiven. How then do you respond.

In your groups today there’s several things we can do.

SHARE WAYS TO INVITE FRIENDS. SHARE STORIES OF TIMES YOU’VE INVITED SOMEONE.

SHARE YOUR STORY. SHARE HOW YOU MET JESUS AND PRACTICE TELLING YOUR STORY

ASK QUESTIONS TO YOUR GROUP OR YOUR LEADERS ABOUT HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH

PRAY FOR SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU WANT TO INVITE / SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH.