Get Out Of The Boat

Repentance and Belief

John 1:14–15 NIV

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”)

Mark 1:14–15 NIV

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

John 1:14

is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, and before he tells people what to go and do in the world, what does he tell them to do internally first?

“Repent and believe the good news!”

John 3:15 NIV

that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

Turning away from sin, and believing in the goodness of Jesus is always, always, always step one in anything we do in life.

Sometimes we think that belief is the first thing, and then we move on to work in the world.

No. We always find both together.

Sermons, on Several Occasions Sermon 43: The Scripture Way of Salvation

exactly as we are justified by faith, so are we sanctified by faith. Faith is the condition, and the only condition, of sanctification, exactly as it is of justification.

The first step to following Jesus isn’t getting busy.

It’s turning inward and asking what we need to repent from, and what it means to believe the good news about healing!

Reject sin. Accept the forgiveness and holiness of Christ.

Finding Fish

Mark 1:16–18 NIV

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Mark 1:

Lots of places that you can find fish

There are fish at work

There are fish in the home

There are fish here today who need a word from God

The fish are the people we will encounter every day when God has called us to something.

Every place that God has called you to has opportunity to live out your faith in winsome, caring, and respectful ways.

Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary: Year B, Volume 1 Theological Perspective

wherever Jesus was active, the time was fulfilled and the kingdom was present. Whenever the gospel is preached, the reign of God draws near to the hearers, calling for a decision.

As we are being changed, we have scores of small opportunities each day to share the good news of our healing with other people.

Wherever Jesus is shared, whether in big or small ways, it calls on the hearer to make a decision.

In what ways is the gospel changing you? In what ways does your life, and your words testify to the work Jesus is doing in you?

Get Out Of The Boat

Mark 1:19–20 NIV

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

To follow Jesus means that we get out of what’s comfortable and do what God has called us to.

Might mean that hard decisions need to be made.

Any of you like Hobby Lobby?

When Hobby Lobby decided not to do business on Sunday, sales dropped significantly. The nationwide craft store chain’s most profitable hours of the week had been on Sundays. But customers adjusted to the change. Sales rebounded and have remained healthy, according to company communication coordinator Bob Miller.

Internet Article - “When Hobby Lobby decided not to do business on Sunday, sales dropped significantly. The nationwide craft store chain’s most profitable hours of the week had been on Sundays. But customers adjusted to the change. Sales rebounded and have remained healthy, according to company communication coordinator Bob Miller.”

Personal example

Getting out of the ANG in 2011

Ben Wheelan

Coming back in in 2016

God closed doors and opened 1

Here’s the deal…When you know God has called you, just get out of the boat.

Drop the nets, look forward to what God has for you, and not back to what God had for you.

Some of you may be the person who needs to repent and believe…perhaps for the first time

Some of you may be the person who is timid to share the hope of the gospel with the fish around you.

Some of you may be afraid to get out of the boat.

What would it look like for you to repent and believe, to fish, to get out of the boat?

If you need to take those steps, pray this prayer with me.

Gracious Christ, you came to the fishermen when the prophet John was taken away. Come to us now, as we fear losses of our own. Grant us courage to cast aside the nets that bind us, to follow you into true freedom and newness of life. Help us to be faithful disciples, that we might inspire others to follow in your ways. Amen.