Fish, Part 3: Fish Stories

GRANT FISHBOOK, LEAD TEACHING PASTOR

Mark 1:16-20
¹⁶ Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” ¹⁸ And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
         ¹⁹ And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. ²⁰ And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

How does fishing for people actually work?

Acts 3:1-10
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. ² Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴ Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
        ⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹ When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

But what I do have, I give you…

What do you have to offer?

The story of

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:24-25

The story of Jesus , which was always meant to be

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes… – Romans 1:16

Your

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience… –1 Peter 3:15-16a

Your prayerful

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Matthew 9:36-38

Here am I Lord, send me. – Isaiah 6:8

Following Jesus includes sharing your faith.

At some point, your love has to include and !

Small Group Questions

1. What’s your favorite spring activity? Why?
2. Read the story in Acts 3. What is God teaching you about sharing your faith from this story?
3. Have you ever shared your faith with someone who didn’t know Jesus? What happened? If not, what keeps you from sharing about Jesus?
4. How did you come to faith in Jesus? Share the story of your salvation.
5. Who do you know that needs Jesus? Would you start praying for an opportunity to share with them, right now? Ask God for the opportunity to share and the boldness to take the step.
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?