This second of five sermons that explores the discernment of God’s will/vision and then making it our mission to do.  Following God’s plan makes for a less anxious and healthy life as well as connecting us to eternity. 

Passion is essential to knowing God’s Vision for our lives.  We have to want it before we can know it or share it.

The Fisherman’s lesson….

I am a stick and earthworm sort of fisherman but found myself on the Walmart fishing aisle looking at plastic worms.  Real fishing folks know that if they could talk a fish into the boat, there would be no fish out there to catch.  There is always someone on the fishing aisle to talk to.

On this day a gentleman fishing had this passion to teach me the ways of plastic baits and he had to get out or it might cause him physical harm.  He told of big fish and many adventures along with my need for 7 1/2 inch watermelon colored worms with a circle hooks.  This was the answer to life’s questions and the way to slay the most elusive fish. He told of these magic worms with such passion that I was ready to chew on one just to share the experience.

In the back of my mind I thought that if I presented Christ with the passion that this fellow had for rubber worms, we would be short of parking spots and seats on Sunday.  Passion is essential for mission.  Too often Christians become Walmart talkers instead of Kingdom fishers.  As Paul said ( 1 Corinthians 4:20) “For the Kingdom of God does not exist is talk but in power.  Passion is a key ingredient to discernment.  We are Christ’s love in Action and not Christ love in talking.  Faith is learned by DOING!

Check out this worship video that reinforces the sermon:  The Fishless fisherman’s society, courtesy of EZ Zwayne,  Click Here

LESSONS FROM THE GOSPEL, Click here to follow my notes:   John chapter 21:1-19

• Jesus gave them coaching before they recognized him-“hey use the 7 1/2″ Watermelon Flip Tailed Worms!”THEY FOLLOWED AND PROSPERED-THIS WAS NOT ABOUT THE FISH BUT THE FISHERMEN
• Peter was led by passion over the gunnels and into the lake.  He wanted Jesus! The rest were left to row the boat-That takes passion too.
• This fishing advice became advice for life. They were fishing for survival and not recreation. Follow Me.
• Jesus didn’t send them to a conference or form a committee, he identified himself clearly and in him, defined the role of a disciple.
• Jesus met them on the beach, where they were living the day-to-day
• The Mission was that of Love and Nurture. Peter the bold, passionate and clumsy, was asked if he loved Jesus three times, and received his calling, first to love Jesus, then to feed and pastor Jesus’ people
• Peter accepted this ordination fully knowing the danger and difficulty of his mission.  His calling was simply, “Follow Me.”

SO WHAT?  What do we do with all of this?

• Jesus is meeting us where we are, to tell us  we can handle life , to do what needs to be done.  Follow Him.  Do the Life in Christ with Passion! Want it!
• Live a balance of study and action, inreach and outreach, and reflect our passion outside with a clear focus on Jesus’ direction
• Don’t over think-JUMP IN, live by faith with grace enough to share

• Fish-Practice the power of letting someone speak for 2 minutes or more uninterrupted. Inhale each time you are tempted to speak.
• Concentrate-listen for something spiritual to be said in this conversation
• Know-You are a beloved child of the living God-God put you in this conversation.
• Invite-JUMP IN! Tell them about your church family, and your faith. Bring them to church and sit with them
• Lead by following-Don’t lecture them, tell of how Christ works in your life everyday. You grow when your show your passion.  This may be loud and rowdy, but more likely it will be quiet and conversational.

Write a comment of this encounter and I will mail you a 7 1/2″ watermelon colored fishing worm!  Yes, Really.   Follow Jesus with passion. Who knows, You might change the world.

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