WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.259 We saw last week in John 20 how Jesus being raised from the dead appeared to the disciples and he appeared to them on the Lord's Day. 00:00:10.359 --> 00:00:14.640 He loves to minister on the Lord's Day, the day of his resurrection. 00:00:15.519 --> 00:00:21.059 One of the signs that Christ did in this appearance in John 20 was to breathe on the disciples. 00:00:21.800 --> 00:00:25.660 I believe this is the ministry of Christ as the great and final prophet. 00:00:25.660 --> 00:00:32.100 He's our prophet, priest and king and the Old Testament prophets would do a sign that was really a revelation. 00:00:33.060 --> 00:00:37.299 And so by breathing on them, he's showing the apostles, my spirit will be breathed out on you. 00:00:37.500 --> 00:00:39.200 And we see that fulfilled in Acts 2. 00:00:39.780 --> 00:00:44.560 I believe what we have in John 21 verses 1 through 14 is another sign act. 00:00:44.900 --> 00:00:50.480 It's another way that Christ is letting his apostles know how his mission will be carried on through them. 00:00:50.980 --> 00:00:53.240 So listen for this as you read these verses. 00:00:53.240 --> 00:00:56.079 I'll read it out loud and you can follow along. 00:00:56.179 --> 00:00:58.539 When I'm done reading, I'll say this is the word of the Lord. 00:00:59.219 --> 00:01:04.379 And if you receive it as God's inspired, infallible, clear and sufficient word, you respond. 00:01:04.540 --> 00:01:05.200 Thanks be to God. 00:01:06.740 --> 00:01:11.400 After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. 00:01:11.920 --> 00:01:13.560 He revealed himself in this way. 00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:22.460 Simon Peter, Thomas, called the twin, Nathaniel from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee's sons and two others of his disciples were together. 00:01:23.239 --> 00:01:25.679 I am going fishing, Simon Peter said to them. 00:01:26.099 --> 00:01:27.719 We're coming with you, they told him. 00:01:28.780 --> 00:01:30.519 They went out and got into the boat. 00:01:30.839 --> 00:01:32.359 But that night they caught nothing. 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:35.179 When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore. 00:01:35.519 --> 00:01:38.019 But the disciples did not know it was Jesus. 00:01:39.019 --> 00:01:41.219 Friends, Jesus called to them. 00:01:41.659 --> 00:01:42.259 Do you not? 00:01:42.759 --> 00:01:44.479 You don't have any fish, do you? 00:01:45.219 --> 00:01:46.079 No, they answered. 00:01:46.079 --> 00:01:50.719 Cast the net on the right side of the boat, he told them, and you'll find some. 00:01:51.519 --> 00:01:52.319 So they did. 00:01:52.719 --> 00:01:57.280 And they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish. 00:01:58.060 --> 00:02:02.239 The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, it is the Lord. 00:02:02.239 --> 00:02:10.719 When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him, for he had taken it off, and plunged into the sea. 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:21.039 Since they were not far from the land, about a hundred yards away, the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. 00:02:21.039 --> 00:02:28.680 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it in bread. 00:02:29.479 --> 00:02:32.399 Bring some of the fish you've just caught, Jesus told them. 00:02:32.799 --> 00:02:40.000 So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore full of large fish, 153 of them. 00:02:41.259 --> 00:02:44.060 Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. 00:02:44.879 --> 00:02:46.919 Come and have breakfast, Jesus told them. 00:02:46.919 --> 00:02:50.199 None of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? 00:02:50.479 --> 00:02:52.799 Because they knew it was the Lord. 00:02:54.099 --> 00:02:56.959 Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. 00:02:57.339 --> 00:02:59.019 He did the same with the fish. 00:02:59.599 --> 00:03:05.779 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. 00:03:06.099 --> 00:03:07.399 This is the word of the Lord. 00:03:08.699 --> 00:03:09.899 Thanks be to God indeed. 00:03:10.019 --> 00:03:10.560 You may be seated. 00:03:10.560 --> 00:03:19.539 The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord endures forever. 00:03:21.360 --> 00:03:22.000 Let's pray. 00:03:26.680 --> 00:03:33.879 God, we saw how you have brought rain and snow, and now you're bringing forth the green grass and the wheat. 00:03:33.879 --> 00:03:36.759 You're faithful to your promise. 00:03:37.699 --> 00:03:40.900 We pray that you'll do the same, Lord, with your word as it goes forth. 00:03:41.400 --> 00:03:43.560 You promise it will not return void. 00:03:43.639 --> 00:03:45.419 It will prosper in your purpose. 00:03:46.359 --> 00:03:50.379 I pray, Lord, that as your word goes forth through the ministry of preaching, 00:03:50.960 --> 00:03:55.219 I pray that you will drag in more souls to Jesus Christ. 00:03:55.340 --> 00:03:56.460 For your glory we ask. 00:03:57.000 --> 00:03:57.319 Amen. 00:03:59.719 --> 00:04:01.879 I believe this passage is about evangelism. 00:04:01.879 --> 00:04:02.439 It's about evangelism. 00:04:02.780 --> 00:04:07.319 It's about how Jesus Christ will carry on the mission of his church, 00:04:07.319 --> 00:04:10.319 and it will be set in motion by the ministry of the apostles. 00:04:10.879 --> 00:04:13.960 That's what he gives us a sign act and a picture about. 00:04:14.579 --> 00:04:16.879 So I want to walk through this passage with that in mind. 00:04:18.779 --> 00:04:21.879 The lesson, the picture lesson we could say is fishing. 00:04:23.540 --> 00:04:27.420 Do you ever have something that you really love and you enjoy, but you're just not good at it? 00:04:27.420 --> 00:04:30.640 Maybe opera, for example, or the NBA. 00:04:30.980 --> 00:04:33.600 You're never going to be able to dunk a basketball, but you like watching it. 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:35.160 For me, it's fish. 00:04:35.280 --> 00:04:36.080 I love fish. 00:04:36.580 --> 00:04:38.819 I love to eat fish, whether they're cooked or raw. 00:04:38.980 --> 00:04:40.800 I love fish in any form. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:44.280 I'm really bad at fishing, though. 00:04:44.520 --> 00:04:46.639 I cannot catch a fish on my own. 00:04:47.620 --> 00:04:51.420 Growing up, my dad did not like to fish, and so we never had a lot of opportunities. 00:04:51.639 --> 00:04:54.819 One time, a friend of mine had a lure like this with a hook on either end, 00:04:55.199 --> 00:04:58.420 and I got both of those hooks stuck on both of my thumbs. 00:04:59.040 --> 00:05:02.780 In our little town, we had to ride our bikes everywhere in Brazil, 00:05:02.980 --> 00:05:05.840 and so I had a bandage on each thumb riding around like this, 00:05:05.839 --> 00:05:07.219 and I got made fun of a lot. 00:05:09.259 --> 00:05:12.659 The reason I share that is because I did have a good experience with fishing, 00:05:13.199 --> 00:05:18.819 and so we see a contrast with these disciples' failures that now God blesses greatly. 00:05:19.500 --> 00:05:23.279 So for me, the turnaround for fishing was once I was married, my in-laws, 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:24.899 they live on the country in Oklahoma. 00:05:25.719 --> 00:05:27.979 Think of all the things they did to set me up for success. 00:05:28.099 --> 00:05:29.039 They have a reservoir. 00:05:29.539 --> 00:05:30.679 They stock that reservoir. 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:32.519 They have a little fishing boat. 00:05:32.899 --> 00:05:34.120 They know all the good spots. 00:05:34.120 --> 00:05:35.439 They get the rods ready. 00:05:35.819 --> 00:05:38.780 All I have to do is just jump in and do exactly whatever they tell me. 00:05:38.860 --> 00:05:40.079 We come back with all the fish. 00:05:40.319 --> 00:05:43.139 Then they clean them, and they fry them, and it's amazing. 00:05:43.280 --> 00:05:44.319 Fresh fish on the farm. 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:47.579 I think the disciples are a little bit like that here. 00:05:49.439 --> 00:05:52.639 God is teaching them by the living Jesus Christ. 00:05:52.819 --> 00:05:57.079 There is no greater mission you can be part of than to obey him 00:05:57.079 --> 00:06:04.879 and to be part of drawing a perishing soul in to the kingdom of life by the net of God's word. 00:06:04.979 --> 00:06:06.039 There's no greater mission. 00:06:06.599 --> 00:06:07.439 That's the lesson. 00:06:09.800 --> 00:06:11.039 Maybe you feel like that. 00:06:11.120 --> 00:06:12.259 You love the Lord Jesus, 00:06:12.779 --> 00:06:16.139 but you're a lousy fisher of souls, 00:06:16.279 --> 00:06:17.539 and maybe you think you're hopeless. 00:06:17.540 --> 00:06:19.260 Maybe you think, 00:06:19.439 --> 00:06:21.560 I've been distant from God for so long. 00:06:22.400 --> 00:06:23.740 Maybe just this past week, 00:06:23.800 --> 00:06:25.520 I've denied God with my life. 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:28.879 I'm barely surviving on my own. 00:06:29.620 --> 00:06:33.180 Why should I expect any results of ministering God's word? 00:06:33.180 --> 00:06:36.939 In Matthew 117, Jesus said, 00:06:37.360 --> 00:06:41.420 Follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men. 00:06:42.439 --> 00:06:45.840 In John 21, the living Jesus Christ, 00:06:45.939 --> 00:06:50.780 he gives this church this glorious portrait of apostles 00:06:50.780 --> 00:06:54.639 bringing a net full of fish in to the Lord. 00:06:55.939 --> 00:06:59.620 So, beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:06:59.620 --> 00:07:03.160 today I want to try to prove to you 00:07:03.160 --> 00:07:05.980 how the Lord Jesus Christ, who's alive, 00:07:06.500 --> 00:07:09.240 how it is that he can make someone like you and like me 00:07:09.240 --> 00:07:11.840 also a fisher of souls. 00:07:13.360 --> 00:07:16.620 The first lesson is that he makes you see 00:07:16.620 --> 00:07:20.019 he is near you even in your ordinary work. 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:21.740 Look at verse 1. 00:07:21.740 --> 00:07:23.000 After these things, 00:07:23.740 --> 00:07:26.100 Jesus showed himself again to the disciples 00:07:26.100 --> 00:07:27.699 at the Sea of Tiberias. 00:07:27.699 --> 00:07:30.539 This is the same sea called Galilee 00:07:30.539 --> 00:07:32.039 in the northern part of Israel. 00:07:33.779 --> 00:07:34.800 Up to this point, 00:07:34.879 --> 00:07:36.060 Jesus' other appearances 00:07:36.060 --> 00:07:38.279 had all taken place on the Lord's Day. 00:07:38.819 --> 00:07:40.199 We walked through that last week. 00:07:41.339 --> 00:07:42.719 His congregation had gathered, 00:07:42.839 --> 00:07:44.259 the disciples were all in one place, 00:07:44.300 --> 00:07:45.079 and the Lord appeared, 00:07:45.199 --> 00:07:46.500 and he ministered among them. 00:07:47.199 --> 00:07:48.399 And then the next Lord's Day, 00:07:48.500 --> 00:07:49.500 to Thomas this time, 00:07:49.560 --> 00:07:50.620 he ministered among them. 00:07:50.659 --> 00:07:51.939 It was his pleasure to do that. 00:07:52.980 --> 00:07:54.379 But here in John 21, 00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:55.639 it's the only appearance 00:07:55.639 --> 00:07:57.199 after Christ rose from the dead 00:07:57.199 --> 00:07:58.879 in this Gospel of John, 00:07:59.639 --> 00:08:01.079 in which he does not indicate 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:01.979 the day of the week. 00:08:02.519 --> 00:08:03.539 And so that's significant 00:08:03.539 --> 00:08:05.719 because it could be any day, 00:08:05.920 --> 00:08:07.060 and it could be all, 00:08:07.159 --> 00:08:07.699 and every day, 00:08:08.279 --> 00:08:10.379 the Lord Jesus is near his disciples. 00:08:12.039 --> 00:08:13.579 We go on to read that in this way 00:08:13.579 --> 00:08:14.379 he showed himself. 00:08:14.539 --> 00:08:14.959 Verse 2, 00:08:15.560 --> 00:08:17.199 there were together the disciples, 00:08:17.339 --> 00:08:17.879 Simon Peter, 00:08:18.039 --> 00:08:19.419 Thomas called Didymus, 00:08:19.539 --> 00:08:20.279 which means twin, 00:08:20.759 --> 00:08:22.480 Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee, 00:08:22.899 --> 00:08:23.839 the sons of Zebedee, 00:08:23.919 --> 00:08:24.959 which are James and John, 00:08:24.959 --> 00:08:26.839 and then two other disciples, 00:08:26.839 --> 00:08:27.759 which are most likely 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:28.719 Andrew and Philip, 00:08:28.799 --> 00:08:29.579 because we know 00:08:29.579 --> 00:08:30.459 all these disciples 00:08:30.459 --> 00:08:31.819 were from that northern region 00:08:31.819 --> 00:08:32.779 around Galilee. 00:08:34.960 --> 00:08:36.279 So here are those disciples. 00:08:36.419 --> 00:08:37.259 They've seen the Lord. 00:08:37.740 --> 00:08:38.779 They know he's alive, 00:08:39.439 --> 00:08:40.259 but they don't know 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:40.980 what their mission is. 00:08:41.039 --> 00:08:41.579 What do we do 00:08:41.579 --> 00:08:42.659 in response to this? 00:08:43.240 --> 00:08:44.220 They know that his kingdom 00:08:44.220 --> 00:08:45.419 is of heaven 00:08:45.419 --> 00:08:46.159 and not of earth. 00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:49.220 What are we supposed to do 00:08:49.220 --> 00:08:50.240 day in, day out, 00:08:50.539 --> 00:08:51.740 week in, week out, 00:08:51.740 --> 00:08:53.580 as part of this heavenly kingdom 00:08:53.580 --> 00:08:54.919 while we remain on earth? 00:08:55.180 --> 00:08:55.700 What is it? 00:08:56.960 --> 00:08:57.820 So in verse 3, 00:08:58.360 --> 00:08:59.460 without further instruction, 00:08:59.659 --> 00:09:00.600 Simon Peter says, 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:02.379 I'm going fishing. 00:09:02.659 --> 00:09:03.639 And they say to him, 00:09:03.700 --> 00:09:04.840 we will go with you also. 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:06.419 So they enter their ship 00:09:06.419 --> 00:09:07.159 and they set out. 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:09.060 I don't see this 00:09:09.060 --> 00:09:09.980 as a lack of faith 00:09:09.980 --> 00:09:11.419 or a sin in any way. 00:09:12.580 --> 00:09:13.840 Peter leads the other disciples 00:09:13.840 --> 00:09:15.060 in making a living. 00:09:15.159 --> 00:09:16.500 It's what they knew how to do. 00:09:16.940 --> 00:09:18.220 They're doing the work 00:09:18.220 --> 00:09:19.480 God put in their hands to do. 00:09:19.580 --> 00:09:20.100 They're providing 00:09:20.100 --> 00:09:20.940 for their families. 00:09:21.740 --> 00:09:23.740 We can conclude 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:25.379 that it's biblical and wise 00:09:25.379 --> 00:09:27.659 for fishers of souls 00:09:27.659 --> 00:09:30.500 to also have marketable skills. 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:31.379 Why? 00:09:31.560 --> 00:09:32.460 Because that's the pattern. 00:09:33.320 --> 00:09:34.820 They're able to work for bread. 00:09:36.220 --> 00:09:37.560 You know, Peter was a tent maker. 00:09:38.799 --> 00:09:40.340 And as he was making tents, 00:09:40.539 --> 00:09:41.980 he was discipling those 00:09:41.980 --> 00:09:42.820 God brought to him 00:09:42.820 --> 00:09:44.060 in his ordinary work 00:09:44.060 --> 00:09:45.320 every single day of the week. 00:09:45.639 --> 00:09:47.180 We read in Acts 28, 30 00:09:47.180 --> 00:09:48.919 that when Paul lived in Rome, 00:09:48.980 --> 00:09:51.060 he lived there for two whole years. 00:09:51.740 --> 00:09:53.200 At his own expense. 00:09:53.740 --> 00:09:55.500 And he welcomed everyone who came 00:09:55.500 --> 00:09:57.120 and he preached boldly. 00:09:59.279 --> 00:10:00.340 So on that night, 00:10:00.919 --> 00:10:02.240 these men of Galilee 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:03.019 of the northern part 00:10:03.019 --> 00:10:03.720 around the sea, 00:10:04.039 --> 00:10:04.820 it's dark. 00:10:05.500 --> 00:10:06.440 They're likely hungry. 00:10:06.580 --> 00:10:07.060 They're tired. 00:10:07.180 --> 00:10:08.060 They're feeling the pressure 00:10:08.060 --> 00:10:09.480 of providing for their families. 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:11.159 But they caught nothing. 00:10:11.720 --> 00:10:12.779 And they know what they're doing. 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:13.960 They're professional fishermen. 00:10:13.960 --> 00:10:16.240 It was God's providence 00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:17.620 that they would not catch anything 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:19.540 because there's a much greater lesson 00:10:19.540 --> 00:10:20.180 to be learned. 00:10:21.320 --> 00:10:22.460 Look at verse four. 00:10:23.379 --> 00:10:24.320 When the morning came, 00:10:25.240 --> 00:10:27.820 Jesus stood on the shore. 00:10:28.980 --> 00:10:30.639 There they are in their ordinary work. 00:10:30.900 --> 00:10:32.759 And there's Jesus Christ alive, 00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:33.660 the living God. 00:10:34.300 --> 00:10:35.320 Where does he want to be? 00:10:35.740 --> 00:10:36.780 With his people 00:10:36.780 --> 00:10:38.440 in their ordinary work. 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:39.200 He's right there. 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:41.840 The disciples did not know 00:10:41.840 --> 00:10:43.019 that it was Jesus, though. 00:10:45.180 --> 00:10:46.240 As I was reflecting 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:47.360 on these first few verses, 00:10:47.360 --> 00:10:48.540 I thought of many moments 00:10:48.540 --> 00:10:49.340 throughout my week 00:10:49.340 --> 00:10:50.379 in my ordinary work 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:52.180 where I didn't even know 00:10:52.180 --> 00:10:53.899 but Jesus is near me. 00:10:55.280 --> 00:10:56.600 Think of the lowest point 00:10:56.600 --> 00:10:58.180 you had this week 00:10:58.180 --> 00:10:59.680 with your household, 00:10:59.899 --> 00:11:01.220 with a relationship, 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:02.560 or maybe with work. 00:11:03.160 --> 00:11:03.820 You were low. 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:06.720 Isn't it easy to forget 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:08.440 that our Lord Jesus is alive 00:11:08.440 --> 00:11:09.879 and he's with us. 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:11.059 He's near his disciples 00:11:11.059 --> 00:11:12.519 every day of the week. 00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:15.679 And he loves you 00:11:15.679 --> 00:11:16.879 to see that. 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:18.939 If you didn't see it 00:11:18.939 --> 00:11:19.379 in the moment, 00:11:19.840 --> 00:11:21.340 look back and remember 00:11:21.340 --> 00:11:23.059 just as he stood on the shore 00:11:23.059 --> 00:11:23.899 near his disciples, 00:11:24.200 --> 00:11:25.639 he stands near you 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:26.679 every day of the week. 00:11:26.939 --> 00:11:27.840 He is alive. 00:11:28.899 --> 00:11:30.019 And he watches you 00:11:30.019 --> 00:11:31.100 in your ordinary work. 00:11:32.460 --> 00:11:33.480 And his command, 00:11:34.200 --> 00:11:34.980 John 4, 8, 00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:36.820 is to draw near to God. 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:39.100 God will draw near to you. 00:11:39.100 --> 00:11:41.440 Mark 1, 17, 00:11:41.620 --> 00:11:42.000 he says, 00:11:42.180 --> 00:11:43.279 follow me. 00:11:44.340 --> 00:11:45.300 Walk with me. 00:11:45.440 --> 00:11:46.420 As you walk 00:11:46.420 --> 00:11:47.519 every day of your life, 00:11:47.580 --> 00:11:48.540 no matter what you're doing, 00:11:49.120 --> 00:11:49.860 walk with me. 00:11:50.320 --> 00:11:51.940 And I will make you 00:11:51.940 --> 00:11:53.240 a fisher of men. 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:56.440 There's no greater mission 00:11:56.440 --> 00:11:57.279 than to obey 00:11:57.279 --> 00:11:59.100 the living Jesus Christ 00:11:59.100 --> 00:12:01.279 in this glorious mission 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:03.180 of dragging, 00:12:03.700 --> 00:12:04.560 perishing souls 00:12:04.560 --> 00:12:06.779 into his kingdom of life. 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:08.079 We do that 00:12:08.079 --> 00:12:09.319 by the net of his word. 00:12:10.319 --> 00:12:10.860 And this is how 00:12:10.860 --> 00:12:11.659 Jesus Christ 00:12:11.659 --> 00:12:13.139 makes people like you 00:12:13.139 --> 00:12:13.519 and me, 00:12:14.120 --> 00:12:15.179 ordinary as we are, 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:17.379 into fishers of souls. 00:12:17.879 --> 00:12:19.019 We draw near to him 00:12:19.019 --> 00:12:20.439 and we follow 00:12:20.439 --> 00:12:22.079 the living Jesus Christ. 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:24.500 He makes you see 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:25.579 that he is near you 00:12:25.579 --> 00:12:27.139 in your ordinary work. 00:12:27.679 --> 00:12:28.980 So much of our evangelism 00:12:28.980 --> 00:12:29.959 will take place there 00:12:29.959 --> 00:12:30.720 wherever we are 00:12:30.720 --> 00:12:31.860 as we walk with him. 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:34.139 The second lesson is this. 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:37.100 Before making a fisher of souls, 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:38.120 Jesus teaches you 00:12:38.120 --> 00:12:39.039 that he alone 00:12:39.039 --> 00:12:40.659 gets all the glory 00:12:40.659 --> 00:12:42.480 for any results. 00:12:44.180 --> 00:12:45.519 Before making you 00:12:45.519 --> 00:12:46.320 a fisher of souls, 00:12:46.419 --> 00:12:47.120 he teaches you, 00:12:47.159 --> 00:12:47.980 and make sure you learn 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:48.480 the lesson, 00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:49.820 that he alone 00:12:49.820 --> 00:12:50.960 gets all the glory 00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:52.440 for any results. 00:12:52.980 --> 00:12:53.899 Look at verse 5. 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:55.360 Then Jesus said to them, 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:55.779 Children, 00:12:56.960 --> 00:12:58.220 have you any food, 00:12:58.440 --> 00:12:58.940 any meat? 00:12:59.039 --> 00:12:59.820 Did you catch anything? 00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:01.080 They answered him, 00:13:01.080 --> 00:13:01.480 No. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:02.740 And he said to them, 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:03.759 Cast the net 00:13:03.759 --> 00:13:04.620 on the right side 00:13:04.620 --> 00:13:05.139 of the ship 00:13:05.139 --> 00:13:06.400 and you will find some. 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:10.400 Try to think of that scene 00:13:10.400 --> 00:13:11.200 from the perspective 00:13:11.200 --> 00:13:12.740 of the fish underwater. 00:13:14.320 --> 00:13:15.700 We know in the book of Jonah 00:13:15.700 --> 00:13:16.720 that God appointed 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:17.680 a great fish. 00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:19.400 God caused that great fish 00:13:19.400 --> 00:13:20.759 to swallow Jonah 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:21.900 and spit him out 00:13:21.900 --> 00:13:22.420 on the shore. 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:24.420 And here we read 00:13:24.420 --> 00:13:27.660 that there are 153 big fish. 00:13:28.040 --> 00:13:28.759 They're not as big 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:29.600 as the one Jonah had. 00:13:29.680 --> 00:13:30.180 They're ones that could 00:13:30.179 --> 00:13:31.159 be dragged by a net. 00:13:31.719 --> 00:13:32.959 But we can understand 00:13:32.959 --> 00:13:33.679 from the context 00:13:33.679 --> 00:13:34.919 this would be a fish 00:13:34.919 --> 00:13:35.959 that would get you 00:13:35.959 --> 00:13:37.299 the best market price. 00:13:37.659 --> 00:13:38.659 When you drag this in, 00:13:38.719 --> 00:13:39.559 take it into the village 00:13:39.559 --> 00:13:40.479 and try to sell it. 00:13:40.719 --> 00:13:41.899 These are good sized fish. 00:13:41.979 --> 00:13:42.839 There's none of the little ones 00:13:42.839 --> 00:13:43.939 that waste everybody's time. 00:13:44.459 --> 00:13:46.199 Every fish is worth pulling in. 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:49.439 So there's that school of fish. 00:13:49.500 --> 00:13:50.099 All the little ones, 00:13:50.339 --> 00:13:51.000 God appoints them 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:51.899 to get weeded out 00:13:51.899 --> 00:13:52.959 and just leaves 00:13:52.959 --> 00:13:54.139 all the big nice ones 00:13:54.139 --> 00:13:55.039 underneath the water. 00:13:55.579 --> 00:13:56.439 And he won't let them go 00:13:56.439 --> 00:13:57.579 on one side of the boat. 00:13:57.580 --> 00:13:58.820 He's going to make them 00:13:58.820 --> 00:14:00.560 wait for his instruction. 00:14:01.520 --> 00:14:02.600 That's the sovereignty 00:14:02.600 --> 00:14:03.780 of God. 00:14:08.780 --> 00:14:10.620 A pastor named John Stott, 00:14:10.720 --> 00:14:11.360 he pointed out 00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:12.580 that to evangelize 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:13.280 doesn't mean 00:14:13.280 --> 00:14:14.480 to win souls. 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:15.960 It simply means 00:14:15.960 --> 00:14:16.840 to announce 00:14:16.840 --> 00:14:17.920 the good news 00:14:17.920 --> 00:14:19.580 and leave any results 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:21.120 up to God. 00:14:21.820 --> 00:14:22.780 Do the work 00:14:22.780 --> 00:14:23.879 of an evangelist. 00:14:23.879 --> 00:14:25.720 God has commanded it, 00:14:26.039 --> 00:14:27.500 obey and leave 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:28.419 the results to him. 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:29.659 He's the only one 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:30.840 who can give results anyway. 00:14:32.179 --> 00:14:33.620 In Matthew 13, 47, 00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:34.320 Jesus said, 00:14:34.500 --> 00:14:35.559 the kingdom of heaven 00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:37.200 is like a net 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:39.139 thrown into the sea 00:14:39.139 --> 00:14:41.559 and it gathers fish 00:14:41.559 --> 00:14:43.320 of every kind. 00:14:44.899 --> 00:14:46.379 Christ in Matthew 13 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:47.379 was already envisioning 00:14:47.379 --> 00:14:48.200 this picture lesson 00:14:48.200 --> 00:14:48.639 for them. 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:49.779 And beyond that, 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:50.740 he was envisioning 00:14:50.740 --> 00:14:52.440 the throne of heaven. 00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:54.220 Revelation 7, 8. 00:14:55.800 --> 00:14:56.280 John, 00:14:56.380 --> 00:14:57.120 the same apostle, 00:14:57.260 --> 00:14:57.940 he testifies, 00:14:58.040 --> 00:14:58.340 he says, 00:14:58.460 --> 00:14:59.160 I beheld 00:14:59.160 --> 00:15:00.460 a great multitude 00:15:00.460 --> 00:15:02.220 which no man 00:15:02.220 --> 00:15:02.800 could number 00:15:02.800 --> 00:15:03.840 of all nations, 00:15:04.380 --> 00:15:04.700 tribes, 00:15:04.880 --> 00:15:05.120 peoples, 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:05.700 and tongues. 00:15:05.920 --> 00:15:06.820 And they all stood 00:15:06.820 --> 00:15:07.720 before the throne 00:15:07.720 --> 00:15:08.740 and before the Lamb. 00:15:09.020 --> 00:15:10.000 And they were clothed 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:10.920 with white robes 00:15:10.920 --> 00:15:12.020 and palm branches 00:15:12.020 --> 00:15:12.680 in their hands. 00:15:12.840 --> 00:15:13.760 And they cried 00:15:13.760 --> 00:15:15.080 with a loud voice 00:15:15.080 --> 00:15:15.760 saying, 00:15:15.880 --> 00:15:17.400 Salvation belongs 00:15:17.400 --> 00:15:18.240 to our God 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:19.040 which sitteth 00:15:19.040 --> 00:15:20.020 upon the throne 00:15:20.020 --> 00:15:21.640 and unto the Lamb. 00:15:22.440 --> 00:15:23.560 And if Jesus 00:15:23.560 --> 00:15:24.240 is your Savior 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:24.740 and your Lord, 00:15:24.840 --> 00:15:25.900 you are one of those fish. 00:15:26.820 --> 00:15:27.540 You are one of those 00:15:27.540 --> 00:15:28.420 of that great number 00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:29.160 from every people, 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:29.440 nation, 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:29.840 tribe, 00:15:29.900 --> 00:15:30.260 and tongue. 00:15:30.600 --> 00:15:31.340 And the word 00:15:31.340 --> 00:15:32.580 of God went out 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:33.320 like a net 00:15:33.320 --> 00:15:34.780 and it captured you 00:15:34.780 --> 00:15:36.420 and it brought you 00:15:36.420 --> 00:15:37.460 to Jesus. 00:15:37.460 --> 00:15:41.580 God teaches us 00:15:41.580 --> 00:15:42.580 that he alone 00:15:42.580 --> 00:15:43.759 gets all the glory 00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:45.300 for any results. 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:46.860 Paul testified of this 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:48.320 in Romans 11, 36. 00:15:48.820 --> 00:15:49.740 For of him 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:51.500 and through him 00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:52.879 and to him 00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:54.440 are all things 00:15:54.440 --> 00:15:56.060 to whom be glory 00:15:56.060 --> 00:15:56.639 forever. 00:15:57.060 --> 00:15:57.460 Amen. 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:01.139 What do we do 00:16:01.139 --> 00:16:01.639 in response 00:16:01.639 --> 00:16:02.440 to this awareness 00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:03.200 that God gets 00:16:03.200 --> 00:16:04.200 all the glory 00:16:04.200 --> 00:16:05.379 and he will teach us 00:16:05.379 --> 00:16:06.000 that one way 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:06.440 or the other? 00:16:07.620 --> 00:16:08.659 We draw near to him. 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:10.000 We follow him 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:11.299 and we ask him 00:16:11.299 --> 00:16:12.360 to make us 00:16:12.360 --> 00:16:13.899 into fishers of men 00:16:13.899 --> 00:16:15.179 knowing that any results 00:16:15.179 --> 00:16:16.059 will come from his 00:16:16.059 --> 00:16:17.500 appointment alone. 00:16:19.019 --> 00:16:19.980 The third lesson 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:20.460 is this. 00:16:20.600 --> 00:16:21.899 The living Jesus Christ, 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:23.759 he calls you 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:24.700 to love him 00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:26.519 above the results 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:27.139 of fishing. 00:16:28.299 --> 00:16:29.679 The living Jesus Christ 00:16:29.679 --> 00:16:30.360 calls you and me 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:31.200 to love him, 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:33.460 the person of Jesus, 00:16:33.460 --> 00:16:35.100 above any results. 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:37.040 Verse 7, 00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:37.460 Therefore, 00:16:38.680 --> 00:16:39.420 that disciple 00:16:39.420 --> 00:16:40.300 whom Jesus loved, 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:40.940 that's John 00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:41.860 referring to himself, 00:16:42.060 --> 00:16:42.960 he said to Peter, 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.440 It is the Lord. 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:47.360 When Peter heard that, 00:16:48.040 --> 00:16:49.019 it is the Lord 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:49.860 here in our 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:50.720 ordinary work. 00:16:52.420 --> 00:16:53.340 We can assume 00:16:53.340 --> 00:16:54.019 Peter's ears 00:16:54.019 --> 00:16:54.680 were thrilled 00:16:54.680 --> 00:16:55.200 to hear. 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:56.840 The Lord, 00:16:57.120 --> 00:16:57.800 he was going to 00:16:57.800 --> 00:16:58.900 drop everything else. 00:16:59.519 --> 00:17:00.180 When Simon Peter 00:17:00.180 --> 00:17:00.620 heard this, 00:17:00.620 --> 00:17:02.200 he put his fishing 00:17:02.200 --> 00:17:03.419 cloak around himself 00:17:03.419 --> 00:17:04.740 for he had taken it off. 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:06.059 So Peter's hands 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:07.140 let go of the net. 00:17:07.500 --> 00:17:07.720 Instead, 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:08.720 they pick up the clothes 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:09.599 to be presentable 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:10.920 to his king 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:12.559 and he cast himself 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.279 into the sea. 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.259 Peter couldn't bear 00:17:15.259 --> 00:17:15.960 to stay away 00:17:15.960 --> 00:17:16.640 from Christ 00:17:16.640 --> 00:17:17.920 a moment longer 00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:19.119 than he had to. 00:17:20.099 --> 00:17:20.980 Then in verse 8, 00:17:21.079 --> 00:17:21.779 the other disciples 00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:23.720 came in a little ship 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:24.779 because they weren't 00:17:24.779 --> 00:17:25.640 far from land. 00:17:26.319 --> 00:17:26.920 It was about 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:27.920 200 cubits 00:17:27.920 --> 00:17:28.700 and they were 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:29.680 dragging the net 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:30.680 with the fishes 00:17:30.680 --> 00:17:32.880 while the Lord Jesus 00:17:32.880 --> 00:17:33.900 stood on the shore 00:17:33.900 --> 00:17:35.620 waiting for them. 00:17:36.340 --> 00:17:37.539 Can you see that 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:38.259 in your mind's eye? 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:39.740 This glorious scene? 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:43.380 This is a picture 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:44.600 of how God 00:17:44.600 --> 00:17:45.480 brings souls 00:17:45.480 --> 00:17:47.240 into his kingdom. 00:17:48.420 --> 00:17:49.740 The Lord stands 00:17:49.740 --> 00:17:50.700 on the shore. 00:17:51.840 --> 00:17:53.220 He stands in heaven. 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:55.360 The Lord appoints 00:17:55.360 --> 00:17:55.960 the fish. 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:56.799 He appoints 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:57.279 the souls 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:58.039 he will bring in. 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:00.759 Then he appoints 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:01.240 and equips 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:01.980 and instructs 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:02.579 his fishermen. 00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:04.779 When they obey, 00:18:06.059 --> 00:18:07.559 they bring those souls 00:18:07.559 --> 00:18:08.799 to present them 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:09.980 with satisfaction 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:11.279 and joy 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:12.920 back to Christ himself. 00:18:16.120 --> 00:18:17.620 Matthew 6, 33. 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:19.799 We're told to seek first 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:21.079 the kingdom of God 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:22.579 and his righteousness 00:18:22.579 --> 00:18:24.039 and all these things 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:24.880 he will add 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:25.880 unto you. 00:18:26.860 --> 00:18:28.040 Do what he has commanded. 00:18:29.080 --> 00:18:29.700 Obey him. 00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:32.120 There's no greater mission 00:18:32.120 --> 00:18:33.540 we could be part of 00:18:33.540 --> 00:18:34.280 than to casting 00:18:34.280 --> 00:18:35.740 the net of his word, 00:18:36.380 --> 00:18:37.120 watching him 00:18:37.120 --> 00:18:38.340 put into that net 00:18:38.340 --> 00:18:39.080 every soul 00:18:39.080 --> 00:18:40.080 he has appointed 00:18:40.080 --> 00:18:41.100 unto eternal life. 00:18:41.580 --> 00:18:42.560 And then all that we do 00:18:42.560 --> 00:18:43.200 is like these 00:18:43.200 --> 00:18:43.900 stinky, 00:18:44.060 --> 00:18:44.780 smelly disciples 00:18:44.780 --> 00:18:45.540 that are sweaty. 00:18:45.900 --> 00:18:46.560 We labored, 00:18:46.680 --> 00:18:47.680 but we did nothing. 00:18:47.920 --> 00:18:48.560 We failed 00:18:48.560 --> 00:18:49.340 when we were 00:18:49.340 --> 00:18:50.040 on our own strength. 00:18:50.140 --> 00:18:50.820 We obeyed you. 00:18:51.160 --> 00:18:51.920 You did it all. 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:53.680 And we dragged them 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:54.259 back up, 00:18:54.860 --> 00:18:55.500 presenting it 00:18:55.500 --> 00:18:56.140 to the Lord. 00:18:56.539 --> 00:18:57.600 Back to you, Lord. 00:18:57.680 --> 00:18:58.539 This is your work. 00:18:58.700 --> 00:18:59.400 It's unto you. 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:01.279 Receive what is your due. 00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:03.160 All glory be to God. 00:19:05.840 --> 00:19:06.640 Follow him. 00:19:07.580 --> 00:19:08.440 He is alive. 00:19:09.300 --> 00:19:10.380 And as you follow him, 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:11.060 he promises 00:19:11.060 --> 00:19:12.180 he will make you 00:19:12.180 --> 00:19:13.160 and me 00:19:13.160 --> 00:19:14.480 and each one 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:15.060 a fisher 00:19:15.060 --> 00:19:16.300 of souls. 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:18.039 There's no better mission 00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:19.060 we could be part of him. 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:21.000 So draw near to God. 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:22.279 Follow him. 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:23.599 He's alive. 00:19:25.659 --> 00:19:26.779 Fourth lesson I see 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.319 is this. 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:29.220 The living Jesus Christ, 00:19:29.940 --> 00:19:31.299 he makes all the provisions 00:19:31.299 --> 00:19:32.639 to nourish 00:19:32.639 --> 00:19:34.179 and strengthen you 00:19:34.179 --> 00:19:35.359 who he has made 00:19:35.359 --> 00:19:36.279 a fisher of souls. 00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:37.799 That's a fear, 00:19:37.899 --> 00:19:38.220 isn't it? 00:19:38.519 --> 00:19:39.519 I'm going to obey the Lord. 00:19:39.579 --> 00:19:40.039 I'm going to seek 00:19:40.039 --> 00:19:40.779 first his kingdom. 00:19:41.579 --> 00:19:42.779 What about my needs? 00:19:42.940 --> 00:19:43.839 What about all those things 00:19:43.839 --> 00:19:44.679 I want 00:19:44.679 --> 00:19:45.720 and count on in life? 00:19:46.879 --> 00:19:47.799 I believe we see 00:19:47.799 --> 00:19:48.659 in the next few verses 00:19:48.660 --> 00:19:49.480 how he makes 00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:50.360 all the provisions 00:19:50.360 --> 00:19:51.279 and he nourishes 00:19:51.279 --> 00:19:52.820 and strengthens 00:19:52.820 --> 00:19:53.740 every single one 00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.500 he makes into 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:56.180 a fisher of souls. 00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:57.720 In verse 9, 00:19:57.800 --> 00:19:58.620 we see as soon 00:19:58.620 --> 00:20:00.160 as they had come to land, 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:01.860 they saw a fire 00:20:01.860 --> 00:20:02.860 of coals there 00:20:02.860 --> 00:20:04.320 and fish 00:20:04.320 --> 00:20:05.279 laid on 00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:06.080 the fire. 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:08.140 The best fish 00:20:08.140 --> 00:20:08.680 I've ever eaten 00:20:08.680 --> 00:20:09.220 in my life 00:20:09.220 --> 00:20:10.040 was in 00:20:10.040 --> 00:20:11.720 northern Brazil, 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:12.700 a little town 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:13.300 where my parents 00:20:13.300 --> 00:20:13.980 still live 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:14.900 called Boa Vista. 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:16.380 The name of the fish 00:20:16.380 --> 00:20:17.100 is tambaki 00:20:17.100 --> 00:20:19.060 and it's got 00:20:19.060 --> 00:20:21.240 fat inside 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:21.840 of the skin 00:20:21.840 --> 00:20:23.180 and so they cut it 00:20:23.180 --> 00:20:23.540 in half 00:20:23.540 --> 00:20:24.060 and they set 00:20:24.060 --> 00:20:25.380 the skin of the fish 00:20:25.380 --> 00:20:26.220 on the coals 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:27.920 and it just slow cooks 00:20:27.920 --> 00:20:29.200 with rock salt on top 00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:30.680 as it starts to bubble 00:20:30.680 --> 00:20:31.180 and boil 00:20:31.180 --> 00:20:31.880 and get crispy 00:20:31.880 --> 00:20:32.440 on the edges 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:33.640 and it's a flaky 00:20:33.640 --> 00:20:34.260 white fish. 00:20:34.360 --> 00:20:35.020 It's so good 00:20:35.020 --> 00:20:36.520 and I'm imagining 00:20:36.520 --> 00:20:37.640 what Jesus made here 00:20:37.640 --> 00:20:39.100 even if it's that simple. 00:20:39.260 --> 00:20:39.980 It's bread 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:41.320 on the coals 00:20:41.320 --> 00:20:42.800 or fish on the coals 00:20:42.800 --> 00:20:43.460 with some bread. 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:44.840 What a meal, right? 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:46.740 Even if it's simple, 00:20:47.319 --> 00:20:48.279 it's their daily bread. 00:20:48.380 --> 00:20:49.100 It's nourishing 00:20:49.100 --> 00:20:50.660 those whom he's called. 00:20:52.660 --> 00:20:53.880 We read in 2nd 00:20:53.880 --> 00:20:55.420 Colossians 2, 19 00:20:55.420 --> 00:20:56.500 that the whole body, 00:20:56.660 --> 00:20:57.480 that's the church, 00:20:57.740 --> 00:20:58.559 every single member 00:20:58.559 --> 00:20:59.059 of the body 00:20:59.059 --> 00:21:00.460 is nourished 00:21:00.460 --> 00:21:01.840 and grows 00:21:01.840 --> 00:21:03.059 from God. 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:04.319 It comes from him. 00:21:05.840 --> 00:21:06.660 Heaven is a banquet 00:21:06.660 --> 00:21:08.420 but as pilgrims 00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:09.100 and sojourners 00:21:09.100 --> 00:21:09.799 in this life, 00:21:09.880 --> 00:21:10.779 it's daily bread. 00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:11.759 It's manna 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:13.120 and it's enough. 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:14.059 It nourishes 00:21:14.059 --> 00:21:15.200 and strengthens us. 00:21:16.160 --> 00:21:17.340 1 Timothy 4, 6 00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:18.360 Paul wrote to Timothy 00:21:18.360 --> 00:21:18.880 as he would 00:21:18.880 --> 00:21:20.299 open up God's word 00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:20.880 to the church. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:21.259 He said, 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.519 Nourish God's people 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.720 with the words 00:21:23.720 --> 00:21:24.600 of the faith 00:21:24.600 --> 00:21:25.860 and the good teaching 00:21:25.860 --> 00:21:26.720 that you follow 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:27.920 as a servant 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:29.740 of the living Jesus Christ. 00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:31.759 And Peter learned 00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.220 the source 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:33.480 of a disciple's strength. 00:21:33.600 --> 00:21:34.720 In 1 Peter 5, 10 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.299 Peter wrote, 00:21:35.840 --> 00:21:37.420 The God of all grace 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:39.279 will strengthen you, church. 00:21:39.799 --> 00:21:40.660 He could testify. 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:42.259 God had done that to him 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:43.400 and that's what he's writing 00:21:43.400 --> 00:21:44.379 to encourage the church 00:21:44.379 --> 00:21:44.839 as well, 00:21:45.240 --> 00:21:46.299 inspired by the spirit. 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:47.900 Then in verse 10, 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:48.819 Jesus said to them, 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:50.079 Bring of the fish 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:51.240 which you have now caught. 00:21:52.519 --> 00:21:53.279 Verse 11, 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:54.379 Simon Peter went up 00:21:54.379 --> 00:21:55.599 and he drew the net 00:21:55.599 --> 00:21:58.660 to land full of big fish. 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:00.819 153 of them. 00:22:00.819 --> 00:22:04.240 I told you, 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:06.119 Jesus is acting like a prophet. 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:06.740 He's giving them 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:07.359 a sign act 00:22:07.359 --> 00:22:08.579 of something that will happen. 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:09.559 How will this unfold 00:22:09.559 --> 00:22:10.539 in redemptive history? 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:12.559 Well, when we finish 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:13.480 the gospel of John 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:14.519 and we begin reading 00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:15.819 the history of the church 00:22:15.819 --> 00:22:16.819 in the book of Acts, 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.559 we read in Acts 2, 40 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.779 that Peter was the one 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:21.740 God appointed to stand up 00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:23.139 to preach the gospel 00:22:23.139 --> 00:22:26.019 and not just 153, 00:22:26.139 --> 00:22:27.700 but over 3,000 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:29.840 repented and believed 00:22:29.840 --> 00:22:30.759 and were added 00:22:30.759 --> 00:22:31.500 to their number 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:32.539 that day. 00:22:35.840 --> 00:22:37.819 God had given simple means, 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:39.120 a simple net, 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:41.440 just as he's given the church 00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:42.019 the simple, 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:43.519 ordinary means of grace, 00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:45.279 the ministry of the word, 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:46.039 prayer, 00:22:47.180 --> 00:22:47.680 sacraments, 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:48.360 the Lord's Supper 00:22:48.360 --> 00:22:49.000 and baptism. 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:50.019 It's ordinary, 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:51.080 but he's ordained it. 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.160 It's simple. 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:53.720 That's fine. 00:22:53.779 --> 00:22:54.660 Let us be ordinary 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:55.759 in these means 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:57.160 and let him be extraordinary. 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.860 All glory be to God. 00:23:00.860 --> 00:23:02.380 God's means of saving souls 00:23:02.380 --> 00:23:03.200 like these nets 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:04.040 as they're being drug 00:23:04.040 --> 00:23:04.940 full of these fish, 00:23:05.300 --> 00:23:06.100 they don't fail. 00:23:07.060 --> 00:23:08.040 John makes note of that. 00:23:08.060 --> 00:23:08.660 It was full. 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:10.279 These are experienced fishermen 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:11.259 who spent hours 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:12.080 mending nets 00:23:12.080 --> 00:23:12.960 and tying them back, 00:23:13.060 --> 00:23:13.720 but these nets 00:23:13.720 --> 00:23:15.000 that day did not break. 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.740 They were simply obeying 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.560 what Christ commanded 00:23:17.560 --> 00:23:19.240 and the means were sufficient. 00:23:19.840 --> 00:23:21.740 The nets do not break. 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:25.539 Now I want to draw your attention 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:26.259 to a verb 00:23:26.259 --> 00:23:27.779 that's used three times here. 00:23:28.859 --> 00:23:29.799 Two times here 00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:30.740 and then one time previously. 00:23:30.920 --> 00:23:32.240 So look at verse six. 00:23:32.660 --> 00:23:33.720 The verb in verse six 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.980 is to draw. 00:23:37.880 --> 00:23:39.339 It says that they were not able 00:23:39.339 --> 00:23:40.660 to drag them up themselves, 00:23:40.819 --> 00:23:41.660 but then in verse 11, 00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:42.779 Peter drew 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:44.420 or dragged the net 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.079 to the land 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:46.220 full of the great fish. 00:23:47.140 --> 00:23:48.740 The reason I highlight that verb 00:23:48.740 --> 00:23:50.000 is because Jesus 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:52.119 uses that same verb 00:23:52.119 --> 00:23:53.720 in John chapter 12, 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.460 verse 32. 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:56.559 He says, 00:23:57.140 --> 00:23:58.599 when I am lifted up 00:23:58.599 --> 00:23:59.819 from the earth, 00:24:00.160 --> 00:24:00.779 lifted up, 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:03.200 I will draw 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:04.460 all people 00:24:04.460 --> 00:24:05.779 to myself. 00:24:06.059 --> 00:24:07.220 It's the same verb. 00:24:08.079 --> 00:24:09.200 It's the same verb. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:09.759 It's Christ. 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:11.500 Just as he gives Peter 00:24:11.500 --> 00:24:12.759 along with the disciples 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:13.579 the ability now 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:14.480 to draw in this 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:17.440 net full of fish. 00:24:17.900 --> 00:24:18.380 Jesus, 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.140 by the power 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:19.900 of the Holy Spirit, 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:21.200 draws all men 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:22.259 to himself. 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:24.059 That's what's in view here. 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:26.299 John Gill saw it 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:26.940 this way as well. 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:27.519 He commented, 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.559 this is an emblem 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:30.099 of the whole number 00:24:30.099 --> 00:24:31.160 of God's elect 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:32.220 brought out 00:24:32.220 --> 00:24:33.160 from the waves 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:34.299 to the shore 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:35.339 to Christ 00:24:35.339 --> 00:24:36.400 and ultimately 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:37.160 to heaven. 00:24:39.119 --> 00:24:40.079 Jesus Christ 00:24:40.079 --> 00:24:41.319 makes all the provisions 00:24:41.319 --> 00:24:42.980 and he strengthens 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:43.940 every single one 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.660 that he calls 00:24:44.660 --> 00:24:45.240 and prepares 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:46.039 to be a fisher 00:24:46.039 --> 00:24:47.259 of souls. 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:48.579 He wants you 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:48.779 and me 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:49.379 to draw near 00:24:49.379 --> 00:24:49.819 to him 00:24:49.819 --> 00:24:51.139 to follow him 00:24:51.139 --> 00:24:52.139 and trust 00:24:52.139 --> 00:24:52.679 that he will 00:24:52.679 --> 00:24:53.119 make you 00:24:53.119 --> 00:24:53.919 into just that. 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:55.619 There's no greater 00:24:55.619 --> 00:24:56.439 mission we can be 00:24:56.439 --> 00:24:56.980 part of 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:58.299 than to cast 00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:58.619 the net 00:24:58.619 --> 00:24:59.159 of the word 00:24:59.159 --> 00:24:59.879 and watch 00:24:59.879 --> 00:25:01.220 Jesus draw 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:01.819 all men 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:02.519 to himself, 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.079 everyone 00:25:03.079 --> 00:25:04.379 who has an ear 00:25:04.379 --> 00:25:04.839 to hear 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:05.299 and eyes 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:06.220 to see his glory. 00:25:06.220 --> 00:25:08.779 Jesus can make 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:09.940 you and me 00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:11.640 into fishers 00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:12.240 of souls 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.620 through our 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:14.519 ordinary work 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:15.519 as we trust 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.380 the simple means 00:25:16.380 --> 00:25:17.299 he's commanded. 00:25:18.640 --> 00:25:20.120 So draw near 00:25:20.120 --> 00:25:20.539 to him 00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:21.920 and follow him. 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:23.559 Well, 00:25:23.600 --> 00:25:23.940 the fifth 00:25:23.940 --> 00:25:24.759 and final lesson 00:25:24.759 --> 00:25:25.600 I see here 00:25:25.600 --> 00:25:26.200 for us today 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:26.640 is that 00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:27.779 the living 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:28.559 Jesus Christ, 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:29.539 he abides 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:31.000 with those 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:32.259 that he has 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:33.240 made a fisher 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:33.900 of souls. 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:35.779 He abides 00:25:35.779 --> 00:25:36.200 with you 00:25:36.200 --> 00:25:37.079 in this work 00:25:37.079 --> 00:25:38.160 and he proves 00:25:38.160 --> 00:25:39.420 again and again 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:40.359 to you and me 00:25:40.359 --> 00:25:42.440 I am alive. 00:25:43.779 --> 00:25:44.759 Look at verse 12, 00:25:44.859 --> 00:25:45.720 Jesus said to them 00:25:45.720 --> 00:25:47.259 come and dine. 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:48.779 He's inviting them 00:25:48.779 --> 00:25:49.460 to stay, 00:25:49.759 --> 00:25:50.259 to eat, 00:25:50.400 --> 00:25:51.059 to abide. 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:52.960 In John 15, 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:53.240 4, 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:53.980 he had told them 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:55.180 abide in me 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:56.500 and I in you. 00:25:57.799 --> 00:25:58.559 In verse 12, 00:25:58.620 --> 00:25:59.019 we read that 00:25:59.019 --> 00:25:59.920 none of the disciples 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:00.839 had to ask him 00:26:00.839 --> 00:26:01.879 who are you 00:26:01.879 --> 00:26:03.559 knowing that 00:26:03.559 --> 00:26:04.500 it was the Lord. 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.459 Isn't that so true? 00:26:07.359 --> 00:26:08.319 When you're abiding 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:08.980 with Christ, 00:26:09.139 --> 00:26:09.720 you know it. 00:26:10.899 --> 00:26:11.500 You know it. 00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:13.299 In verse 13, 00:26:13.399 --> 00:26:14.720 Jesus then came 00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:15.559 and he took the bread 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.480 and gave it to them 00:26:16.480 --> 00:26:17.419 and also the fish. 00:26:18.619 --> 00:26:19.899 Not only did he prepare 00:26:19.899 --> 00:26:20.720 and make provisions, 00:26:20.879 --> 00:26:22.079 he also personally 00:26:22.079 --> 00:26:22.799 is nourishing 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:23.720 and serving them 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:25.199 just like he does 00:26:25.199 --> 00:26:25.659 you and me. 00:26:26.619 --> 00:26:27.980 The living Jesus Christ, 00:26:28.159 --> 00:26:29.319 he's not in a hurry 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:29.779 with you. 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:32.240 He lingers, 00:26:32.659 --> 00:26:34.199 he hosts, 00:26:34.959 --> 00:26:36.079 he serves, 00:26:36.980 --> 00:26:38.039 he communes 00:26:38.039 --> 00:26:40.220 and his disciples 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:41.220 abide with him. 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:44.679 Revelation 3.20, 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:46.539 if anyone hears my voice, 00:26:46.679 --> 00:26:47.619 I will come in 00:26:47.619 --> 00:26:48.220 to him 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:49.319 and dine with him 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:50.619 and he with me. 00:26:52.179 --> 00:26:53.519 John makes the comment 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:54.679 in the last verse 00:26:54.679 --> 00:26:55.559 of our sermon text, 00:26:55.639 --> 00:26:56.220 verse 14, 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:56.779 that this was 00:26:56.779 --> 00:26:57.559 the third time 00:26:57.559 --> 00:27:00.159 Jesus showed himself. 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:01.980 to his disciples 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:03.740 after he rose 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.740 from the dead. 00:27:05.399 --> 00:27:06.099 He's dining 00:27:06.099 --> 00:27:06.819 and communing 00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:07.619 with his disciples 00:27:07.619 --> 00:27:08.699 to prove to you 00:27:08.699 --> 00:27:09.879 again and again 00:27:09.879 --> 00:27:11.899 that he is alive. 00:27:13.659 --> 00:27:15.039 There's no greater work 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:16.000 than walking 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:17.679 with the living God 00:27:17.679 --> 00:27:18.500 and watching him 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.899 draw in those 00:27:19.899 --> 00:27:21.220 he's appointed to alive 00:27:21.220 --> 00:27:21.899 by the means 00:27:21.899 --> 00:27:22.599 he's commanded. 00:27:22.599 --> 00:27:25.339 Have you gotten 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:26.159 that experience 00:27:26.159 --> 00:27:28.799 maybe in a very small way 00:27:28.799 --> 00:27:29.379 like we read 00:27:29.379 --> 00:27:30.799 of sowing a little bit 00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:31.899 or watering a little bit 00:27:31.899 --> 00:27:32.799 and watching God 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:33.659 give the increase 00:27:33.659 --> 00:27:34.279 in the soul 00:27:34.279 --> 00:27:35.299 in a life? 00:27:36.480 --> 00:27:37.059 Isn't it true 00:27:37.059 --> 00:27:38.019 that there is no greater 00:27:38.019 --> 00:27:38.459 mission, 00:27:38.579 --> 00:27:39.199 no greater work 00:27:39.199 --> 00:27:40.099 we could be part of? 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:43.959 When we first moved 00:27:43.959 --> 00:27:44.579 to Colorado 00:27:44.579 --> 00:27:46.779 we had one child 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:47.939 we were happy 00:27:47.939 --> 00:27:49.339 we were very poor 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.159 we were barely 00:27:50.159 --> 00:27:51.339 being able to pay our bills 00:27:51.339 --> 00:27:52.659 and climb out 00:27:52.659 --> 00:27:53.500 of student loans 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:55.099 we were still wanting 00:27:55.099 --> 00:27:56.339 to find a biblical church 00:27:56.339 --> 00:27:57.199 we had almost thought 00:27:57.199 --> 00:27:58.139 those don't exist 00:27:58.139 --> 00:27:59.219 in Colorado 00:27:59.219 --> 00:28:01.480 there are many though 00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:02.379 now I've come to see 00:28:02.379 --> 00:28:04.719 during that time 00:28:04.719 --> 00:28:05.079 I was 00:28:05.079 --> 00:28:06.159 you might find it 00:28:06.159 --> 00:28:06.559 hard to believe 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:07.099 but I was able 00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:07.819 to play soccer 00:28:07.819 --> 00:28:09.119 once or twice a week 00:28:09.119 --> 00:28:10.099 and we had an indoor 00:28:10.099 --> 00:28:10.799 soccer team 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:12.059 and our team colors 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:12.619 were Brazil 00:28:12.619 --> 00:28:13.299 we were yellow 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:14.859 and there was one guy 00:28:14.859 --> 00:28:15.279 Pedro 00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:16.719 who still is the best 00:28:16.719 --> 00:28:17.799 I'll say he's the best 00:28:17.799 --> 00:28:18.399 soccer player 00:28:18.399 --> 00:28:19.279 I've ever played with 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:20.459 at least in Colorado 00:28:20.459 --> 00:28:22.079 maybe in the USA 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:23.439 he's an amazing 00:28:23.439 --> 00:28:24.159 soccer player 00:28:24.159 --> 00:28:25.599 and he was on our team 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:27.759 his story is that 00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:29.439 he had crossed the border 00:28:29.439 --> 00:28:30.019 from Mexico 00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:30.699 to the USA 00:28:30.699 --> 00:28:31.439 twice 00:28:31.439 --> 00:28:32.979 one time he was 00:28:32.979 --> 00:28:33.839 with a group 00:28:33.839 --> 00:28:34.619 and he was very little 00:28:34.619 --> 00:28:35.759 and he had to go back 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.539 and then the next time 00:28:36.539 --> 00:28:37.419 his relatives all 00:28:37.419 --> 00:28:38.159 abandoned him 00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:39.640 and he was a teenager 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:41.380 and all alone 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:42.140 as a teenager 00:28:42.140 --> 00:28:43.460 crossing the desert 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:45.100 he had stories 00:28:45.100 --> 00:28:46.080 of how he almost died 00:28:46.080 --> 00:28:47.320 but he didn't make it here 00:28:47.320 --> 00:28:48.019 he got a girlfriend 00:28:48.019 --> 00:28:50.019 they had two children 00:28:50.019 --> 00:28:52.220 and he was working 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:52.980 a couple jobs 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:53.660 one of his jobs 00:28:53.660 --> 00:28:55.140 was at McDonald's 00:28:55.140 --> 00:28:56.180 and on the soccer team 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:57.580 one of our other friends 00:28:57.580 --> 00:28:59.279 was going through 00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.720 a divorce 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:00.840 and I just commented 00:29:00.840 --> 00:29:01.480 something like 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:02.340 we should pray for him 00:29:02.340 --> 00:29:03.360 and his family 00:29:03.360 --> 00:29:04.300 because we could tell 00:29:04.300 --> 00:29:05.040 he was really down 00:29:05.040 --> 00:29:05.860 that was it 00:29:05.859 --> 00:29:07.579 I didn't do a better job 00:29:07.579 --> 00:29:08.379 of bearing witness 00:29:08.379 --> 00:29:09.799 or sowing a seed 00:29:09.799 --> 00:29:12.299 in God's providence 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:12.619 though 00:29:12.619 --> 00:29:13.579 there was one night 00:29:13.579 --> 00:29:14.759 where Pedro texted me 00:29:14.759 --> 00:29:15.799 if he could just come over 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:16.759 Andrea was working 00:29:16.759 --> 00:29:17.659 a night shift 00:29:17.659 --> 00:29:18.500 at a nursing home 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:20.299 and so he came over 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:23.139 and he just broke down 00:29:23.139 --> 00:29:24.059 he was on his knees 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:24.719 he was weeping 00:29:24.719 --> 00:29:26.319 he had said 00:29:26.319 --> 00:29:26.979 how he just knew 00:29:26.979 --> 00:29:27.559 there was something 00:29:27.559 --> 00:29:28.579 missing in his life 00:29:28.579 --> 00:29:30.139 a couple of Jehovah 00:29:30.139 --> 00:29:30.599 witnesses 00:29:30.599 --> 00:29:31.619 young people came by 00:29:31.619 --> 00:29:31.979 and knocked 00:29:31.979 --> 00:29:32.779 and he tried to talk 00:29:32.779 --> 00:29:33.160 with them 00:29:33.160 --> 00:29:33.559 and he said 00:29:33.559 --> 00:29:34.399 he felt even more 00:29:34.399 --> 00:29:34.980 confused 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:36.160 and more darkness 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:37.259 he didn't know 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:38.319 who else to reach out to 00:29:38.319 --> 00:29:39.980 his wife was going 00:29:39.980 --> 00:29:40.399 to leave him 00:29:40.399 --> 00:29:41.399 and his boss lied 00:29:41.399 --> 00:29:42.460 and got him fired 00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:43.160 instead of her 00:29:43.160 --> 00:29:44.339 at McDonald's 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:46.559 and in that night 00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:47.139 the Lord 00:29:47.139 --> 00:29:48.379 through the simple 00:29:48.379 --> 00:29:49.359 ministry of the word 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:50.599 I didn't have anything 00:29:50.599 --> 00:29:51.339 to say beyond 00:29:51.339 --> 00:29:52.259 reading some verses 00:29:52.259 --> 00:29:53.639 and the Lord gave him 00:29:53.639 --> 00:29:54.639 a new heart I believe 00:29:54.639 --> 00:29:56.000 and the Lord 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:57.200 started putting his life 00:29:57.200 --> 00:29:57.899 back together 00:29:57.899 --> 00:30:00.039 his wife didn't leave him 00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:01.899 a longer story 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:02.920 but the Lord restored him 00:30:02.920 --> 00:30:03.660 back to that job 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:04.680 he had at McDonald's 00:30:04.680 --> 00:30:06.759 he had to keep changing 00:30:06.759 --> 00:30:07.920 phones because of his job 00:30:07.920 --> 00:30:09.320 he took a job in Pennsylvania 00:30:09.320 --> 00:30:10.560 on an oil rig 00:30:10.560 --> 00:30:11.540 and so I lost touch 00:30:11.540 --> 00:30:12.720 but I pray for him 00:30:12.720 --> 00:30:13.820 when God brings him to mind 00:30:13.820 --> 00:30:15.560 and it's such an encouragement 00:30:15.560 --> 00:30:16.880 there's nothing I will do 00:30:16.880 --> 00:30:17.820 it's nothing of me 00:30:17.820 --> 00:30:19.640 it's nothing of any one of us 00:30:19.640 --> 00:30:20.740 but God knows 00:30:20.740 --> 00:30:22.220 those that he will draw 00:30:22.220 --> 00:30:22.940 to himself 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:24.000 and when he does 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:25.100 he gets all the glory 00:30:25.100 --> 00:30:27.660 we believe Jesus is alive 00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:28.440 he's working 00:30:28.440 --> 00:30:30.580 we stay close to him 00:30:30.580 --> 00:30:31.340 he abides 00:30:31.339 --> 00:30:32.220 and he ministers 00:30:32.220 --> 00:30:34.740 and we simple people like us 00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:36.159 broken with all of our own problems 00:30:36.159 --> 00:30:38.059 we get to be like these fishermen 00:30:38.059 --> 00:30:39.439 we get to be ones 00:30:39.439 --> 00:30:40.199 who he uses 00:30:40.199 --> 00:30:42.159 to drag another soul 00:30:42.159 --> 00:30:43.220 to the shore 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:45.000 where Jesus Christ stands 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:46.259 ready to receive them 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:48.399 we read in Luke 15 00:30:48.399 --> 00:30:51.399 there is great joy in heaven 00:30:51.399 --> 00:30:53.539 and that joy and rejoicing 00:30:53.539 --> 00:30:54.740 is led by the angels 00:30:54.740 --> 00:30:56.119 around the throne of God 00:30:56.119 --> 00:30:58.559 and it's over one soul 00:30:58.559 --> 00:31:00.259 who believes 00:31:00.259 --> 00:31:01.519 and repents 00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:02.839 who becomes a follower 00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:04.239 of Jesus Christ 00:31:04.239 --> 00:31:07.299 we get to be part of this great mission 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:09.019 don't you want that 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:10.879 you don't want the results 00:31:10.879 --> 00:31:12.819 you want Christ himself 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:14.219 like Peter 00:31:14.219 --> 00:31:15.859 you want to be with him 00:31:15.859 --> 00:31:18.399 and as you're with him 00:31:18.399 --> 00:31:19.759 he makes you into a fisherman 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:20.839 of souls 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:22.500 let's pray that he'll do that 00:31:22.500 --> 00:31:23.059 through us 00:31:23.059 --> 00:31:24.059 in powerful ways 00:31:24.059 --> 00:31:25.039 just one soul 00:31:25.039 --> 00:31:26.899 that he'll bring before himself 00:31:26.899 --> 00:31:28.220 for his glory 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:30.119 let's pray 00:31:30.119 --> 00:31:35.440 Lord we ask that you will take 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:37.059 ordinary people like us 00:31:37.059 --> 00:31:38.339 common 00:31:38.339 --> 00:31:39.899 simple workers 00:31:39.899 --> 00:31:43.799 and make us part of this glorious mission 00:31:43.799 --> 00:31:45.679 it's your mission on this earth 00:31:45.679 --> 00:31:47.639 the salvation of souls 00:31:47.640 --> 00:31:48.880 Lord 00:31:48.880 --> 00:31:50.080 some of us are weary 00:31:50.080 --> 00:31:51.460 and tired 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:53.500 we ask that you please 00:31:53.500 --> 00:31:55.280 nourish and strengthen us today 00:31:55.280 --> 00:31:57.500 Lord we confess 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:59.180 you do all the real work 00:31:59.180 --> 00:32:00.860 you do all the heavy lifting 00:32:00.860 --> 00:32:01.980 you are the one 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:03.160 who draw all men 00:32:03.160 --> 00:32:04.259 to yourself 00:32:04.259 --> 00:32:06.759 Lord you are the one 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:08.000 who give the increase 00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:10.300 you're the Lord of the harvest 00:32:10.300 --> 00:32:13.520 we praise you that 00:32:13.520 --> 00:32:15.980 you have made our hearts free 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:17.680 and so now we rise 00:32:17.680 --> 00:32:18.620 we go forth 00:32:18.620 --> 00:32:20.079 and we follow thee 00:32:20.079 --> 00:32:21.620 for your glory we pray 00:32:21.620 --> 00:32:22.519 amen 00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:26.880 we'll take some time 00:32:26.880 --> 00:32:28.460 to respond to the long gospel 00:32:28.460 --> 00:32:29.240 that you've heard 00:32:29.240 --> 00:32:31.480 I invite you to consider 00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:32.740 what is that next step 00:32:32.740 --> 00:32:33.640 of obedience 00:32:33.640 --> 00:32:35.400 that God is calling you to today 00:32:35.400 --> 00:32:38.559 maybe some here 00:32:38.559 --> 00:32:40.440 you are one of those great fish 00:32:40.440 --> 00:32:42.519 this is the day 00:32:42.519 --> 00:32:43.120 that the net 00:32:43.120 --> 00:32:43.960 of God's word 00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:45.360 is drawing you to Christ 00:32:45.359 --> 00:32:46.479 believe 00:32:46.479 --> 00:32:47.259 repent 00:32:47.259 --> 00:32:48.959 follow him 00:32:48.959 --> 00:32:51.919 maybe for some of you 00:32:51.919 --> 00:32:52.259 it's 00:32:52.259 --> 00:32:53.219 you need to grow 00:32:53.219 --> 00:32:54.000 as a disciple 00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:55.899 it's not 00:32:55.899 --> 00:32:56.819 it's not about being 00:32:56.819 --> 00:32:57.740 a nominal Christian 00:32:57.740 --> 00:32:59.059 and being part of 00:32:59.059 --> 00:33:00.079 a Christian subculture 00:33:00.079 --> 00:33:00.899 that's not enough 00:33:00.899 --> 00:33:02.339 you want Christ himself 00:33:02.339 --> 00:33:03.619 you want to grow 00:33:03.619 --> 00:33:05.059 you want to walk with him 00:33:05.059 --> 00:33:05.979 you want to learn 00:33:05.979 --> 00:33:06.419 what it means 00:33:06.419 --> 00:33:07.519 to commune with him 00:33:07.519 --> 00:33:09.119 and for him to prove 00:33:09.119 --> 00:33:09.699 over and over 00:33:09.699 --> 00:33:10.519 he's alive 00:33:10.519 --> 00:33:11.619 and he'll nourish you 00:33:11.619 --> 00:33:12.299 by his word 00:33:12.299 --> 00:33:13.619 be discipled 00:33:13.619 --> 00:33:14.939 and grow in your faith 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:16.980 maybe for some 00:33:16.980 --> 00:33:17.440 it's to 00:33:17.440 --> 00:33:19.340 become more of a fisherman 00:33:19.340 --> 00:33:21.180 become a member 00:33:21.180 --> 00:33:21.740 of the body 00:33:21.740 --> 00:33:22.480 be all in 00:33:22.480 --> 00:33:23.180 with his kingdom 00:33:23.180 --> 00:33:26.059 disciple others 00:33:26.059 --> 00:33:27.200 sharpen 00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:28.080 your understanding 00:33:28.080 --> 00:33:28.840 of his word 00:33:28.840 --> 00:33:31.279 and respond 00:33:31.279 --> 00:33:32.120 to the Lord now 00:33:32.120 --> 00:33:34.019 he will draw you 00:33:34.019 --> 00:33:35.299 one way or the other 00:33:35.299 --> 00:33:36.740 praise him 00:33:36.740 --> 00:33:37.259 for his work 00:33:37.259 --> 00:33:37.799 in your life 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:38.440 let's pray 00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:49.140 smth a big ball 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:50.759 of his bride 00:33:50.759 --> 00:33:55.019 and please 00:33:55.019 --> 00:33:55.920 follow 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:56.759 it's not a big thing 00:33:56.759 --> 00:33:56.920 though 00:33:56.920 --> 00:33:57.660 here 00:33:57.660 --> 00:33:58.360 and then 00:33:58.360 --> 00:33:58.900 hey 00:33:58.900 --> 00:33:59.980 don't know 00:33:59.980 --> 00:34:00.860 how the other 00:34:00.860 --> 00:34:01.000 but the other 00:34:01.000 --> 00:34:01.180 cycle 00:34:01.180 --> 00:34:01.480 come to me 00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:02.320 where 00:34:02.320 --> 00:34:02.799 this 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:03.799 Amen. 00:34:32.800 --> 00:34:34.800 Amen. 00:34:34.800 --> 00:34:35.800 Amen. 00:34:39.800 --> 00:34:40.800 Amen. 00:34:54.800 --> 00:34:58.800 Well, I invite you to continue responding to the Lord in obedience. 00:34:58.800 --> 00:35:02.800 And we'll do this next by taking of the Lord's Supper. 00:35:03.800 --> 00:35:06.400 We share the Lord's Supper together every week. 00:35:06.640 --> 00:35:10.060 Jesus said, as often as you do this, do it in remembrance of me. 00:35:11.080 --> 00:35:15.920 To partake in a worthy manner, according to 1 Corinthians 11, 17 through 34, 00:35:16.300 --> 00:35:19.600 we must treasure Christ and examine ourselves. 00:35:20.140 --> 00:35:23.519 If you love Jesus Christ and rest in him alone for salvation, 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:25.880 as he has offered to you in the gospel, 00:35:25.880 --> 00:35:29.660 if you are a baptized member in good standing of a local church 00:35:29.660 --> 00:35:32.400 that preaches the gospel of God's free grace, 00:35:32.640 --> 00:35:37.559 and if you are living in an ongoing repentance and gratitude in Christ, 00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:39.539 then this supper is for you. 00:35:39.940 --> 00:35:41.500 And that includes you who are visitors. 00:35:41.900 --> 00:35:42.880 We welcome you as well. 00:35:43.680 --> 00:35:46.820 However, if you have not received Christ as your only salvation, 00:35:47.180 --> 00:35:50.780 we ask that you abstain from this sacrament now 00:35:50.780 --> 00:35:54.140 and instead reflect on the gospel message that you have heard today. 00:35:55.060 --> 00:35:58.720 And out of the care for the souls of those who are still younger, 00:35:59.440 --> 00:36:00.120 like children, 00:36:00.260 --> 00:36:03.260 we ask that they partake only after being discipled 00:36:03.260 --> 00:36:06.040 by a pastor within the church for baptism 00:36:06.040 --> 00:36:08.220 as their first act of obedience. 00:36:08.219 --> 00:36:18.259 Last week, I explained a little bit. 00:36:18.299 --> 00:36:19.559 I want to clarify a bit more. 00:36:20.699 --> 00:36:24.779 We believe that Christ is spiritually present with his church. 00:36:25.279 --> 00:36:26.059 Do you believe that? 00:36:26.939 --> 00:36:28.579 Christ is spiritually present, 00:36:28.579 --> 00:36:31.139 and he loves to minister among his congregation. 00:36:31.599 --> 00:36:33.639 So that's why this is more than a remembrance. 00:36:33.639 --> 00:36:36.400 It's an actual spiritual partaking, 00:36:36.539 --> 00:36:39.980 a spiritual communing with the living Christ who is with us. 00:36:40.519 --> 00:36:44.699 I tried to explain the Zwinglian, you know, reformer. 00:36:44.799 --> 00:36:48.420 He said the vessels of the Lord's Supper should be wooden 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:49.659 because it's just a remembrance. 00:36:50.500 --> 00:36:54.039 And then Luther said there's not the Catholic transubstantiation, 00:36:54.219 --> 00:36:56.799 but the elements become, you know, the body of Christ 00:36:56.799 --> 00:36:58.299 because Christ says this is my body. 00:36:58.819 --> 00:37:00.980 And so John Calvin had the mediating position. 00:37:01.599 --> 00:37:03.139 Jesus said, yes, this is my body. 00:37:03.139 --> 00:37:05.619 This is my blood and do this in remembrance. 00:37:06.440 --> 00:37:09.420 So in Acts, we read that Christ is in heaven 00:37:09.420 --> 00:37:11.460 waiting until the time of his second coming. 00:37:11.759 --> 00:37:12.559 So he's in heaven, 00:37:12.559 --> 00:37:16.000 but he's also bringing refreshing from the presence of the Lord. 00:37:16.339 --> 00:37:18.019 So he's also present with his people. 00:37:18.179 --> 00:37:18.739 Both are true. 00:37:19.359 --> 00:37:22.699 And that's why the Calvin view of the Lord's Supper is the silver. 00:37:22.960 --> 00:37:24.039 It's not wood or gold. 00:37:24.139 --> 00:37:24.699 It's the silver. 00:37:25.019 --> 00:37:26.639 It's an already not yet. 00:37:26.859 --> 00:37:28.739 He's with us, but he's in heaven. 00:37:28.920 --> 00:37:32.420 And one day his kingdom of heaven will be fully on the earth 00:37:32.420 --> 00:37:33.900 as the waters cover the seas. 00:37:34.320 --> 00:37:37.460 We take this remembering, looking forward and longing for that day. 00:37:38.360 --> 00:37:40.300 If you long for Christ returning 00:37:40.300 --> 00:37:44.159 and you believe that he is alive and he's with his people, 00:37:44.639 --> 00:37:45.900 then that's what you're proclaiming 00:37:45.900 --> 00:37:47.860 when you come up to enjoy the Lord's Supper today. 00:37:48.579 --> 00:37:49.480 You may be served. 00:37:49.480 --> 00:37:49.639 Thank you. 00:37:55.579 --> 00:37:56.579 Thank you.