Mark recorded the words of our Savior – the very words He used when He called Peter and Andrew to become fishers of men almost 2000 years ago:
“Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.” Mark 1:17-18 (NKJV)
True christianity is all about following the example of Jesus.
As we learn to know His Word and His Presence better, we get a hold of the revelation of spreading the message of salvation, this is the core of a christian’s life. Jesus is the only way to eternal life. In addition He wants to give us an abundant life as we seek first His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33) – when we seek His way of living, loving and leading. True christianity has never been ceremonial faith, observing certain rituals but it is personal faith (having inward witness). This means practically that we follow our Master’s example in words and deeds. In following Jesus is the preaching of the Gospel. When we learn to know Him, we will want to make Him known to others.
Jesus has given us very clear instructions in His Word:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV)
This is our time to live according to His Word, to go and declare the Good News. It’s time to lead people to Jesus but the commission doesn’t end there…
We also need to teach the Word of God to those who make a decision to receive Jesus into their hearts. Places of fellowship (such as home group) is where you can grow in your faith and you can bring new people to the fellowship with the family of God. You can reach people nobody else can reach. You are the plan of God for the people around you. If you don’t preach the Gospel to your community then who would preach? Finland will be changed one heart, one family and one community at a time.
You just need to take your place in God’s great plan!
The Great Commission is still in effect. The only reason Jesus hasn’t returned is because there are millions of people to be saved before it’s eternally too late. The villages, towns, cities and suburbs of Finland will hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
“But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” 39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons. Mark 1:38-39 (NKJV)
Jesus said here: “Go into the next towns.” He said: “Keep on moving forward and taking new ground.” What new place can you go to this week and preach the Gospel there? These new places need to hear the Gospel. Many of these people are like “sheep without a shephard” – yet many are hungry for real life that is only found in relationship with God. This is a great opportunity for us. People are longing for hope, answers and direction for their lives. The Gospel births understanding in the hearts of people showing that their life is significant and special. Most importantly lost people need salvation of their soul before they pass into Eternity. Jesus is still the only way! So we have to preach the Gospel so people can receive this great salvation. We need to have a sense of urgency, a zeal for the mission God has given each one of us. Let God do a big work in your heart – then He can do the big work through you. God wants you to become a fisher of men among this generation right here in Finland!
JESUS WAS MOVED BY COMPASSION
“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38
What moved Jesus should move us! What did not move Jesus should not move us!
What moved Him? People without a vision, people without a leadership, people who were lost, sick and hungry. He had a constant fellowship with His Heavenly Father, telling Him where He should go and what He should do. Multitudes were touched by His ministry.
What did not move Him? Religion that used a lots of words, long, learned and loud prayers with little action and application. People’s acceptance did not move Him. Multitudes loved Him and then there were those who hated Him. 2 Tim. 3:12: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Indifferent attitude did not move Him.
There were few people in the Bible whom Jesus called to follow Him but these people “had better things to do…”. For example the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22. We never hear about him again after he went away to another direction even though Jesus had called this young man to follow Himself.
But we still talk about those who started to follow Jesus – Peter, James, John and other disciples. They became fishers of men. They changed society, they changed nations and they changed the course of history.
How to become a fisher of men
1) ACTIVATE your soulwinning.
“For Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NLT)
“There is salvation in no one else! God has given NO OTHER NAME under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NLT)
2) ACTIVATE your participation in fellowship with believers (home group).
This is your community. This is a place where you really grow up spiritually. If you don’t have a home group yet, visit one this week. It is a great place to meet new people. They are designed to grow, accelerate, multiply and then to branch out to new areas, new suburbs and even new cities. This is how we can win towns, cities and suburbs of Finland for Jesus Christ.
“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47 (NLT)
3) ACTIVATE your love walk.
Always believe the best of you brother/sister. When Holy Spirit fills us, our hearts are full; full of love and peace everywhere you go – at home, at school, with friends, at business or work place. Then your life becomes an attractive life (a giver, not taker), you become a leader and not one who follows the ways of this world. When you live like this, you actually start to lead people to Jesus by your words and by your example in life.
Always walking in love gives you godly confidence.
“With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. 3 Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace, 4 being one body and one spirit, as you were all called into the same glorious hope of divine destiny.” Ephesians 4:2-4
4) ACTIVATE your prayer life. A believer who prays is a believer who wins in every area of life.
Jesus prayed, Elijah prayed, men of God in the Bible prayed. So we should pray fervently.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16b (NKJV)
“The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” James 5:16b: (AMPC)
JESUS prayed a lot. JESUS preached a lot. He reached many people. He performed mighty miracles. He fed the multitudes (Matthew 14:21). The Early Church prayed a lot and preached a lot. They reached thousands of people at a time. They performed mighty miracles among the people. Poverty was eradicated from the Early Church (Acts 4:34). We should be men and women of prayer. Prayer changes us and will change this nation.
When we follow Jesus’ example, we will become fishers of men and we will fulfill God’s plan for our lives.
Finland shall be saved! Europe will be shaken by the power of God!
It’s time to plunder hell and populate Heaven!