Fishers of Men

Dylan Stewart

In Matthew 4:19, Christ told his apostles “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This phrase is one of the most well-known lines in the entire New Testament, and, arguably, one of the most important metaphors for evangelism. All followers of Christ have the responsibility to be fishers of men. We are saved to save others. We are Christians to make others Christians. We are born again to win others for the Kingdom. We are God’s children to bring others into God’s family. We are wanting to go to Heaven, and we cannot meet our Lord empty-handed! How then can we become successful fishers of men?

What Are We Using as Bait?

When fishing, it is vital to know the fish you are looking for and how to attract them so you can make the catch. For fish, it’s bait. They swim around in search of food, so we offer them worms, crickets, etc. In the case of fishing for men, we must offer the only effective bait — the gospel of Jesus Christ. The unsaved are searching for grace. They’re searching for unconditional love. They’re seeking acceptance. Show Christ to them. Tell them what He did on the cross. Show them what he has done in your life. Speak honestly and from the heart. Speak from experience. Show them what the Bible says about His saving Grace in spite of anything they have ever done or said or been. The gospel message has the power to change lives, shine light into darkness, and deliver sinners from Hell. There is no power in any other message and no other bait can catch the fish of God.

Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Thus, the bait we use should reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should be fishing with the “incorruptible seed ” – the word of God – which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).

Where Are We Fishing?

Fish will not come to us simply because we want them to. It is the same for Christians who are fishing for men. We have to find them. We have to find locations where the conditions are favorable and advantageous for us catching fish. Sometimes we fall into the trap of believing people will always come to God when they are ready. Sadly, this is not always the case. That is why Christ implored his disciples during the Great Commission to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). However, we must be careful not to fish in poor conditions. For example, if we attempt to fish in stormy weather, we can risk our boat getting capsized. If the water is too muddy, the fish may have a hard time finding the bait. If we spend too much time in the stormy, muddy waters, our results may not be fruitful. Consider Christ’s admonition during His Parable of the Sower. He informs us if we attempt to plant the seed of Christ “among thorns,” it will become “choked” (Luke 8:7, 14). While we have the responsibility to teach all nations, we need to avoid fishing in poor conditions for too long in order to prevent evil company from corrupting our good habits and intentions (1 Corinthians 15:33). Likewise, there comes a point when we have to realize the conditions we are fishing in are not safe and likely will not yield positive results.

Are We Catching/Releasing or Keeping the Fish?

If we use the correct bait and fish in good locations, we will likely catch fish. But what do we do next? Do we keep the fish or simply release them? Consider Paul’s concern for the church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 11:1-4. After spending time with the brethren teaching them about Christ, converting lost souls, and establishing the church there (in other words, catching the fish), he did not simply release them. Instead, he kept them on his mind and in his heart and prayers. In fact, he was so concerned for their spiritual growth and safety he told them “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” (v.3-4).

Paul recognized the fish he caught needed guidance in order to grow, which is why he eventually went back to Corinth and stayed with them for three months (Acts 20:3). He did not want them to fall back into their sinful ways. We should share this same mentality after converting others. We should help bear their burdens (Galatians 6:2), striving to emulate Paul’s encouragement to the church at Colosse: “We . . . do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (Colossians 1:9-11). We cannot leave new converts on their own. Don’t leave the fish lying out of water. They need fellowship. They need guidance. They need help. Continue leading them to the living water.

Conclusion

A follower of Christ is a fisher of men. When fishing for actual fish, we must know what bait to use and where to cast our lines. The same applies when fishing for men. We must know the Word of God. We must share that Word. We must know where the fish are located. We also must know what that person needs to hear – the gospel of Christ. Lastly, we must realize the need to care for and nurture the fish after catching them in order to help them grow. It is through this loving care we will lead people to become followers of Jesus, and to Heaven and life eternal.

Bad Company

Mike Johnson

The story is told of two parrots that lived near each other. The one was accustomed to singing hymns while the other was addicted to swearing. The owner of the latter obtained permission for it to associate with the former in the hope that its bad habit would be corrected. Instead, the opposite happened as both learned to swear.

This little story reminds us of a passage in I Corinthians 15:33 which says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” A person may feel like he can associate with wicked people and not be hurt. He may think that he can be a good influence on the wicked person. Perhaps he can, but influence can go in two directions, and there is a great danger of the wicked person influencing the good person. If a person thinks other- wise, he is “deceived.” Young people, as well as older people, need to pick their friends carefully. Remember, “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

How Can You Know God?

Carol Sutton

If in the Day of Judgment, the Lord says, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity,” or “Verily I say unto you, I know you not,” to you or to me, it will be a very sad occasion for us. (See Matthew 7:21 and 25:12). In view of the impending judgment, each of us should make sure that we know God. In order for God to know us, we must know Him. How can we know God? Our feelings do not indicate that we know God. Evil men may have good feelings. Human testimony of others is no indication that we know God.

In order to know God, you must believe confidently that God is, and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The He- brew writer says: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). John says: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” (John 20:30-31). To know God, you must be taught of God. You must learn God’s will for man. You must approve of what God says and be willing to obey God’s commandments. Jesus said: “Not every one that sayeth unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). John also said: “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3).

If you are an alien sinner, God commands you to “repent”. (See Acts 17:30-31). The Jews on Pentecost, who had crucified Jesus, were commanded to “Repent, and be baptized for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38). Saul, who was a praying penitent believer, was commanded to “arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).

To know God, we must love God. But to love God is to keep His commandments. Therefore, to know God is to keep God’s commandments. (1 John 4:7-8; 5:3)

SUMMED UP: In order to know God (and for God to know you), you must learn God’s will, believe it with all your heart and obey it sincerely!

Volume 1, Number 6 – August, 2021