The New Covenant

How many of you like movies? Movies can be a great form of entertainment as we seek to watch a story play out before us on the big screen. When it comes to movies, you have originals and sequels. A sequel can be a tricky thing. Sometimes a sequel has little to do with the original movie. Take Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, for example. It had little do to with the first Indiana Jones movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark. If you decided to watch the second movie in The Hobbit Trilogy without watching the first, you would miss out on some key points.

Some feel that it is made up of two parts that do not have much to do with one another when it comes to the Bible. If you were to examine the Bible, you would see an Old Testament and a New Testament. The truth is that these two testaments make up one complete story. Without one, you would not fully understand the other. 

We have been going through a sermon series called Promises, where we have looked at different covenants that the LORD made with humanity at various points. It is easy to think that these are stand-alone events that only pertained to those at the moment, but we said last week that each of these covenants fit together like puzzle pieces and pointed to something big that the LORD was doing. The covenants that the LORD made with Noah, Abraham, the Israelites, and King David pointed to what we will talk about today: the new covenant.

What is the New Covenant?

When we say “the new covenant,” it is important that we are on the same page about what we are talking about. Too often, misunderstandings happen because terms are not clearly defined. The New Covenant is the promise that the LORD makes with humanity that He will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned towards Him. 

When sin came into humanity in the Garden of Eden, there was a break in the fellowship between people and the LORD. This break in fellowship results in eternal separation from the LORD and His goodness. Because we are the ones who sin, we can do nothing ourselves to make this right. Thankfully, the LORD chose to step in and make a way for redemption and restoration to take place. This way is the New Covenant.

The New Covenant Has Always Been The Plan

As I said earlier, we cannot separate the covenants of the Old Testament from the New Covenant explained throughout the New Testament. If you were to take the covenants that we’ve looked at over the past couple of weeks, along with the messages that God gave to many of the prophets in the Old Testament, you would see that this New Covenant has been the LORD’s plan from the beginning. 

The Old Covenant that the LORD established with His people required obedience to what we know as the Mosaic Law. Because the wages of sin is death, the Law required that Israel perform daily sacrifices to atone for sin. In one of his last addresses to the people of Israel, Moses looked forward to a time when Israel would be given “a heart to understand.”

The LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love him with all your heart and all your soul so that you will live.

Deuteronomy 30:6 CSB

This new heart work that the LORD would do within people is part of this New Covenant. It is that the LORD will give a new heart to anyone who turns to Him by faith. This new heart will be one that would allow the person to fully love the LORD and follow Him with everything that they are. 

Jeremiah also spoke about the New Covenant. 

“Look, the days are coming” — this is the LORD’s declaration — “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. This one will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors on the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt — my covenant that they broke even though I am their master” — the LORD’s declaration. “Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days” — the LORD’s declaration. “I will put my teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them” — this is the LORD’s declaration. “For I will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin.”

Jeremiah 31:31-33 CSB

We can see that Jesus Christ came to earth to fulfill the Law of Moses perfectly and establish the New Covenant between the LORD and his people. The Old Covenant was written on stone tablets, but this New Covenant would be written on people’s hearts. Luke 22:20 shows us how Jesus would initiate this New Covenant at the Lord’s Supper.

In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

Luke 22:20 CSB

At that moment, Jesus had not gone to the cross, but He was on His way. Jesus knew what was about to happen. He knew that He would go to the cross and take on Himself the sins of the entire human race and pay for them with His blood. The New Covenant would be the final covenant between the LORD and humanity. 

One other prophet spoke about the New Covenant in the Old Testament. His name was Ezekiel. 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will place my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statutes and carefully observe my ordinances. 

Ezekiel 36:26-27 CSB

We can see that this New Covenant would have some significant aspects: a new heart, a new spirit, the Holy Spirit living within us, and true holiness. These things could never come to a person through the Old Covenant. 

For no one will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets. The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented him as an atoning sacrifice in his blood, received through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus. 

Romans 3:20-27 CSB

Jesus is Our Mediator

As we examine this New Covenant, it centers on Jesus and His work on our behalf. We are no longer under the Law but under grace. We are not left to keep the Law of God perfectly because there is no way that we can do that. Jesus can, however. More importantly, Jesus did. 

The Old Covenant has served its purpose in showing us what God desires and that we cannot do it ourselves. The Old Covenant ultimately pointed us to the New Covenant that Jesus Christ instituted. Under this New Covenant, we are given the opportunity to receive the free gift of salvation. We do so by agreeing with what the LORD has said about our sin (confessing it), trusting in what Jesus did for us on the cross and by rising from the grave, and following Him as Lord. As we do that, we experience this New Covenant and can live life as it was meant to be. 

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Finish the Game

Last night was one of the better Super Bowls that I have watched in my time. The San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs left it all out on the field. When the final seconds ticked off, the Kansas City Chiefs stood tall as Super Bowl champions.

I enjoyed watching the game with a few friends. There were good conversations going on, good food, and just good times all around. I will admit that I wasn’t thrilled with the halftime show, but that is a topic for a different conversation.

One thing that stood out to me last night during the game came late in the 4th quarter. With just under 3 minutes left to go in the game, the Chiefs score a touchdown to go up for the final time. This is where something important stood out to me.

While the fans and many of the Chiefs’ players on the sidelines were cheering and celebrating, there was a video clip that should make the rounds forevermore in sports lore. For just a couple of seconds, a camera caught Patrick Mahomes going up and down his sideline saying the phrase, “Finish the game!”

Mahomes understood that the game wasn’t over. A lot can happen in just under 3 minutes. The 49ers weren’t in the Super Bowl as a fluke. They had earned their way there. They had led a good portion of the Super Bowl. They still had all their timeouts and the “2-minute warning” stoppage.

Too many times, we get ahead in the game and figure that we can coast to the end. It doesn’t always work that way. Mahomes – like the rest of the Chiefs – wanted to celebrate, but the way that would happen was by finishing the game and not letting up.

While we may be tempted to cruise on a lead to the end, let us “finish the game.” There will be time to celebrate when the final whistle is blown.

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Book Review: “Case Keenum: Playing For More”

Author: Case Keenum and Andrew Perloff

Publisher: B&H Publishers

Overview

There is something about the game of football that just brings so many people together. I am a big fan of football myself. I will say that I prefer college football to the NFL, but there when the summer ends and the weather begins to grow cooler, that can only mean that it is football season.

In Playing For More, Case Keeenum shares about how he became one of the most recognizable quarterbacks of the NFL today and the part that his faith has played in this journey.  The journey starts in a small town in Texas and goes all the way through “The Minneapolis Miracle.”

Thoughts

I became aware of this up and coming quarterback named Case Keenum after “the Minneapolis Miracle” that took place in the NFC Division playoff game against the New Orleans Saints last year. I remember hearing Keenum’s response post-game and was intrigued by his response.

This book is a firsthand telling of the path that Keenum took to get to where he is today as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. I knew that there was going to be a lot of football talk (and there is) with this book. There is also mentions of how Keenum’s faith has played out and helped him along this journey. I will say that I thought there might be more about his faith than there was, but it was still good to hear what is present.
One drawback to this book is that it Is very apparent that it is not written by a professional author. The wording and how things flow do not always go smoothly. This “drawback” though was a little refreshing in that it was really like reading an average Joe just sharing his story.

It is good to hear the story of a professional athlete who loves Jesus and follows Him to the best of his ability. Our family loves sports. I have three sons who love sports for the most part. To be able to point them to a guy that they see on TV that doesn’t just mention Jesus or God but really follows Him and is not ashamed is a nice feature.

Recommendation

If you like football and want to know more behind the scenes of one of the most impressive quarterbacks of recent history, then Playing For More is a must read. It will give you the insight to a great quarterback’s journey from small town USA to the bright lights of the NFL. Even though this journey has taken this young man far from where he started, his faith in Jesus Christ has been the one thing that has driven him and kept everything in the proper perspective.

 

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What A Game

Last night was the college football playoff national championship between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs. It was a game that I was greatly looking forward to as a fan of college football and especially the SEC. I believe that the game lived up to all of the hype. I know that there were many who were upset because there were two teams from the same conference in the national championship. The truth is that if the two top teams are in the same conference, they should be the ones playing it out on the field for the prize.

As I’ve had a little time to come down from the excitement of having “my team” win it all (in dramatic fashion), I’ve been thinking about some things that I will be taking away from this game. I thought that I would share them with you.

No one is bigger than the team.

The University of Alabama made a major decision as they came out of the locker room after halftime. They decided to put in their backup quarterback to lead the team and try to get a spark going for what had been a less-than-stellar first half. One might think that that is not such a big deal. That is until you realize that the backup is a true freshman who has not seen any real competitive gametime action all year. The decision to make this young man’s first major appearance in the biggest game of the year with only half the time to work with seems crazy… but it was the right decision.

The starting quarterback for Alabama, Jalen Hurts, is one that came into last night’s championship with a record of 25-2. That is simply phenomenal no matter what standard you use. While Hurts had led the team to championship game all year long, when it came time to step aside, he did. Jalen Hurts did not think more about himself and his fame than that of the team. He did not demand what he “had earned” but stepped aside for the betterment of the team. And because of that, today is part of a championship team.

There is no one person that is bigger than the team. When I think about the arena that I spend most of my time in (the church), I think that this is a lesson that we could all use. Too many times people are tempted to go the way of what they see in the business world within the church. The church is not about “me”… it is not here to make me look better… it is not here to help me achieve my agenda… it is not even here for my desires. The church is the team of God’s people working together carrying out God’s agenda.

Be ready

One thing that Tua Tagovailoa learned firsthand last night was that you had better be ready when your number is called. There was no time to make excuses. There was no time to prepare at that moment. He would either sink or swim. The wonderful thing for the Crimson Tide is that Tagovailoa was ready for the moment. There were very few (if any) who thought that the coaching staff would make the switch of quarterbacks at halftime of the most important game of the season. I know I never saw it coming. But that decision was made… and they are celebrating today.

Every Christian should take notice. 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us “in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”

Sadly, not every (actually very few) opportunities that God calls us to come with a warning. We have to be ready for that moment before the moment comes.  God uses every moment to prepare us for what lies ahead.  If we stay alert and ready, then when that call comes, we will experience the victory that God has for us.

The Importance of Celebration

As the Crimson Tide hit the long pass for the victory in overtime, the place went nuts.  I know it went crazy around my house.  One of the key moments of that night was when starting quarterback (Jalen Hurts) ran out onto the field to congratulate the backup quarterback (Tua Tagovailoa).  Hurts was the first one out there congratulating the young man that took his position.

If that wasn’t enough, Jalen Hurts was interviewed after the game.  He was quick to praise his teammate and all that Tagovailoa had done for the team.  There was no jealousy.  There was no whining.  There was no regrets.

Too many times, the church loses sight of this element.  We are part of the same team – the team of Christ.  We should celebrate when the Kingdom is represented well and wins.

Give glory to where glory is due

The interview of Tua Tagovailoa after the game is one that will be remembered for some time to come.  This young man who was on top of the world at the moment was quick to give glory to His Savior… and he didn’t go the generic route… he left no doubt about who he was talking about.

When we experience great moments in our lives, we must remember that none of it would be possible if God did not provide.  A part of being alert is remembering that fact.  It is easy to get caught up in the moment and lose our focus, but we are just recipients of grace from a mighty God.  Thank you, Tua, for giving my boys another man to look up to in this dark world.

And thank you, Crimson Tide, for another great year of football!

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We Need Teachers

This year, I have had the privilege of coaching my oldest son’s “Coach-Pitch” baseball team.  It has been a blast.  I have loved baseball from the time that I began playing back at the age of 5.  I always thought that if the opportunity came around to coach my children’s teams, that I would jump at it.

While I record is not what I would have wanted, I believe that we have had a great time.  I have seen some of the guys (and one girl) come a long way this season.  I told them at the beginning of the season that we were going to focus on the two F’s: fundamentals and fun!  We’ve tried to do that.

Tonight is our team’s final game of the season.  Since school has let out around here, we are running into family vacations.  I got a message from a parent that let me know that their child was not going to make this last game because they won’t be back from vacation in time.  I completely understand.  Family time is important.

The last part of this parent’s message is what got me though.  They thanked me for a good season.  They were very appreciative of the work that we had done with the team – especially taking the time to actually teach them the game instead of expect them to just know it.

I have dwelt on that statement since I received the message.  The appreciation that someone took the time to teach their child how to do something instead of just letting them “live and learn.”  It got me to thinking about other things in life.

We need teachers. We need those who who are farther down the path that we are to come alongside of us and teach us the things that we need to know.  It is not going to “just happen.”  It will take deliberate action and time.  It will take celebrations and frustrations.  While it may be rough, the end result is great (and often greatly appreciated).

Thank you to the parents of our Hitmen this year.  Thank you for the opportunity to have fun with your children and hopefully pass on some of the things that I’ve learned on this journey.

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Lent 2014 Day 3

They go by different names in different sports. They are the 12th man in football. The 6th man in basketball. The home field advantage. They are the ones in the stands making a lot of noise. They can have a little sway, but mostly they are all noise.

I love sports. I especially love college football. I would spend every Saturday in the fall in front of a couple of TVs with various games on all day. But we know that wouldn't be any good.

I can really get into some of the games, especially if the University of Alabama is playing. I have been known to "holler" at the TV at times. My wife will often sarcastically call me "coach."

The truth is I can really make no difference in the game I'm so engrossed in. Why? Because I'm not on the field.

This same scenario plays out with ministry. When I say ministry, I am talking about the work that God is doing to bring His creation to Himself. There are many who make a lot of noise from the sidelines. The truth is that though they may make a lot of noise, there is no real impact being made by them.

Impact is made when a person hears Christ calling them to get into the game and obeys. They may not be the best. They may not have the most talent. They have the one thing that is needed though: Christ.

As we move towards the resurrection, let us remember those whom Christ has called and worked through to accomplish His purposes. They may not all be the "5 stars," but the ones on the field are making the difference.

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Give Thanks Day 9

After missing yesterday, I need to get back on track with my thankful list. Today, I would like to thank The Lord for allowing college football to be invented. Saturdays in the fall are something I look forward to every year. The competition of the game is like nothing else.

The game of college football provides a much needed release also for me from ministry work. The work of a pastor is on-going. If I'm not careful, I will spend every waking hour thinking, planning, visioning, preparing... If I'm going to make it for the long haul, I need a release. For some time, college football has been that release for me.

If you're going to talk about college football, you have to talk about the greatest team there is: the Crimson Tide of Alabama. As they prepare to whoop up on some bayou bengals, I'll make plans to holler "Roll Tide" as much as possible!

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Another Reason I Love College Football

I'm not a Nebraska fan normally, but this will make you say, "Way to go, Huskers!"

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=_Jmisv1Spck&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_Jmisv1Spck]

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Great Pass

I came across this story recently and thought it was a definite share.

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Great Leadership Takes Courage

Tonight, two college football teams will take the field of battle in Dallas, TX. The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines will play in one of the nation's most anticipated kickoff games of college football. It is no secret who I will be cheering for. I am a Crimson Tide fan through and through. I am excited about another season of college football and hoping that the boys from Tuscaloosa can repeat as champs this year.

Something else grabbed my attention about this game though. As it is now well known, Michigan has suspended two key players for tonight's game. One of these players is their star running back. This was a bold move by Coach Hoke. Knowing that you will not have one of your main weapons in the game against the defending national champions and defensive powerhouse and to still make this move is amazing.

This is where you see that Coach Hoke is a true leader. This move was by no means a popular move. That is what makes it great. Coach Hoke seems more concerned with teaching his team (and the nation) what true leadership looks like.

I am not a Michigan fan in sports, but this week I became a Coach Hoke fan because he showed what a great leader has to do sometimes.

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New Poll

[polldaddy poll=4424244]

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National Championship Ponderings

Another college football season ha come to an end. The Auburn Tigers are on top of the hill. It's no secret that I love me some college football. The next 7 months or so are my "blue time" waiting for college football to return.

Anyone who knows me knows that my football allegiance lies with the Crimson Tide of Alabama. As it turned out, they weren't playing in the national championship so I had to pull for someone else: the Oregon Ducks or in-state rival Auburn. I chose Auburn because my affection for the SEC trumped my dislike for Auburn.

I have been thinking about a couple of things leading up to and since the game. It amazes me that people would cheer against their own conference and a fellow representative of your state... All because it's Auburn.

Sadly, this reminded me of a scene that plays out far too often in the Christian world. There are people who will not cheer on their brothers and sisters in Christ simply because they aren't of the same denomination or even the same church as them. This is a sad state. This also spits in the face of our Savior's prayer from John 17 that we would be unified. This also flies in the face of 1 Corinthians 12:26.

I understand that there are some differences in thought among the children of God just as there is differences among children in any family. The key thing to remember is that we are on the same team and part of the same family if we believe Jesus is the one and only Son of God and provider of salvation. Our awesome God will receive much more glory when the world sees unity in His body.

With that being said, I guess it's time for me to give proper props... Congrats Auburn.

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Iron Bowl Thoughts

Well, I have had some time to recover from the Iron Bowl and now believe that I can emerge and share some thoughts...

• I was glad to see that it was a close game. I don't care much for blowouts (unless my team is blowing the other one out).  A good close college football game is always a joy to watch.


• As David Nasser tweeted moments after the game, "the second half of life matters much more than the first half. don't give up & finish well." I think that this was the biggest thing other than an upset stomach that I walked away with from the Iron Bowl.  No matter how great or gloomy it looks like right now, keep pressing on because until that final whistle blows, it ain't over!


• Family time is important. This year, my mother, father, wife and sons joined me in the watching of the Iron Bowl.  It was great to have them all around me.  It reminded me of what the body of Christ (the church) is supposed to be like.  Check out 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and see that we need each other in good times and bad.

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Iron Bowl Poll

It's that time of year again here in the great state of Alabama. The Iron Bowl. The greatest college football rivalry game in the land. I was just wondering, who do you think will walk away with the victory?

[polldaddy poll=4132187]

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New Alabama Crimson Tide Intro...

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Correct Priorities

Earlier this week I had heard about the news that San Francisco 49er running back, Glen Coffee, was retiring from professional football.  Why has this story made the headlines all over the sports world?  He's 23 years old.  I won't even go into the thought of how great it would be to retire at the age of 23.  but I will get into why he stepped away from the game.

Glen Coffee was on a local radio show this week talking about this decision to walk away from arguably the greatest game on the face of the planet (along with millions of dollars).  He shared about how his heart was not with the game anymore... even at the college level.  He thought that if he got paid, it might make it all more tolerable.  He has since seen that this is not the path for his life.  It was amazing to hear him talk about his faith in Jesus Christ and following Him.  Glen talked about sharing his decision to walk away with his coach Mike Singletary (also born-again Christian) and the encouragement that Coach Singletary gave him to follow His Lord.

The whole reason that I bring any of this up is not that here's a former Alabama Crimson Tide running back (though that's a cool part), but that it's good to see someone who has their priorities straight.  Glen Coffee was able to set aside the fame and fortune that the NFL has to offer to do what he knows is God's path for him.  I greatly respect him for this decision and pray that God would use him in a great and mighty way to shape the future of many people to come.

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Number 13

I've been meaning to get on here and show my happiness at the University of Alabama winning their 13th national championship on Thursday night.  I have been a fan of the Crimson Tide for as long as I can remember.  It was good to be able to see the team that you cheer for win another championship.  I know that it is just a game, and I think that I've done a good job at keeping it in its proper perspective.

One thing that really stood out to me was the the interview with Colt McCoy after the game.  It was so good to see someone who showed their true colors.  You can see that interview by clicking here.  I have heard different things about why McCoy was not in the game.  I don't entertain many of those thoughts.  This young man was taken out of what he had worked his entire football career to achieve.  When this happens all he has to say is that "God is in control."  It is so good to see that there are some good heroes for our children coming up to look at.

Sad part of it all is... no college football til September 2010... ugh...

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Laugh It Off?

Yesterday, I had the TV on ESPN to see what was going on in the world of sports.  One story caught my attention.  It had to do with Chad Ocho Cinco's fake bribe of officials in a game on Sunday.  I have always thought that some celebrations should be allowed in football.  I like a good touchdown dance just like the next guy.  Sometimes, the celebration gets pushed over the edge.  I think that now there are many people who are just trying to put on a show and see how far they can push the limits. 

In the latest chapter of Ocho Cinco's antics, he tried to take a $1 bill to an official to mess around and get a call his way.  I know that he was joking, but there are some things that are just better not to be joked about.  I believe the one thing that stood out to me came not from Ocho Cinco, but the guys on ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption".  Mike Wilbon said that the NFL should just get a sense of humor and not be so uptight.

I will agree that a sense of humor is a needed thing in life.  I will admit that I have laughed a few times at the celebrations of one Ocho Cinco.  What I disagree with is making light of something that is clearly wrong.  Bribery is something that has corrupted far too many institutions and people.  When we get to the point of just laughing it off as "no big deal", then that's the open door for it to become mainstream and part of our culture.

It has been a wish of mine for a while now that those in the spotlight (actors, athletes, etc) would face the fact that there are hundreds, even thousands, of young people that are looking to them to provide an example.  I know that they didn't ask for that (Charles Barkley), but it is part of the job.  You can have fun and do some very funny things... just make sure that it is not pointing others in the direction of clear wrong.

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Crazy Weekend

This weekend has been a wild ride. It all really began back on Thursday when I stayed home with our little son, Drew. He had gotten sick the day before and had to stay home. That day was a pretty good day because the little boy seemed to be over whatever it was.

Then Friday came with a fury. I was awakened in the early morning hours by what a preacher I know once called "Montezuma's Revenge." I spent the whole day in the bed. This was not a good thing as this is the weekend that college football starts. Praise the Lord, I was only out of commission for Friday.

Saturday was a welcome guest as our tv was filled the plays of the gridiron. It was great. Especially watching the Crimson Tide of Alabama get their feet under them for a great season.

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Gone Fishing

Though I was born and raised in the south, I haven't been involved in many outdoors events.  I have never been hunting (deer, turkey, raccoon, etc).  I was raised in "the city" and my parents weren't ever involved in those activities.  One thing that I did pick up as a young boy was fishing.  There was a creek that ran behind our house that was filled with catfish, bass, and bream.  There were even some "unidentifiable" fish in there - that may be due to the nuclear power plant that wasn't too far away.  I would spend afternoons on end down at the creek looking for the big catch.

I still enjoy fishing to this day even though I haven't had the opportunity to do it faithfully in a while.  There's just something about getting away from everything and putting a line in the water.  I must admit that I greatly look forward to the day when I can take my son fishing and share some of those moments with him.

When I think about fishing, I'm reminded of Jesus' words, "Come,  be My disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17).  As Jesus was calling out to those professional fishermen to join Him on the adventure of a lifetime, I'm reminded that Jesus is still calling us to follow Him.  For Andrew, Simon (Peter), James, and John, Jesus was using something that they had invested their whole lives in to teach them about God's plan.  Jesus also shows that God was working His plan out long before the invitation was given.

I felt that Jesus was calling me to come and be a "fisher of men" when I was about 16 years old.  I had been a follower of Christ for a couple of years, but He made it very plain that I was going to diliberately reach out to people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Over the years, Christ has shown me that there's not a lot of difference in fishing and being a follower of His.

• You have to have the right equipment. If you're going to fish for the "big ones," then a little Mickey Mouse rod and reel won't do.  God's given us His word and His Spirit to help us in our task.


• You have to know how to use the equipment. Just because you have the equipment doesn't mean that you will automatically know how to use it properly.  I had the hardest time learning to  use a bait-casting reel.  It is important to learn how to study and share the Gospel and God's word with others.


• You have to know how to read the signs. If the water is very choppy, you aren't going to have a good time fishing.  If you can get on the water right before a cold front comes in, it can be the best experience.  We have to be sensitive to seeing how the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of people around us and to know what the best approach is.

I remember a commitment that I made many moons ago.  I committed to tell one person about Jesus each week.  I don't exactly remember when that commitment was made, but I have been reminded by the Holy Spirit that I haven't been "fishing" in a while.  I serve on a ministerial staff and teach the Bible weekly.  Most of my messages would be considered very evangelistic.  But I've found myself here lately so bogged down with the everyday tasks that I haven't gotten out and approached many one-on-one with the greatest news ever given to mankind: Jesus paid it all!  I think it's time to go and do some fishing...

Are you intentionally sharing the Gospel with people outside of your normal "ministry" duties (preaching, teaching a class, church outreach program, etc)?

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