Fishing for Souls!

February 16, 2026, Monday Message:

Matthew 4:19 NLT: Jesus called out to Simon and his brother Andrew, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

I told you that Jesus did a lot of his ministry around the Sea of Galilee. It starts now as he begins to assemble his team. Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew were fishermen by trade. And like most people of Hebrew descent, they were keeping a watchful eye out for the Messiah. Imagine being told all your life to expect a Messiah, and suddenly along comes Jesus, THE Messiah!

Fishermen were judged by the quality and quantity of their catch. You can’t make a living by catching only a few fish, and some breeds of fish are more desirable than others. Jesus promises an even loftier goal. “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Now, instead of fishing, they were in the “Repent and Return” business. It’s the same business in which we find ourselves nowadays. Have you caught any big ones lately?

When the Messiah calls you to his ministry team, the right thing to do is to drop everything and immediately become a disciple. Secure your boat, your nets, and your other fishing paraphernalia and get in step with God’s Son. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Simon and Andrew. And it can be a lifetime opportunity for you and me!

Blessings on this Presidents’ Day!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Fishing!

For Wednesday, August 7, 2024:

John 21:6a NLT: “Then Jesus said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll catch some fish!’”

Yesterday was the Pastor’s Urban and Suburban Fishing Tournament on Lake Minnetonka, co-sponsored by Fishing for Life and Jesus in the City. Some caught fish; some didn’t. That didn’t really matter, because the larger purpose is to build relationships between churches in the suburbs and those still fighting it out in the inner city. In the city, we’re battling more homelessness, addictions, hunger and single-parenting challenges. Far too many people are under-resourced. It’s a rough place to do ministry, and sometimes success is elusive.

Remember that Jesus sent us out not to fish for fish. He taught us to fish for men and women, souls that otherwise would be lost. Believers have assurance of salvation, a promise from Jesus that we’d see heaven from the inside. Out of gratitude for what Jesus did for us, we accept his challenge of fishing for souls. We’re responsible for the effort, not the outcome. That’s up to the Holy Spirit and the soul with whom we’re sharing the Good News!

If the fish on your left aren’t biting, try those on the right. Believers should never stop fishing! “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fishers of people!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Fishing for Men!

For Wednesday, July 10, 2024:

John 21:6 NLT, Jesus speaking: “’Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll catch some!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.”

At that time, the disciples were at a low point in their ‘Jesus-walk.’ Their leader had been crucified and his body had gone missing. They still trusted and believed Jesus was the Son of God, but frankly they were confused by all that had happened.

It might be good to just go fishing, get back to nature and try to sort things out. Turns out that fishing was not productive that day – they hadn’t caught a single thing! Jesus hollered at them from the shore, but it was sunrise and the disciples couldn’t make out who was shouting. “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” Who was this guy? There are fish on the right side of the boat, but not the left? Give me a break!

Nonetheless they gave it a try, and so many fish filled the net that these strong men couldn‘t even pull it in! John realized that this had to be Jesus, and Peter dove into the water to get to the master before the others.

So what’s our takeaway from this? Whether you’re fishing for fish or fishing for men, it goes better if Jesus is in it! Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations, so get busy fishing! The sooner the better!

Jesus loves you, and he also loves your unsaved brother or sister.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship