Spring is Here! Let's Go Fishing?

Today it is 72 degrees in Northern New Jersey.  Not so typical for March 13th.  Last year on this day the high temperature was 53 degrees and we were quite happy.  The winter of 2011 was one of the harshest in our area's history.

So we are basking in the sun, delighted to not wear coats and sweaters, and generally very happy.  What does this have to do with fishing?  Well, we are bound to be out doors more, running in and out of coffee shops, stores, meeting friends, making new friends, etc.  More time to fish for "men".  "Men" (and "women") for Christ. If you've been to service at Christ Church in the past few weeks, you've heard the sermons about "Fishing for Men" as well as Pastor David's prophetic dream about fishing and catching people of all walks of life for Christ.

In Luke 5:4, Jesus says "“Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch”. The disciples had apparently finished washing their nets and had probably hung them out on the ship to dry. Jesus had likewise finished His teaching, and asked Peter to put out to deeper water, and to let down the nets for a catch. 

 Jesus did not make a suggestion; He made a command. And He did not order the disciples to let down their nets to try to catch fish, He ordered them to put out their nets for a large catch of fish. In other words, Jesus was issuing both a command and a promise. The command was to put out the nets. The promise was that there would be a catch. And it was a tremendous catch! 

What does this have to do with Spring?  Well, when you are out with friends, remember that you are an example of who God is.  " Let down your net" and invite a friend to church or to our upcoming Bible Studies on the book of Jonah at the East Campus or at the East and West campuses. Cast your net wide and don't assume that a person won't attend a service or want to come to an event with you.   As we learned in service, 82% of people who receive a personal invitation to church, will attend.  So fill up your net, and don't give up.  And enjoy the grace and mercy of these wonderfully warm days.