The author of the book of Luke was purposeful in giving an “orderly account” of the events in Jesus’ life- even before Jesus’ earthly life- to help us to discern who he really was. When Simon was told to drop his nets in Luke 5, what made him respond and do it even when it didn’t make sense? If we look back at the way this was laid out in Luke, Simon’s reason was right there. May we also look back too in order to move forward with God. The sermon recording is below.
I preached this sermon as the main scheduled preacher this semester for the Young Adult Ministries (YAM) English speaking college ministry of The Lord’s Church in Waco (TLCW). Today was the first Sunday service of this new school season and it was great to be with this group and this church again. There were a lot of new freshmen college students present today and even more sophomores, which says a lot to me about this ongoing ministry. The Lord’s Church Waco is located in Waco, Texas, about a 40 minute drive from my home in Temple. Hear more about how I was called upon to serve here since last school semester in my ‘After Sermon Preaching Tips’ video.
Scroll down below to watch a recording of the sermon and read the benediction I used at the close of our service. Scroll down even further to watch my ‘After Sermon Preaching Tips‘ video where I’m keeping up my routine of sharing a few thoughts after I preach (right before I walk back into my home from my car!).
I am always hopeful that these offerings would bless and encourage you in your own journey with God and in your ministry of service to others. Feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below, anytime. Blessings and peace!
Benediction by former U.S. Senate Chaplain and Presbyterian minister Richard Halverson
“You go nowhere by accident.
Wherever you go, God is sending you.
Wherever you are, God has put you there.
God has a purpose in your being right where you are.
Christ, who indwells you by the power of his Spirit,
wants to do something in and through you.
Believe this and go in his grace, his love, his power.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.”
Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Preaching Tips Background Video
In this quick video, I talk about starting again this semester with YAM, how the leaders and I were able to connect afterwards over coffee, and my encouragement to all that investment in college students is a worthwhile ministry. Check it out!
I’d love to hear what resonates with you, in your particular roles of ministry (or however you’ve come to find this particular video)!
You can watch my After Preaching Tips video playlist here.
You can find the rest of my Sermons here! https://sejanashines.com/preaching and my Sermons playlist here.
Here’s a new link with all kinds of ways to connect with me! https://lnk.bio/sejanashines.
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