(Mathew 5:13-14 MSG) “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.'

(Matthew 4:18-19 NLT) One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers--Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew--throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will ...

(Matthew 4:19 NLT) ". . . . how to fish for people!”

(Luke 5:10 NLT) ... From now on you'll be fishing for people!"

• Followers fish.

Who introduced you to Jesus?

Who invited you to church?

1. Fishing is fun.

(Luke 15:10 NIV) In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

(2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NIV) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2. Fishing is necessary.

(Romans 10:13-15 NLT) For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? ....

(2 Peter 3:9 NLT) The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

3. Jesus asked you to go fishing.

(Matthew 28:19 NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

(Mark 16:15 NIV) He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

(Luke 24:47-48 NIV) and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, . . . You are witnesses of these things.

(John 20:21 NLT) Again he said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you."

(Acts 1:8 NLT) . . . And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

4. Someone fished for me.

• Someone still was fishing for you.

• Because God never stopped searching for me and you.

(2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV) For Christ's love compels us, . . .