Secrets of Fishermen Apr 18 2010

"'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'" - Matthew 4:19

Jesus told his disciples, "I will make you fishers of men." What a wonderful description of their roles-to-be; He equated their previous profession with their new calling. And they would be able to use their previous knowledge to immediately become experts in this calling. How's that? What does fishing have to do with witnessing? Consider these skills of a good fisherman:

• First of all, they've got the right equipment. Do you have your Bible and a growing knowledge of the subject to be discussed?

• They know how to go where the fish are. So many Christians live in their "holy huddles." All these Bible studies, all this learning about how to share your faith, and yet so little time building relationships with non-believers. To be an effective witness, you must build relationships with non-Christians!

• Third, they know when to use the right bait. Now, fish and people are a lot alike. Fish are going to respond differently to different bait, just like people are going to have different interests and needs in their life. You must learn what those needs are and seek to help meet those needs.

• A good fisherman knows how to reel them in, and close the net. In business, we call this "closing the deal." At some point in your witnessing, you need to call for the decision.

And this is the most exciting point in your witness - the moment that person steps out in faith and decides to follow Jesus. Then you know you have become a Fisher of Men!

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