By Rick Nelson
Date: Sunday, May 9, 2021
Lesson Scripture(s): Matthew 4:18-19
Tags: #fishing #evangelism #newConverts #seed #sower #parable

We are Christians today because someone taught us the truth. Learn today how you can pay it forward.

LESSON AT A GLANCE

• It is not up to us to save anyone. Once we teach, it is in God's hands.

• Noah was told to preach about a coming flood, and build an arc of safety: he was successful because he did what God told him, despite the number that got on the boat.

• The formula for brings souls to Christ is simple: each one teach one.

• You have to plant something in order for it grow. In the scriptures, the word of God is referred to as the seed (see Luke 8:11)

• Our speech will give way to the church of Christ doctrine if we allow scripture to interpret scripture.

• We should exercise gentleness with respect at all times, especially when teaching God's Word (see 1 Peter 3:15)

• We should take every opportunity to teach, as Jesus did… Luke 5:4-9

○ Despite toiling all night, Peter hearken to Jesus' word, and the men cast their net into the sea. As a result, their net brake at the multitude of fish they caught.

○ Many times when you obey God, it allows blessings for others as well.

• What fish are you looking for? If we recognize the four types of personalities that the seed can land on, we can prepare for those types.

○ Luke 8:12 (Wayside) - These will get excited about the word from the very beginning, but then some form of pressure will come and they leave.

1) To prepare, be careful of spreading too much light.

2) Friendship evangelism can be effective in overcoming perceptions related to the church of Christ doctrine.

3) Sometimes we have to take time to listen to address doctrine.

4) Connect with brethren through fellowship, especially with those who are new.

5) Connect with a new convert class. In order to grow, you must grow through truth. When you know better, you can do better.

○ Luke 8:13 (Rock) - Their lips give the Lord glory, but their hearts are far from God. The faith is just surface level, and they fall away in time of temptation.

1) To prepare for this type of heart-condition, in addition to a new convert class, consistent communication that provides opportunity for encouragement and questions is good.

2) Get them connected to a work in the congregation.

○ Luke 8:14 (Thorns) - One foot in the church, and another foot in the world.

1) For those dealing with pressures from the world, we need to present examples of real Christians in action (see 1 Timothy 4:12)

○ Luke 8:15 (Good Ground) - They hear and keep the word with patience.

1) Nourish one another (see Ephesians 4:1-4)

○ Make sure we teach with love and compassion, and do not add afflictions to the bonds of the loss (see Philippians 1:16)

• When fishing, we must have the right gear… Acts 8:27-39

○ Prepare yourself to be a vessel: the Spirit selected Philip because he was ready.

○ Find an area of agreement

○ Be prepared for deep waters: Philip taught the eunuch about Jesus from the old testament scriptures. If we value the plan of salvation, we will see how we can teach it from multiple vantage points.

○ Create a natural call to action


CALL TO ACTION
• God's Plan of Salvation... https://miamigardenscoc.net/salvation.php
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RECOMMENDED LINKS
* Into the Deep: https://youtu.be/CoTQv6QZoVc
* Website: https://www.miamigardenscoc.net