THE TACKLE BOX
FOR THOSE THAT ALREADY KNOW THE SAVIOR
AND ARE READY TO BECOME A FISHER FOR HIM
And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
Sharing the Good News - Being a Fisher
Has Jesus called you to be a fisher of men? When was the last time you shared the “Good News” with someone who does not know the Savior? Have you ever spoke with someone about their spiritual life, their soul or salvation? A good fisher knows that so much depends on the right conditions and the right timing, especially in regards to the right tides, the right time of day, and the right time of year. Today, all signs indicate it is time to get your hook wet – the world is in chaos and people are desperate for answers, they are desperate for hope. The timing is right and the fishing is good! But the day is quickly approaching when it will be too late.
Of course these suggestions are not the only way to share the good news, just some helpful methods and information for those seeking a little guidance in this area. Pray for guidance and opportunities from the Holy Spirit.
BEFORE YOU SHARE:
Pray for boldness, readiness, perseverance, opportunities, and clarity.
Boldness - Acts 4:29 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.
Readiness - 1 Peter 3:15 ...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence
Perseverance - Acts 5:41-42 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Opportunities - Colossians 4:3 ...praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned
Clarity - Colossians 4:4 ...that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.
WHEN YOU SHARE:
You may need to adapt your method to the person you are trying to reach, but do not adapt your message!
Just starting a conversation is an easy way to start fishing for men. And you can do it when you're on the dock, on the boat, on the jetty or on the pier and are already fishing for fish. You can start the conversation by asking a series of questions, but be sure to listen to their answers - you'll get to speak after question #5.
These are five questions you can ask (from evangelist Bill Fay) :
1. Do you have any kind of spiritual belief?
2. To you, who is Jesus?
3. Do you believe there is a heaven and a hell?
4. So if you died right now, where would you go?
- If they answer "heaven" ask:
5. If what you believe were not true, would you want to know it?
- If "YES": Start sharing God's Word
- If "NO": Thank them for their time and move on
Sometimes just giving them a tract or a book will the help start the conversation or plant a seed for a later date. We have waterproof fish ID cards that have the gospel on the back and are available on the THREADS & GEAR page of this website. These fish ID cards can be helpful in creating opportunities for conversation or planting a seed.
WHAT TO SHARE:
Start sharing God's Word. Sharing the following three passages is a good place to start if you are inexperienced or unsure of yourself. As you gain experience and get more comfortable you will probably add or use other verses and adapt your technique for presenting or sharing the good news, just like a fisherman will adapt his baits, his gear and his techniques as he becomes a better angler.
Passage 1: Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Passage 2: 2 Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Passage 3: Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Here are some general tips for when you are sharing God's Word:
Minimize objections with kindness - remember the Word of God is a two-edged sword and may cut straight to the heart of the person you are sharing with. (Hebrew 4:12)
Read or quote the verses out loud. You do the reading or quoting in case the other person may have difficulty reading or may not be able to read at all.
After reading each passage, ask, "What does this say to you?" If they correctly understand, go on to the next passage. If they are wrong or don't understand, read it again or repeat it.
Follow-up for after you have shared God's Word:
- Ask if what you have shared makes sense.
- Briefly share your own testimony.
- Urge them to believe or trust in the Lord Jesus.
- Offer to pray for them.
- Give them something to read...a tract, a Bible, a book, depending on your circumstances.
- If possible make a follow-up contact.
- Invite them to church
We hope this website will offer you the motivation, encouragement and resources to become a skilled fisher of men.
May God bless you and those for whom you are fishing...
Tight lines!