"The First Choosing"- Part 2

Not cuticle off the Russian nightmare know the devil's nightmare here from it's time to man up challenging men step into their true manhood. Your chosen Truth Network podcast is starting in just a few seconds.

Enjoy it, share it, but most of all, thank you for listening to the truth. Podcast network. This is good Truth Network do you feel like you're on a religious treadmill, you feel like Christianity is just a system of rules and regulations, I can do this but I can't do that. Do you feel like your efforts to reach God. Find God, and please God do you feel like your faith is dead or alive today. Pastor Russ Andrews will walk us through Scripture to answer these questions join us on finding purpose in glorifying God by helping men find their purpose for living.

For more information and to connect with Russ Andrews and finding purpose could visit us online@findingpurpose.net connect with us on Facebook.

Now let's listen to Russ Andrews as he teaches us how to be a Christian without being religious. If you will take your Bible and open up to Luke chapter 5 tonight. I just want to cover verses one through 11, and I won't answer this question in a room what you guys to think about this long and hard.

What is it mean to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you could follow Jesus from a distance and maybe tonight you thought was I really want to step up my game was not you're getting. You can step it up with that is maybe a ride to get a little bit more into the in the bug.

Maybe road to push out a little bit deeper. That does not describe you describe DD thought you can step in a put some more of you will say Lord Jesus here I am, send me yours I want to serve you the rest of my life no matter what is anything on this world can satisfy, I can answer that. I'm not Salma but I tried a lot of things. Nothing ever satisfies I'm a want, took my family to us to Grand Cayman Island. It is like a great trip. You grew up down there where St. Croix grew up in St. Croix when you move there Think Different I thought this will be so much fun. We got done at the boys a fight about this. But that argument will delete all this mess and get back home.

It is ridiculous. This never satisfies the rich and famous at doing what you vacation of Christmas where you where you can be what would Alan are you going to.

It never satisfies is like Candy was that candy you get the circus cotton candy just melts in your mouth is gone this week to go listen. There is no higher calling in the world than to be a follower of Jesus. Do you young guys believe that is the truth. I'm telling him all I can tell you. Don't waste your time with all this in the mess. This not only she hears voice but station number two when he calls you to follow him. You have to trust you have to take a step of faith and listen every time you take a step of faith you founded the solid ground every time, never let you down. When Jesus finished speaking he looked at Peter and said put out into deep water.

Let your nets down for catch and Simon answered master way toward all night.

It took nothing but actual word.

I will let down the nets. I want you to notice that Jesus is not given the suggested you might want to, you might want dropping nets over there what he said given the command. Notice he did not say I want you to put your nets down and try to catch some fish. He said I want you put your nets down for a catch of fish so the command came with what I promise you will catch fish. I was talking to a friend of mine who were his recycling. It seems real wealthy get all the world fish and even somewhere down there of South America and the president did you just get out fishing. There are several good fish like a catch and Q's. My will follow Jesus and you'll go catching you magical Peter was thinking, look he's been out all night. He's tired give a coming from fishing trip as well go showing a malicious to tiring you get back you might not call anything you tired and then you got if you do catch a fish got cleaned are suckers they get excited about you several bunch of money. Don't Bob big boat.

Nobody fish fish market get one for about $50 Esso somewhere feel about hunting. I went home. Now I'm off I'm way up the ticket counter K because we make all night. I went hunting down in Arkansas with Joe McDaniel and I do like the little duck hunting but I don't like hunt in the woods. The docs put me out there in a nice blind this got heat and it brings a biscuit with some coffee and then to everyone you look let the ducks got enamel shoot a couple of patently dented Arkansas. I got on these waiters and we go walking down this field for about a mile Russ were in the wrong field is about.

You know the sun hitting come up yet there we walked to another field and they would get in the water they stand in war like this and a bunch of trees run as if Joe affordable, specific.with the treasurer. There and then I said hey Joe witnesses good fun. Dear we got fun. We got back to Breakfast and I was having fun on I'm way off the subject here. So Peter said Naismith fish all night and this carpenter tells him drop his nets you I would've said Jesus you know on the I know you know a lot of that carpentry on the fishermen. We fished all night. That ain't none out there. What he did. First of all Jesus. But with what authority he also spoke in a voice that let Peter know you can trust me. That's why Jesus speaks to us with authority and if he says it you can believe it, so he dropped his nets and the nets began to fill with fish immediately. Peter yelled over to his buddies a man bring your butt over here. They got too much over there there working the Polish fish in there looking at each other like can you believe this. Who is this man did this usually happen. So what we learn here will look first of all, every miracle that Jesus perform had a purpose and this one was no exception. So remember, Jesus was fishing for her fishermen. Men and horses in his bull's-eye. Peter, while Peter he was the leader memories that Peter you are the rock upon this rock I want to build my church.

Peter been listening to Jesus.

Ever since Andrew came and said, which thing the Messiah and guess what, this is the way God works. God rewards faith at some point site. Somebody once said, I do not seek to understand said I might believe, but I believe that I might understand. That's the way God has designed the world is not blind faith but you not will get all your questions answered.

At some point you gotta take a step of faith in the moment you do a list available for your eyes and he give you spiritual site. This is what Paul is writing about second printing 350 or 60, when he says even to this day, when Moses is read even today in Israel. When the ring most of the Old Testament avail covers their hearts. Even today, when people sit in church and anchor in Scripture.

A veil covers many hearts, but whenever anyone turned to the Lord.

What happens to the veil is taken away.

God lifts the veil and give you spiritual site. Peter turned to Lord by faith, and as the fight is that there was removed Peter spiritualized was so open that he could see Jesus in his glory, and power, and holiness, what it appeared that he felt on his knees is load with a sit depart from me, I'm a simple man, Lord.

I guess if you never had a moment you seen a sample you are then I would say you haven't really seen who Jesus is. You know what God is looking for in a man is looking for a man who will say look in the mirror of Scripture say God I agree with you I'm rotten to the core must center so that people believe that man counts basically good. Does anybody watch news and really still believe that that mankind is basically good. You gotta be kidding me most people say that a very religious in nature. They are not friends of mine who told me I may want to mess on the conversation I said how do you think a person gets to go to heaven he so I think I got put your good deeds and your bad days on a set of scales and a few goodies that were your bad deeds.

Any let you in a really you should horses in the Bible was about us in Romans three, there's no one good and when he does get there's no one watches world.

What centers to the core is best. You tell me that he thought his goodies. That was bad days with what somebody says that they do not see how sinful they are and they've never come into the presence of a holy God, is anybody does in Scripture were they doing fall down on their knees, look at what Isaiah did Indians as in chapter 6, he said whoa whoa to me.

Seek God gave him a vision of heaven. He said whoa to may ruling from a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty oblate Isaiah was confessing that he track trouble with his mouth. Bad language maybe filthy language which comes from filthy thoughts and this is Isaiah the prophet, what a policy issue. The things I want to do. I don't do the things I don't do those I keep on doing what a wretched man. I am Russ Andrews. God is revealed to him the unlikely detail the extent of my sin, sin is proudly but it throws me to my knees where I cried us a God, why did you even use me see what God wants to seen any of us is broken and contrite heart, and most people not willing to acknowledge that there that they need a Savior because they don't see themselves as loss line sinful. I'm convinced that the man who's saying how sinful he really is is come to really understand the grace of God is the best candidate to be used by God member John Newton the slave trader horrible person center. The one in a storm. When I got saved and then he went on to write what him that we say all the time.

Amazing Grace even nonbelievers love that him when he came to the end of his life. He said although my memory is fading. I remember two things very clearly. I'm a great sinner.

Christ is a great Savior.

That's what I want my tombstone, great sinner. Christ is a great Savior. Thank you Jesus. You will be a follower of Jesus, you first got here: you when he calls you, you gotta say you trust him.

And if you move out of your comfort zone but third you gotta be willing to surrender everything you have him everything you career your family you health your mind, your body and guess what the money that you guys don't talk about the money now look at verses 10, 11 and Jesus said to Simon.

Do not be afraid, for now you will be catching man and with a brought their boats to land they left everything and followed what you think Peter was afraid that he was afraid of maybe two things. It was maybe can you know he was married. That's why your city, Jesus went to Simon's house mother law her house, which is healed, but so is merit. It didn't say much about the wiles of the disciples, but love the art of some of them will merit their children. I'm sure. Can you imagine dropping your nets, your source of income and going off with this man who claims to be the son of God in you, not 100% sure yet. Would you be willing to do that is easy to look back. But what had gotten Peter's attention first on the list until he saw him some heal. The demon possessed man Issam Hill, his mother law. Nissan produces fish out of the water. Discussed different. I'm willing to try him or give him a try.

You will just to give Jesus try you when you give them a chance see the Lord says he will be with us new providers will all we need. Matthew six says therefore tell you this is Jesus working out more about your life what you will eat or drink about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important and close look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet how my father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they who you by worrying can add a single hour to his life. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness is all these things will be given to you as well. Was he saying you step out, God loves risktakers step out into get out of the boat will push the boat into deeper water imitator you won't want one, then he took his eyes off Jesus got fearful God horses to get out of the boat and get out of our comfort zones and he promises will take care of you. So what are you afraid of what you clinging to for your security listen. Gotta show me in the past and up the steps to guilty of this, clinging to money in a money is really more of a Kirsten is a blessing it asked is what it does is really for Christian money is a piece of luggage that is always pulling you as you go do some things you know you at the beginning of Luke five Peter, James and John fully devoted their jobs yet here they are.think they've been go to riff follow Jesus from a distance.

You follow Jesus from a distance. We want to say Lorimer to get up close and follow you and to be in this text, Peter, Jesus masturbated and he tells them what Lord was named somebody when you call somebody Lord means is your master it may Jesus do this and what you doing. Do it is here.

Good master is the best. Is he a good father is the best. Is he a good plan is the best limitation of the law, people, and Christianity is a step down.

I can tell you what is a step up. I've tried the other side of the way I never want to go back never. Don't give if you take was a little shut it down, ready by the way, I got these from a minister by the name of Bob Bob Giffin ball, funny name is a graduate of Dallas logical seminary were given credit.

These are his thoughts.

I can put my words with a his thoughts and he takes these takeaways from this text. He said that this is Texas not teaching that those who are the most committed to Jesus must leave their secular job to go to photo management. If you're a true believer what you already in full-time ministry tell you already there, probably for most of you. God wants to use you right where you are that's wise got you there, but he wants to usually help for some of you. Geez, maybe call you to make a very radical change in your life. He did that with Millie back in 1999 not have to be honest with you in my career I channel lost interest in what I was doing just didn't then ring my bell anymore and I was actually God asked God to please call me the ministry for about five or 10 years. I got no you know or didn't hear anything. 1999 house is ready good so I went southeast and one day as a stepped on campus on outing. Think about going to seminary I just don't guess I got do so much good center for fear of step on campus is like you said this is where I want you.

When I graduated four years later, 2003, I had no idea what he wanted to.

I think I was clueless and I received Laura was out with what was it for years about that Miss Ricci and it took me about three or four months to know what God wanted me to do in one morning it was except it was a Wednesday morning in September of Casler C. 2003 I was trying to decide – do I join campus Crusade for Christ, their marketplace ministry or do I do something different and unique and start my own ministry can is not my manager but start my own ministry and I woke up one morning I went to my study notes that the Bible to second Samuel seven verse three says the state that you have in mind. Gordon did of the Lord is with you is always that clear. No, but I needed that moment guys September the something 2003 I got a date written on my journal finding purpose was born and you think about it. That's why you sit here tonight is God have a good plan of what cannot take any credit for absolutely no one dancing through the through these years.

Even as of yet, even in ministry. You know what is.

I still have the sinful desires in my config and heart you know what I'm sick of sending your sick of sending I am a little sin until the day we die unfortunately but hopeful were progressing and I am progressing thank God I give them all the credit to how you know what to do. I give you what to do.

You pray you read God's word you seek the advice of godly counsel. Listen to his voice and he will jot yours essay Proverbs 3566 trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will do what he will you make your paths straight. He will direct you like me and you don't get back there. Proverbs 3, five and six okay yes will read it talk and you guys is old guys is too late for them getting file okay. We got a go orgasm over time following Jesus number two begins with the realization that you are unworthy needy and help it without him. Those who are self-sufficient and got no time for God and God's got no time for them to self-sufficient to visit with this world following Jesus requires number three. Total trust in him is you all sufficient Savior you must know him intimately. You must trust him completely and you must lean on him continuously all the way to the finish line. Just let my good buddy JR Williams did when he died. He was finish and he hit the tape running and that's what I wanted to to follow Jesus. Number four US going to let go, to turn away from those things upon which you trust you Ray for that list health, money you education your popularity you popularity is here that you popularity you cannot be popular. The world and popular God about… If your friend of the world.

You are an enemy of God. You cannot serve two masters. If you popular with the world. You're not a pot with God. Sorry to break that bubble, but you're not. I was still together dated back in my college days when I used to drink a few beers and I get a little buzz going. If you think I'm funny now, which I probably don't. I thought I was real funny back then that made about is what I did love of this Cassie. I wish I like your arrest is like this. What I don't like it like that. I don't ever want to go back there see the world wants me to be the old Russ, I've got no interest to be in the old Russ. None. And I got some friends that I wish I could still be roof anyway because I really like him a lot but work will follow two different paths you decide which path your own okay you will be friends with the world of friends with Jesus. So you gotta let go of your you gotta let go of your popularity, your worldly success in the sink I made this and he may want a lot of you guys keep making a whole lot of money. Why see you go to Grand Cayman know she can fund ministries in your church. Most of the money raised in the world, the ghost of missions.

I think about 90% comes out of America, which is probably the only reason God is not what is off the map number five if you will. If you're to follow Jesus and we must do what Jesus did, he came to say and see the lost and that's what he wants us to do. He wants us to be fishers of men. When you join the Gazan beneficiary beneficiary from the hook and will you look on this in the Satan here don't live a gavel come here great lecturer lightning and full of it on the watch has Merida finally, we should not make hasty commitments to follow Jesus, nor shall we call on others to do so. Jesus did not press this man to make a hasty decision. He called them of the course of time, import decision on.

They quickly Pastor Bob Bob Deffenbaugh says decisions which are good ones which are lasting ones of those might slowly prayerfully and deliberately. Betsy took 10 years for God to answer my prayer Lord, here I am, send me. I want to close with this prayer that was written by Jim Elliott in his journal, back when he was in at Wheaton College back in the 1950s before you he went down to Ecuador to take the gospel to the alkyd Indians and he was spirited death. You know that those Indians later became believers because their wives went back and share the gospel with them and they said the day they speaker them to death. Thank you for your Angel singing know Heather knew that because we do when these Christian ladies begin to teach them him's case. If this is what we heard the angel singing said there were lights above the trees as they were sparing these five minute death, but this is what Jim Elliott wrote in his journal when he was at Wheaton College. Again he was he was he was martyred in 1956.

It is had to been in the early 1950s. He said God about think about your hardware by closure because I'm a close with this closure eyes. Think about your this was Jim Elliott's prayer God I pray the light. These idle sticks of my life made up burn foot. The consume my life, my God, it is yours I seek not a long life, but a full one like you, Lord Jesus. He died when he was in his mid-20s Jesus died when he was about 33 you want a long life or a fool life. Jesus says, being a Christian is not about being religious but about having a dynamic alive relationship with Jesus Christ you been listening to finding purpose with pastor Russ Sanders glorifying God by helping men and their purpose for living. You can discover more about finding your purpose in life by checking out the resources finding purpose.net will connect to finding purpose on Facebook pastor Russ would also like to extend a special invitation for you to join him in over 300 other local men to study God's word together every Tuesday night at 7 PM in downtown Raleigh. Find out more finding purpose.net.

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