Tag: Christ followers

Matthew 4:19 – Gone Fishing!

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19)

Can you imagine being on the shore that day when Jesus said these words? Following Jesus seems like the right thing to do for us today, but what about back then? Since we know how the story plays out, we know Jesus had twelve disciples who all listened and obeyed the request to follow Jesus. Now it’s our turn.

Context: This verse is found in Matthew’s gospel just as Jesus’ ministry is beginning. It was in this moment that Jesus chose his first disciples. Simon and Andrew, his brother, were fishermen, so this invitation would have given them reason to be curious. Up to this point, fish had been their livelihood. How in the world would they fish for people, they must have wondered. Continue reading “Matthew 4:19 – Gone Fishing!”

1 Corinthians 7:17-24 – Where Were You?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

silhouette of a person on their knees, praying with sunset behind them

Do you remember where you were when God first called you? Take a moment to think about when you first heard about Jesus and accepted him into your life. I’ve found myself being a little envious of people who have one of those mind-blowing “come to Jesus” experiences. Paul’s counsel here is telling us to “remain as you were when God first called you.”

I’m not sure what Paul means here. After all, once our lives have been touched by God, we are finally following him as a “new creation,” like it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.” If we’re “new” people, how do we stay where we are? Don’t get caught in the weeds. Instead ask, “What Paul is doing here and what does the context of this text mean?”

Continue reading “1 Corinthians 7:17-24 – Where Were You?”
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