People love to fish. That certainly includes America as well as many other countries.

Fishing has also been a high value activity for many faithful brethren in the true, historic Church of God. Many of Jesus Christ’s disciples then, as well as some today, actually exceled at fishing, giving the rest of Christ’s brethren something to stive for.

The apostles Peter, Andrew, James, and John, as well as their fathers, were professional fisherman at the Sea of Galilee. A region located in the interior of what had been the nation of Israel but was by this time, a few hundred years later, simply known as Galilee, the northern section of the Roman province of Judaea.

In fact, Jesus challenged His original disciples to excel in a special type of fishing, recorded in Mark 1:16-20 (see also, Matthew 4:18-20). Christ called these four to leave their fishing boats and follow Him to become “fishers of men.” Along with the rest of the twelve apostles—they became the leaders of a new kind of fishing industry, one that drew thousands to the knowledge of the true God and proclaimed the soon-coming Kingdom of God.

Organizationally and personally, how can we be “fishers of men” in this end-time age?

The answer: See things as God sees them.

Study God’s Word well, and methodically, so that it comes out naturally and confidently in conversation. Strive to be a faithful, living example of God’s true way of life.

Watch world events and be aware of the signs leading up to Christ’s coming. Be alert for deception as it affects the culture we live in, and also, the greater Church of God. Learn to give an answer regarding the true Gospel of the Kingdom of God, the hope that lies within you. Explain the truth simply and clearly, so that a child could understand it (but don’t engage in angry or fruitless arguments).

Make the gospel of the Kingdom come alive in your mind and, by extension, in the minds of others. Christ, through His church casts a wide net, but we each, as we have opportunity, can plant a seed that may later lead to a greater catch.

-Randy Stiver