Where is my Jerusalem?

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

We are called to be witnesses in Jerusalem?

In the early days as a fisherman I recall asking, where do I fish? Where is my fishing-hole? Every fisherman has a favorite spot to fish. The problem was I didn’t know many fishermen who regularly went fishing. Most of them were tournament fishers. They would wait until big events to fish. (aka. Outreach)

One day my Dad was telling me a story about a young man in college that felt he was being led to fish in Africa. That’s a big sea! The professor was very encouraging and comforted (prodded) him with these words: (my paraphrase)

That’s great! Before you go all the way to Africa, head across campus to this housing project. Canvas the area and share the Gospel with each family. Get to know them and minister to them. The student replied, but there are Black people living in that community! That’s right said the professor. What do you expect to find in Africa? Sadly, this student no longer felt called to fish in Africa.

Fish are fish, man! (That’s another story and soap box moment)

While it’s exciting to think of going to foreign lands to fish and plant Churches, we cannot forget our Jerusalem. Charity starts at HOME says Paul to young Timothy. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. The provision, first, is to their souls. Our primary fishing hole is our home. Next, our neighbors, neighborhood, and our city all fall into our Jerusalem. Where is your primary fishing hole? Are you fishing there? How many fish are there? One, great! Two, wonderful?

Can you say, “I see fish”, I knew you could.

If not, ask God to show you where the puddle, pond, lake, sea and oceans are. Pause for a moment and do that now. While you wait, one, two, three, ah-ha He has given you some fishing spots, right?

Be prepared. This is the motto for the Boy Scouts, but it’s what we need to be as fisher’s of men. Learn to share your faith (fish) and share it! (Go fish) Time is not on the world’s side. The Rolling Stones were wrong on that. Many fish in your Jerusalem are dying each day (150,000 worldwide) and the owner of all the ponds, lakes, and seas is returning soon and will close this season of fishing. It will be too late.

All uncaught fish, those that have not ‘repented and trusted Christ’; will be cast into a new lake, the lake of fire. They will remain there forever and ever and ever and ever…

FISH while you still can! They are biting and need the hook of the law that pierces their dead hearts. The hook of the law is perfect in converting the soul. You will save some and yourself in the process.

Be trained to fish. Be equipped to fish. GO FISH!