Preacher Doc's Sermon/Lesson for this GODsday/Sunday is
"The Draught Of Fishes"
Recall please, that we are chronologically progressing
through JESUS CHRIST's Life !
That JESUS PROVED He was and IS, The CHRIST !
His main Proof: His more than 37 Divine Miracles !
Chronologically, we are at the fifth Miracle: "The Draught Of Fishes".
Compared to TRANSFORMING water into wine, and healing the nobleman's
gravely ill son, catching an overloading quantity of fish, may not appear "Powerful".
However, what JESUS CHRIST commands, or at least, He tells the Apostles;
and what those particular Apostles did, has had tremendous influence
on this World ! I suggest referring to Luke, Chapter 5, Verses 1-11.
"Now it came to pass, while the crowd was pressing on Him to hear the Word of
GOD; that He was standing by Lake Genesareth.
And He saw two boats moored by the lake; but the fishermen had left them and
were washing their nets.
And getting into one of the boats, the one that was Simon's, He began to
Teach the crowds from the boat.
But when He had ceased speaking, He said to Simon:
" Put out into the deep, and lower your nets for a catch."
And Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, the whole night through we
have toiled and have taken nothing; but at Your Word I will lower the net."
And when they had done so, they enclosed a great number of fishes,
but their net was breaking.
And they beckoned to their comrades in the other boat to come and help them.
And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying,
"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."
For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish they had made;
and so were also James and John, the Sons of Zebedee, who were partners
with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon,
" Do not be afraid; henceforth thou shall catch men."
And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all and followed
Him."
The reason I did not become a Priest, was that I preferred to be a Married Man
and raise a Family. {{ No regrets, whatsoever.}}
Considering myself a Reformer (a modern Martin Luther? I Pray so!)
I tried to become a Priest, but was denied, "-because I was Married."
(However Married Men do preach &/or speak at Services.)
Certain religions, dogmatically hold to the (in my Opinion) anti-normal
biological composition of Human Beings.
They say Jesus was celibate and never Married.
Please realize, what we are reading and analyzing!
Jesus was fully Human; HOWEVER, AT THE SAME TIME WAS FULLY THE (DIVINE) CHRIST !
In Fact, The DIVINE SON OF GOD ! AND THE FULLNESS OF THE FATHER TO US !
If a Man could be 'like' Jesus, celibate, and a Woman be pious, celibate
like Mary, MORE POWER TO THEM !
However, in my Opinion, Man MUST Marry. And every Woman that wants to be
Married, can be Married to a Man. And raise a Family, one or more Children,
depending on overall circumstances and personal wishes.
Now, 'ready or not', let us analyze what Luke wrote. That had, and does have,
a profound influence in this World !
"-and" (implies continuation. From what? From ceasing to overload the two
sinking boats.) "-they brought their boats to land. "
(Thus appears the two boats, overloaded with fish are moored.)
(CHRIST, disembarks and began to walk inland.)
"They" (The Apostles) "-left all." { ALL WHAT? }
Appears their two boats overloaded with fish.
Notice, NOTHING ELSE IS SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED.
In the New Testament, later, (Luke, C 7, V 23-27) " - get into the boat,"
Appears the same boat.
Thus, in my Opinion, you do not have to 'leave all', be celibate, to be a
Priest, Minister, or Whatever.
Please consider, when the Apostles were not traveling with CHRIST,
they were at HOME, still with their Wives, Family and Friends.
They still merrily ate, drank and fished.
For the sake of the Devoted Celibates:
Fast forwarding to AFTER CHRIST's Resurrection; where they believe they
have been Commanded to "leave all" and follow Him.
Again, "leave all" means precisely what?
In my opinion, "leave all" that would interfere, encroach, diminish the
Apostles' Preaching. When not traveling; how could living their normal
lives, encroach on their PREACHING ?
Are one or more of you trying to tell me, the Apostles 'hobo-ed it outside of
the village' because their Married, home life would be 'bad' for them!?
NONSENSE !
In my Opinion, 1 in 1,000 could possibly live the life of a celibate where it
might be 'more acceptable' to GOD, than if Married. The responsibilities of
Marriage/Family/Home life teaches the love of God better than being single, for the vast majority.
Last week, I was listening to and analyzing a Priest, about 40 years old.
He seriously preaches and believes, "A girl that has sex, and is not married,
has destroyed herself." WHAT IGNORANT, INEXPERIENCED NONSENSE !
Psychologically, biologically, may be best for her.
Theologically, ONLY GOD JUDGES ! He is more modern and ahead of 'modern
times' than we realize. He knows what her personal needs are, and may
deem them more necessary than the Girl realizes.
Therefore, in my Opinion, celibacy has destroyed that Priest's rational -
His ability to know, from experience, what is best for a Woman or a Man.
Religiously, each Person is singularly unique!
Thus, I repeat with emphasis: "You are obligated to GOD to try to be normal,
healthy and of good cheer!"
* AND TRUST IN GOD's JUDGMENT !
Am I a "Modern Martin Luther Reformer?
I PRAY SO !
In fact, we are in need, and invite former Priests, Ministers,
good Religious "independents", etc. from any area of the US, from any Nation.
Don't waste your Theological expertise ! You are needed ! E-mail Teacher-Brother Dave &/or at least participate.
Doc C, Preacher for the Pure Christian Faith,
The TRUE, LIVING FAITH
