February 9th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"From Fisherman to Followers" Text: Luke 5:1-11

Lectionary Readings — Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany — February 9, 2025

Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13); Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 5:1-11)

Leader: Come to the water's edge, where Christ meets us in our daily lives.

People: Here we bring our boats, our nets, our daily work.

Leader: Listen to Christ's call, teaching us from ordinary places.

People: We will put out into deep water, trusting in God's abundance.

Leader: When we feel unworthy, Christ calls us anyway.

People: Though we are sinful, God's grace makes us worthy to serve.

Leader: Leave behind your nets; follow where Christ leads.

People: We will become fishers of people, catching others up in God's love.

Leader: Christ promises to transform our doubt into faith.

People: We marvel at God's power to change our lives.

Leader: Jesus calls us to a new way of living and serving.

People: Together, we will follow where Christ leads.

All: Let us worship the One who turns our ordinary lives into extraordinary witness.

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Opening Prayer (Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13))

Let us pray:

Holy and Majestic God,

Your glory fills not only the temple but the whole earth. Like Isaiah, we stand in awe before your throne, aware of our own unworthiness in the presence of your perfect holiness. The seraphim cry "Holy, holy, holy," and we join their eternal song of praise, even as we tremble at the threshold of your sanctuary. The foundations shake at the sound of their voices, and our hearts quake at the revelation of your glory.

Lord, we confess with Isaiah: we are a people of unclean lips, living among those whose words and deeds fall short of your glory. Yet in your mercy, you do not leave us in our sin. Like the burning coal that touched the prophet's lips, touch us with your purifying grace.

We thank you that in Christ, our guilt has been taken away and our sin atoned for. When you ask, "Whom shall I send?" give us courage to answer like your servant Isaiah, "Here am I, send me!" Even when the path ahead seems difficult, when your message must be carried to unhearing ears and unseeing eyes, grant us faithfulness. Let us trust in your promise of renewal, like the holy seed that remains in a fallen tree.

Make us instruments of your purpose, bearers of your word to a world in need of transformation. Let your kingdom come and your will be done, through our willing service and faithful witness. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who revealed your glory in human flesh, and who taught us to pray. Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "From Fisherman to Followers" (Luke 5:1-11)

Introduction:

• Set the scene at Lake Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee)

• Describe the pressing crowd and Jesus' creative solution

• Thesis: God meets us in our ordinary lives to call us to extraordinary purpose

I. PRESSURE of the Crowd (verses 1-3)

A. The Circumstances

B. The Creative Solution

C. The Compelling Message

II. PROVIDENCE in the Catch (verses 4-7)

A. The Command

B. The Compliance

C. The Catch

III. PERCEPTION of Character (verses 8-10a)

A. The Recognition

B. The Response

C. The Reassurance

IV. PURPOSE for the Called (verses 10b-11)

A. The New Mission

B. The New Movement

C. The New Ministry

Conclusion:

A. Summary of the Journey

B. Modern Application

C. Call to Response

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers