The funeral is on Saturday, February 23rd at 3pm at the Holiday Inn next to the Hilton Garden Inn.

A reception with refreshments will follow at the Chloupek’s house at 4236 N. 68th street . Scottsdale , AZ 85251 .

Holiday Inn Express
3401 E. University Dr.
Phoenix , AZ
Telephone # 602.453.9900

“The time has come,” he said. “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.”

Mark 1:14-18

“All men die, not all men truly live.” This is a quote taken from one of my favorite movies “Braveheart” by William Wallace who ends up giving his life for his mission to see a free Scotland. Everyone longs for purpose. Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters.” It is the purposes of one’s life that defines who they are. God gives every man and woman a desire for a purpose and there are many different desires they go after: getting rich, owning a corporation, getting married, “living” it up, giving to the poor, etc. It was in the region of Galilee that our Lord Jesus Christ would call the first disciples or Christians (Acts 11:26) to follow Him.

The Time has Come…

Jesus realized these fishermen’s time to respond to God’s word was right at that moment he came into their life. Jesus’ message was one of repentance and to believe the good news that Jesus was from God. Repentance literally means “to turn” from your former ways. He demanded a response to his call to these first would-be disciples. As William Wallace said, “All men die…” Life is but a mist and will fly on by before you know it (James 4:14). So many live their lives as if they are guaranteed tomorrow but they are not. Just like the weather, you cannot truly predict the storms of life that may come your way and end up being fatal. This morning, you will hear Jesus’ words and a message from the Scriptures preached to you. Jesus said, “The time has come”, right now is the time to respond to the message. Jesus has good news for everyone who repents and believes in Him; that your life counts for something! The response of these men to Jesus’ call was immediate because Jesus gave them an eternal purpose for life.

At Once…

These men were heavy duty fishermen, and no we are not talking the leisurely vacation type fishing, were talking all day throwing in nets gathering fish and gutting them. This was the purpose these men lived for. Maybe their desire was to provide for their family, or even become some of the greatest fisher-men around. Jesus comes on the scene and says, “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” The Bible says, “At once” and they left everything and followed Jesus (Mark 1:18). Their response is immediate and even later when Jesus calls James and John, they leave their father in the boat and “without delay” follow Him (Mark 1:20)! What made these men leave everything on the spot and follow Christ? He called them to a purpose that was greater than any purpose they thought they had. Their lives would now count for something; they would no longer fish for fish, but fish for men. The time has come if you are here today. The only thing that lasts for eternity is the souls of men. Jesus calling his first disciples (Christians) gives them their identity as fishers of men. It is exciting to know when we repent (turn) from our old ways and follow Jesus; you now can impact the world for eternity! These first disciples did not know exactly what all that entailed, but they trusted Jesus that if they walked with Him, they would become fishers of men. Today, what have you been living for? Have you taken up the purpose of Jesus in your life? Some will choose not to, such as James and John’s father who stayed behind, but what about you?

Called to be a Christian

This is what it means to be a Christian, to come follow Jesus and become a fisher of men. Are you in a right relationship with the Lord today? Would you honestly say your purpose is to help others find a relationship with God? This is what it means to be a Christian. Have you responded to the call and taken up Jesus’ purpose for your life? If you haven’t, don’t hesitate, take the challenge and when you do God will reveal his ultimate destiny for your life. He will reveal his promise and destiny for each individual when we take up his purpose for God says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13). God’s plan for you today is one of hope, dreams, and a future. Though the scriptures are clear you will only find this when you seek the Lord with all of your heart. Remember, the time is now as Jesus said (1:15); we will all die and most die purposeless. Jesus has said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). All men die, but not all truly live. Today, respond to Jesus’ message, His call to a purpose, and truly live.

Have an awesome Bring Your Neighbor Day!

Mike Patterson