Preaching from a Boat? That’s One Way to Make a Splash! When you’re drowning in blessings, your first instinct is apparently to panic.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome Message
Welcome, church family! It is a joy to gather together today as we come into God’s presence. Whether you are joining us for the first time or have been a part of this family for years, know that you are deeply loved and cherished here. Today, we are going to dive into a powerful passage from Luke 5:1-11, where Jesus calls His first disciples. It’s a reminder that God often calls us when we least expect it, in the middle of our daily routines, and invites us into a life of purpose and faith.
Announcements & Upcoming Events
- Midweek Bible Study – Join us this Wednesday at 7:00 PM as we continue our study on “Walking with Jesus: Lessons from the Gospel of Luke.”
- Community Outreach – Volunteers needed this Saturday at 9:00 AM for our food pantry ministry. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus!
- Prayer Night – Next Sunday at 6:30 PM, we will be gathering for a special time of prayer and worship. Come expectant for God to move!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Scripture Reading
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” – Psalm 95:6 (NIV)
Responsive Reading
Leader: Let us come together with joyful hearts, knowing that God calls us into His presence.
Congregation: We come with gratitude, ready to worship the One who calls us by name.
Leader: May our hearts be open to His voice today, as we hear His word and respond in faith.
Congregation: Lord, we come to worship You with all that we are!
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. You have called us by name and drawn us into Your presence. Open our hearts to hear Your voice and strengthen us to follow where You lead. May our worship bring You glory, and may Your Word transform us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Let’s lift our voices in praise! Worship is not just about singing songs; it is about declaring who God is and responding to His goodness. Whether through hymns or contemporary worship, let’s sing with joy and gratitude for all that He has done.
Suggested Songs:
- Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)
- How Great Thou Art
- Here I Am to Worship
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction to Luke 5:1-11
Today’s passage tells the story of how Jesus called His first disciples. Simon Peter and his fellow fishermen had spent an entire night catching nothing—until Jesus stepped into their boat. What follows is a powerful demonstration of faith, obedience, and a life-changing invitation to follow Christ.
The Events in Luke 5:1-11
This moment is about more than just fishing—it’s about trust. Jesus meets Peter in his frustration and turns his failure into an opportunity for faith. Let’s read the passage together.
Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.
2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Lord Jesus, just as You called Peter, James, and John, You call each of us to follow You. We lift up those who feel weary and discouraged today—remind them that You are the God of abundance, able to turn empty nets into overflowing blessings. May we have hearts that respond in faith and obedience. Amen.
Congregational Prayer Response
Leader: Lord, teach us to trust You even when the waters seem empty.
Congregation: We will follow You, Lord, wherever You lead!
Section 7. Offering
The Importance of Giving
Giving is an act of worship. When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God. Just as Simon Peter surrendered his boat for Jesus to use, we, too, offer what we have to further His kingdom.
Prayer of Thanks
Lord, we bring these offerings with grateful hearts. Use them for Your glory, to bless others and spread the good news of Jesus. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
As we prepare our hearts for the sermon, let this special music remind us that God is always calling us deeper into faith and obedience.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Gain Access to the Complete Short Powerful Sermon
“The One Decision That Took Peter From Empty Nets to Overflowing Abundance—And Why It Can Do the Same for You!”
Simon Peter had fished all night. He had done everything right—cast his nets, followed his training, put in the work—and yet, his efforts came up empty. Nothing. Nada. Zero fish.
Can you relate? Have you ever felt like you’ve poured everything into something—your career, your family, even your ministry—only to see little to no results? You’re exhausted. You’re wondering if you missed something.
And then… Jesus shows up.
He doesn’t just tell Peter to try harder. He doesn’t shame him for failing. He simply says:
“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4)
Peter had every reason to doubt. But instead of arguing, he obeyed. And what happened next? A miraculous overflow—so many fish the nets began to break!
This moment wasn’t just about fish. It was about trust. It was about faith. It was about stepping into God’s calling, even when it doesn’t make sense.
And that’s where you come in.
I’ve taken the powerful lessons from Luke 5:1-11 and crafted them into a sermon designed to move hearts, deepen faith, and inspire action. This isn’t just words on a page—it’s a message that can transform your congregation, bring fresh vision to your ministry, and rekindle the fire of discipleship.
What’s included?
✅ A fully-prepared, expository sermon outline—so you can preach with clarity and confidence.
✅ Powerful insights on Christian discipleship and spiritual growth—straight from Scripture.
✅ A ready-to-use message that will ignite faith, trust, and obedience in your congregation.
Imagine delivering a sermon that doesn’t just inform but ignites life-changing faith. That’s what this message is designed to do.
If this resonates with you, if you see the value of sharing this Word with your people, consider supporting this ministry with a generous donation. It’s because of your support that messages like this continue to equip and inspire believers.
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