Author Unknown
Via The Encourager
28 November 2010
All of us, if we were honest with ourselves, would admit that we are not as proficient as we could be. None of us give our best effort all of the time. Many of us would freely admit that we could do better if we tried. Why don’t we do better? Some because of laziness and preoccupation with self. But others because of fear. Faith is not synonymous with fear. Jesus told his disciples, “launch out into the deep” (Lk 5:4). We must have faith to launch out into the deep as Jesus demands. What are some areas where we need to go out into the deep, rather than staying on the shallow end of the pool?
Bible Study
Jesus said. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). The Hebrew writer once noted, “… when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God” (Heb. 5:12). Far too many of us want to stay in the shallow end of the pool when it comes to Bible study and have not launched out into the deep. The writer of Hebrews says that we must move on from milk to meat. Folks that have been members of the Lord’s church for years don’t know any more today than they did ten years ago. Paul said, “Study to show thyself approved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:15).
When it comes to Bible study, we need to “launch out into the deep.”
Power of God
Far too many Christians doubt the power of God. They look to their own selves and their own wisdom for solutions. Paul said, “Finally be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10). Again, Paul said, “… unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). Paul told the Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13). Many local churches struggle due to an inferiority complex. What we need to stop doing is doubting what we can accomplish with God’s power. Let us “launch out into the deep.”
Evangelism
The great commission given by the Lord was, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15; Matt. 28:19). We need to launch out into the deep in this regard. People are hungering and thirsting for the word. We live in a country today where well over 80% believe in God and believe the Bible is the Word of God. We need to get out and put that good seed in their hearts (Lk. 8:5-15; Isa. 55:11; 2 Tim. 2:2). Good prospects in any community are younger couples with children, folks new in the community, teenagers, family members, and friends. Seventy-nine percent of new converts come from being invited by a friend. I know it’s sometimes uncomfortable, but the Lord says, “launch out into the deep.”
Good Works
Notice how Luke describes a woman named Dorcas: “… this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds, which she did.” (Acts 9:36). If most of my brethren were asked, “Are you full of good works?” most would answer, “Yep, just full of them.” Unfortunately, that is as far as many ever get, just full of them. Their good works never get out. Paul said, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men” (Gal. 6:10). James said, “ … to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (Jas. 4:17). Acting upon opportunities to do good, or provide acts of kindness is not always as easy as it sounds. Sometimes it is not convenient. The Lord exhorted, however, to “launch out into the deep.”
