Folks, today we are living in the days that the Bible speaks. The days that the Lord calls “The Last Days.” The days of heretical gospels, watered-down words, fake prophets, and a distortion of what it means to be a Christian. We see lies called the truth, and the fact is called lies. We are witness to evil spirits in the churches claiming to be the Holy Spirit. We bear witness to the misinterpretation of the meaning of a Christian and a disciple of God.
A Fisher Of Men.
So, today, let’s talk about what the term “Fisher of Men” really means. The cost to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Which are, in fact, both the same. First, let’s take a look at the meaning of what is a Fisher Of Men? It is a commissioned mandate—a call by God to walk and serve in the Spirit of the Lord. A chosen demand to grow the Father’s Kingdom. We first see this phrase, “Fisher Of Men,” in the book of Mark.
Mark 1:17 “Come follow Me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Now, the gospel of Mark sets sail differently from the other books of the gospel, such as the book of Matthew, which begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The gospel of the Evangelist Luke commences with the tellings of the life of John the Baptist and his mother, Elizabeth. Where as the book of Mark starts by speaking of the Ministry of Jesus Christ. The very beginning.
Mark introduces us to John the Baptist, the man anointed with the Holy Spirit of God to prepare the way for the future King. The message entails John baptizing and proclaiming the truth of Holy repentance and the forgiveness of sins. We hear John call out in the gospel of Mark.
Mark 1:8, “I baptize with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Then Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John. The Holy Spirit then descended upon Jesus like a dove. It was then that Jesus would then go out into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights to be tempted by Satan. Much like those called into the ministry, Jesus had to be prepared in the desert wilderness. Satan tempted Christ in all ways, and without food and water, Christ overcame. This equipping was necessary to crossover in the fullness of His ministry. Jesus moved forward into Galilee and preached the word of His Father with power and might. It is only those who God has tried and tested. Those who can be trusted with such a responsibility as this.
The wilderness journey is always the prerequisite for one called to have the Ministry of Jesus Christ. A true disciple of Christ will never be given the anointing without being tried and tested and with very little. So, what does it cost to be a fisher of men? The price to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
In Matthew 19:20-22, a rich man asked Him,
“What else could he do to gain eternal life?”
As someone who had followed the laws of God since his early years, one might think that he would know the answer. What it would require to be a disciple of Christ, but he didn’t. Jesus told him that he must give up all his possessions. He must sell all that he owns and give it to the poor. But sadly, the man couldn’t part with his things. You see, this was a man of great outer wealth, but he was also a man of inner poverty.
Jesus saw a need for this man in his Kingdom. He knew that man could do great things through Christ. Jesus saw the future the man couldn’t see. He would prepare the man in what he lacked if he were willing to serve at all costs. Christ was calling him to be a fisher of men, but sadly this was something the rich man could not do. This is the reason God speaks of this in Matthew 19:23-24
23 then Jesus said to his disciple, “ Truly I tell you it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Here we find a deeper understanding of the magnitude of man’s love of money—the stronghold of prosperity that will lead many to hell. This is why the wilderness journey and the stripping of all things are necessary. To be an influential minister and Evangelist of Christ, the servant must be of Christ—the power is the Lord’s.
However, and without the Spirit of the Lord, the case becomes filled with themselves—the worldly things become more critical. A hazardous place to be, and punishable by death without repentance. A true disciple will be refined and finished for the work of the ministry, polished for the world to see the shine of Christ and not themselves.
The wilderness is the purging of what is old and of no use, and new characters are formed. The building process is painful and pressing but necessary. In the desert is where new wine is made and we produce the oil—His oil.
The new wine is pressed out in the jungles of scarcity and obedience.
Now, as we recount the different accounts of each gospel, we can see one thing that is identical. What Jesus tells us it will cost to be a disciple. How are we prepared? As well as the truth of what it means to be saved and sanctified.
The first disciples asked Jesus this question in verse 25,
“Who then can be saved?”
Jesus answered by saying, “With men it is impossible, But with God all things are possible.” There is no other way to be saved. This is something to take notice of when you think that religion will save you and or make you a follower of Christ. Jesus himself said, “No man can appoint salvation or gift someone with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is clear that forgiveness, repentance, and eternal life are only found through Jesus Christ.
Allow me to emphasize, “through Him.”
We can see why Jesus told his future disciples that they must leave their boats, nets, and fisherman’s tools behind when following him. Jesus told them that they must leave all of their possessions because they would only be hindered and burdened while carrying their cross for the ministry. They knew that by choosing to follow Jesus Christ indeed, they had to go with the clothes on their back. Jesus instructed them that disciples must only bring a purse that will not wear out. One that was not filled with silver and gold. Evangelists Luke tells what Jesus told his followers.
Luke 12:33, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” saith the Lord
However, there is more to this than meet the natural eye. Jesus also required those who are chosen to do great exploits for Jesus Christ. To leave our families for a short time. Jesus did not speak of abandoning their loved ones, the family and children. He asked of them to follow Jesus so to prepare to be filled with the Lord.
Which would not only serve to save their own families but the families of others as well. By the power of the Holy spirit He would see to it that this was done. So the disciple must be willing to give up everything to follow through with God’s plan. In Luke 14:25-27, Jesus speaks of this,
“The Cost of Being a Disciple”
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Again we find this in the book of Luke.
Luke 14:33, Jesus says, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he cannot be my disciple.”
Nowhere in the Bible does it say to go to church on Sunday and you may be my disciple. Nor does it say to attend mass and receive sacraments so that you may be my disciples. There is a misinterpretation and flat-out deception happening in the church. We have self-ascribed “profits,” and those using religious titles such as Priest, Apostles and people claiming they are a disciples without giving up anything.
We see “store bought” ordinations.
Those who have attended a school or religious seminary and have not paid the hefty price to receive the anointing. So they teach man-made theology. They teach of things that are blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. They teach a polluted gospel—one of greed, gain, prosperity, heretic, blasphemy, rituals, and traditions, not all but many. Men and women who have ordained each other. God’s hand or Spirit is nowhere to be found. It is Christ who appoints and ordains for a life of Ministry. It is Christ’s Ministry so it is He who is the covering, and the servants all chosen and prepared by God.
Isaiah 41:9
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
For some…
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
We see the larger picture of why the Earth is consumed with religious sin, idolatry, blasphemy, prosperity, and mysticism. Why we see fake prophecy and demonic rituals and ceremonies. The devil’s deception is claiming God’s light. These are the churches and leaders who glorify themselves, and the world follows. Many are seen as some of the highest in the offices of God; however, they are the lowest. They are nothing more than imitators of light.
2 Corinthians 11:13 So whom such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
We see this in many religions and denominations that claim Christianity. The churches that teach from their own minds. They teach the devil’s poison. Injecting what is deadly into a land of lost sheep.
2 Timothy 3:5 “having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
In fact, let us call it what it is. They are living in, and pouring out the lies of satan.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of light.
The Bible is clear that only few are chosen. That the offices of God are not acquired through ones own desires to preach.
Matthew 24:14 “for many are called, but few are chosen.”
To answer the call of the chosen often looks crazy to those who have not been called and chosen, and to those who refused to answer their call, and to others who are too blinded by self-righteousness and religion.
Why?
Well, just as Jesus said to his disciples, it is men and women who refuse to pay the price to function in the Holy Spirit. They desire to live their lives with many things. They love their possessions and pride more than their God. This truth has been kept secret to the congregations that follow them.
We see ego and selfishness as the priority of a world filled with impurity. So that purity seems foreign to them. The worldly and the church have been the first in line to persecute the righteous—those who have answered the call on their lives to serve Christ.
We see many who instead go to a biblical program and become ordained by man and live in the dark—having no understanding that they are not only deceiving themselves but deceiving millions of others.
Millions will never receive salvation because they have put their faith in the man before God.
Religion is the reason for the destruction and divides we see on Earth. It isn’t our worldly government leaders that have caused the demise. It is religious. As far back as the days that Jesus walked the Earth. It was the Pharisees of false beliefs that condemned our God to die. These are the same individuals who attack God’s anointed today—those who are the elect.
We have become the target of those who claim to be part of the body. Yet their fruit is rotten to the core. The devil is hard at work to tear down the remnant church. However, God says no, they will not. All of hell will not succeed. The grievances against the innocent men and women of God will be revealed, and rectified. Those who have given their lives to Christ will be raised high. The obedient who have given their lives in all entirety will be revealed. They will truly serve Jesus Christ.
The Nobel who have received no pay, no attention, no accolades, and often did not have food or shelter of their own. Yet, they never wavered or turned away from clothing and feeding others.
“They have bled tears to serve Me” says the Lord.
“My innocent ones. Those the world calls guilty. They are who I will use. They will lead the sheep home.”
“To those who have answered the call. They who have endured to the end, this is what I will do.”
“I will raise them high and fill them with light. My splendor upon splendor. I will honor them for all they have done without notice. I will redeem them, and not one will look away.”
“I have filled them with my oil. An oil that is pure and pleasing. The oil is from Me.” Says the Lord.
“I myself will pour it over nations. I will use them and they will do what I say.”
This is the word of the Lord.
Now, as we speak of true discipleship, this will always entail the laws and commandments of God. That which is spoken in life and truth. That which will heal many. The light will refine my people, says the Lord. God has spoken that we will see healing. We will once again see the church for the truth of what it was destined to be—a body of believers who are set in the stone of Jesus Christ.
The word will be pure light for many.
To those who know that God is calling you, now is the day to answer. To join the body of the church and take your place beneath the head. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. He is the head of the church and the capstone to the Spiritual building.
Remember, to be a Christian and a servant of God is not a ploy for the faint of heart. God never chooses the qualified. He qualifies the call. God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. And through the wilderness journey comes the refinement, trying, and testing. If you are willing, Jesus will make you able.
Be prepared to receive the greatest love of your life but be ready to suffer for Christ.
Now, for those who are not called to disciple and lead, your position in the body is just as important. As a believer in the body of Jesus Christ, you have a vital role. You are a testimony to the power of God. You, too, are chosen to receive Him. You are willing and able through Christ. Salvation is only found in Him. You must be ready to live according to the laws of Christ. To live a life of purity so that you see the Kingdom of Heaven.
1 Peter 1:16 Fir it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
We must disregard all sexual immorality, idolatry, and sin. We must keep our mouth free from perverse talk and never lie, lust, take drugs, or drink excessively. Fornication must end, and all homosexual lifestyles must be laid to rest. This sounds like a large order—a hard pill to swallow; however, through the living water, Jesus Christ makes it possible.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Isaiah 64:6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Bible says that those who are guilty are without repentance. And it is by the Spiritual gift of repentance that we see change. The Holy Spirit convicts our heart of sin and idolatry when saved. It brings a change, and especially in character and lifestyle—through Christ we inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
The Bible is also clear, cursing, judging, conspiracy, divination, necromancy, Idolatry, slander, gossip, jealousy, mediums, psychics are an abomination in His eyes. Jesus commands to stay away from such things. We pray to one God. There is no one else who can hear or save you.
Deuteronomy 18:10-13 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God,
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.
Read that again, “the dead know nothing, and forever they have no more share in all that is done “under” the sun. Which means what it says. That which is on the ground and under the sun is cut off from the dead
1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
There comes a time in your life when Jesus becomes the only way to the lost. I was one of those people, and it was Jesus who saved my life from the pit. Turn from what you know is wrong, and get on the narrow path that leads to Heaven. There will be many who will read this, and it will resonate. Things will stand out to those who are guilty of what the Lord has spoken about.
May today be the day to lay it all down and begin your walk with Christ. May today be the day that those who have lost their way and fallen back get back up and place their feet on the road to victory. The road that leads to Heaven.
John 8:6 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
I promise you it will be the best decision you have ever made in your life. The Bible says,
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is worth it, and so are you!God loves you, and I love you!
Christine Brejcha
Christine’s Cornerstone Ministries, Washington, DC
