HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM A SHORELINE ENCOUNTER?

REV. MICHAEL R. QUIMBY - Session 1 - February 21, 2010 This is not the first time Peter has found himself at the Shoreline. This is his third major Shoreline Encounter. While at the Shoreline he is not fishing nor is he out among the people. For Peter, the Shoreline represents a neutral zone. At some point in his life, Peter had determined that rather than deal with people and work among them he would retreat to the sea and be a fisherman.

At his first Shoreline Encounter, Jesus placed an option before him. He could either Respond to the Call to be a Fisher of Men or Retreat to the Sea to be a Fisher of Fish. Peter Responded.

In verse 3, when Peter said, “I am going fishing.” This proclamation carries a lot more significance than appears on the surface. Peter, was communicating, “I GIVE UP! I am going back to being a Fisher of Fish!” Because of his influence, everyone joined in and followed him. They were thinking, "let’s go back to what we know best - this ministry stint is a bust!" Peter Retreated!!

In my own life, I experienced a Shoreline Encounter after experiencing a heart attack and open heart surgery. I found myself on the Shoreline with a choice; “Do I give up and Retreat or Do I Discover God’s new assignment and Respond?” Although tempted to Retreat, I Chose to Respond and God has given me a whole new ministry.

For the next few weeks, we will dissect and explore chapter 21 of John. At various times in our life, we will find ourselves at the Shoreline. It might feel like God has abandoned us on the Shoreline. But, I believe that God’s Spirit is revealing a new mission to us during these times.

By the end of this study we will have explored all three things that, I believe, God wants to accomplish in and through us in a Shoreline Encounter.

WHAT DOES JESUS WANT TO ACCOMPLISH DURING OUR SHORELINE ENCOUNTERS?

I. JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DEDICATION TO HIM!

II. JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DEPENDENCE ON HIM!

III. JESUS WANTS TO SEE A FRESH DIRECTION WITH HIM!

RETREAT --- SHORELINE --- RESPOND

(Which Direction will you move from your Shoreline?)