“Dragnet Theology”

 I’ve received a number of comments on yesterday’s message “Dragnet Theology” (November 22, 2009).

I think it really does sum up the philosophy of our church and is one of the reasons we have such love and warmth in our church and why we have seen the growth that we have – we truly practice “Dragnet Theology.” Several have asked me for the notes of my message so here is a brief synopsis.

The text is: Matthew 13:47-50 (NKJV)

• 47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind,
• 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.
• 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just,
• 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

Dragnet Theology Principle ONE: FMCOG – must be a place that has the broadest appeal.

•  Notice that a “dragnet” was used. Not a bass lure, not line and hook, not a lobster trap but a dragnet – something designed to reach the most regardless of the type of fish. The application is obvious, at the FMCOG the only distinction that separates people is that they are either disciples in the making or potential disciples. We will not embrace the things that society and culture uses to separate people into races, classes or any other category. We’re all just family through Jesus Christ.

Principle TWO: Everyone starts out in the same ocean

• Bottom line, we are all born sinners. God doesn’t grade on the curve. There’s not a first-class section that offers special perks for the sinners that are pretty good but need a little mercy; and there is not a second or third class section for the really bad sinners. We’re all in the same ocean and need the dragnet of God’s mercy and forgiveness to pull us out.

Principle THREE: The goal is to get as many as possible in the same boat

• That’s where we at the FMCOG fit in. God allows us to be “net-casters.” We’re not fishing with a line and lure for a narrow and selective group; we casting the net to reach as many as possible with the saving grace of the good news of Jesus Christ. Our ship is a “floating hospital” not a showcase or luxury liner. We must never be surprised when hurting people do hurtful things and lost people stumble as they make their way toward the light.

Principle FOUR: The ultimate goal is to get to the “shore”

• Our responsibility is to love and care for everyone God gives us. We wait until we get to the shore and let God decide which “fish” are the good fish and the bad fish. That’s God’s job, ours is to simply get as many as possible in the boat.

Blessings and favor upon you,

david l. kemp