Roots of the Kingdom: The Secrets of Growth and Grace (Uncover the hidden truths that transform lives and grow God’s Kingdom.) "The Final Catch” (The Parable of the Net) The kingdom of God gathers all people, but in the end, there will be a final separation. Matthew 13:47-50 47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Point 1: The Net Everyone — But Not Everyone “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.” (Matthew 13:47) Jesus casts the net, but you decide if you’ll stay in the catch. The church is full of all kinds of people—some truly following Christ, some just along for the ride. You can’t fake being a real fish. Being in the net doesn’t mean you’re in the kingdom — true faith is about transformation, not just proximity. Point 2: There Will Be a Final — Are You Ready? “When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.” (Matthew 13:48) Every fish gets caught, but not every fish gets kept. The final sorting is coming — don’t wait until it’s too late to be ready. Point 3: The Kingdom is — We Must Now “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:49-50) You don’t prepare for eternity later — you prepare for it now. Call to Action: Don’t Just Be in the Net — Be in the Kingdom What will you do? Examine Your Heart. Stop Delaying. Live with Urgency. "The Final Catch”