<TITLE>06. Par 22-25</TITLE>L-22 Now, the ships of those days were not like they are now. Then they were propelled by manpower; sometimes had sails on them. When the wind was right, they could sail. When the winds wasn't blowing, they could--they could row.
And the way the fishing ships were, (Pardon me.) they had maybe six or eight sets of oarlocks. And the--the oars were so great, they would take two men--one on one side, one on the other--because when the waves and things (storms on the sea and the lakes), they'd have to pull hard to keep the little boat in direction, or it would capsize: head into the waves just right.
You people know, who live along these lakes here, how you have to set the stern of the boat to angle the waves, so it won't go up and drown. It would pitch it right down, and fill it full of water. You've got to angle it all. And taken strong arms and experienced men to pull the boat.

L-23 Most all who lived around Galilee were fishermen. That was a great fishing country, and they spent much time on the lakes. And they'd had a great day, great things. And, of course, when... There's something about fellowship when you meet a servant of Christ, shake their hand. And if they've ever been in contact with Jesus, there's just something about them you can never forget them. There's something that--that pulls, that you--you just hate to see them go.
I've often wondered how that Christians could ever fuss at one another, or difference because of little differences and things, when they really know that that's a brother or sister who loves the Lord.
We used to sing a little song at our Tabernacle years ago, and many... I guess you have yet. I just come up--drove up outside, and heard that beautiful singing. And that song we used to sing, it's an old timer.
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred mind
Is like to that above.
When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

L-24 If the church could just feel that way. If each Christian could feel the other--other fellow's sorrows, and burdens, and so forth, wouldn't it be a wonderful thing? Jesus wants us to be that way. He said... His prayer was that we would be one. I believe He couldn't ask God for anything, unless God will grant it to Him.
Like Martha said, "Even now, whatever you ask God, God will give it to you." I believe that one... I believe all Christians, even now, feel that way about one another. That's right. Of course, we know the great harvest field... There was weeds, and tares, and the parable of the net cast in. And there was all different kinds. It all has to come together. But I believe God knows His precious children that's scattered along through there in this dark world.

L-25 As the ship moved out, those beloved people standing on the bank, waving, "Good-bye, come back and see us again. We were so happy to get to meet you. And now, we know that we're fellow citizens of the great Kingdom of God. We are members of His family. Won't you come back to see us again?" as the ship moved out into the sea.
And you know, they'd probably make a couple of big strokes, and then raise up and wave; and stroke the boat again, and the little ship on a calm sea moving as those great fishermen pulling the oars.
And it must've been a dramatic sight to watch the little ship, as it got smaller and smaller, and the group on the bank grew dimmer and dimmer, till finally they faded out as the sun begin to set. Pulling a boat is a hard job. I'm just going to think, now, that I'm setting in the back seat, relating something that happened out there.


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