Welcome to the Sunday worship service and sermon from Mount Pleasant Global Methodist Church in Vancleave, Mississippi, preached on January 25, 2026!
Join our church family as we gather to worship Jesus Christ, lift our voices in praise, hear the Word of God proclaimed with power and clarity, and encourage one another in faithful discipleship. We're located at 13802 Mount Pleasant Road, Vancleave, MS 39565, and we welcome visitors from Vancleave, Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gulfport, the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast, and beyond to experience warm fellowship and biblically grounded teaching rooted in the Wesleyan tradition.
In this inspiring message titled “Throw Down Your Nets”, Pastor Ron McDougald (Brother Ron) preaches from Matthew 4:18-25 — the calling of the first disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus approaches Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John in the midst of their everyday work as successful fishermen and says, “Come, follow me... and I will send you out to fish for people.” Immediately, they left their nets, their boat, their father, and followed Him.
Pastor Ron shares humorous personal stories—like misreading a roadside sign for “custom mullet cast nets” while thinking it was about kitchen cabinets, and the warm recognition from an old friend at a Starkville coffee group—to draw us into the deeper truth: When God calls, discipleship demands immediate obedience, a clean break from old ways, and full surrender (submission) to Christ. He challenges the myth that the disciples were poor; they were skilled, upper-middle-class businessmen by their day's standards, making their decision to drop everything even more radical.
Key themes and takeaways include:
- The cost of discipleship: What must we "throw down" (our nets, comforts, habits, or priorities) to follow Jesus fully?
- Obedience without delay — the disciples left "at once" and "immediately"
- The role of the church in affirming, confirming, and supporting God's call on our lives (not going it alone like a "Lone Ranger")
- Stories of real-life response: From Jonah's reluctance, to a military retiree wrestling with ministry, to gangster Mickey Cohen's struggle with a "clean break" during Billy Graham's 1940s LA crusade
- Why we follow: Jesus brings the Kingdom—teaching, proclaiming good news, healing every disease, delivering the demon-possessed, and offering forgiveness and new life
- Application today: Whether you're a teacher, shipyard worker, retiree, or neighbor, your calling is to live as a healing agent of Christ's grace right where God has placed you
This sermon convicts and inspires us to move beyond mere decisions for Christ to true commitment, surrender, and transformed living. If you've felt God's gentle (or loud) call but hesitated because of what it might cost, this message is for you.
If this word blesses or challenges you:
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COMMENT: What "nets" is God asking you to throw down today? Share your thoughts, testimonies, or prayer requests—we'd love to pray with you!
Connect with us:
Website: https://mtpleasantgmc.org/
In-person worship: Sundays (check site for times — Sunday School & morning service)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mt-Pleasant-Methodist-Church-61561591703590
Sermons also available as podcasts on iHeart Radio: Search "Mount Pleasant Methodist Church Sermons"
Thank you for watching from wherever you are—may the Lord stir your heart to obedience, grant you courage for the clean break, and fill you with joy in following Him fully.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
All glory to God! We hope to see you in person or online next Sunday. Come as you are—Jesus is calling.
