MSM CONNECTIONS
For the week of
The Men’s Ministry
e-mail newsletter of
Our mission: Our
mission is to lead men to
Jesus Christ and
provide opportunity for
Christian men to grow
in their faith
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MSM CONNECTIONS is the opt-in newsletter for the men of
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"The
message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who
are being saved it is the power of God."
1 Corinthians
CONSIDER
"It
is appalling to think of a power so strong that it can annihilate with the
irresistible force of its grinding heel; but it is inspiring to consider an
Almightiness that transforms the works of evil into the hand-maidens of
righteousness and converts the sinner into the saint. And it is this latter power which eternal
Love possesses and exhibits. He
persistently dwells in the sinner until the sinner wakes up in His likeness and
is satisfied with it." Charles H.
Brent (1862-1929), With God in the World [1899]
THE WORLD MOURNS DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
--Pope Argued for 'Culture of Life'
--Cardinals Head to
JERRY FALWELL IN HOSPITAL
As
of this writing, Jerry Falwell has been admitted to
the hospital suffering from respiratory arrest.
For updates on his condition, go to
http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=6848&NewsID=55
ONE IN THREE ADULTS IS UNCHURCHED
Despite
widespread efforts to increase church attendance across the nation, the annual
survey of church attendance conducted by The Barna Group shows that one-third
of all adults (34%) remain "unchurched." That proportion has changed little during the
past five years. However, because of the nation's population continuing growth,
the number of unchurched adults continues to grow by
nearly a million people annually.
There
are. millions of unchurched
people who want nothing to do with organized religion or spiritual
development. The more important trend,
however, is that a large and growing number of Americans who avoid
congregational contact are not rejecting Christianity as much as they are
shifting how they interact with God and people in a strategic effort to have a
more fulfilling spiritual life.
During
a typical month, six out of ten unchurched adults
worship God (but not via church services); three out of ten study
the Bible; and one out of every seven has times of prayer and Bible reading
with family members. The religious media
play a part in their spiritual life, too, with four out of ten absorbing
Christian content through television, radio, magazines or faith-based websites
during a typical month. In addition,
one-quarter of them have conversations with one or more friends who held them
accountable for carrying out their faith principles.
Full
article available at
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=185
GOD'S IMAGE FOR YOU AT WORK
(a tip of the hat to Ken Soper)
There's
plenty of image-making in the work world, but God's idea of image is both
different and distinctive. In ancient
days, unscrupulous vendors filled cracks in pottery vessels with wax and sold
them. When the wax failed, the buyer was
left with a worthless purchase. Likewise, personal images based on personality
or material display tend to be of little value. But when God created women and
men in His image (Genesis
At
work, Christians' first priority task is to display the image of God. We won't do it perfectly, because of the
problems of our fallen natures. The
pottery merely mended with wax could only eventually deteriorate. Happily, we can reflect God's image when we
subordinate ourselves to Him, and admit that only He can change us for good,
and let Him do it.
The
effects of a life directed by Christ will show at work mainly by the way you
think and act, and by your character.
Paul the apostle emphasizes that "we have the mind of Christ"
(I Corinthians
That's
the image to take to your workplace! As
it rubs off on your coworkers, it will open the way for them to take you
seriously when sharing the Gospel of our Lord.
It will make a lasting difference.
A
WORK PRAYER
Lord
Jesus, I pray that You will grow in me an increasingly
Christ-led and Christ-shaped mind and character. May these qualities shine at my work, and
attract other people to Yourself. Amen.
This
WorkLife Toolbox written by Dr. Richard Bouch, His Church at Work's Content Development Director
and founder of LifeCompass Ministries.
KIDS SPENDING MORE TIME WITH NEW MEDIA
(a tip of the hat to Randy Rhodes)
A
national Kaiser Family Foundation survey finds children and teens are spending
an increasing amount of time using "new media" like computers, the
Internet and video games, without cutting back on the time they spend with
"old" media like TV, print and music.
Instead, because of the amount of time they spend using more than one
medium at a time (for example, going online while watching TV), they're
managing to pack increasing amounts of media content into the same amount of
time each day. The study, "Generation
M: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year-olds," examines media use among a
nationally representative sample of more than 2,000 3rd through 12th graders
who completed detailed questionnaires, including nearly 700 self-selected
participants who also maintained seven-day media diaries. The total amount of media content young
people are exposed to each day has increased by more than an hour over the past
five years (from
Read
this study in full at
http://www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia030905pkg.cfm
AP ARTICLE ON RICK WARREN
Read
this article about Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, at
http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/books/03/25/books.rickwarren.ap/index.html
HE IS RISEN!
"Now
let the heavens be joyful,
Let
earth her song begin:
Let
the round world keep triumph,
And
all that is therein;
Invisible
and visible,
Their
notes let all things blend,
For
Christ the Lord is risen
Our joy that hath no end."
--
RED SOX BASEBALL PITCHER TALKS OF HIS
FAITH
Mike
Timlin, a pitcher with the world champion Boston Red
Sox, is the best middle reliever in the game -- because he keeps God in the
center of everything. In 14 years as a
major league pitcher, Timlin has recorded 56 wins and
59 losses and a respectable 3.61 earned run average.
Timlin takes both his faith and his job seriously. He
is actively involved in Baseball Chapel, which holds Bible studies throughout
the season, and uses the ministry to share his faith with teammates. He believes that his effort should come from
a desire to please God first as Paul admonishes in Colossians
Read
this in full at
http://www.charismanow.com/a.php?ArticleID=10842
ATHEIST PSYCHIATRIST ARGUES THAT GAYS CAN
CHANGE.
Robert
L. Spitzer argued in 1973 that h*mosexuality is not a
clinical disorder-key to the American Psychiatric Association arriving at the
same conclusion. Thirty years later, Spitzer
caused another stir when he argued that some people who want to change their h*mosexual orientation may do so (Archives of Sexual
Behavior, October 2003). Spitzer is
professor of psychiatry at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/004/20.94.html
ARTICLES ON HOMOS*XUALITY
Scientific
study finds 'ex-gay' therapy works
http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=4829
New
program helps teens struggling with homos*xuality
http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=7447
Genuine
Christian love opens the door with homos*xuals
http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8035
The
sin of
http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8036
Three
helpful articles on understanding homos*xuality
http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8037
Do
we trust the Bible to tell us the truth about homos*xuality?
http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8040
The
key to deliverance from s*xual sin
http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8042
GOD WON'T ASK
1. God won't ask what kind of car you drove;
He will ask how many people you drove who didn't
have transportation.
2. God won't ask the square footage of your
house.
He will ask how many people you welcomed into
your home.
3. God won't ask about the clothes you had in
your closet.
He will ask how many you helped to clothe.
4. God won't ask what your highest salary was.
He will ask if you compromised your character to
obtain it.
5. God won't ask what your job title was.
He will ask if you performed your job to the
best of your ability.
6. God won't ask how many friends you had.
He will ask how many people to whom you were a
friend.
7. God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived.
He will ask how you treated your neighbors.
8. God won't ask about the color of your skin.
He will ask about the content of your character.
BASIC BIBLE DOCTRINE
VI. The Present Ministry of Christ
After His resurrection Christ ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11)
where He was exalted once again (Eph.1:20-23; Heb.1:3). He now has numerous
functions relating to believers.
A. Christ is building
His church (Matt.16:18).
B. Christ is leading His
body the Church (Eph.1:22,23; Col.1:18).
C. Christ is praying for
believers -
1. He prays for our
protection form Satan and sin (John
2. He prays for our
unity (John
3. He prays for help in
our times of need (Heb.4:16).
4. He prays for our
recovery from sin and continues fellowship (1 John 2:1).
D. Christ is involved in
answering our prayers (John
E. Christ gives us
strength in difficult circumstances (Phil.4:13).
F. Christ is enabling us
to be fruitful in ministry (John 15:1-16).
G. Christ is preparing a
place for us in heaven (John 14:3).
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=540
LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)
Constantly
seek to learn from the people around you -- they will teach you more about
yourself than anything else. They'll
also tell you 90% of what you need to know to achieve your business goals.
http://www.alanchapman.com/leadership.htm
VERSE TO PONDER
"I
have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in
me. The life I live in the body, I live
by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians
CONSIDER
"Evil
is the soul's choice of the not-God. The
corollary is that damnation or hell, is the permanent
choice of the not-God. God does not (in the monstrous old-fashioned phrase)
"send" anybody to hell; hell is that state of the soul in which its
choice becomes obdurate and fixed; the punishment (so to call it) of that soul
is to remain eternally in that State which it has chosen." Dorothy Leigh Sayers (1893-1957), The Poetry of Search [1963]
FAKING CHURCH
by Dan Schaeffer
Ned
sits down next to his wife, Tanya, in the church his family has called home for
many years. He smiles, waves, jokes, and
engages in friendly banter with everyone around him. He's a fixture in the church, having been
involved in leadership for many years.
Ned's well known, well liked, and deeply admired for his spiritual
life. Frank, one of the men he's discipled, waves to him from across the church. Ned smiles and waves back. He remembers sharing with Frank how to live
the Christian life. Suddenly he feels a
pang of guilt. Who are we serving? It happens slowly, subtly. Most Christians aren't even aware of it when
it happens. The "it" is a
spiritual deception. What others see of
our faith and service to Christ has become distorted - inevitably in our
favor. We've become fakers.
Years
ago I was in a church where a new and exciting ministry was opening up. I was
hoping to be chosen to lead the ministry. I felt I was the best qualified and
was sure I would be chosen. I wasn't. I was frustrated, angry, and jealous. Of
course, I didn't show it.
I
see it clearly now, how I was motivated by ego, pride, and ambition. But these
are "hidden" sins, so very easily cloaked. This is not to say I did
not love God. I did. But sadly, I wanted to serve me more than I wanted to
serve Him.
By
withholding this opportunity, God was working to dislodge a destructive
attitude that would threaten to destroy any sincere ministry I might attempt. I
had forgotten that my gift had not been given to me for my personal glory.
When
you represent God so visibly, such as with a teaching gift, it can be nearly
impossible for anyone to detect you're a fake. You're saying such great things
about God that you outwardly appear to be the picture of sincerity. No one may
ever know. Except for God.
You
may read your Bible regularly, listen to Christian radio programs frequently,
or watch Christian television religiously. You may read Christian books by the
most popular Christian authors, go to Promise Keepers
or Women of Faith conferences faithfully. You may be a popular leader in your
Christian circles. You may even feel very spiritual at times, but you're a
fake, an imposter....
Read
this in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2004/004/8.46.html
BALANCING FATHERHOOD AND WORK
by Ken R. Canfield, Ph.D.
Surely
you've faced the questions: Do I put in more time at work to pursue career
advancement? Should I begin looking for
a more father-friendly job?
Part
of the solution is to think in terms of integration. Instead of seeing one fast track and one
daddy track diverging in different directions, try viewing them as two rails
that make up one set of tracks, moving toward the same goal. Your career is one
more aspect of your fathering -- a means to provide for the physical and
emotional well-being of your family.
With that priority firmly in place, you can make decisions about
promotions, transfers, and work schedules based on how it will affect your wife
and children. Your job also provides
opportunities to model a healthy work ethic and demonstrate leadership skills
for your children.
Sure,
the rewards of fathering are much less immediate and obvious. No one is likely to praise you for going to a
child's soccer game. Did you get a bonus
last winter for staying up with your son when he had the flu? Spending an hour with your daughter working
on geometry homework probably didn't do much for your sense of
"success" and "accomplishment."....
Read
this in full at
http://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/1294833.html
CONSIDER
"Going
to church doesn't make you a Christian, any more than going to a garage makes
you an automobile." Billy Sunday
(1862-1935)
VERSE TO PONDER
"If,
when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his
Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" Romans
THIS WEEK'S HYMN: JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN
TODAY
Words:
14th Century Bohemian Latin carol
Music:
Robert Williams, 1817
Jesus
Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our
triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who
did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer
to redeem our loss, Alleluia!
Hymns
of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto
Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who
endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners
to redeem and save, Alleluia!
But
the pain which He endured, Alleluia!
Our
salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now
above the sky He's king, Alleluia!
Where
the angels ever sing, Alleluia!
Sing
we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise
eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise
Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!
>from
CyberHymnal at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/c/jcirtoda.htm
GOD FAQ
Question
14: How does God execute his decrees?
Answer:
God executes his decrees in the works of creation and providence, according to
his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own
will.
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
ON PRAYER
"Usually
prayer is a question of groaning rather than speaking, tears rather than
words. For He sets our tears in His sight, and our groaning is not hidden from Him who made all
things by His Word and does not ask for words of man." Augustine of Hippo
PRAY FOR A COUNTRY TODAY
http://www.gmi.org/ow/index.html
DAILY BLESSING PACT
Use the following list as your daily prayer guide. Think of
a brother or situation that applies and lift them up in prayer.
I am agreeing in prayer with you for God’s blessings to
overtake you!
PERSONAL
Marital harmony
Family unity
Children saved
Faithful pastor
Spirit-filled church
Real friendships
Relatives redeemed
Educational benefits
Recreational time
Fulfilling career
Favor with God and man
Be in God’s will
FINANCIAL
Better Jobs
Raises or bonuses
Benefits
Sales & commissions
Settlements
Estates & inheritances
Investment increase
Rebates & returns
Checks in the mail
Gifts & surprises
Money to be found
Bills decrease while blessings increase
"And all these blessings shall come
on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord
thy God" (Deut. 28:2).
PRAY FOR THESE BROTHERS
*
Bro. Patrick Wilkerson
*
Minister Tony Hampton
*
Pastor Arnold Pulliam
*
Bro. Gerald Williams
*
Bro. Byron Hayes
*
Bro. Damien Robinson
*
Bro. Needle
*
Bro. LaMallon Howard
*
Bro. Joe Ross
*
Bro. Lester Yancey
[As
you travel on business or vacation, let me know if you'd like the church guys
to pray for your safety and spiritual effectiveness. I'll add your name to the list for the time
you'll be away.]
CLASSIFIEDS
Are
you looking for something or do you have something to sell? Let me know and I'll put it in this
newsletter.
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES
Tell
us what sites you find enjoyable and why.
Exodus
International
A
worldwide, interdenominational, Christian organization called to encourage,
strengthen, unify, and equip Christians to minister the transforming power of
the Lord Jesus Christ to those affected by h*mosexuality.
http://www.exodus-international.org/
Name
Voyager: How Popular is Your Name This Year? Last year? 100 years ago?
http://babynamewizard.com/namevoyager/lnv0105.html
Internet
Evangelism Day (
All
links to Websites are provided as a service, and do not imply endorsement by
our church.
(BTW:
whenever the URLs in this newsletter are too long to turn into links on your
e-mail program, just copy the entire URL (two lines or more) and paste it into
a temporary email message. Then delete
the return in the middle of it and copy it again. Then paste it into your web browser and hit
enter.)
God
loves us not according to how we do but according to who He is.
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MSM CONNECTIONS is a periodic newsletter of announcements,
news, recommendations, articles, and other information helpful to men in our
spiritual growth. Thanks for welcoming MSM CONNECTIONS into your in-box!
Who to contact:
Minister Frank Coleman, Men Servants Ministry Chairman,
773-410-1483,
Minister Arnold Whitehead, Men Servants Ministry
Vice-Chairman, 773-846-6090
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The mission of
The Men Servants Ministry (MSM)
Team offers a variety of activities for men to interact with other men on our
journey of faith in Christ together. Large group, small group, and one-to-one
events encourage relationship building and spiritual strengthening that result
in maximizing the potential we all have in Christ. Contact Min. Frank Coleman,
773-410-1483, [email protected] if you'd like to participate in a men's
discipleship program.
New
Tel: 773-224-5683. Founded & Pastored by Apostle Aaron
L. Royster & Prophetess Mable L. Royster.
Visit our website at: http://www.newjoydivine.org/
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