MSM CONNECTIONS
For the week of 05/08/05
The Men’s Ministry e-mail newsletter of
New
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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"You
know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you
were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your
forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or
defect." 1 Peter 1:18 and 19 (NIV)
CONSIDER
"Specific
times and places and communion with God go together. It is by no haphazard chance that in every
age men have risen early to pray. The
first thing that marks decline in spiritual life is our relationship to the
early morning." Oswald Chambers
SEX AND THE UNMARRIED CHRISTIAN
The author
of a frank book on chastity talks about sex ed, 'just say no,' and 're-writing'
her own sexual history.
Lauren F.
Winner started a lot of conversations when she published her 2003 memoir,
"Girl Meets God," about her journey from Orthodox Judaism to
evangelical Christianity. Now, with the
publication of her new book, "Real Sex: The Naked Truth About
Chastity," Winner, a former Beliefnet books editor, again is turning heads
with her frank arguments about Christian sexual ethics. Winner spoke to Beliefnet about everything
from why masturbation is a "separation from reality" to how she and
her now-husband reined in their sexual impulses while they were dating.
Q: What is
the sexual ethic of "Real Sex?" Is it as simple as, "just say
no?"
A: I think
capturing the core message of the book in the phrase 'just say no' is
problematic. Whenever I speak with youth
groups or college student groups about sex and chastity, I often start by
asking them, what does the Bible tell us about sex? Every single time, the
first person who speaks says you shouldn't have sex before marriage.
Starting
with that negative doesn't make any sense.
So I start from the positive point that sex was created by God, our
bodies were created by God, and they are good. Sex was made for marriage, and
therefore sex doesn't belong any other context than marriage. The second reason
I wouldn't want to summarize it as 'just say no,' is that I think that
catchphrase puts us into a place where we resist strong bodily urges like
sexual desire solely through the will.
And while I think the will is certainly a part of Christian living, it's
the will that is empowered through God's grace.
The catch phrase of 'just say no' places too much burden on our will and
doesn't acknowledge the crucial place of God's activity in our faithful living.
Q: In the
book, you share a lot of personal information and personal stories. Have there
been moments when you wished you could re-write history?
A:
Sure. I wrote this book because sex and
chastity have been such huge issues in my own life, and I didn't feel that any
of the books that people were giving me, or any of the seminars that I was
attending, were quite fitting the bill.
Sexual sin
in my life is something that I feel real shame and discomfort about. This is not something about which I feel
cavalier. It is also something that I
think God forgives. Finding the balance between beating one's breast but also
appreciating God's forgiveness is difficult.
There's part of me that of course wishes I could re-write history. If there's a part of me that doesn't wish
that, it's the part that knows that I couldn't have written this particular
book were it not for my particular life experiences.
Read this
interview in full at
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/162/story_16230_1.html
VIBRANT MINISTRIES TO SINGLE ADULTS ON THE
WEB
Sometimes single adults are segregated and lonely even
within the Christian Church. Not so on the Web--visit Christian Hang
Links in this story
[1] http://www.christianhangsuite.com/desktopDefault.aspx
REMEMBER
Global Day
of Prayer - May 15 (Pentecost Sunday)
http://www.globaldayofprayer.com
http://globaldayofprayerusa.blogspot.com
Women’s
Day Celebration at New Joy Divine – May 22 (All day)
'THIS IS NOT A DOCUMENTARY'
Q: Who's
going on these Crusades?
Nancy
Caciola: Just about anyone who can afford it, and in fact many people who can't
and who are just struggling to get overseas. When Pope Urban II calls the First
Crusade in 1096, he's urging anyone who can possibly go to participate in this
particular enterprise. It's understood as being both a military expedition but
also something that is sort of good for your soul. It's a way of doing penance
for your sins, as we see at the beginning of the movie. So I think there is a
mingling of motivations here. People are sincerely pious and religious, people
are at the same time seeking their own material best self-interests, and people
are quite frankly concerned about the situation in Jerusalem-they want to
regain this city, and they want to defend it after they do regain it in 1099.
So it's a very mixed motivation, and it's an enterprise that attracts people
who are highly committed.
Q: Were
the European leaders using the Crusades to distract people from their poverty?
Caciola:
Read this
in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/KOHhistorians.html
Director
Sir Ridley Scott, a self-described agnostic, and leading man Orlando Bloom,
discuss their new film about the Crusades at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/KOHfilmmakers.html
Also see
"Waging Peace on Islam" at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/006/2.46.html
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR,
Holocaust
victims and liberators of concentration camps gathered in
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4632393
FATHERHOOD UNDER FIRE
If Satan
thinks they are a key battleground, shouldn't we?
by Roland
C. Warren
I am the
president of a secular organization that works to increase the number of
children who grow up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers. Christians often ask me, "Why should I
be concerned about your work of connecting fathers to their children? Shouldn't the Great Commission and soul
winning be our number one priority?"
These
questions remind me of what happened to my wife when she was having lunch with
a non-Christian friend a few years ago.
She asked her friend if she minded prayer before the meal. Her friend said, "That's fine," so
my wife started her prayer with the phrase "Dear heavenly
Father." When she finished, her
friend said that she could never pray those words since her father was such an
[expletive].
I believe
that today Christians often overlook three important truths about the Great
Commission. These truths can radically
change the way we view our work of sharing Jesus with others so they might come
into an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father.
First, the
relationship people have with their fathers may directly affect their ability
to relate to God the Father. A
"loving heavenly Father" has no meaning to those who don't know what
a loving father is. In fact, if their
fathers were so terrible, any god who's also a father must be infinitely
terrible!
Jesus, on
the other hand, in coming to tell the world how good the heavenly Father is,
used his relationship with his Father as an evangelistic tool...
Read this
article in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/005/28.53.html
SIN AND NUCLEAR RADIATION
On June 4,
1961, the reactor on K-19, a Soviet nuclear submarine, malfunctioned. Though the danger was great, Russian sailors
donned what gear they had and worked in rotating shifts to try to repair the
reactor. They succeeded and the sub was
saved, but not without cost. Within
days, eight of the sailors died from radiation poisoning, and within two years
14 more succumbed.
Sin is
something like nuclear radiation: Without proper protection, it can be
deadly. And often, the results of such
infection are not seen until later. Living in this world is like living in the
presence of a leaky nuclear reactor. Sin is everywhere around us -- in the air,
so to speak -- and the potential for absorbing it is ever-present. We have to work at remaining holy, which
means putting on proper protection: obedience to the Word, prayer, worship,
study, and fellowship with others who are pursuing holiness (Ephesians
6:10-18). (Turning Point Daily Devotional, 4-25-05)
EXERCISE FOR SENIORS
Just came
across this exercise suggested for seniors, to build muscle strength in the
arms and shoulders. It seems so easy, so
I thought I'd pass it on. The article
suggested doing this three days a week.
Begin by
standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each
side. With a 5-LB. potato sack in each
hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides, and hold them there as
long as you can. Try to reach a full
minute, then relax.
Each day,
you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer After a couple of weeks, move up
to 10-LB. potato sack. Then 50-lb.
potato sacks, and eventually try to get to where you can lift 100-lb. potato
sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute.
After you
feel confident at that level, put a potato in each of the sacks.
CONSIDER
"One's
worldview inevitably conditions one's behavior, including political
involvements. The future of freedom
itself may well hinge on a decision of whether the Judeo-Christian heritage is
to be checked at the entrance to the public square." Carl F. H. Henry (1913-2003)
http://www.acton.org/publicat/randl/liberal.php?id=489
BASIC BIBLE DOCTRINE
I. The
"personhood" of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy
Spirit is a personal being just as the Father and the Son. The Spirit is not an
impersonal "it" or simply an influence.
A. The
Spirit has personal characteristics.
1. He has intelligence (1
Cor.2:10-11).
2. He has emotions (Eph.4:30 -
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit").
3. He has will (1 Cor.2:11).
B. The
Spirit acts in personal ways.
1. He teaches us (John 14:26).
2. He commands (Acts 8:29).
3. He intercedes for us in prayer
(Rom.8:26).
C. The
Spirit is described in personal terms grammatically. The Greek word for Spirit
(pneuma) is neuter in gender, yet the Bible uses masculine pronouns
("He," "Him") to refer to the Spirit (John 16:13-14; 15:26;
16:7-8. To be grammatically correct, personal neuter pronouns ("it")
would be expected.
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=392
A MODEST PROPOSAL
by Richard
Mouw
Substitute
the Beatitudes for the Ten Commandments.
Actually the idea is not original with me. I got it from an unlikely source when it
comes to spiritual matters: Kurt Vonnegut.
Vonnegut, a gifted novelist not known specifically for his religious
insights, made some good theological sense last year in a column
<http://www.alternet.org/story/18881> he wrote. He noted that there is a lot of talk lately
about making the Ten Commandments visible in public places, but no one ever
seems to mention the Beatitudes as having any meaning for our public life. Why not?
He asks. After all, the Ten
Commandments are from Moses, but if you really believe in Jesus you should want
his unique teachings to get some publicity. So, proposes Vonnegut, let's put
"Blessed are the merciful" signs in our courtrooms. And let's have a big "Blessed are the
peacemakers" billboard in the Pentagon.
I'm
intrigued by Vonnegut's suggestion.
That's not to say I have problems with the Ten Commandments. Both Moses and Jesus are in the Bible I read
regularly. The commandments that God
gave Moses on
Read this
article in full at
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/161/story_16188_1.html
VERSE TO PONDER
"Test
everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22
CONSIDER
"The
moral principles and precepts contained in the Scripture ought to form the
basis of all our civil constitutions and laws.
All the miseries and evil men suffer from -- vice, crime, ambition,
injustice, oppression, slavery and war -- proceed from their despising or
neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible." Noah Webster
LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)
*
Smile
and encourage others to be happy and enjoy themselves.
*
Relax,
and give your people and yourself time to get to know and respect each other.
*
Take
notes and keep good records.
*
Plan
and prioritize.
*
Manage
your time well and help others to do so too.
http://www.alanchapman.com/leadership.htm
WANTED: THE NEXT "Q"
A high
tech mastermind with a wild imagination.
The mission: to develop James Bond-style equipment for spies. Discretion requested. Those interested should apply to Her
Majesty's Government. What's this all
about? From
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2005/04/29/PM200504295.html
Also check
out
CONSIDER
"Our
thoughtful observer who is outside the Churches has done a good deal of
thinking on his own. The discoveries of
modern physical and biological science, of astronomy, and of psychology, have
profoundly influenced his conception of the "size" of God. If there be a Mind behind the immense
complexities of the phenomena that man can observe, then it is that of a Being
tremendous in His power and wisdom: it is emphatically not that of a little
god. It is perfectly conceivable that
such a Being has a moral purpose which is being worked out on the stage of this
small planet. It is even possible to
believe that such a God deliberately reduced Himself to the stature of humanity
in order to visit the earth in Person, as all Christians affirm." J.B. Phillips (1906-1982), Your God is Too
Small [1953]
VERSE TO PONDER
"At
just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the
ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for
a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in
this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us." Romans 5:6 -
8 (NIV)
THIS WEEK'S HYMN: PRAY, PRAY
Words:
Lizzie DeArmond, 1912
Music:
Charles H. Gabriel
Pray,
pray, when things go wrong,
And gloomy
fears around you throng;
The loving
God your voice will hear,
Look up to
Him, He's always near.
Refrain
Pray, pray
though your eyes grow dim,
Go with
your troubles straight to Him;
Pray,
pray, for God understands;
Have
faith, leaving all in His dear hands.
Pray,
pray, be calm and still,
Whatever
comes must be His will;
His
promises like buds unfold,
Naught
that is good will He withhold.
Refrain
Pray, pray
till faith grows strong,
And in
your heart rings Heaven's song;
Till self
shall die in pure desire,
And every
thought to Him aspire.
Refrain
>from
CyberHymnal at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/r/praypray.htm
GOD FAQ
Question
19: What is God's providence towards the angels?
Answer:
God by his providence permitted some of the angels, wilfully and irrecoverably,
to fall into sin and damnation, limiting and ordering that, and all their sins,
to his own glory; and established the rest in holiness and happiness; employing
them all, at his pleasure, in the administrations of his power, mercy, and
justice.
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
ON PRAYER
"We
should always pray with as much earnestness as those who expect everything from
God; we should always act with as much energy as those who expect everything
from themselves." Charles C. Colson
YOUTH WORLDWIDE PRAY ON PENTECOST EVE
On Pentecost Eve, May 14, join with global youth worldwide who will pray all night for global revival in their generation;read about it in a Religion Journal article and find extensive resources at the teen website. Then celebrate Pentecost Sunday by visiting a number of historical and sermon-related websites that explain the meaning behind this special Sunday and how it can relate to our individual lives.
Read this article in full at
http://ifc.gospelcom.net/new_notable/639/
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.
Jack Pratt
*
Bro.
Lester Wilkerson
*
Bro.
James Green
*
Minister
Timothy Pulliam
*
Bro.
Patrick Wilkerson
*
Minister
Tony Hampton
*
Pastor
Arnold Pulliam
*
Bro.
Gerald Williams
*
Bro.
Byron Hayes
*
Bro.
Damien Robinson
[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.
Art Pad
(Express yourself!)
http://artpad.art.com/artpad/painter/
24-7
Prayer
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.)
Life is
10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
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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
===== /\ =====
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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