MSM CONNECTIONS

MSM CONNECTIONS

For the week of 05/15/05

The Men’s Ministry e-mail newsletter of

New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church

Our mission: Our mission is to lead men to

Jesus Christ and provide opportunity for

Christian men to grow in their faith

and minister to others.

newjoydivine.org

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"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

CONSIDER

"Tell me how it is that in this room there are three candles and but one light; and I will explain to you the mode of the divine existence." John Wesley

REBUILDING HOPE

Flip through the television channels, and you'll likely come across a home makeover or design program without much effort. In "There's No Place Like Home" http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2005/002/19.36.html), a featured article from Today's Christian, one writer observes: "In case you haven't noticed, a home-makeover craze has been sweeping the nation. Like never before, home is definitely where the heart is." One of the biggest hits in this genre is ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. While the show follows the same basic format as numerous other home makeover programs, you may have noticed an element that sets it apart: frequent references to the families' Christian faith. More akin to a missions trip than a primetime drama, this mainstream television show allows cast members to openly praise Jesus and celebrates charity, community, family, hope, and belief.

As you'll read in this feature article, the families touched by this "reality" show find that it's a dream come true. In "Rebuilding Hope," find out more about this inspirational show that's touched millions. Also, be sure to read "A Foundation of Faith?" to hear the producer's take on whether or not it's intentionally Bible-based.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2005/003/4.32.html

GOOD QUESTION: GOD'S HOUSING CRISIS

Why should church buildings get so much of the financial, physical, and social attention that is rightly due to the needs of Christians and others?

Asked by Kofo Olomu, Cotonou, Benin

Answered by Howard A. Snyder

Interestingly, church history shows an inverse ratio between dynamic church multiplication and preoccupation with buildings. Emphasis on buildings is generally linked with relatively slow growth or even decline.

Rapidly growing movements generally put little stress on buildings, tending toward pragmatism and flexibility, meeting wherever they can. The exception: If large subsidies are available, rapid church growth and focus on buildings may go together for a generation or two before the building-centeredness begins to sap church vitality....

The rest of this article by Howard Snyder, professor of the history and theology of mission at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky can be read at

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/005/24.54.html

CRUSADERS TOOK THEIR FAITH SERIOUSLY

In the Ridley Scott movie "Kingdom of Heaven," a French blacksmith -- Balian of Ibelin -- goes on crusade to Jerusalem, where he battles the Muslim leader Saladin. Thomas F. Madden, professor and chair of the department of history at Saint Louis University and editor of Crusades: The Illustrated History, spoke to Beliefnet about how the film handles religion.

Q: What did you think of the movie?

A: Well, I don't think its purpose is to be a documentary. They paid a lot of attention to getting arms and armors correct, but they weren't much interested in portraying the way people in the Middle Ages viewed their religion, the Crusades, or the Holy Land. The thing that struck me most was how little religion had to do with the Crusades in this movie. The only religious people in this movie are fanatics. All of the good guys either have no religion, or are openly hostile to religion....

Read this interview at

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/166/story_16645_1.html

'MILBLOGGERS' ARE TYPING THEIR PLACE IN HISTORY

Imagine some of the soldiers who survived the Battle of Gettysburg stopping the next day to write their dramatic tales -- and people around the world instantly reading them. If that battle had been fought today, no imagination would be necessary. The number of Internet web logs -- or "blogs," as online diaries are known -- by American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan is soaring, giving people everywhere unprecedented windows into servicemembers' lives. From 50 or so a year ago, the number of their online journals is now about 200 and is expected to be near 1,000 by the year's end, say the bloggers themselves and experts who track the Web. Read this story at

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-05-11-milblogs-main_x.htm

ANGLING MINISTRIES USES 'FISHING AS A LURE' TO HOOK

UNCHURCHED

People used to skip church to go fishing. Nowadays they go fishing to have church. A growing number of churches, fishing ministries and parachurch groups nationwide are targeting unchurched anglers and outdoor enthusiasts-people outside the typical church's radar. The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that there are approximately 50 million sport fishermen in the United States. The success of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society has spawned fishing ministries that evangelize, disciple and encourage bass anglers. In 1983, well-known bass pro Jimmy Houston started the Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society. Based in Arkansas, FOCAS today boasts 8,000 members, with 128 chapters in 25 states. A spokesperson for the group says thousands of anglers have accepted Christ because of the organization. Team Jesus Ministries (www.teamjesusministries.org), uses fishing, hunting and other recreational activities for evangelism.

Launched just seven years ago, South Carolina-based Fishers of Men already has more than 3,800 members in 25 states. Focusing on outreach evangelism, founder and national director Al Odom said the ministry has witnessed more than 2,500 professions of faith. Jim Grassi started California-based Let's Go Fishing Ministries (www.letsgofishing.org) in 1981. The outreach holds outdoor activities to strengthen families and encourage spiritual growth. Leaders of fishing ministries point out that the New Testament is replete with references to angling and that Jesus often taught and performed miracles with fishing as the backdrop.

http://www.focas.org

http://www.fishersofmenministries.com

GODLY FATHERLY ADVICE

Consider the example of Obadiah Holmes, who came to Massachusetts in 1638. He and his wife found their way to Salem, where he worked as a glass maker, raising nine children. Holmes longed for godly character to be developed in each of his children. With his wife Catherine, he faithfully taught them to be people of character who follow the Scriptures. Toward the end of his life, Holmes penned a letter that would continue to speak to his children long after he was gone. The letter reveals a father's godly passion:

"Be you content with your present condition and portion God has given you. Make a good use of what you have by making use of it for your comfort (solace). For meat, drink or apparel, it is the gift of God. Take care to live honestly, justly, quietly with love and peace among yourselves, your neighbors and, if possible, be at peace with all men. In what you can, do good to all men, especially to such as fear the Lord. Forget not to entertain strangers, according to your ability; if it be done in sincerity, it will be accepted, especially if to a disciple in the name of a disciple. Do to all men as you would have them do to you."

http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org

CHRISTIANITY AND THE PUBLIC SQUARE

In recent years, but especially since President Bush won re-election in November, religious conservatives have been fighting the culture wars with new assertiveness. In a five-part series, NPR's Religion Correspondent Barbara Bradley Hagerty examines the rise of conservative Christianity in public life.

Hear it at

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4631923

WOLFENSOHN REFLECTS ON THE WORLD BANK

After 10 years, James Wolfensohn will step down as president of the World Bank later in May. He talks with NPR about the challenges facing the World Bank and the developing world. Hear it at

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4645837

"BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL WOMAN": A CHRISTIAN HUSBAND'S

PERSPECTIVE

Who's behind many a successful woman? Ask David Sanford, freelance writer, editor, and author of Behind Every Successful Woman. This article appeared in Focus on the Family Magazine with Dr. James Dobson, and addresses the husband of the home on the awesome privilege of honoring, cherishing and supporting his wife. Sanford says, "The good husband doesn't expect his wife to automatically duplicate the virtues of the Wonder Woman described so poetically in Proverbs 31. Instead, he encourages his wife in personal growth and maturity. And she does the same for him. Imagine what God could do through a couple like that!"

http://www.family.org/fofmag/marriage/a0019541.cfm

BASIC BIBLE DOCTRINE

The deity of the Holy Spirit

A. He has the names and titles of deity.

1. Yahweh - What the Lord (Yahweh) said in Is.6:8-13 is ascribed to the Holy Spirit in Acts 28:25.

2. Spirit of God (Rom.8:9,14; 1 Cor.2:11; 12:3; Eph.4:30)

B. He possesses incommunicable attributes.

1. Self-existence (Rom.8:2)

2. Omnipresence (Ps.139:7 ff)

C. He performs incommunicable works (no one but God can do them).

1. Creation (Gen.1:2)

2. Resurrection (Rom.8:11)

D. He is equated with deity.

1. Acts 5:3,4 - a lie to Spirit equals lie to God

2. 2 Cor.3:17,18 - "The Lord is the Spirit"

http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=392

LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)

* Involve your people in your thinking and especially in managing change.

* Read good books, and take advice from good people, to help develop your own understanding of yourself, and particularly of other people's weaknesses (some of the best books for leadership are not about business at all - they're about people who triumph over adversity).

* Achieve the company tasks and objectives, but never at the cost of your integrity or the trust of your people.

http://www.alanchapman.com/leadership.htm

FROM THE WORLD ALMANAC - THE 9 MOST SIGNIFICANT WORKS OF ART OF THE SECOND MILLENNIUM

1. Chartres Cathedral, 12th-13th centuries

http://www.beloit.edu/~arthist/historyofart/gothic/chartrescath.htm

2. Isenheim Altarpiece, Matthias Grünewald, c. 1510-15

http://www.meredith.edu/art/research/isenheim_altarpiece.htm

3. Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo, 1508-12

http://sun.science.wayne.edu/~mcogan/Humanities/Sistine/

4. Apollo and Daphne, Gianlorenzo Bernini, 1622-24

http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edafne.htm

5. Mary Magdalen, Donatello, c. 1455

http://www.mystudios.com/treasure/donatello/magdalen_review.html

6. The Calling of St. Matthew, Caravaggio, c. 1599-1602

http://gallery.euroweb.hu/html/c/caravagg/04/23conta.html

7. Mérode Altarpiece, Robert Campin, c. 1425-30

http://gallery.euroweb.hu/html/m/master/flemalle/merode/

8. Moses Well, Claus Sluter, 1395-1406

http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/s/sluter/moses/

9. Guernica, Pablo Picasso, 1937

http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/a_nav/guernica_nav/main_guerfrm.html

VERSE TO PONDER

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." Job 19:25 (NIV)

CONSIDER

"The mark of modern unbelieving man as a whole is that he has felt astonishingly much at home in his earthly surroundings. He has taken a cheerful view of the prospects of the race and of the future of human history, staying his soul upon the promise of further "evolution" of the human individual, the continuous upward progress of civilization, or perhaps the confident expectation of a completely revolutionized order of society – a communist Utopia beyond the class struggle or something else of that same general kind. Where such hopes remain unchastened by the cold touch of reality, there is little prospect of the Christian Gospel recommending itself to men's minds, and any wordy defense of it is likely to be quite useless." John Baillie (1886-1960), Invitation to Pilgrimage [1942]

JESUS CHRIST IN LEGAL BATTLE TO GET LICENSE

Attempts to prove his name really is Jesus Christ have led the man born as Peter Robert Phillips Jr. through a lengthy legal battle and a recent victory in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. "This all started with him expressing his faith and his respect and love for Jesus Christ," attorney A.P. Pishevar told The Associated Press. "Now he needs to document it for legal reasons."

Read this story at

http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/05/10/jesus.lawsuit.ap/index.html

JANE FONDA: 'CHRISTIANITY IS MY SPIRITUAL HOME'

From her longtime political activism to her Oscar-winning acting, Jane Fonda has never done anything halfheartedly, and she brings this characteristic intensity to her faith. When she talks about "feeling the presence of the Almighty," her view of Jesus, and the way she prays, her voice wells from deep within her chest. You may know this voice from her films (among dozens of others: Barbarella, Klute, On Golden Pond, and currently in theaters, Monster-in-Law), or from her aerobics videos ("feel the burn!"), or from film reels from the sixties, when she spoke out against the Vietnam War. Fonda, now 67, spoke with Beliefnet recently about her spirituality. Read the complete interview and listen to the audio excerpts at

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/165/story_16529_1.html?rnd=6

FIREFOX SECURITY UPDATE

In the last couple weeks, two significant security holes were found in the Firefox web browser. A new version has been released with several bug fixes. If you use it, you should upgrade.

http://www.mozilla.org/news.html

THE TRIUMPH OF SIMPLE PERSISTENCE

....our important battles in life are often won by simple persistence. When we look at what made the accomplishments of notable individuals possible, we usually find persistence that went beyond the ordinary -- Thomas Edison, Ernest Hemingway, and Soichiro Honda, for example.

Persistence plays such a compensating role in endless areas of human achievement. Research shows, for instance, that drilling companies which discover the most oil are not the ones with the best equipment or the most talented personnel -- but those that dig the most wells.

In real life as most of us lead it, we often find we're unable to accomplish a goal within the time period we've envisioned. Yet when we're willing to revise our assumptions about time -- or to let go of any deadline at all--we succeed.

Read the full article from Nehemiah Ministries at

http://www.gospelcom.net/nehemiah/persist2.htm

YOUNG AND HUNGRY ABOUT FAITH

The recent World Values Survey shows that in 58 countries "millennial" Catholics (born in 1982 or later) are more likely to attend mass, pray every day, consider religion important, and have a larger degree of confidence in the church than the previous generation. "It was a surprise," says Mark Gray, a research associate at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University: In its traditionalist religious attitudes and behaviors, the millennial generation most closely resembles the generations born before World War II.

It isn't just Catholics, either. Colleen Carroll Campbell, the author of The New Faithful: Why Young Adults Are Embracing Christian Orthodoxy, has identified what she calls "a countercultural trek toward traditional Christianity" – with young men and women embracing some of the very sacraments and rituals rejected by their boomer parents. Data are hard to come by, but a survey released last month by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California-Los Angeles showed that 81% of college freshmen attend religious services at least occasionally, 40% follow religious teachings in everyday life, and 64% feel spirituality is a source of joy.

Other numbers suggest the trend is growing. Since 1995, Campus Crusade for Christ, an interdenominational ministry committed to spreading the Gospel, has grown from 18,000 students nationally to 55,000 this year. Enrollment in the 100-plus member colleges of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, which teach subjects from a biblical perspective, has jumped by 64% since 1990.

The complete USNews.com article is at

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/culture/articles/050509/9lickona.htm

CONSIDER

"The interior journey of the soul from the wilds of sin into the enjoyed presence of God is beautiful. Ransomed men need no longer pause in fear to the Holy of Holies. God wills that we should push on into His presence and live our whole life there."

A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), The Pursuit of God [1948]

VERSE TO PONDER

"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

THIS WEEK'S HYMN: PENTECOSTAL POWER

Words & Music: Charles H. Gabriel, 1912

Lord, as of old, at Pentecost,

Thou didst Thy power display,

With cleansing, purifying flame,

Descend on us today.

Refrain

Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!

Thy floodgates of blessing, on us throw open wide!

Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!

That sinners be converted and Thy Name glorified!

For mighty works for Thee, prepare

And strengthen every heart;

Come, take possession of Thine own,

And never more depart.

Refrain

All self consume, all sin destroy!

With earnest zeal endue

Each waiting heart to work for Thee;

O Lord, our faith renew!

Refrain

Speak, Lord! before Thy throne we wait,

Thy promise we believe,

And will not let Thee go until

The blessing we receive.

Refrain

>from CyberHymnal at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/e/pentecop.htm

GOD FAQ

Question 20: What was the providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created?

Answer: The providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created, was the placing him in paradise, appointing him to dress it, giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth; putting the creatures under his dominion, and ordaining marriage for his help; affording him communion with himself; instituting the Sabbath; entering into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience, of which the tree of life was a pledge; and forbidding to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.

http://www.shortercatechism.com/

ON PRAYER

"Prayer is the expression of a good desire. The human heart is full of restless desires, and the prayers of men consist for the most part of the unsifted petitions which are urged by their varying passions. To desire what is right, and to desire it consistently, and passionately, is the first condition of true living; the desires can be corrected only by truth, the mind must apprehend God, and then it will say, 'There is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.'" George MacDonald (1824-1905)

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. Needle Wilson

* Bro. LaMallon Howard

* Bro. Joe Ross

* Bro. Lester Yancey

* Elder Tim Howard

* Pastor Alan Roundtree

* Elder Dalter Yarbrough

* Bro. Robert Allen

* Bro. Anton Johnson

* Apostle Aaron Royster

[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.

Plumbing 101

If you have a minor plumbing problem, don’t wait around for a plumber. And don’t pay someone to do something you could do yourself.

Friendly Plumber has quick solutions to your problems. Learn how to thaw a frozen pipe – or better yet, prevent it. Find out how to fix small leaks and care for your garbage disposal.

Have mineral deposits in your sink or bathtub? You’ll find excellent tips to get them cleaned up in a flash.

Okay, so maybe you’d rather hire a plumber. I don’t blame you. But you can still use the money-saving advice. (I love saving money!) Find out how to choose efficient appliances that conserve water and electricity.

And if you’re thinking about remodeling, check out the remodeling advice. There’s even a showroom of plumbing fixtures. You’ll get some great ideas!

www.friendlyplumber.com/plumbing101.html

CNN Special Reports

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/

Virtual Whiteboard and Chalkboard

http://www.pvsusa.com/pvsdrawingboard/pvsdrawingboard.php

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.)

Funny how a dollar can look so big when you take it to church, and so small when you take it to the store.

Min. Frank Coleman, Editor

[email protected]

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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 New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church is to be a Christ-centered, Bible based, Spirit guided church meeting the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of its members and the community it serves.

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 Joy Divine Full Gospel Church is located at 7625 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60620.

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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