"God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey.  You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth."  2 Timothy 2:24-25 (Msg)

     CONSIDER

"The degree of blessing enjoyed by any man will correspond exactly with the completeness of God's victory over him."  A. W. Tozer

     JULY EVENTS

* July 2-24 - Tour de France

http://www.letour.fr/

* July 28-31 - US Senior Open golf championship

http://www.2005usso.com/

     BARNA: SUNDAY SCHOOL IS CHANGING

In a culture saturated with change, one of the most stable aspects in the religious sphere has been Sunday school.  The latest research from Barna identifies significant changes bubbling beneath the surface regarding Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and other church programming offered for children.

http://www.barna.org

     G8 SUMMIT'S FOCUS ON AFRICA NOTHING NEW FOR MISSIONARIES

Politicians, celebrities, and activists turned the world's eyes toward Africa during the international Group of Eight (G8) meeting in Scotland July 6-8.  The G8's shared goals: to save lives and eradicate poverty on the continent.  For more than 150 years, missionaries have been working toward the same goals in Africa.  One of the fears of G8 leaders in disbursing funds in Africa is corruption -- the cause of much of the current suffering and economic chaos there.  British Prime Minister Tony Blair acknowledged that no amount of money will improve Africa's prospects without better national leadership.  "In the end, only Africans can lead and shape Africa," he said at the end of the G8 meeting.  Pray that missionaries would be successful in bringing the liberating message of the gospel to the continent.

Africa Fast Facts:

*         Countries: 58

*         People: 924 million (mid-2004 estimate) among more than 3,500 ethnic groups

*         Languages spoken: 2,110

*         Economy: Africa's economy has stagnated for 40 years.  Many countries have become poorer; a few have made progress.

*         Religion (reported by percentage of African population): Christian (48%); Muslim (41%); traditional/indigenous (9%); Hindu (0.2%); Baha'i (0.2%); other (1%).  Religious freedom has increased in Africa in recent years, but persecution of Christians by Muslims also has increased.

*         Christian missionaries to Africa: nearly 18,000

*         Christian missionaries from Africa: more than 12,000

(Sources: Operation World and Population Reference Bureau)

     A PRAYER IN THE FACE OF TERRORISM

http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/editor/20050714-s1.php

     BILLY GRAHAM DECLINES INVITATION TO CONDUCT LONDON CRUSADE

Citing his own health and that of his wife Ruth, evangelist Billy Graham announced on July 13 that he's declined an invitation to hold an evangelistic crusade in London, a decision he deferred until after his just-concluded Greater New York Crusade - his eighth in the New York City metro area - attended by more than 242,000 people.  Graham, 86, said he made the decision before London bombings that killed at least 52 people.  In a letter notifying those who had invited him, Mr. Graham said, "After much prayerful consideration I determined I should not be that far from home. This was a difficult decision because London has played such a significant part in the life of my ministry."

Read this article in full at

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05070051.htm

     2005 BOOK PUBLISHING AWARDS

*         The Christy Award (Christian fiction)

*         http://www.christyawards.com/home.htm

*         ECPA Gold Medallion Awards (multiple categories)

*         http://www.ecpa.org/ECPA/PR-2005GMWinners.html

*         Retailers Choice Awards (multiple categories)

http://www.retailerschoiceawards.com/

     DICK STAUB ON CHRISTIAN RETAILING

"...if this [CBA, a.k.a. Christian Booksellers Association, International Christian Retail Show] is a microcosm of evangelicalism, what is the state of the evangelical subculture?

I came away [from the annual convention] with two impressions.

1) A thriving economic enterprise.  Religious stuff is big business and a lot of people are moving a lot of units.  Books, music, videos, trinkets -- this is a burgeoning niche with tons of discretionary income and an appetite for sub-cultural retail products. As CBA reports, "Sales of Christian products grew to .34 billion in 2004, up from .2 billion in 2002, and billion in 2000 according to the new Size of the Industry study conducted by CBA."

2) An enterprise that is running out of intellectual and spiritual gas.  At a business level there is the realization that the best selling Christian books & records don't need the Christian bookstore like they once did.  Big retailers see evangelicals as an emerging market and are getting increasingly big pieces of the pie and stocking a bigger and better selection than the typical Christian Bookstore....."

Read this commentary in full at

http://dickstaub.com/culturewatch.php?record_id=885

     KENNETH N. TAYLOR, 1917-2005

Highly celebrated Christian publishing pioneer Kenneth N. Taylor died June 10 after six decades in ministry.  His life leaves us much to emulate.  Taylor's extraordinary integrity and humility seasoned his entrepreneurial drive and publishing skills, resulting in a lifetime of creativity and effectiveness.  In our self-centered culture, Taylor looms large as a man who passionately lived out his faith.  The author of the Living Bible continually attempted to shape his life, not only according to its promises, but also its hard truths, demands, and challenges:..."

Read this editorial in full at

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/008/7.27.html

     KEN TAYLOR'S LEGACY IS MONUMENTAL

by Ken Walker

Kenneth N. Taylor, 88, whose Bible paraphrase helped pave the way for modern translations, is being remembered as a man of humility and vision.  Taylor, who died of heart failure June 10, paraphrased the King James Version in language his children could understand.  That effort eventually became the Living Bible.  A bestseller after its 1971 release, it's sold more than 40 million copies.  Noting that Billy Graham has called the Bible the world's best evangelist, American Bible Society president Gene Habecker said Taylor's work made a massive impact.  "It may be greater than Billy Graham," Habecker said....

Read this tribute at

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/008/8.19.html

     RELIGION NEWS SERVICE WEEKLY SUMMARY

http://www.religionnews.com/Vol3No27.htm

     EMERGENT CHURCH MOVEMENT ON PBS

In the first of a special, two-part series Bob Abernethy hosts a program on a growing movement that's rethinking what Christianity and the church should look like in a contemporary culture.  Some call it "the emerging church."  Some say it's "emergent."  Whatever it's called, it's developing among both evangelical and mainline Protestants, especially young ones.  For some, it's confusing.  It's also controversial, as Kim Lawton reports.

Here's the link to the transcript

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week845/cover.html

     LOOKING AT SCIENTOLOGY

Scientology has been in the news a lot lately, due in part to actor Tom Cruise's open devotion to the religion.  What exactly is Scientology, and how should Christians view it?  Is it compatible with Christianity, or is it an entirely separate religion?  The Apologetic Index section on Scientology[1] is one of the biggest and most comprehensive Christian resources on the topic.  For a shorter overview of Scientology, this article[2] by John Weldon compares and contrasts each of Scientology's beliefs and doctrines with those of Christianity to find out how similar or different they are.  Lastly, another collection of articles[3] at the Watchman Fellowship provides plenty more reading material for those who want to explore the topic further.

[1] http://apologeticsindex.com/s04.html

[2] http://www.equip.org/free/DS170.htm

[3] http://www.watchman.org/sci/index.htm

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Love must be sincere." Romans 12:9

     CONSIDER

"I choose gentleness... Nothing is won by force.  I choose to be gentle.  If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.  If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.  If I make a demand, may it be only of myself."  Max Lucado

     WHEN YOUR CHILD REJECTS CHRISTIANITY

How would you react if your young son or daughter suddenly announced that he or she no longer believed in God or Jesus?  This essay lays out four suggestions for parents who are trying to respond constructively.

http://www.internetmonk.com/archives/2005/01/019829.html

     TRADITIONAL TENETS OF FAITH OF THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION

*         the authority of the Scripture

*         the virgin birth and divinity of Christ

*         Jesus' atonement for sin

*         the bodily resurrection

*         the second coming of Christ

     40 DAYS OF PURPOSE DRAWS DEADHEAD-STYLE FOLLOWING

A very funny -- but FAKE -- news story.  Lark News is a satire site.

http://www.larknews.com/may_2005/secondary.php?page=1

     TOP 10 REASONS I'M NOT DIVORCING MY WIFE

by James Watkins

"...I have joked that if Lois were a better lover, she'd be a widow.  And while I'm willing to risk death-defying sex with my wife, I'm really not that crazy about all the deadly diseases out there.  For instance, according to my doctor, genital warts is the number one sexually-transmitted disease today.  And, they can only be removed by burning or cutting.  There's no way I want nitric acid or a scalpel anywhere near my y-chromosome!  Of the forty diseases that the Minnesota Health Department has identified as being spread through sexual contact, some of them are fatal (AIDS), others can damage one's sexual equipment (chlamydia and gonorrhea), and at least one (syphilis) if not caught early can cause blindness, heart disease, paralysis, brain damage, and death...."

Read the list of 10 reasons at

http://www.gospelcom.net/watkins/divorce.htm

     U.S. FASTEST GROWING CITIES

Port St. Lucie, Florida, had America's fastest growth rate among large cities (100,000 or more population) between July 1, 2003 and July 1, 2004, according to new U.S. Census Bureau population estimates.  Others on the list:

2.      Elk Grove, California

3.      North Las Vegas, Nevada

4.      Gilbert, Arizona

5.      Cape Coral, Florida

6.      Moreno Valley, California

7.      Chandler, Arizona

8.      Miramar, Florida

9.      Rancho Cucamonga, California

10. Roseville, California

New York City is still the nation's most populous city, with 8.1 million residents -- more than twice the population of Los Angeles, which ranks second at 3.8 million.  Among the 10 largest cities, only one change has occurred in the rankings: San Jose, California, has replaced Detroit as the nation's 10th most populous city.  Phoenix had the largest population increase between 2003 and 2004, adding 29,826 people.  Los Angeles; San Antonio; Las Vegas; and Fort Worth, Texas, rounded out the list of the five biggest numerical gainers.

http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/005268.html

     FIVE WAYS TO STRESS LESS

Stress not only contributes to the development of deadly diseases, but can also affect your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.  Chronic stress has been linked to a number of illnesses including heart disease, stroke, cancer, depression, and migraines.  It can occur at any time and is often hard to recognize for those who live with it daily.  People who suffer from stress may find they have difficulty sleeping, can't concentrate as well or remember as much, are irritable and anxious, or develop head, stomach, and muscle aches.  In addition, stress can cause you to overeat or turn to alcohol or drugs for release.  While there is no medical treatment for stress, you can manage its effects in a variety of ways:

*         Exercise Regularly.  When we exercise, the brain releases mood-enhancing chemicals that can help relieve the effects of stress.

*         Get More Sleep.  When the body is well rested, it's better able to cope with stressful situations and emotions.

*         Eat a Balanced Diet.  Eating healthy foods will improve both body and mind.

*         Slow Down.  Take time to enjoy hobbies, family, friends, and free time.

*         Practice Relaxation or Meditation.  Spending time stretching or breathing can help you collect your thoughts and promotes overall healing.

http://www.southbeachdiet.com/

     CONSIDER

"To take up the cross of Christ is no great action done once for all; it consists in the continual practice of small duties which are distasteful to us."  John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

     BASIC BIBLE DOCTRINE

The Doctrine of Demons

I.    The Existence and Nature of Demons

A.  Their Creation - God created demons as part of the angelic realm originally (Col.1:16).

B.  Their Fall -

1.   The evidence - It is clear that Satan has a following of like beings ("Prince of the demons" - Matt.12:24; the Devil and his angels - Matt.25:41). Demons are described throughout the Scriptures (Dan.10:10-20; Matt.10:1; Eph.6:12).

2.   The time - At the fall of Satan, many angels followed him in that rebellion (demons are fallen angels).  A third of the angelic host seem to have fallen with Satan (Rev.12:4 - the imagery of Satan as a "dragon" and angels/demons as "stars").

C.  Their Nature -

1.   Demons are by nature the same kind of spirit beings as angels.  They are personal, intelligent beings.

2.   Demons are morally wicked ("unclean spirits" - Matt.10:1; "evil" - Luke 7:21; "wickedness/darkness" - Eph.6:12).

a.   They are deceitful (1 Tim.4:1-3; 2 Cor.11:13-15).

b.   They are immoral (Gen.6:4; Jude 6, 7).

3.   Demons are invisible but also able to appear (Satan - Zech.3:1; Matt.4:9.10; Demons - Rev.9:7-10; 16:13-16).

4.   Demons have great intelligence. They knew Christ's identity and power (Mark 1:14, 34; 5:6, 7). They know their own future judgment (Matt.8:28, 29).  They can attempt to predict the future (Acts 16:16).  They're knowledge is not infinite.  They learned it through thousands of years of experience and observation.

5.   Demons have great strength (Mark 5:3; Acts 19:16; Rev.9:1-11).

http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=388

     LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)

Sneak Peek: A leadership secret from Billy Graham...

5. Embrace the challenge of criticism.

How you respond to critics reveals a lot about your sense of calling and your composure.  Critics can force you to evaluate what you really believe about yourself and your mission.  While Billy Graham at times would be angered by his critics, he would frequently hear out a critic, then explain his calling and his determination to fulfill that mission, inviting the critic to help with what Billy was compelled to do.  "Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys." Billy Graham.

This is just one of 21 secrets you'll find in THE LEADERSHIP SECRETS OF BILLY GRAHAM.  Look for it in bookstores this August.

http://www.zondervan.com/Books/Detail.asp?ISBN=0310255783

Also see

Thoughts and Reflections on Billy Graham's Life Principles

http://www.inspiriogifts.com/detail.asp?isbn=0310810604

     BUILD ME A SON

General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) was America's last five-star general.  His fiery command of many campaigns in WWI, WWII, and Korea distinguished him as a true patriot.  MacArthur was also a man of prayer.  "A Father's Prayer," written by the general during the early days of the desperate campaigns in the Far East in WWII is a model for every father today.  The prayer follows:

"Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.  Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know Thee and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.  Lead him I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.  Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.  Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.  And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously.  Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.  Then, I, his father, will dare to whisper, have not lived in vain.  Amen."

     CONSIDER

"When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles.  When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs.  When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy."  Corrie Ten Boom

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it."  1 Peter 1:22 (Msg)

     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL

Words: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1888

Music: Henry T. Smart, 1836

Lead on, O King eternal,

The day of march has come;

Henceforth in fields of conquest

Thy tents shall be our home.

Through days of preparation

Thy grace has made us strong;

And now, O King eternal,

We lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King eternal,

Till sin's fierce war shall cease,

And holiness shall whisper

The sweet amen of peace.

For not with swords' loud clashing,

Nor roll of stirring drums;

With deeds of love and mercy

The heavenly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal,

We follow, not with fears,

For gladness breaks like morning

Where'er Thy face appears.

Thy cross is lifted over us,

We journey in its light;

The crown awaits the conquest;

Lead on, O God of might.

>from CyberHymnal at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/e/leadonok.htm

     GOD FAQ

Question 29: What are the punishments of sin in the world to come?

Answer: The punishments of sin in the world to come, are everlasting separation from the comfortable presence of God, and most grievous torments in soul and body, without intermission, in hell fire forever.

http://www.shortercatechism.com/

     ON PRAYER

"I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”  II Timothy 1:3 (NIV)

     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

*        Pastor Watson

*        Bro. Johnie Gray

*        Pastor Marvin Gray, Sr.

*        Bro. James Green

*        Bro. Edward Corey Phillips

*        Minister Larry Powell

*        Bro. Jack  Pratt

*        Bro. Rudolph West

*        Minister Arnold Whitehead

*        Bro. Lester Wilkerson

 [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.

Bible Quiz

http://www.backtothebible.org/challenge/

American Tract Society

http://www.atstracts.org/

DigiTracts

http://www.digitracts.com/

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.)

The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly.

Min. Frank Coleman, Editor

[email protected]

===== /\ =====

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 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/

===== /\ =====

To subscribe to MSM CONNECTIONS, send a message to [email protected] with "subscribe MSM" in the subject line.

To unsubscribe, send a message to [email protected] with "unsubscribe MSM" in the subject line.

THANK YOU FOR READING

MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!

It is my prayer that, “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” Ephesians 1:18

© 2004, 2005 Frank Coleman