"This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you.  This is the very best way to love.  Put your life on the line for your friends.  You are my friends when you do the things I command you."  John 15:12-14 (Msg)

     CONSIDER

"God frees our souls, not from service, not from duty, but into service and into duty; and he who mistakes the purpose of his freedom mistakes the character of his freedom.  He who thinks that he is being released from the work, and not set free in order that he may accomplish that work, mistakes the condition into which his soul is invited to enter."  Phillips Brooks (1835-1893), The Law of Growth [1902]

     IT'S HARD TO BE LIKE JESUS

by Philip Yancey

Why would anyone choose to follow a God who promises more hardship, not less? Exposing the myth of a prosperity gospel.  In my visits to churches overseas, one difference from North American Christians stands out sharply: their view of hardship and suffering.  We who live in an age of unprecedented comfort seem obsessed with the problem of pain.  Skeptics mention it as a major roadblock to faith, and believers struggle to come to terms with it.  Prayer meetings in the U.S. often focus on illnesses and requests for healing.  Not so elsewhere.

I asked a man who visits unregistered house churches in China whether Christians there pray for a change in harsh government policies.  After thinking for a moment, he replied that not once had he heard a Chinese Christian pray for relief....

Read this article in full at

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2005/003/1.42.html

     "10 BASIC STEPS TO CHRISTIAN MATURITY"

Ten Basic Steps to Christian Maturity, a classic course in Christian living by the late Dr. Bill Bright, Campus Crusade for Christ, is a study series that begins with "The Uniqueness of Jesus" and continues on to teach about the adventure of Christian living and the abundant life found in Jesus Christ.  Each lesson includes a video segment; lessons include study of the Holy Spirit, prayer, the Bible, witnessing, giving, and Old and New Testament surveys.

http://www.10basicsteps.com

     DOES SPIRITUAL GROWTH JUST HAPPEN?

by Rick Warren

Spiritual growth does not just happen once you are saved, even if you attend services regularly.  Churches are filled with people who've attended for their entire lives yet are still spiritual babies.  An assimilated member is not the same as a mature member.

The truth is that spiritual growth is intentional.  It requires a commitment to grow.  A person must want to grow, decide to grow, and make an effort to grow.  Discipleship begins with a decision.  It doesn't have to be a complex decision, but it does have to be sincere.

Read this in full at

http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=4637

     THE ROLE OF PAIN IN SPIRITUAL GROWTH

by Brett Eastman

I hear people say that they have ideas for sharing their faith.  Great ideas that have to do with clowns, bicycles, campus evangelism, and so many other random ideas.  But they just fall short of following through on them.  They fear the pain of failure or bear the pain of self-doubt.

If we fail to open ourselves up to pain then how can we grow?  And if we fail to grow then how can we share?  And if we fail to share then how will God's Kingdom flourish?  When pain creeps in it's important to remember what's pushing it.  Whether it's fear, doubt, guilt, or anything else the enemy may throw at us, it's something God wants to work on.  Allow him to have the first say in what he wants for our lives.  Allow him to help us become more like Christ.  Allow him to show us what a deep walk of trust and belief looks like....

Read this in full at

http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8358

     CONSIDER

"Like the process of finding a mate, building a relationship with Jesus involves more than one big decision.  It takes lots of tiny experiences that build a foundation of trust and inspire people to hope that perhaps the God of the universe may cherish them and care about their individual feelings, hopes, and dreams."  Irresistible Evangelism by Steven Sjogren, Dave Ping, and Doug Pollock (Group, 2004)

     RAVI ZACHARIAS' "JUST THINKING"

Ravi Zacharias International Ministries' "Just Thinking" column touches on the intellectual side of the Christian life.  Here are 3 worthwhile articles:

the origin and meaning of the concept of time

http://www.rzim.org/publications/jttran.php?seqid=103

an interpretation of the Christian life as a story

http://www.rzim.org/publications/jttran.php?seqid=104

the subtle power of prayer

http://www.rzim.org/publications/jttran.php?seqid=105

     CHRISTIAN BOOK SUMMARIES

The latest summary printable from this website is The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel, also the author of The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith.  In The Case for a Creator, the former Chicago Tribune journalist dissects the assumption that Christianity and science are incompatible.  He interviews major origins researchers (including Jonathan Wells, Stephen Meyer, and Michael Behe) and theistic philosophers (including William Lane Craig and J.P. Moreland).  Strobel prods his sources to translate jargon and provide illustrations for their arguments -- and he adds stories of his own spiritual and scientific quest for knowledge.  Strobel concludes that, when correctly interpreted, science and biblical teaching support each other.  He quotes physicist Paul Davies: "Science offers a surer path to God than religion."

http://www.christianbooksummaries.com/

     EUROPEAN MUSLIMS GRAPPLE WITH IDENTITY

Europe is becoming a new battlefield in the struggle to define Muslim identity in the 21st century.  Some argue the idea of European multiculturalism may have been extinguished in the wake of the London and Madrid transit bombings by suspected homegrown Islamist extremists.  Hear this report at

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4757692

     SCIENTISTS SEEK VATICAN CLARIFICATION ON EVOLUTION

Recent comments by two Roman Catholic cardinals have some scientists wondering if the church is changing its position on evolution.  For more than half a century, the Vatican has said evolution is compatible with Catholic theology.  But now what was thought to be settled doctrine doesn't seem so settled.  Hear this report at

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4757698

     YESTERDAY

(Sung to the tune of the Beatles' song "Yesterday")

Yesterday,

All those backups seemed a waste of pay.

Now my database has gone away.

Oh I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly,

There's not half the files there used to be,

And there's a milestone hanging over me

The system crashed so suddenly.

I pushed something wrong

What it was I could not say.

Now all my data's gone

and I long for yesterday-ay-ay-ay.

Yesterday,

The need for back-ups seemed so far away.

I knew my data was here to stay,

Now I believe in yesterday.

http://www.mikeysFunnies.com

     BASIC BIBLE DOCTRINE

The Doctrine of Demons (continued)

II.    The Activity of Demons

Demons are involved in carrying out Satan's evil plans (2 Cor.11:15).

What Satan is said to be doing (see above) is their work directly.

A.  Demons promote idolatry (Lev.17:7; Deut.32:17; Ps.106:36-38). This activity is blatant in primitive cultures.

B.  Demons are active in hindering the spiritual progress of believers every way they can (see Satan's activities). They are deliberate and organized in these attempts (Eph.6:10-12).

C.  Demons promote false teaching (1 Tim.4:1).

D.  Demons can possess and afflict people (see supplement).

1.   They cause physical ailments (dumbness - Matt.9:32,33; blindness - Matt.12:22; convulsions - Matt.17:15-18; Mark 9:20; self-injury - Mark 5:5; 9:22).

2.   They cause mental disorders (withdrawal, nudity, filth, irrational behavior - Luke 8:27-29; suicidal mania - Mark 9:22).

3.   They inflict problems upon believers as well, if allowed by God (Job's troubles - Job 2:7-9; Paul's "thorn in the flesh": - 2 Cor.12:7).

E.  Demons promote selfishness and division in the church (James 3:13-16).

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

     LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)

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

6. Recognize fear as a catalyst for courage.

One key detractor of courage is the avoidance of conflicts we dread.  In the late 1970s, Communist authorities extended an invitation for Billy Graham to speak in Russian venues.  U.S. leaders pressured Billy to decline the offer.  After agonizing over the situation, Billy accepted the invitation.  The U.S. media was sharply critical.  Billy had to keep soldiering on and accept the harsh realities of the assaults.  It was later acknowledged by the media that Billy alone had looked past the atheistic Soviet propaganda to see a nation eager for change.  "Courage is contagious.  When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened." 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

     LIVING IN A DAY OF MANY FEARS

by Henry Blackaby

In this day of a great many fears, God reaches deep within our hearts and our minds and says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).  He is really assuring each of us that the "I AM" of the universe is present among us, just as He was with Moses and the people of Israel.  And His presence is sufficient for all occasions and all circumstances.

How do you respond in painful or fearful moments?  When you know that God has assured you of His presence, do you worry anyway?  Do you panic or turn instinctively to Him?  Do you wait patiently for Him and let His peace rule in your heart?  Do you believe Him?...

God has assured us that He will always be present with us in our trials.  Therefore, the ways in which we handle our difficult circumstances will ultimately determine what we believe about God and His promises.  Those who believe little will respond in worry and fear....

Read this article in full at

http://www.bpnews.net/bpcolumn.asp?ID=1894

     RISING ABOVE A FATHER'S MISTAKES

by Tim Ellsworth

Marc O'Hair knew how to build a golfing champion.  He pushed his son Sean, a teenage golfing prodigy, like a drill sergeant.  Though his methods were tough, they obviously worked.  Recently, Sean, now 23, won his first tournament on the PGA Tour at the John Deere Classic -- and qualified for this weekend's British Open in the process.  Other victories are sure to follow for the young golfer.  But while Marc O'Hair may have succeeded in creating a great golfer, he didn't know anything about how to build a relationship with his son.  He and Sean haven't spoken in almost three years, and a resolution seems unlikely anytime soon....

Read this commentary in full at

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=21217

     NUTRITION: SIMPLE STEPS, PLAIN ANSWERS

How can you get started in an exercise program if you've been a slug for several years? What is the best way to motivate an overweight child to shape up?  These are among the hundreds of questions from readers to nutrition experts who are conducting weekly live chats for USA TODAY's Weight-Loss Challenge (dietchallenge.usatoday.com).

Q: What's the best way to start exercising after leading a sedentary lifestyle for at least five years? - Dallas, Pa.

A: One word: pedometer.  Pedometers are devices that count your steps.  Wear one doing your normal activity for a few days to establish a base line. Increase your steps gradually (an extra 100 each day), working your way to 10,000 or more each day (which is about 4 miles).  Get yourself a pedometer today from a sporting goods store or online.

Read more at

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2005-06-14-wlc-walking_x.htm

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.  From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised."  Psalm 113:2-3 (NIV)

     CONSIDER

"There's nobody so humorless as a devout atheist."  Garrison Keillor, writing about listening to The American Atheist Hour radio program

     IDENTITY THEFT

by Howard Dayton

Incidents of identity theft more than doubled in one recent three-year period and now represent the leading consumer fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission.  Many identity fraud cases begin as simply taking a credit card number from a paper receipt.  Here are some common sense steps to take to protect your identity from being stolen -- and advice about what to do if you fall victim to identity fraud.

http://www.pastors.com/rwmt/default.asp?id=213&artid=6807&expand=1

     HAVE YOU OFFERED GOD YOUR IDOLS LATELY?

by Katie Brazelton

You've surrendered your life to God's service.  Maybe you've even surrendered a really fat paycheck.  But if you think you've surrendered all -- once and for all -- it's time to think again.  As a staff member at Saddleback, I'm sometimes tempted to think my surrender issues were resolved when I joined the church staff years ago.  But ugly idols still lurk in my heart.  There are still areas of life that I hide and hold from God.  What about you?...

Read this in full at

http://www.pastors.com/rwmt/default.asp?id=211&artid=8332&expand=1

     THE MARKS OF MANHOOD

by Dr. Albert Mohler

When does a boy become a man?  The answer to this must go far beyond biology and chronological age.  As defined in the Bible, manhood is a functional reality, demonstrated in a man's fulfillment of responsibility and leadership.  With this in mind, let me suggest 13 marks of biblical manhood.  The achievement of these vital qualities marks the emergence of a man who will demonstrate true biblical masculinity. 

1.      Spiritual maturity sufficient to lead.

2.      Personal maturity sufficient to be a responsible husband and father.

3.      Economic maturity sufficient to hold an adult job and handle money.

4.      Physical maturity sufficient to work and protect a family.

5.      Sexual maturity sufficient to marry and fulfill God's purposes.

6.      Moral maturity sufficient to lead as example of righteousness.

7.      Ethical maturity sufficient to make responsible decisions.

8.      Worldview maturity sufficient to understand what is really important.

9.      Relational maturity sufficient to understand and respect others.

10. Social maturity sufficient to make a contribution to society.

11. Verbal maturity sufficient to communicate and articulate as a man.

12. Character maturity sufficient to demonstrate courage under fire.

13. Biblical maturity sufficient to lead at some level in the church.

Read this article in full at

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001093.cfm

     CONSIDER

"If you have an area of weakness that you can't talk about, it's out of control."  Rick Warren

     VERSE TO PONDER

"He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor."  Proverbs 21:21

     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY

Words: William D. Longstaff, 1882

Music: George C. Stebbins, 1890

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.

Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;

Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;

Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;

And run not before Him, whatever betide.

In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,

And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,

Each thought and each motive beneath His control.

Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,

Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

>from CyberHymnal at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/a/taketime.htm

     GOD FAQ

Question 30: Does God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery ?

Answer: God does not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and misery, into which they fell by the breach of the first covenant, commonly called the covenant of works; but of his mere love and mercy delivers his elect out of it, and brings them into an estate of salvation by the second covenant, commonly called the covenant of grace.

http://www.shortercatechism.com/

     OUTDOOR FUN

Fishing and bird watching, camping and hiking -- there are tons of great things to do outside.  So whether you and your kids like observing, exploring, or helping preserve wildlife, a new package of publications from the Federal Citizen Information Center and the Department of the Interior can help you have a summer that's fun for everyone.

Learn how to fish

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/misc/fishing/fishing.htm

All about birds

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/misc/forbirds/forbird.htm

Explore public lands

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/education/wild-side/intro.htm

National Park map and guide

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/travel/parkserv/parkserv.htm

     ON PRAYER

"I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy.  Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2 (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

*        Minister Tony Hampton

*        Minister Timothy Pulliam

*        Bro. Patrick Wilkerson

*        Bro. Byron Hayes

*        Pastor Arnold Pulliam

*        Bro. Gerald Williams

*        Bro. LaMallon Howard

*        Bro. Damien Robinson

*        Bro. Needle Wilson

*        Elder Tim Howard

[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.

70+ tips for effective church Internet sites

http://ied.gospelcom.net/church-site-tips.php

Museum of Hoaxes

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/history/index

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.)

We are always just one decision away from sinning!

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