Work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God."  Ephesians 6:7 (Msg)

     CONSIDER

"Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them; and he proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires.  Let us trust his skill and thank him for his prescription."  Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

     "OUR TEENAGERS, OURSELVES" FROM BREAKPOINT

"First, the good news: American teenagers are more religious than many adults seem to think. And now the bad news: American teenagers are less religious than many adults seem to think"....

http://makeashorterlink.com/?D5A523E0C

     COMMENTARY ON MRS. ROSA PARKS, 1913-2005

Mrs. Rosa Parks died Oct. 24.  Here are articles about her life:

http://www.leaderu.com/critical/colson-parks.html

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/143/23.0.html

     'DAD, I'M ADDICTED TO P*ORNOGRAPHY'

by Teresa Cook

"I need to talk with you and Dad."  Those eight words can strike fear into a mother's heart.  They certainly frightened me when my 18-year-old son, Brandon, said them during a typically hurried morning.

My husband, Steve, set down his briefcase, and I left our half-prepared lunches on the kitchen counter.  We followed our son into our bedroom, closed the door, and settled down onto the bed.  Brandon stood in front of us like a condemned man, shifting from one foot to the other.  What could be so difficult to say?"....

http://www.christianitytoday.com/cpt/2005/003/13.26.html

     ESCAPE THE S*XUAL TRAP

by Len LeSourd

"If America is to survive (remember that even the great Roman Empire fell), a force of "new men" needs to emerge.  The need for change is underscored as large numbers of men -- Christian leaders among them -- are being exposed for their s*xual harassment of women and children, adultery, and addiction to p*rnography and perversion.

"Has the s*xual revolution of the last 30 years delivered on its promise of greater freedom and creativity?  Judging from letters that cross my desk, it actually has plunged men into greater turmoil"....

Read this in full at

http://www.newmanmag.com/article.php?sid=612

     CONTEMPLATING KATRINA

"Can I really expect God to protect me?"  It's one of those deep-thought questions and the subject of a recent article at ChristianityToday.com.  The answer?  Nancy Guthrie, author, talks about "divine promises in the midst of suffering" and asks difficult questions we too, in our distress and difficulties, want to ask.  She concludes, "So can I expect God to protect me, and anyone devastated by a tragedy as big as Katrina?  Absolutely!  I've come to see that his 'protection plan' is more vast and far-reaching than my shallow expectations once defined.  I see now that God's promises for protection go much deeper than protecting my body or my agenda or my plan for my life. I can rest easy.  I'm protected."

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/010/26.56.html

+++++AND NOW, A PAID ADVERTISEMENT…+++++

     A BLESSING FOR YOU AS WE APPROACH 2006

Peace of mind: May your mind and heart always be at rest.  May gratitude and peace replace every anxious, fearful thought. (2 Thessalonians 3:16; Philippians 4:6)

http://www.navpress.com/Assets/PDF/Product/Sample/1576839494.pdf

Blessings for Your New Year cards (ISBN #1576839494, in packs of 50) are available by calling 1-800-366-7788 or online at http://www.praymag.com

     THE BUSINESSMEN'S REVIVAL

Today there literally are thousands of business prayer groups that meet on a regular basis to ask God's blessing in their endeavors.  While some people believe that this to be a relatively new phenomenon, its origins can be traced back to the years preceding the Civil War when a religious resurgence among thousands of businessmen swept the country.  The seeds of the movement arose as the Great Panic of 1857 drove almost five thousand businesses into bankruptcy....

Read this article in full at

http://makeashorterlink.com/?O4DF25F0C

     RUNNING THE SHOW (BUT FEELING BETRAYED)

by Martin E. Marty, Sightings,

"This is not a column about who should be on the U. S. Supreme Court.  It is about how various religious groups in pluralist America, this time particularly the agents of the Christian Right, conceive their contributions and hoped-for payoffs.  It is occasioned by the stream of reports in print and voicings on talk radio from enraged members of this Right, who feel betrayed because they did not all get a candidate who would declare him- or herself on controversial Court issues.

"David D. Kirkpatrick in the New York Times quoted a friendly expert, Professor John Green, who said of Christian conservatives that "they kind of expect to be betrayed. They see themselves as an embattled minority.  They feel the culture is moving in the wrong direction ... they half expect to lose" ("The Crisis of the Bush Code," October 9).  Marvin Olasky, editor of an evangelical magazine, says that "a whole lot of evangelical conservatives were eager for a rumble, to really fight it out with the devilish Dems," and now instead they have to fight each other about strategies and their place and fate"....

Read this commentary in full at

http://marty-center.uchicago.edu/sightings/archive_2005/1017.shtml

     BASIC BIBLE DOCTRINE

The Doctrine of the Church (continued)

IV. The Structure of the Church

B. Determining a biblical view of church structure

1. Who has authority in local church matters?

-   None of the above views is the only true biblical view. There is a clear biblical evidence for elements of elder rule and congregational rule. This discussion seeks to understand how both the congregation and the elders were meant to function in terms of authority.

a. The apostles had authority in the 1st century.

1) They appointed elders (Acts 19:23).

2) They settled doctrinal disputes (Acts 15).

3) They established churches (Paul).

4) They revealed God's will concerning financial support of elders (1 Timothy 5:17) church order in meetings (1 Corinthians 14:40) collections (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2) etc.

b. Elders had the highest authority after the apostolic age.

1) Paul put elders in charge in churches (Acts 14:23).

2) Paul told Titus to appoint elders (Titus 1:5).

3) The church is told to obey its spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:17).

4) "Elder" and "overseer" are interchangeable terms (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7; 1 Peter 5:1, 2), indicating their role in authority.

5) "Ruling" was one role of elders (2 Timothy 5:17).

c. The local church as a unit had authority.

1) They selected deacons (Acts 6:3-5).

2) They sent Paul and Barnabas to help settle a doctrinal dispute (Acts 15:2, 3) and then confirmed, with the other elders, how the issue should be settled (15:22).

3) They administered church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 2:6, 7).

4) They sent out missionaries (Acts 11:22; 2 Corinthians 8:19).

d. Conclusions

1) A biblical view would seem to include elements of elder rule and congregational rule. The apostles had authority over local churches but they never established a system of hierarchical rule.

2) The model for church government must come from scripture not from examples of civil government. (i.e., the church is not to be a democracy just because America is.)  The goal of church decision-making is not to determine the will of the majority but to determine the will of God.

3) God has designed His spiritual "organism" -- the church -- to be led by spiritually qualified leaders (see qualifications). They do indeed direct the church's ministry toward God-given goals.  Spiritual leaders are initiators.

4) The congregation as a whole was gathered to decide on some very significant issues (see above) so it seems that a local congregation today would also be involved in weighty matters.

5) Each church has to decide how much decision-making is done at the leadership level and what is done at the congregational level.  Some issues are of such a nature that it would be unwise to involve the whole congregation. Some issues are of such a nature that it would be unwise not to involve the whole congregation.  But godly qualified leadership is key.  When spiritual leaders have courage to lead and sensitivity to the needs of the congregation, God is free to produce harmony and effective spiritual ministry.

2. Should churches organize above the local church level?

-   This discussion concerns the issue of whether churches should function together as denominations or as autonomous (self-governing) independent churches.

a. Biblical information and example

1) The apostles coordinated group efforts to meet the financial needs of the poverty-stricken Jerusalem church (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15).  Also, Paul was supported by several churches, although each church made their own decision about giving (Philippians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 9:12; 2 Corinthian 11:9; 12:13).

2) When the church at Antioch experienced a doctrinal conflict about what was required of Gentiles to be saved, the church asked for help from the spiritual leaders at Jerusalem. Their decision solved the problem (Acts 15).

b. Conclusions

1) The early church examples of financial cooperation and mediation of a conflict are good models of how like-minded churches can help each other.

2) These examples do not, however, establish a structure of authority. Churches were designed by God to have the gifts and leadership they needed to function on their own (1 Corinthians 1:7). Denominations can certainly function in a biblical way in accomplishing God's purposes, while many believe that independent, autonomous churches are closest to the biblical model, and best able to do the unique ministry God gives them in a local area.

3. Should churches have formal membership?

a. Biblical information and example

There is no clear biblical example of church membership so it would be wrong to argue strongly that it is necessary. Christians were, however, identified with a particular church ("There were added 3,000 souls" - Acts 2:41; "The church in their house" - Romans 16:5; etc.; "The brethren with them" - Romans 16:14).

b. Conclusions

Formal membership seems to be somewhat cultural.  In the early church setting there was only one church in an area.  Believers attending there were a recognized part of it. In our modern proliferation of churches, having official membership rolls helps a church function orderly.  Members are those who agree on the doctrine, the purpose and the philosophy of the church.  And thus they can more likely make wise and unified decisions.  For the individual, church membership gives a spiritual identity and definite spiritual accountability.

     LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)

The 10 Commandments of Meetings

1.    Thou shalt not meet if the matter can be resolved by other means

2.    Thou shalt make purpose known to those thou summonest

3.    Thou shalt summon only those whose presence is needful

4.    Thou shalt start at the time announced

5.    Thou shalt not run beyond

6.    Thou shalt not wander to other topics

7.    Prepare thy thoughts that the minutes not be wasted

8.    Schedule not in haste for the day is brief

9.    Thou shouldst combine into one those which need not be separated

10.     Fear not to cancel if the need disappears

http://www.leadersinstitute.com/resource/meetingtips.html

     VERSE TO PONDER

"I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God."  Isaiah 61:10a

     CONSIDER

"The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work superbly well."  Sir William Osler

     TEMPTATION

In a National Geographic article about the Portia spider, author Robert Jackson detailed the various ways it deceives its prey.  Sitting still, the spider looks like a piece of dried leaf or foliage until a meal walks by.  It also will crawl onto another spider's web and tap the threads, mimicking the actions of a trapped insect.  When the host spider appears, the Portia devours it. Deception is the Portia's primary tool.

Satan is like the Portia spider in that deception is his weapon of choice. He does whatever he can to counterfeit the words of God -- to make the unwary and naïve think that God is present and speaking when in fact He is not.  The apostle Paul wrote about Satan masquerading as an "angel of light" and about his agents acting like "servants of righteousness."  The book of Revelation says a day is coming when the satanic Antichrist and False Prophet will deceive most of the world.  Only those who know the Word of God will be prepared and protected. Know the truth -- don't be deceived by a counterfeiter like Satan.

     RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING

Americans are creating new forms of religious experience and expression that are replacing the common approach (i.e., attending events and programs at a congregational form of a local church).  During the last couple of years, in particular, there's been an explosion in new forms of faith activity, such as the house church, marketplace ministries, and cyberchurch participation.  The adherents of these new forms of the Church span the demographic spectrum.  Find out more about this faith revolution from The Barna Group.

http://www.barna.org

     EVANGELICALS OUT OF THE BOX

In recent years American media and cultural observers have been struggling to understand evangelical Christianity.  Approximately 40% of Americans describe themselves as "evangelical."  Any movement this large, in this country, is bound to be diverse and fluid.  Too often, journalism about Evangelicalism resorts to generalizations and caricature based on a few high-profile figures and events.  Articles about megachurches, or homeschooling, or evangelical students at Ivy League colleges often carry a palpable undertone of menace....

Listen to this radio report at

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/evangelicalbox/index.shtml

     God Blog Convention 05

If you're into reading or writing blogs, you'll want to see what went on at the recent God Blog convention at Biola University.

http://www.godblogcon.com/

     CONSIDER

"Children seldom misquote you.  In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said."

     THE GLORY OF GOD

"You who serve GOD, praise GOD!  Just to speak his name is praise!  Just to remember GOD is a blessing -- now and tomorrow and always.  From east to west, from dawn to dusk, keep lifting all your praises to GOD!

GOD is higher than anything and anyone, outshining everything you can see in the skies.  Who can compare with GOD, our God, so majestically enthroned,

Surveying his magnificent heavens and earth?  He picks up the poor from out of the dirt, rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash,

Seats them among the honored guests, a place of honor among the brightest and best.  He gives childless couples a family, gives them joy as the parents of children.  Hallelujah!"  Psalm 113 (Msg)

+++++AND NOW, A PAID ADVERTISEMENT…+++++

     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

Words: Joseph M. Scriven, 1855

Music: Charles C. Converse, 1868

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear

May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer

Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

>from CyberHymnal at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/a/f/wafwhij.htm

     GOD FAQ

Question 44: How does Christ execute the office of a priest?

Answer: Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them.

http://www.shortercatechism.com/

     TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES

A free publication from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Citizen Information Center can help get you started on making the most of your money.  This handy publication contains practical guidance for anyone, even if you've been managing your money for years.  But it's especially geared for young adults, including those just beginning a career or a family and others still in high school or college.

For example, the booklet gives you easy ways to start saving money today.  Try to use your bank's ATMs or those owned by institutions that don't charge for a withdrawal.  If you can, pay credit card balances in full at the end of each cycle to avoid interest charges.  Pay close attention to your bank statements and monitor your spending habits.  And, arrange with your bank or employer to automatically transfer a certain amount of money each month to a savings or investment account.

Read more at

http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnspr05/index.html

     ON PRAYER

"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference."  Max Lucado

     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).

[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.

Chicken and Eggs (time waster)

http://flasharcade.com/game.php?chickenandeggs&2

Wacky Warning Labels

http://www.mlaw.org/wwl/

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.)

Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind.

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