"I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."  Psalm 40:8 (NIV)

     CONSIDER

"Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God.  Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved.  Now choose what you want."  Martin Luther (1483-1546)

     UNDERSTANDING GOD'S WILL

Before his tragic death last week (electrocution while conducting a baptism in front of 800 people), Kyle Lake, a promising young pastor, wrote the book Understanding God's Will: How To Hack The Equation Without Formulas to help people struggling with questions like, How can I know if I'm pursuing God's will or my own?  In the book, he also addresses a question that many of his friends and family are now dealing with: Does everything really work out for the good of those who love God?

http://www.relevantstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=231

     MRS. ROSA PARKS

"I can't think of any time when I actually doubted the presence of the Lord.  There were times, of course, when I felt somewhat discouraged, but I don't dwell on anything negative when it comes to my life.  I think negative attitudes are very destructive, so I think positively and have hope in the future and in those people who are willing to live good lives and do the very best that they can to help themselves and other people."  Rosa Parks, as quoted by Christianity Today in April of 1995

     BIG 10 MEN'S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

November 10-13

http://nusports.collegesports.com/sports/m-soccer/nw-m-soccer-body.html

http://bigten.collegesports.com/sports/m-soccer/big10-m-soccer-body.html

     INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

On November 13, 2005, Christians worldwide will observe an International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.  The focus is on Christians in Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia.

http://www.opendoorsusa.org/Display.asp?Page=IDOPinfo

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05110006.htm

http://www.zondervanchurchsource.com/clip/persecuted.htm

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

     NARNIA

Reaching out through the wardrobe

by Thomas Williams

"Christians can be very frustrated with Hollywood, but occasionally they bless us with a product that gives us huge opportunities for outreach.  The film presentation of volume one of The Chronicles of Narnia, which will hit theaters this December, will create all sorts of possibilities, including hosting a special preview night of the film, evangelistic books based on the film, and even lion parties....

http://www.pastors.com/rwmt/default.asp?id=229&artid=8777&expand=1

The Christian vision of God in the Narnia Chronicles

by David C. Downing

http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8772

What the Narnia tales tell us about humanity

by Frederica Mathewes-Green

http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=8773

     SPIRITUAL WARFARE

"A man who does not understand the nature of the problem he is confronting is a man who is already doomed to failure.  The first thing you have to do is to understand the nature and character of your problem.  So we have to realize that we are called, in the Christian life, to a battle, not to a life of ease; to a battle, to a warfare, to a wrestle, to a struggle." Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

In warfare, there's always an objective.  The same is true with spiritual warfare.  If we're going to wage war on Satan's kingdom, we have to know what our objective is.  Our mission is to rescue people from Satan's grip.  To free them from his control.  Just as Jesus said at the start of his ministry.

     BASIC FITNESS FACTS

by William Brechue

I hope these facts don't ruin your day:

*         A man's aerobic capacity begins to decline at age 25 at a rate of 1% per year.

*         At age 25 or 30 muscular strength begins to decline 1% to 2% per year. Generally, between 25 and 50 years of age you can expect to lose a half-pound of muscle and gain one pound of fat per year.

*         Bone loss in men begins around age 25 and declines about 3% per decade.  This bone loss leads to fractures in old age.

Now for the good news . . .  Read this in full at

http://www.newmanmag.com/article.php?sid=613

     A BLESSING FOR YOU AS WE APPROACH 2006

Good relationships: May you be surrounded by loving, faithful, and supportive friends.  Where relationships have been broken, may you find reconciliation and forgiveness. (Proverbs 17:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Matthew 5:23-24)

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 www.praymag.com

[This concludes our year-long series on Basic Bible Doctrine]

     BASIC BIBLE DOCTRINE

V. The Leaders of the Church

A. Elders

1. Who were they?

Sometimes they are called "elders" (Greek - presbuteros), a term that emphasizes the qualification of spiritual maturity needed.  Sometimes they are called "overseers" (Greek - episcopos), a term that emphasizes their function of leading.  The terms are used interchangeably of the same men (Acts 20:17, 28).

2. What are an elder's qualifications?

1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 describe an elder's qualifications.  Spiritual character is emphasized over specific functions.

"Above reproach” - no cause for just criticism

"Husband of one wife" - monogamous fidelity

"Temperate" - self-control

"Prudent" - wise decision-maker

"Respectable" - orderly, organized

"Hospitable" - willing to share his home

"Able to teach" - can communicate spiritual truth

"Not given to wine" - not addicted

"Not pugnacious but gentle" - patient, not violent

"Uncontentious" - not insistent on rights, peaceable

"Free from the love of money" - not greedy or "in it for the money"

"Manages his household well...children under control" - discipline, peace and order at home

"Not a new convert" - to avoid pride

"Good reputation with outsiders" - has the respect of unbelievers

"Not self-willed" - genuine concern for others interests, not just his own

"Not quick tempered" (self-explanatory)

"Loves what is good" - can discern what is spiritually beneficial

"Just" - law-keeping himself and fair with others

"Devout" - avoids sin and is committed to God

"Hold fast the faithful Word" - knows doctrinal truth

3. What are an elders duties?

a. "Shepherd and care for the flock" (1 Peter 5:2; 1 Timothy 3:5; James 5:14, 15). This means he takes responsibility for their spiritual care.

b. "Be an example to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3). Consciously models and disciples others in the Christian life.

c.  "Teaching God's Word" (Acts 20:20; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:17; etc.)

d. "Guard against false doctrine" (Acts 20:28; Titus 1:9)

e. "Rule" (1 Timothy 5:17). This means to direct the church's affairs.

4. How many elders should there be in a church?

No number is given.  There are, however, clear examples that leadership in the local church is shared by a plurality of elders.  It is always elders (plural) in Antioch (Acts 14:23), in Jerusalem (Acts 15:2; 20:18), in Ephesus (Acts 20:17, 28), in Philippi (Philippians 1:1), in Crete (Titus 1:5), and in all the churches who received the epistles of James (James 5:14).  And Peter (1 Peter 5:1).  The human tendency is one-man leadership.  The biblical model is leadership shared by elders.  Each elder will have different gifts and roles and some will be more visible, but the responsibility must be shared (providing there is more than one man qualified to be an elder).  There is tremendous advantage to shared wisdom and responsibility.

B. Deacons

1. Who are they?

The word "deacon" actually means "servant" and can be used of any servant (Ephesians 6:21; 1 Corinthians 3:5, etc.).  But in Acts 6:1-6 a group of men were officially designated as servers/deacons for a specific physical need in the Jerusalem church.  Later, Paul used the word "deacon" in the official sense of a church office and described their qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-13).  So it seems that deacons are formally established as church officers.  They are to assure particularly that the physical needs of the church body are met.

2. What are a deacon's qualifications?

1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-3 describe a deacon's qualifications.

"Good reputation" - same as elder

"Spiritual" - men who consistently walk in the Spirit's control

"Wise" - same as elder

"Dignified" - same as elder

"Not double-tongued" - honest, not telling conflicting stories

"Not addicted to much wine" - same as elder

"Not fond of sordid gain" - parallel to elder

"Holding to the mystery of the faith" - parallel to elder

"Beyond reproach" - same as elder

"Husband of one wife" - same as elder

"Good managers of their children and household - parallel to elder

- Also, deacon's wives must be "dignified, not malicious gossips, temperate and faithful in all things" (1 Timothy 3:11).

3. What are a deacon's duties?

There is only the general indication that deacons serve to meet physical needs to free up other spiritual leaders to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4).  But that does not limit deacons.  They have spiritual qualifications and may have other spiritual gifts for significant personal ministry.  One deacon, Philip, was an outstanding evangelist and preacher (Acts 8:4-8; 26:40: 21:8).  Stephen, another deacon, is noted for his faith and his preaching (Acts 6:5; 6:8-7:60).

http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=424

     LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)

Leader's Insight: Lessons from the White Sox

by Marshall Shelley, Leadership editor

"...What caused the turnaround - both in the team's fortunes and in the public's excitement?  For me, anyway, it was the team's exercise of creative leadership.  It started with general manager Kenny Williams's imagination.  He reshaped the Sox, who were overstocked with power hitters a year ago.  He traded away home run producers like Carlos Lee and Magglio Ordonez and brought in speedster Scott Podsednik and sparkplug A.J. Pyrzinski and versatile Tadahito Iguchi.  He recognized the need to try a different approach and pulled together a new team, less "impressive" but more likely to work together...."

Read this in full at

http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2005/cln51031.html

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  Matthew 28:19

     CONSIDER

"Our responsibility is to walk with courage and integrity, continually looking to our Lord for guidance."  Ted W. Engstrom, former president, World Vision US

     POINT OF LIGHT VOLUNTEER PATHWAY

The Extra Mile is more than a national monument. It's a continuously evolving tribute to great American volunteer pioneers, ultimately forming a mile-long pathway in the heart of Washington, DC.  The monument was dedicated on October 14, 2005 with great fanfare in a ceremony attended by Former President George Bush and many extended family members of the honorees.  All honorees of The Extra Mile are chosen by an independent nine member Selection Committee from among nominations submitted by the public.  A biography of each individual can be accessed by clicking on the names below.

http://www.extramile.us/honorees/

     THE BIBLE IS OUR REALITY CHECK

In the new book Preaching God's Word (Zondervan), the authors (Terry Carter, J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays) write, "I had a conversation once with a former navy diver about diving deep, really deep.  He told me that he had been in situations so deep and dark that it was almost impossible to keep from becoming disoriented and confused.  What a terrifying feeling -- being under water, unable to see your hands in front of your face, not knowing which way is up, panic engulfing you.  I immediately interrupted my friend, 'So what did you do?'

"Feel the bubbles," he said.  When it's pitch black and you have no idea which way to go, you reach up with your hand and feel the bubbles.  The bubbles always drift to the surface.  When you can't trust your feelings or judgment, you can always trust the bubbles to get you back to the top.'

"Apart from the experience of scuba diving, we need a way to determine what is real and true.  Sometimes in life we get disoriented and desperate.  At other times, we find ourselves drifting aimlessly.  God knew that we'd need advice and instructions about how to live.  In the 66 books of the Bible we have a reality library -- stories, letters, guidelines, and examples from God that tell us what is true and real.  In a world that's changing faster than we can imagine, we have something stable, true, and real."

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

     INSIGHTS ON AGING

~ "I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising.  I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors.  I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour.  But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over."

~ Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old man asked, "What do you think is the best thing about being 104?"  He replied, "No peer pressure."

~ "The nice thing about being senile is you can hide your own Easter eggs."

~ An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests.  First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart. "Wal-Mart?" the preacher exclaimed.  "Why Wal-Mart?" "Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week."

~ "My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be."

~ "Know how to prevent sagging?  Just eat till the wrinkles fill out."

~ "I'm getting into swing dancing.  Not on purpose.  Some parts of my body are just prone to swinging."

~ "I've tried to find a suitable exercise video for people my age, but they haven't made one called 'Buns of Putty.'"

~ "Don't think of it as getting hot flashes.  Think of it as your inner child playing with matches."

~ "Don't let aging get you down. It's too hard to get back up!"

~ "I've sure gotten old! I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees.  Fought prostate cancer and diabetes.  I'm half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts.  Have bouts with dementia.  Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore.  Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92.  Have lost all my friends.  But, thank the Lord; I still have my driver's license."

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:30-31

     CONSIDER

"It is hard enough, even with the best will in the world, to be just.  It is hard, under the pressure of haste, uneasiness, ill-temper, self-complacency, and conceit, to continue intending justice.  Power corrupts; the "insolence of office" will creep in.  We see it so clearly in our superiors; is it unlikely that our inferiors see it in us?  How many of those who have been over us did not sometimes (perhaps often) need our forgiveness?  Be sure that we likewise need the forgiveness of those that are under us."  C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), "The Psalms"

     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: O THOU WHOSE JUSTICE REIGNS ON HIGH

Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719.

Music: "Caithness," Scottish Psalter, 1635

O Thou whose justice reigns on high,

And makes th'oppressor cease,

Behold how envious sinners try

To vex and break my peace.

The sons of violence and lies

Join to devour me, Lord;

But as my hourly dangers rise,

My refuge is Thy Word.

In God most holy, just, and true,

I have reposed my trust;

Nor will I fear what flesh can do,

The offspring of the dust.

They wrest my words to mischief still,

Charge me with unknown faults;

Mischief doth all their counsels fill,

And malice all their thoughts.

Shall they escape without Thy frown?

Must their devices stand?

O cast the haughty sinner down,

And let him know Thy hand.

God counts the sorrows of His saints,

Their groans affect His ears;

Thou hast a book for my complaints,

A bottle for my tears.

When to Thy throne I raise my cry,

The wicked fear and flee;

So swift is prayer to reach the sky,

So near is God to me.

In Thee, most holy, just, and true,

I have reposed my trust;

Nor will I fear what man can do,

The offspring of the dust.

Thy solemn vows are on me, Lord,

Thou shalt receive my praise;

I'll sing, "How faithful is Thy Word,

How righteous all Thy ways!"

Thou hast secured my soul from death,

O set Thy pris'ner free!

That heart and hand, and life and breath,

May be employ'd for Thee.

>from CyberHymnal at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/t/w/otwjrohi.htm

     GOD FAQ

Question 45: How does Christ execute the office of a king?

Answer: Christ executes the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.

http://www.shortercatechism.com/

     CLEANING 101

There are so many cleaning products on the market today, how do you know which are the best for your different cleaning jobs?  Read "Clean and Safe in the 21st Century" from The Soap and Detergent Association for tips on choosing and using household cleaning products.  Learn how to stock your cleaning supplies closet and use products safely in your home.

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/cleansafe/cleansafe.pdf

     ON PRAYER

"Prayer is not the mystical experience of a few special people, but an aggressive act . . . an act that may be performed by anyone who will accept the challenge to learn to pray."  Jack Hayford, Pastor, Church on the Way and Chancellor, the King's College and Seminary

     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.

Finger puppet video

http://www.lejo.nu/

The Amazing Dare-Dozen (fun time waster)

http://www.rit.edu/~smo4215/flash/Eggs.swf

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.)

Be a leader -- be the first to apologize.

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