MSM CONNECTIONS
For the week of 12/26/04
The Men’s Ministry e-mail newsletter of
Our mission: Our mission is to lead men to
Jesus Christ and provide opportunity for
Christian men to grow in their faith
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MSM CONNECTIONS is the opt-in newsletter for the men
of New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church. It's a periodic service that helps
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"God energizes those who get tired, and gives fresh strength to dropouts. ... Those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles; they run and don't get tired; they walk and don't lag behind." Isaiah 40:29-31 (Msg)
CONSIDER
"When we are abandoned by the things we value, when we discover that no matter how much we have gathered we do not have enough, when we realize that even in the currency we value we are very poor, we are ready to start talking to God. Not before. Faith means betting our lives on the grace of God." M. Craig Barnes
A DANGER AT CHRISTMAS
by Dick Staub
Sunday our pastor spoke on "Emmanuel," reminding is that "God with us" is not only a comforting thought for people who need God's love, but is also a frightening thought given our unholy and sometimes disobedient state. I recalled a piece by New Testament scholar J.B. Phillips who is famous for the "Good News for Modern Man" translation of the N.T., but also recognized that the news of Christmas is not all "good!"
Here is "The Dangers of Advent" by J. B. Phillips.
http://dickstaub.com/culturewatch.php?record_id=794
SIX HABITS OF
SPIRITUALLY HAPPY MEN
by Patrick Morley
"I've been meeting with men to talk about where they are on their spiritual pilgrimage for over three decades. Many of those men exude a contagious joy and contentment. Their lives are peaceable, orderly, and recommend Christ. They're downright happy! Most of these happy men exercise six spiritual habits that keep them "abiding in Christ." The dictionary says a habit is, "an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary." These six habits are no litmus test that you can use to judge a man's walk with Christ. That would be extremely dangerous. These habits create no special merit with Christ. They do nothing to improve a man's record with Jesus.
"They are, however, indicators or "clues" of a deeper commitment to live by faith and make a difference in the world. I certainly don't mean to imply that these are the only six habits that reveal the depth of a man's walk with Christ. The change of heart that underlies the visible habits can change the course of a man's life and family lineage for generations to come.
"The six habits of spiritually happy men are...
* They read the Bible regularly.
* They pray with their wives.
* They tithe.
* They are in a small group.
* They are active in a church.
* They are serving the Lord.
http://www.maninthemirror.org/biblestudy/series.htm
AN UNCHURCHED PERSON'S
REVIEW
Interested in what a secular urban single person sees when attending an evangelical megachurch? Nancy Sartor writes for Pulse of the Twin Cities (a publication in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area) of a recent visit to Wooddale Church. You'll be interested in how she perceives the contemporary megachurch experience:
http://www.pulsetc.com/article.php?sid=1505
A HISTORY OF GOSPEL
MUSIC
The roots of gospel music are not well documented. Early recordings were lost. Stories behind the songs weren't written down. A new book recounts the history of this American art form. Listen to this National Public Radio report.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4233793
THE STORY BEHIND THE
SPIRITUALS
What's the story behind African American spirituals? How did this unique style of Christian music come into being, and how did it evolve over time? The Spirituals Project has put together a fascinating online history of the spirituals, from the genre's roots in the brutality of slavery to its evolution into the world of literature and the performing arts. Many of the songs are included along with the stories, so you can listen to the actual spirituals as you read the stories behind them.
WORLD PORTAL FOR
CHRISTIAN LEARNING
Network 211 is an online ministry of Global Colleagues providing resources, community and spiritual help for the Christian and pre-Christian. Connect globally with believers and seekers; access age-level areas for kids, teens, singles, families, seniors, and Christian life. Find centers for leadership, ministry, missions and worship, each with a forum and chat room. Access up-to-date world, Christian and mission news; find free streaming media and music; enjoy free Bible study links and audio sermons. Explore academic, health, theology and technology resources and much more. Network 211 is a treasure trove of life resources, truly "using 21st technology to communicate the 1st Century Gospel."
WHY GIVE?
"Giving with a glad and generous heart has a way of routing out the tough old miser within us. Even the poor need to know that they can give. Just the very act of letting go of money or some other treasure does something within us. That something is it destroys the demon, greed." Richard Foster
VERSE TO PONDER
"Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift." Ephesians 4:29 (The Message)
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORDS
The jury in California has decided that Scott Peterson should be executed for murdering his wife Laci, who was eight months pregnant. Reversing years of tradition, the media in this case have tended to refer to the second victim as Peterson's "unborn child," not as a "fetus." The Chicago Tribune has opted for "fetus," but that too will soon be changing. In this report from the radio program "On The Media," language usage is seen as a political tightrope.
http://www.onthemedia.org/otm121704.html
Also see
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/7031/LEGAL/life/index.htm
CONSIDER
"I would very earnestly ask you to check your conception of Christ, the image of Him which as a Christian you hold in your mind, with the actual revealed Person who can be seen and studied in action in the pages of the Gospels. It may be of some value to hold in our minds a bundle of assorted ideals to influence and control our conduct. But surely we need to be very careful before we give that "bundle" the name of Jesus Christ the Son of God." J. B. Phillips (1906-1982)
DISCOVER THE RAY C.
STEDMAN LIBRARY
The Ray Stedman Library houses "The Discovery Papers" with 800 sermons (text and RealAudio) by the late Ray C. Stedman, author and former pastor of Peninsula Bible Fellowship, Palo Alto, California. Enjoy expository Bible book and topical studies, doctrinal topics, seasonal and prophecy-related sermons, and other articles and essays. Read online books ("Body Life" and "Authentic Christianity") and Elaine Stedman's writings which include "To Live in Joy" and "A Woman's Worth." The library resources are also available in Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Indonesian.
CONGRESS RESOLVES BIBLE
SHORTAGE
America's courts may struggle with confusion over the separation of church and state, but the lines seemed to be quite clear to our Founding Fathers. When the Colonies were first established, Bibles were imported from Holland, Scotland and other printing centers in Europe because British rule would not permit the Scriptures to be printed on Colonial soil. After Independence was declared, the British stopped the export of Bibles altogether. When made aware of the shortage by their chaplain, Dr. Patrick Allison, Congress initially voted to import English Bibles on their own. The Continental Congress approved the purchase of 20,000 Bibles on September 11, 1777.
The import was not necessary because a Quaker from Scotland, Robert Aitken, began printing New Testaments. With paper made in Pennsylvania, he printed three editions of the New Testament -- one exclusively for school purposes -- and finally on January 21, 1781 he requested of Congress the approval and support to produce a complete Bible. Congress responded by sending a committee of qualified congressmen to certify that Aitken's work was accurate and up to the highest standards. Congress did "highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion...in this country, and...they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States.
George Washington was outspoken in his approval of the Aitken Bible. In fact, he expressed regret that his Revolutionary troops were disbanded before he could provide them with such an appropriate symbol of his gratitude. He wrote to a friend, lamenting, "It would have pleased me well, if Congress had been pleased to make such an important present [a copy of the Aitken Bible] to the brave fellows, who have done so much for the security of their Country's rights and establishment." More than 10,000 editions of the Aitken Bible were produced, but today there are fewer copies of the Aitken version than remain of the Gutenberg Bible!
http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/
FYI: THE GREAT SEAL OF THE U.S.
Creating an official symbol of the United States was a collaborative effort by America's Founding Fathers that began on July 4, 1776. Finalized on June 20, 1782, the Great Seal is a unique combination of natural elements and universal symbols that continue to convey the original vision of America.
HOW RELIGIOUS ARE
EUROPEANS AND AMERICANS?
While 86% of all US citizens believe in a Creator God, 80% of the population in Eastern Europe do, and 70% in Western Europe do, based on a survey of 21,000 people in 21 countries. On the whole, women are more likely to believe in God than men. In Western Europe, three in four women are convinced that God exists but only two in three men. Only 32% of the population in the Czech Republic believe in a higher being and 42% in Sweden and Denmark.
On average three in four interviewees said they belong to an organized religion. Religious affiliation is particularly strong in Rumania (97%), Turkey (95%) and Greece (89%). Rumania and Greece are predominantly Orthodox countries, while Islam is the main religion in Turkey.
Secularism seems to run high in the Netherlands, where just 53% of the population are affiliated with a church or religious community. In Belgium and Germany four in ten interviewees said they don't adhere to a religious faith.
Among religious adherents, Catholics have the majority in 13 of the 21 countries. With 98% each, Italy and Poland are the strongest Catholic countries, followed by Spain and Slovenia (93%) and Belgium (90%).
Protestants are the dominant force in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden with 90% each. According to GfK Protestants account for 57% of the religious community in the United States, Catholics for 26%. The only country with an almost balanced confessional quota is Germany with 48% Catholics and 43% Protestants.
There are significant differences in worship patterns between East and West. While 40% of the religiously affiliated in Central and Eastern Europe go to church at least once a week - Poland heads the list with 60% - only 25% of all West Europeans worship at least weekly. Almost one in two see the inside of a church four times a year or less.
An exception to the rule is Italy with almost 40% regular worshippers. Most Swedes and Danes on the other hand seem to shun churches. One in two said they hardly ever go to church.
GfK also asked about attitudes towards Jews and Muslims. On average 30% feel anti-Semitism is on the rise; 35% see no change, and 14% believe it's on the decline. Forty-four percent feel rejection of Muslims is a significant factor, 30% perceive little rejection, and 9% none at all. GfK is the German leader in market research and number five worldwide.
CONSIDER
"It does not make a very great difference what side of Christ's work attracts us and appeals to us most; doubtless Christ has many ways of drawing men to Himself. One side of Christ's work will appeal most to one mind, another to another. The mistake that is often made by those who speak most about Christian experience is that they are so apt to insist upon everyone else's experience -- on penalty of its utter worthlessness – being exactly the same as their own. The great thing is that we should be attracted by Christ in some way, that we should come to God in that spirit of penitence which Christ taught was the one condition of acceptance with Him, and with that steady purpose of amendment which is, as he always taught, a part of true penitence." James Hastings Rashdall (1858-1924), Principles and Precepts [1927]
VERSE TO PONDER
"The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
THIS WEEK'S HYMN: DEAR
CHRISTIAN PEOPLE ALL, REJOICE
Words: Martin Luther, 1523
Music: Martin Luther, 1535
Dear Christian people all, rejoice,
Each soul with joy upraising.
Pour forth a song with heart and voice,
With love and gladness singing.
Give thanks to God, our Lord above,
Thanks for His miracle of love!
Dearly He hath redeemed us.
He spoke to His belovèd Son
With infinite compassion:
"Go hence, my heart's most precious One,
Be to the lost Salvation;
Death, his relentless tyrant, stay,
And bear him from his sins away
With Thee to live forever!"
The Son came, saying: "Cling to Me,
Thy sorrows now are ending;
Freely I give Myself to thee,
Thy life with Mine defending;
For I am thine and thou art Mine,
And where I am there thou shalt shine,
The foe shall never reach us."
"To heaven again I rise from hence,
High to my Father soaring,
The Master there to be, and thence
My Spirit on thee pouring;
In every grief to comfort thee,
And teach thee more and more of Me,
Into all truth still guiding."
"What I have done and taught on earth,
Do Thou, and teach, none dreading;
That so God's kingdom may go forth,
And His high praise be spreading;
And guard thee from the words of men,
Lest the great joy be lost again:
This my last charge I leave thee."
>from CyberHymnal at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/d/e/dearchrp.htm
THE TRUTH ABOUT FITNESS
AND EXERCISE
The most important benefit of exercising is to: lose weight, improve cardiovascular function, look your best, build strong bones, or reduce stress? The answer, of course, is all of the above. Get in shape and have fun doing it with a new free package of publications from MetLife, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Citizen Information Center. Use these publications to learn how to create a successful weight loss plan, reduce your risk for heart disease, and improve self-esteem.
We've all made excuses for not exercising, but there are many things you can do to incorporate exercise into your everyday life. Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs. Carry your own shopping bags and create a longer walk by parking at the back of the lot when you go to the grocery store. Whether you're already in good shape, at risk for heart disease or have survived a heart attack, 30 minutes of activity a day can be good for your heart. Biking, raking leaves, or gardening can get your heart rate up and give you a good work out.
And to have an even more positive impact on your health, combine an exercise plan with improved eating habits. Stick to a diet that's low in fat, cholesterol, and salt, and high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and fiber. If you need to lose weight, decrease your meal portions and cut out sweets.
It doesn't matter if you're young, old, big or small--it's never too late to start exercising and eating smart. However, don't forget to notify your doctor if you decide to make major changes to your diet or exercise.
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/press/nfcfitness05.htm
ON PRAYER
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6 (NIV)
CRITICAL PRAYER
REQUESTS FOR STRATEGIC NATIONS
For the past year, we've prayed for our fellow believers in a different nation each week. This week we conclude the formal country listing in each issue, but please continue to pray daily for our brothers and sisters around the world.
Please pray today for...ZIMBABWE
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/zi.html
The Church has grown, but so have the challenges. Pray for:
a. A multiplication of mature leaders. Praise the Lord for godly men and women in leadership today, but their numbers must increase to cope with the rapid growth.
b. The Bible schools and seminaries. In 1992 there were 22 such institutions. There are an increasing number of church-based and TEE programmes being set up. Pray for effective teaching and discipling of those called to serve the Lord.
c. Spiritual unity. The Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe links together over 160 churches and organizations, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Zimbabwe has brought together ten denominations and Fambidzano links other African Independent Churches for fellowship and theological instruction. Target 2000 helped to unite many denominations in a common goal for saturation church planting.
d. A prophetic voice for the Church. Politics has been left to the politicians. Christians are divided on how to cope with the burgeoning political crisis, and often remain silent when a clear moral stand is required.
e. A clear stand against witchcraft and demonic powers or veneration of ancestors in the guise of nationalism. Pray that Christians may not compromise, but know power in the name of Jesus to both protect and deliver from fear and bondage.
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. Antonio Dawkins
* Minister Byron Dickens
* Pastor Verdale Goines
* Bro. Eric Gray
* Bro. Johnie Gray
* Pastor Marvin Gray, Sr.
* Bro. James Green
* Minister Tony Hampton
* Bro. Byron Hayes
* Bro. LaMallon 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.
Little Shepherd (for your kids)
http://www.littleshepherd.org/
Red Boots for Christmas
Great Songs of Christmas
Faith Under Fire
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.)
Triumph is just umph added to try.
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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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