MSM CONNECTIONS
For the week of 06/20
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
and minister to others.
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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 connect you with God and with other men at NJD. If you'd like its delivery to your email address stopped, scroll down and follow the instructions at the end of this message. Also let me know if you change your email address and want to keep subscribing to MSM CONNECTIONS.
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"I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
"In most parts of the Bible, everything is implicitly or explicitly introduced with "Thus saith the Lord". It is... not merely a sacred book but a book so remorselessly and continuously sacred that it does not invite -- it excludes or repels – the merely aesthetic approach. You can read it as literature only by a tour de force... It demands incessantly to be taken on its own terms: it will not continue to give literary delight very long, except to those who go to it for something quite different." C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), They Asked for a Paper
Supreme Court 'Under God' ruling coverage
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/124/12.0.html
<a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/124/12.0.html"> Or click here</a>
Here's a website that offers a presentation of the Pledge of Allegiance made famous by the late comedian Red Skelton. He tells the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day. Laswell used the moment to teach his students the true meaning of the pledge. Turn your speakers on.
http://home.att.net/~poofcatt/july.html
<a href="http://home.att.net/~poofcatt/july.html"> Or click here</a>
America's national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, first appeared on the 1864 two-cent coin. U.S. Mint History of the motto
http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fact-sheets/currency/in-god-we-trust.html
<a href="http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fact-sheets/currency/in-god-we-trust.html"> Or click here</a>
See a poster of the motto at
<a href="http://www.afa.net/igwt/"> Or click here</a>
Audible.com is making it possible to listen free to Ronald Reagan in his own voice. On January 11, 1989, as he was leaving office, Reagan bid farewell to the American people. In this address, he recalled the highlights of his political career and cited a renewed sense of patriotism as one of the great accomplishments of his presidency. The farewell address is just an example of the type of speech that made Ronald Reagan one of the most popular presidents of the 20th century. You can download Reagan's farewell address at
http://www.audible.com/emails/reagan/
<a href="http://www.audible.com/emails/reagan/"> Or click here</a>
Ronald Reagan's Funeral Program at the National Cathedral
http://www.whitehouse.gov/interactive/rr-program.html
<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/interactive/rr-program.html"> Or click here</a>
Dr. Kevin Leman, author of "A Chicken's Guide to Talking Turkey with Your Kids about Sex," was interviewed last week on CBS's Early Show The following link is part of the dialogue from his appearance.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/14/earlyshow/living/parenting/main622892.shtml
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/14/earlyshow/living/parenting/main622892.shtml"> Or click here</a>
Weeks after his escape from enemy hands in Iraq, Thomas Hamill's memory of God's faithfulness remains vivid: God sustained him and removed the pain and fear that otherwise had the potential to overcome him. "I've been a Christian all my life, but it's hard to say exactly if you can put everything in God's hands unless it just comes down to that fact," Hamill told Baptist Press June 7. "That's what happened to me on the deal with being captured. I didn't have anybody else to put it in, and I laid it in God's hands."
Hamill was taken hostage by Iraqi militants when his fuel convoy was ambushed April 9. He spent 23 days in captivity, enduring surgery by Iraqis with only local anesthesia on his wounded arm. The truck driver from Macon, Miss., then escaped May 2 and was rescued by U.S. troops. "I prayed to Him daily. I never did have any pain with my arm. That was one thing that amazed me because I prayed He'd ease up as much pain as He could," Hamill said. "I could stand a lot if I needed to, but I prayed He'd just do what He could to ease up the pain. The whole time I was there I never did have any pain with it."
While being held in a confined space, sometimes with shackles on his hands, Hamill asked God to be a shield around him and to send some angels to watch over him.
Read the rest of this at
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=18424
<a href="http://www.afa.net/igwt/"> Or click here</a>
by Hank Hanegraaff
"To defend the faith we must be equipped to demonstrate that the Bible is divine rather than human in origin. If we can successfully accomplish this, we can answer a host of other objections simply by appealing to Scripture. To chart our course I will use the acronym M-A-P-S. Since most Bibles have maps in the back, this should prove to be a memorable association.
M = Manuscripts. Since we don't have the original biblical manuscripts, the question is, "How good are the copies?" The answer is that the Bible has stronger manuscript support than any other work of classical literature -- including Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Caesar, and Tacitus. The reliability of Scripture is also confirmed through the eyewitness credentials of the authors....
A = Archaeology. Over and over again, comprehensive field work (archaeology) and careful biblical interpretation affirms the reliability of the Bible. It's telling when a secular scholar must revise his biblical criticism in light of solid archaeological evidence....
P = Prophecy. The Bible records predictions of events that could not be known or predicted by chance or common sense.... Careful research affirms the predictive accuracy of the Bible. For example, the book of Daniel (written before 530 B.C.) accurately predicts the progression of kingdoms from Babylon through the Medo-Persian Empire, the Greek Empire, and then the Roman Empire, culminating in the persecution and suffering of the Jews under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, his desecration of the temple, his untimely death, and freedom for the Jews under Judas Maccabeus (165 B.C.)....
S = Statistics. It's statistically preposterous that any or all of the Bible's specific, detailed prophecies could have been fulfilled through chance, good guessing, or deliberate deceit.... The Bible was written over a span of 1600 years by 40 authors in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), on hundreds of subjects. And yet there is one consistent, non-contradictory theme that runs through it all: God's redemption of humankind....
>From Appendix B of Hank Hanegraaff's The FACE That Demonstrates the Farce of Evolution [Word Publishing, 1998]
Read this in full at
http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/ministry_articles/1149441.html
<a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/ministry_articles/1149441.html"> Or click here</a>
There's one sad truth in life I've found
While journeying east and west -
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best.
~Ella Wheeler Wilcox
* Starting Wednesday June 23rd and continuing through Sunday June 27th will be our official series of guest ministries commemorating the 20th Anniversary of New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church. Visit our website at http://www.newjoydivine.org for details and a list of guest speakers.
* Minister of Music, Cory “Keyz” Martin and Keyz2Life Muzik announces the release of “RH Faktor” by gospel hip-hop artists Redeemed Hip-Hop Tuesday, June 29th. Visit the Keyz2Life website at http://www.keyz2life.com for details.
* Get prepared for the Christian Marriage Enrichment Ministry’s Las Vegas outing! July 18–21, 2004. See Minister Shonnette Collier for details. Download flyer <here> (Acrobat ReaderTM needed).
by John W. Kennedy
'Intelligent, educated, religious people embrace illogical absurdities, set aside God's truth, and the well-being of others,' when immoral actions are not defined as sin.
"...F*rnication has long been treated as an outdated term in modern language, but for many people the very concept of premarital sex is somewhat vague. If there's a news story on teenagers and sex, usually the qualifying word mentioned is "unprotected."
"How do such euphemisms affect Christians? Gary R. Allen, Ministerial Enrichment national coordinator for the Assemblies of God, says wider acceptance is the result when Christians don't define immorality as sinful.
"When cultures and fads change, we mislabel the core of deadly sin," says Allen, 58. "If you take the barbs off barbed wire, eventually it doesn't hurt to go through the fence."....
Read this article in full at
http://www.religionjournal.com/showarticle.asp?id=1531
<a href="http://www.religionjournal.com/showarticle.asp?id=1531"> Or click here</a>
Dr. Timothy Johnson has authored an InterVarsity Press book. "Finding God in the Questions" which has hit the NY Times best-seller list. He's best known as medical editor for ABC News where, among other things, he's reported on health care issues for Good Morning America since 1976. Read interview with Tim by Dick Staub about his life and book at this link.
http://dickstaub.com/culturewatch.php?record_id=676
<a href="http://dickstaub.com/culturewatch.php?record_id=676"> Or click here</a>
"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." Psalm 9:1 (NIV)
As the pro-h*mosexual movement continues to gain momentum in the United States, Christians must grapple with their response to not only h*mosexual activists, but also to the g*y neighbors or coworkers they see everyday.
Mike Haley, manager of the gender issues department at Focus on the Family, and a former h*mosexual, has written a book that addresses these issues. "101 Frequently Asked Questions About H*mosexuality," which hit shelves in May, tackles everything from "Do h*mosexuals choose to be gay?" to handle family members who "come out." Haley recently talked about his new book and his hopes for the work.
Q. There seems to be quite a few books about h*mosexuality out there. What makes yours different?
A. There are a growing number of books about h*mosexuality, but they are very niched. One, "Someone I Love is G*y," is a book for a parent or family member; "You Don't Have to be G*y" is a book for men; "Restoring S*xual Identity" is a book for women. So in my book, what I wanted to do is create a comprehensive resource guide that would not only answer the majority of questions out there but would also -- in the midst of that – say that if you want further information on l*sbianism then here's a place for deeper research. I have created a book that, I hope, will answer the questions from a much broader perspective than just meeting the need of one particular group with regard to this issue.
Q. You make it very clear that h*mosexuality is a sin that is no greater or less than any other sin. But many in the church do regard h*mosexuality as a greater sin than their own. Why is that?
A: Part of it is because it is so socially unacceptable. Social drinking is acceptable in some realms, little white lies are acceptable in some realms, but h*mosexuality goes against most people's intuition. There is a kind of natural aversion to h*mosexuality, and because of that natural aversion we don't seek to understand it. We keep it at arm's length.
Most people can see why a person gets involved in alcohol because we have sought understanding in those arenas. H*mosexuality is one of the arenas that the church has not sought understanding, and so we have said it is one of these things that is unforgivable, a greater sin and sicker than most. If you come to understand that the same reason a person acts h*mosexually is the same reason a person acts out with alcohol or drugs -- it's a coping mechanism -- then, as I said earlier, it gives you the compassion to know how to respond, and it will give you the desire to want to respond when you seek to understand these people.
Q. Why is understanding the arguments of pro-g*y theologians so important?
A: A lot of churches are taking Scripture and not looking at it from an accurate perspective. I took a biblically-based, very accurate approach and said here is what the Scripture specifically says.
Most Christians understand that h*mosexuality is wrong, but I think if you ask them to support that biblically and were to argue at all with them from a biblical perspective, most Christians would not be able to support their beliefs other than maybe being able to point to a verse that says it was wrong. But if they were in dialogue with a g*y activist they would flounder. So we have to be informed because we are losing our ground.
Q. You spend quite a bit of time answering questions about the g*y culture and agenda. Why did you feel those questions needed to be addressed?
A: We hear the term "g*y agenda" frequently and I don't think we're really able to articulate what the g*y agenda is. We need to constantly be aware when we're being inundated with 25 to 30 g*y characters at any given time on television. What's truly going on there, how are we being desensitized? When you watch "Will & Grace," Will and Jack are fun and happy, their happy-go-lucky life seems to be wonderful, but you know the reality for many of us who have struggled with h*mosexuality is very miserable and very painful.
And so I think in the midst of this book, I'm trying to help break down and draw to people's attention the reality of what's being portrayed in the media and through the g*y agenda is not what the reality is. As we become aware of that then we know again how to debate these issues in the marketplace and how to talk about them from an educated standpoint.
Q: What are your hopes for this book?
A. Honestly, I just hope it can be used as a resource tool for pastors, Christians, family members and people who struggle themselves. To say that there is help, there is support, there is encouragement and here's the place to find it. I have a very extensive resource list in the back for readers who want to know where to go for help, and I let them know what the help is going to look like.
This interview first appeared in CitizenLink.
<a href="http://www.family.org/cforum/"> Or click here</a>
"Wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore I do not see how it is possible in the nature of things for any revival of religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality, and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches. How then is it possible that Methodism, that is a religion of the heart, though it flourishes now as the green bay tree, should continue in this state? For the Methodists in every place grow diligent and frugal; consequently, they increase in goods. Hence, they proportionately increase in pride, in anger, in the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life. So, although the form of religion remains, the spirit is swiftly vanishing away. Is there no way to prevent... this continual decay of pure religion?" John Wesley (1703-1791)
Long or short, straight or curly, our hair reveals more about our age, habits and personal beliefs than any other part of our body. The Natural History Museum of London has a new interactive exhibition, Hair, that explains the secrets of our locks, the science behind our shampoo and the importance of hair within different cultures around the world. Go to this website and see the movie "Close-up on Hair" under the "Fun and Games" link. Fascinating! Just another demonstration of God's marvelous creation!
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hair/index.html?src=hp_ad
<a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hair/index.html?src=hp_ad"> Or click here</a>
Holiness, holiness is what I long for.
Holiness is what I need.
Holiness, holiness is what You want from me.
"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
Mark your calendars for the weekend of August 27-29, 2004 at the Hickory Ridge Marriott Conference Hotel in Lisle Illinois where we will have our annual Men’s Conference. Theme: “The Fruit Of The Spirit.” Come and be blessed during this time of fellowship and ministry. Contact Minister Maurice Collier or Minister Frank Coleman. Visit the church’s web site: www.newjoydivine.org, go to the Men’s ministry page for details or download a registration form <here>.
Words: William Whiting, 1860. He wrote the lyrics as a poem for a student about to sail for America.
Music: John B. Dykes, 1861
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger's hour;
>From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
>from CyberHymnal at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/e/t/eternalf.htm
<a href="http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/e/t/eternalf.htm"> Or click here</a>
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." I Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
We're praying for our fellow believers in a different nation each week.
Please pray for...INDIA
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/in.html
<a href="http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/in.html"> Or click here</a>
The need for change in the Church has never been greater. Pray for:
1) Unity. The All India Christian Council was formed in 1998 to protect and serve Christians from all denominations. Over 2,000 denominations and associations are participating in the AICC. There is greater unity than ever known before, because of the more hostile national environment. The past has been characterized by a spirit of divisiveness. Pray for this unity to mature and develop and to be made visible to the watching world. There also needs to be a greater cooperation and accountability between local churches and sending agencies.
2) Indigeneity in music, worship and culture - for too long churches have appeared foreign.iii) Greater reliance on cell/house churches of an Indian model than on Western-style buildings.
3) More effective discipling of the many being touched or stirred by multiple evangelistic programs. Pray for a greater integrity of life, earnestness and commitment to the Lord among those evangelizing.
4) More effective outreach through personal evangelism rather than mass rallies.
5) More relevance to impact the mainstream of national life. The Church is seen to be linked to the marginalized, deprived sections of society. Business, politics, arts, culture, the middle and upper classes have been neglected.
http://www.gmi.org/ow/index.html
<a href="http://www.gmi.org/ow/index.html"> Or click here</a>
* Minister Vivian Newby
* Minister Coleman & family as they travel
* Bro. Michael St. James
* Bro. Byron Hayes
* Apostle Meredeth Shackleford
[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.]
Are you looking for something or do you have something to sell?
Let me know and I'll put it in this newsletter.
Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.
Top 10 Baseball Movies of All Time
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/baseballmovies.html
<a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/baseballmovies.html"> Or click here</a>
Collection Of Speeches
http://www.americanrhetoric.com
<a href="http://www.americanrhetoric.com"> Or click here</a>
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.)
If you want to cheer yourself up, try cheering someone else up.
Min. Frank Coleman, Editor
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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 www.newjoydivine.org
<a href="http://www.newjoydivine.org"> AOL users click here</a>
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