Weekly Update | September 1st

 A close up of a sign

Description automatically generated


Starting and maintaining a thriving men’s ministry is a difficult task. Men (myself included) are not always eager to get together with others at the end of a long workday, after kids’ sports practices/games, amidst duties at home, and whatever else requires their attention. We tend to believe that we don’t really need relationships with other guys and a ministry designed specifically for our spiritual growth. We are wrong. Let me tell you why.



Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” God designed us to be in fellowship with others (Gen 2:18). Christian men have a special connection through the indwelling Holy Spirit and their specific roles as men in the church. It is good for them to study the Word together because this activity helps them grow in the Lord in unique ways unavailable in other ministries.



We could all use some encouragement these days! While writing this article, I opened the website of a national news agency. The featured articles/videos section contained 13 articles and videos. All 13 of them presented negative news! I don’t think this statistic is specific to this particular news outlet. This is a microcosm of our culture. Our culture seems to be fascinated with bad news. This is contrary to the way God designed us to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” It’s important for our men to be a part of the men’s ministry because they will receive encouragement from men walking on a similar journey as them.



Did you have that one friend growing up who you could count on in a pinch? The one who would have given you the shirt off his back if you asked for it? Too many men walk through life without other Christian men on whom they can depend when the going gets tough. Christian men are in a serious, daily spiritual battle and we shouldn’t engage in that battle alone (Eph 6:12). Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Men, who will lift you up if you fall? Who will hold you accountable as a Christian man, husband, and father? That kind of biblical accountability is naturally fulfilled by other Christian men.


I encourage you to sign up for our Men’s Bible study. Why? Because men help men grow in the Lord, men’s ministry is encouraging, and men need Christian male friends.


Check out this video clip describing our study and sign up now!





In His Service,


Pastor Josh





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Casting Lots and Determining God's Will

Inclusionist, Exclusionist, Pluralist...What do they all mean?

The Trinity and The Triple Point