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For every 10 men in the average church...
The numbers above are confusing and true. They bring up questions that we try not to think of no less speak of for fear of being excommunicated from the faith. The fruit of our sins make us question the Church, the faith and down deep, even our Lord. Sooner or latter is this thought; Is God really in control of my life here? How much freedom does Satan have? Is my faith really working? Eternity sounds good but how about some help here? Where is this peace & power they talk about? The throw in the towel question; How much better off am really now since I accepted Christ? After a while, the pounding of hit after hit that we do not understand, erodes our confidence that God is watching and protecting us. It reduces us to the survivor mode, buying into the "hanging in there" lifestyle. Our hearts are attacked, as we do battle with the "Spirit of Doubt" I must confess that 5 years into my conversion I had more confusion and questions than solid answers. I accepted Jesus as my Savior while working hard on the Lord part. I was a man who worked at life and got exactly what he wanted, and yet, was still unhappy because what I wanted was not designed to make me happy. I competed in the earthly game called life that required biblical character, yet produced daily compromise. I wanted a relationship with God, but lacked the consistency in Bible time. I wanted to know Him, but would not stop working long enough to even pray. I lived a lie by judging others by their actions and myself by my intentions. I was well on my way to being one of the Christian statistics above until a man came into my life and helped me become a Disciple of Jesus Christ. First, we met once a week. Second, he was brutally honest with me. Third, He did not always have the answer, but clearly knew the God who did. Forth, He never flinched when I revealed weakness. He was Christ-like. Rich Galloway lived the Great Commission. He went and "made a Disciple of Jesus Christ" He knew any activities before discipleship was putting the cart before the horse. When the Church teaches a man how to evangelize without first discipling him its cruel and bad business. It will fall right into the usual 6-18 month cycle of ministry failure. A Christian man who is not properly discipled can only live the "Great Confusion". With out biblical training he is open to every "Comfort doctrine " out there claiming that if we "Walk by faith not by sight" we will travel a road that will always be smooth and problem free. Silly as this may sound to you, just watch some brother when he get hit unexpectedly. His whole world is out of wack when life doesn't go his way. He gets confused as he praises God through clichéd teeth and then questions why me. He never was trained to "Think like Jesus" in 1Peter chapter4. "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. 2Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want" (Message) My Salvation Army friend, Captain Charles Roberts defines The Great Commission in Matthew 28 as "Go and enlist them in My army and train them". Thanks Brother. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 Men of God, Scripture bears witness that freedom can be achieved with learning His Word, then following it. This is simply called discipleship. Learning, doing, and then teaching others. This through the context of relationships is the way Jesus meant the local body to run. A reformation of society cannot take place with out a reformation of the Church. A reformation of the Church cannot take place with our reformation in the Marriage then, the man. The only way man will change is if proper discipleship takes place in his life. Come join us in Invasion 2005: A Men's Discipleship Reformation serving the local Church. A strategic alliance between Promise Keepers and God4me Ministries set to help men in our region become disciples of Jesus Christ. God4me Men's Network is a National alliance of Churches and Men's groups systematically training and assisting men in their pursuit of significance and purpose. "Discipleship Boot camps" are forums to provide encouragement, instruction and fellowship for the transformed man. Anointed speakers help men replace the lies of the world with Biblical truth. Upbeat and practical topics such as "Brainwashed", "A Man's Wild Heart", "The Purpose-Driven Man", and "As a Man Thinketh" are presented in a user friendly environment where men are free to "hear and respond". Movie clips and skits are used expressing the practicality of the topics. Food is served for time in fellowship, and short interactive workshops create a dynamic effective arena for change in men. Please visit Invasion for up to date information on events. Additional Information: God4Me Articles Please Visit: God4Me.com |
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