Mission Focused Men for Christ

Episode Summary: Jesus summarized our mission, Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Pursuing Christ’s kingship in my life begins in my own heart with my personal love and loyalty to Christ. We are first called TO Christ to enjoy a love relationship with him. This part of our mission is consistent with the great commandment to love God with all my heart and the first commandment to have no other God’s before him. Today’s episode zooms in to examine one specific aspect of Christ’s character—the way he gave up the right to be treated with the dignity, the honor, the nobility, he deserved—as the God of the universe. Instead, he emptied himself of his prerogatives as God’s equal to take the form of a slave to serve us. The more we see this shocking willingness to give up his divine rights, entrusting himself to the Father, the more we will be empowered to exhibit this same kingdom virtue, showing Jesus to those around us.For Further Prayerful Thought What is most moving to you about God the Song stripping himself of his dignity to love us?Where does selfish anger crop up in your life, reflecting that the rights you once put on the alter have crawled off?Is there anywhere that worry, indicate that you still haven’t transferred the ownership of some aspect of your life to God, or need to put it back on the altar? Psalm 37 is written to strengthen our confidence in the character of God.Past Podcast Highlight Responding to the Argument that the Bible Teaches Patriarchy S1 E #33 6/21/20For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here.

Summary: Today, there is a pandemic within families: not Covid 19 but pornography. It is more accessible than ever before and reaching children at a younger age. We cannot afford to be naïve as adults or as parents. This episode looks at what’s happening today, how to protect our kids from pornography, and how to equip them with a biblical view of sexuality and pornography. For Further Prayerful Thought Is there some parent in your circle of friends who needs the information in this podcast?Why would you say that not permitting a high school teen to have a smart phone might be shortsighted? Why doesn’t taking away the opportunity to view porn not succeed?If you were doing the dad, sex talk and overall equipping with a biblical worldview of sexuality and porn, what things do you think need to be included? Past Series:  Ruling Over Our Sexuality For God’s GloryUnderstanding Our Sex Drive Helps Us Fight for Purity S1 E #12 1/26/20Sharpening Our Understanding of Sin’s Corruption of Sex S1 E #13 2/2/20Directing Our Heart Passions to Defeat Lust S1 E #14 2/9/20Protecting Our Heart From the Enticement of Sexual S1 E #15 2/16/20 Social Media Dangers Documentary: Childhood 2.0 Monitoring App or ServiceBark - Monitors texts, email and social media for issues like cyberbullying, sexual predators and suicidal ideation and alerts the parents.Qustodio - Supervise, manage and protect your child’s deviceNet Nanny - Parental Control Software and Website BlockerCovenant Eyes - An accountability service designed to help individuals overcome porn addiction. Ultimate Parental Control Guide - Already have an iPhone or Android? Click on this link to find out how to set parental controls on almost any device.For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here

Episode Summary: One of the best insights I learned as a dad, was the difference between authority and leadership. Authority coerces obedience through punishment or the threat of punishment. Leadership is the influence in a child’ life that makes him WANT to obey our requirements and God’s Word. As we saw last week, BOTH are needed. Compassionate discipline is required to enable young children to internalize the truths that they cannot always have their way, the world does not revolve around them, and they must learn to “say no” to their impulses. But leadership, especially when kids are older, goes beyond the authoritative use of consequences. It makes kids want to follow the example of their dad. This episode examines how to love our kids well, building our love relationship with them, which also increases our influence in their lives.For Further Prayerful Thought 1. Why does it make sense to you that a person’s influence in another person/s life depends on the quality of his relationship with that other person?2. What stood out to you about how to be a welcoming father?3. Do you agree that part of fatherhood is taking the initiative to build your love relationship with each of your children? How might God be leading you to take more initiative to build this relationship?Past Fatherhood SeriesFatherhood Is Irreplaceable in God’s Design of Humans   S1 E#32 6/14/20Responding to the Argument that the Bible Teaches Patriarchy S1 E#33 6/21/20The Right Use of Authority to Punish Evil S1 E#34 6/28/20Kids Don’t Have It In them to Grow THEMSELVES Up S1 E#35 7/5/20Raising Kids Up in the Way They Should Go S1 E#36 7/12/20For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here.

Episode Summary: Over the years, as I have thought about seeking to be a great dad to my five (now grown kids), there is one verse of Scripture that always comes to mind. It is God’s statement to the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinth 12:9, “In weakness, my power is shown the more completely.” Boy, have I claimed this verse over the years, especially since of all things, God puts DADS and NOT MOMS in charge of the discipline and training of the kids! Can you believe that? The family code sections of Ephesians and Colossians address wives, then husbands, then children—commanding them to obey their parents. So, we might expect the next group Paul addresses to be parents; but it is not. How about mothers? No. When it comes to household management and training the children, Paul instead addresses FATHERS, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This week, we again look to God, the ultimate GREAT DAD and dig into another profound characteristic of HIS FATHERLY LOVE: The Lord disciplines the one he loves. For Further Prayerful Thought Would downloading the written version of thee 7 principles to pray over, share with your wife, or pass on to your adult children as parents to your grandchildren we valuable? As you compare your tendencies as a disciplinarian, to the picture given in these seven biblical principles, where do you need to adjust the most?Would it be worth your time to listen to last year’s podcast series on parenting? These titles from season 1 were:Fatherhood Is Irreplaceable in God’s Design of Humans   S1 E#32 6/14/20Responding to the Argument that the Bible Teaches Patriarchy   S1 E#33 6/21/20The Right Use of Authority to Punish Evil   S1 E#34 6/28/20Kids Don’t Have It In them to Grow THEMSELVES Up   S1 E#35 7/5/20Raising Kids Up in the Way They Should Go   S1 E#36 7/12/20DISCIPLINE CHECK LIST when DISCIPLINING YOUR CHILDMake sure he knows what he IS and IS NOT to do.Give a warning (to help him but also to double check that he understands the rule).Give your child the right to appeal if he thinks you are wrong. Consistently enforce the rules. Engage your child's conscience by asking, "What did you do?" Correct specific behavior; don't attack character. For serious, willful rebellion express inner grief over his rebellion. Administer punishment that fits the crime. After confession is made and punishment given, do your best to let your child know that fellowship with you is not broken.Tell your child that God punishes you too.Don't let this check-list tyrannize you. If you ask for his help, God will make your weakness the opportunity to show his strength.For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here.

Summary: Proverbs 18:21 says, Death and life are in the power of the tongue. In Jesus’ most famous sermon, he taught that angry, critical words can very easily explode from our mouths and rip like shrapnel into the most tender, sensitive part of a person’s soul—his self-esteem. In contrast, is God the Father’s use of words to build up The Son. Two of the three times that God the Father spoke audibly in the NT, God used his words to praise his son, This is my beloved son IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED. If we are to pattern our fatherhood after God’s, one of the first things we need to give attention to is OUR WORDS. This episode helps dads IMPART LIFE to their loved ones through the power of their tongue.For Further Prayerful Thought:What is your biggest struggle in controlling your tongue?Growing up, did you hear, “I’m proud of you” much from your dad?Why do you think these words from our dad have so much power?How can you do a better job of praising those under your care?Biblical Lists of Godly CharacterEight beatitudes: Matt 5:3-12Fruit of the Spirit: Gal 5:22-23Peter’s Golden Chain of Virtues: 2 Peter 1:5-8James Wisdom from Above: James 3:13-18Past Series HighlightsFatherhood Is Irreplaceable in God’s Design of Humans  Season 1 Episode #32 6/14/20  Responding to the Argument that the Bible Teaches Patriarchy  S1 Episode #33 6/21/20 For the printed version of this message click hereFor a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click hereFor FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here

Episode Summary: As I have talked with countless men around the country about their vocational calling, I’ve come to this conclusion: The poorer a man’s theology of work is, the less fulfilling his work usually is. This episode observes five building blocks to a biblical worldview of work, by examining Adam’s calling to subdue the earth.The Five Questions To Consider About Your VocationHow does the truth that humans cannot be fulfilled apart from working, affect your thinking about your vocation?How does your vocational work fit into this three-part calling?In what way is your work rearranging the raw material of God’s creation in such a way that it helps the world in general, and people in particular thrive and flourish?How does doing your job well communicate that God’s creation matters?How is your job a form of service that expresses love for the human community?This 4 Week Series: Igniting Fire for Our Mission In a Disheartening WorldReigniting Fire for Our Mission From Christ  S2 Episode #27 May 9 2021Obstacles to Walking Closely with Christ  S2  Episode #28 May 16 2021Getting Stronger with Jesus’ Strength  S2  Episode #29 May 23 2021For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here.

Episode Summary: No MAN I know wants to be weak; nor does any BOY want to be called a weakling. The biblical writers identify this creation characteristic of men, appealing to the desire in men to be strong. At the close of Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth he wrote, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, ACT LIKE MEN, be STRONG 1 Cor. 16:13. The Apostle, John, addresses subgroups of people in the church, praising the young men for being strong. “I write to you, young men, BECAUSE YOU ARE STRONG, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” The second part of our call to be Christ’s disciples is the Call to BE LIKE CHRIST. This episode looks at Jesus’ strength and how we can become stronger in the Lord—in the strength of his might. This 4 Week Series: Igniting Fire for Our Mission In a Disheartening WorldReigniting Fire for Our Mission From Christ  S2 Episode #27 May 9 2021Obstacles to Walking Closely with Christ  S2  Episode #28 May 16 2021For Further Prayerful Thought:Which of the five episodes from Jesus’ life draws you most to Jesus?Jesus, who is perfect, was angry with the religious leaders who had no compassion for the man with a withered hand. What do you think is the difference between sinful anger and Jesus’ anger, here? In reviewing the weapons of warfare, which one do you need to remember most in your spiritual battles?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here

Episode Summary: No MAN I know wants to be weak; nor does any BOY want to be called a weakling. The biblical writers identify this creation characteristic of men, appealing to the desire in men to be strong. At the close of Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth he wrote, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, ACT LIKE MEN, be STRONG 1 Cor. 16:13. The Apostle, John, addresses subgroups of people in the church, praising the young men for being strong. “I write to you, young men, BECAUSE YOU ARE STRONG, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” The second part of our call to be Christ’s disciples is the Call to BE LIKE CHRIST. This episode looks at Jesus’ strength and how we can become stronger in the Lord—in the strength of his might. This 4 Week Series: Igniting Fire for Our Mission In a Disheartening WorldReigniting Fire for Our Mission From Christ  S2 Episode #27 May 9 2021Obstacles to Walking Closely with Christ  S2  Episode #28 May 16 2021For Further Prayerful Thought:Which of the five episodes from Jesus’ life draws you most to Jesus?Jesus, who is perfect, was angry with the religious leaders who had no compassion for the man with a withered hand. What do you think is the difference between sinful anger and Jesus’ anger, here? In reviewing the weapons of warfare, which one do you need to remember most in your spiritual battles?For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here

Episode Summary: In John 10:10 Jesus taught his followers that he had come that they might have life and have it abundantly(vs 10). Later in John 15, he explained HOW IT IS that Jesus imparts that spiritual life to us. He said, I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever ABIDES in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Spiritual flourishing results from ABIDING in Christ. That is not a word we use much today. This episode explains what this Greek word means and identifies four obstacles to experiencing this connectedness to Christ that causes us to be fruitful.For Further Prayerful Thought:What has most helped you know that when you to turn towards God after giving in to sin, God is like the father of the prodigal, running to you with open arms?What has helped you the most to see God’s moral loss as the pathway to blessing, instead of a restriction to your fulfillment?What is the toughest part about knowing in your head that God intends suffering for our ultimate good and still feeling totally loved by God when we hurt?How can you do a better job of managing your use of time so that your personal walk with God get’s the firstfruits and not the leftovers? Current Series: Igniting Fire for Our Mission In a Disheartening WorldReigniting Fire for Our Mission From Christ  S2 Episode #27 May 9 2021 For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here

Episode Summary: No Christian man wants to fail Jesus. But how to we keep our inner fire to live for him burning hot when we do fail him over and over again and when we are deeply disheartened by the direction our culture is taking right now. It’s easy to feel like Satan and sin are winning, so what’s the use? The goal of this episode is to stoke the fire of our passion to stay focused on the mission Christ has assigned to us because we see more fully how important that mission is.For Further Prayerful Thought:What are the obstacles that are preventing you from delighting your heart in the Lord?How can you be more intentional about noticing the particular Christ-like heart attitudes that God might be using the circumstances around you to produce—so that you can cooperate with God rather than resisting him?When it comes to your spheres of life, which one stands out as one you think you need to spend more energy thinking and praying about Past Podcast Series of Interest:    Helping Our Daughters FlourishRequired Today for Raising Godly, Confident, Daughters  Season 1 Episode #26  5/3/20The Harm of OVERVALUING or UNDERVALUING Motherhood   S1 Episode #27  5/10/20.Two Requirements of Dads for Daughters to Flourish  Season 1 Episode #28  5/17/20For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here