Men's Ministry
One might wonder how a men's Bible study is any different from a woman's Bible study, or for that matter, any kind of Bible study. After all, it would seem that the Bible has the same message running throughout regardless of the gender, age or race of the individual studying it.
Well, we know one thing for sure -- there is transformation in the heart of anybody who chooses to study the word of God. The Bible says, For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Could this really be true? Absolutely! This is a book with paragraphs, sentences, words and letters that have the power to transform a human's character and attitude. Therefore, a Bible study is a teaching experience in which the Holy Spirit empowers us to understand and be transformed by God's written Word!
Men's Bible Study - Applying God's Word to the Uniqueness of Men
So, why a men's Bible study? Can a men's Bible study give a man a better and clearer understanding of the Bible than another type of Bible study? Does a men's Bible study offer something different or special to a man which he might not otherwise get in a group of women or children? The answer to this question is a resounding 'YES'! Let us explain...
We know unequivocally that men, women and children all deal with different issues. A child doesn't worry about paying the bills, a man doesn't worry about getting pregnant, and a woman doesn't worry about making the high school football team. Since we know each group has specialized thinking, concerns, and emotions, we need to take this understanding and apply it when studying the Bible. Men's Bible studies deal specifically with sexual purity and other issues that affect men.
Men have their own set of fears, joys, emotions, and issues. Wisdom tells us to gather together with other men to study how the Bible applies specifically to a man's heart and life. In particular, a big issue for men is battling pride. Pride tells us to be a lone ranger. It gently reminds us of our own self-worth and how isolation and self-teaching is far more impressive and beneficial. Don't give into this false thinking! Unfortunately, for many men, this is how they view the investment of committing to a men's Bible study.
With a men's Bible study, one should expect a raw, under-engineered atmosphere where the Bible teacher, leader, facilitator or author hammers home God's truth dealing specifically with men's issues. There is a mass amount of unapplied truth given directly from scripture that isn't being lived out in men today. Guys are blending with the culture, rather that battling for obedience as God's men. Men are allowing their eyes and minds to wander into areas of lust and fantasizing. And, for many men, standing for integrity in the workplace when everybody else is proudly walking on the unethical road is a non-issue. Men need to chase truth and combat the lie. In today's world, men are spending more time at work, on hobbies, watching TV, and reading the paper than accepting their role and gift as a father, husband, and leader.
Men's Bible Study - Make a Commitment to Connect!
When it comes to Men's Bible Study, we highly recommend that every man commit to two things:
Get connected at the local church into an interactive men's Bible study where the focus is on the felt-need issues of a man -- issues such as lust, greed, isolation, materialism, discontentment and strained or broken relationships.
Go to your local bookstore and buy a set of bible studies. In our opinion, one of the best Men's Bible Studies on the market today is part of the EveryMan series published by Waterbrook Press. If you'll take the risk, do the hard thing, step into your discomfort and make a small investment of time and money, we know you'll be pleased with the results!
Information
- Area:
- Church
- Location:
Tuesday Morning Men's Bible Study
Come join us in our Men's Bible Study Tuesdays at 7:30am in the Cornerstone Cafe. Coffee & Beagles, real life discussion on faith matters. For more info email info@CornerstoneHome.org. Game Plan Men's Group
Men's Group Game of Life
Each 4th Monday of the Month, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Game Time! Jesus cuts through to the deepest issues of life with the game plan. God's Game Plan is laid out in the Bible. Are you in the game? If not, then why not join the team and run for the prize?
Contact Tom Gregory for more info: tom@gregoryplace.net
Three Steps to Becoming Accountable
Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
While your mate should be your primary accountability partner, there also is great benefit in getting "sharpened" by other godly Christians. If you want to see some significant growth in your spiritual maturity this may be the most important step you could take.
I have three suggestions:
First, determine your needs. What are the two or three things that seem to entangle you more than anything else? Is it finances? Lustful thoughts? Overeating? Not spending enough time with the Lord?
Second, select a mature Christian-of the same sex-who would have the courage to speak the truth and ask you tough questions. This should not be someone who would fear your rejection, or someone who has a weakness in the same area, or someone you feel you can manipulate or control. This is especially important if you are strong-willed or have a powerful personality.
Third, approach this person and ask him to keep you accountable. Here is what you might say: "Bill, I have a problem and I really need your help in an area of my life. I need for you to love me through this and hold my feet to the fire, but not be judgmental. Because, Bill, I really need to get victory over this."
Finally, meet with this person on a regular basis to set measurable goals and to allow him to ask you how you're doing. Agree to a list of questions he will ask you. "Frank, have you written out a budget yet?" "Why not?" "When will you do it?" And here's a powerful one: "Have you lied to me at all today?"
If you're trying to mature in Christ and gain victory over sin by yourself, you're missing it! Praise God that He has given us the body of Christ...to strengthen us, encourage us and keep us accountable!
Discuss: What are your greatest needs that would lead you to find an accountability partner? Who are potential accountability partners you could approach?
Pray: That God would lead you to people who He can use to sharpen you.
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