Authentic Manhood

What is Authentic Manhood, what are men responsible for?

God gives men 3 responsibilities: 1. a will to do, 2. a work to do, and 3. a woman to love.

Not my will but His, the work to do is to create and cultivate, and we are to love our wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Authentic Manhood is: 1. Reject Passivity 2. Accept Responsibility 3. Lead Courageously 4. Invest Eternally

Reject Passivity: Adam did watched in the garden and did nothing, he could have stopped Eve but he just watched. Jesus saw the corruption of the world, came and sacrificed himself so we could have eternity with him. Action oriented.

Accept Responsibility: Adam failed in his 3 areas of responsibility. Jesus followed God's will, did his work, and sacrificed himself for his bride.

Lead Courageously: Adam failed to lead in the garden, Eve was the leader. In your home how many of you are the spiritual leader of your home? Jesus told his disciples to "follow me", he said "I am the good shepherd", Jesus became a "life-giving spirit."

Invest Eternally: Adam invested in the temporary, the flesh. Jesus in vested in the eternal, he lived it and taught it. He challenged us through the Great Commission to 1. seek the lost and 2. make disciples.

Are you lost or a disciple?

Only a real, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ can provide us with the fuel we need to live out authentic manhood. You cannot do this alone, surround yourself with a team of men to challenge you and help you along the way. We need teammates to step in and support us when we are down and we need to be their support when they are down.

Create and Cultivate

We had 20 guys this morning show up. I love it! Men of Coweta coming together challenging each other to be better. We started "33 the Series" last week and today we did session #2. Go check out www.authenticmanhood.com

God has a mandate for Men to Create and Cultivate.

Adam failed 1st NOT Eve. Adam was entrusted with God's creation and he failed to protect it he was to have dominion over everything. He watched it all go down. He could have stepped up and stopped it all. But he was PASSIVE not COURAGEOUS.

We are all sinners like Adam and Eve and our sin HURTS God, it grieves Him. But what is the good news.....JESUS!!!! To fully understand God's plan for Authentic Manhood you need Jesus as your Lord and Savior. If you do not have a faith in Jesus then watch this VIDEO.

We as sinners either follow the way of the Fruit or the way of the Fig Leaves. We either are childish consumers or cowards and critics.

Trust in Jesus, embrace the mandate to Create and Cultivate, and become a "Life-Giving Spirit" (1Cor 15:45).

This is the big picture of our manhood mandate. Next week we will explore a clear and compelling biblical definition of what it means to be a man.

Each week make a "Strategic Move" in your life from the sessions. Mine is 1. Be a solution not cause chaos 2. Bite the bullet not my tongue, my family needs me to Lead.

Next week we will cover Session #3 Manhood Definition. Bring someone with you! This is a VERY important session. If you have never been then MAN UP and SHOW UP!

Time for Battle!!! Journey to Authentic Manhood....

We are 8 days away from the launch of this falls Men's Group.

What: 33 the Series
When: Thursday mornings 6:30am starting Sept 6th for 6 weeks.
Who: Men starting 7th grade and up to......just be there!
Where: Rick Bryan Fieldhouse
Why: If you want to change the culture we live in the we need to change MEN. Challenge the MEN.

Sign up HERE!!!

Are you passive? Do you lead your family? Do you accept your responsibilities? Do you invest in those around you? What does God expect of a man? Have you ever been mentored/discipled by a True Man of God?

Come and learn, interact with other men, BE CHALLENGED TO BE BETTER. We live in a broken world and the only way to right the wrongs is to grow better Men.

Don't be passive anymore, lead, take care of your responsibilities, invest in your kids eternity.

If you want to be a part of a movement of Men then sign up: LINK

Come and be a part of the movement of MEN. 

Coming this Fall!!!

This fall we are going to have another Men's Gathering at the Fieldhouse. Thursday mornings starting September 6th and going through October 11th at 6:30am.

It's only 6 weeks...can you Man Up and be there at 6:30 in the morning for 6 weeks?

Who needs to be there? All men, young men, anyone as young as 7th grade to the oldest Grandpa. If you want to learn what God expects of you as a man then BE THERE.

Why can't the men of Coweta, regardless of what Church you go to,  come together and challenge each other to be better men? Men of God? Authentic men?

We need you to sign up here!

We need you to sign up to see how many books we need or you can by the book here.

Were are going to go through 33 the Series. Session #1 is Manhood Realities, Session #2 is Create and Cultivate, Session #3 is Manhood Definition, Session #4 is The Four Faces of Manhood part 1, Session #5 is The Four Faces of Manhood part 2, and Session #6 is Seasons.

Are you ready for the challenge?

Resolution Cookout

I am excited for the signing ceremony. We are just a few days away from the day.

When: THIS Sunday!! Time: After Church. Where: Fieldhouse. Who can come: Anyone: just RSVP with me. What to bring: sides, drinks, deserts sign up here!

2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

We must be humble, pray, seek God's face (His word), and repent. Revival starts from the home to get the home you must get the MEN. Where are you? Are you too stiff necked, too prideful to ask God for help, for forgiveness, to admit you cannot do it alone. God "body slammed" me a few months ago and challenged me to let go of my failings and realize 100% of the time I fail and 100% of the time God is there to pick me up and say "come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest".

SEE YOU SUNDAY!!

BE SALT

We are finally on our last meeting! I hope to see all of you there tomorrow morning. Come and be a part even if you haven't been in a while.

 

Reminder we are doing a Resolution Signing Ceremony Sunday May 6th after church. Bring your family take a stand before your family and God that you will strive to be a Man of Resolution. Here is a link to what The Resolution is, There will be food for all and games for the kids. We will provide the Resolutions to sign. I just need to know how many will be there. We have 15 men and their families (75 people) signed up to be there. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

 

Remember: Matt 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth." Salt does 3 things 1. Preserves 2. Gives flavor 3. Makes you thirsty. If we are to truly be salt we must 1. preserve those(believers) around us 2. Give flavor(Jesus) to the lost 3. Make those(lost and believers) around us thirst for Jesus.

“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked with integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and heart. For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.” Psalm 26:1-3

Resolution Point #10 I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

Sin is missing the mark, sin dissapoints God, sin is the rejection of God in our hearts. But repentance is transformational. Do you repent like King Saul only confessing what is found out, being angry toward those who confront you. Or do you repent like King David being a broken man before God.

Courageous Challenge: Write out a list of the top five sins that keep entangling you in your life, and begin praying for God to give you the grace to fully repent of each one.

Memory Verse: “Repent and return, so that your sins might be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

*********IMPORTANT NEWS*********

Sunday May 6th we are going to have a Resolution Signing Ceremony. After Church that day we will meet at the Fieldhouse WITH your families (providing good weather outside). We will have a cookout, after the cook out we have the Ceremony (Look Sharp). I will speak (less than 5 minutes) on what we have been doing. Then we will read through the Resolution and I will have nice ones for everyone to sign and hopefully you can get it framed and hang it in your home. Afterwards you are welcome to hang out and fellowship as long as you want to.

Who can take part in this: 1. if you have been to the meetings a "few weeks", 2. Read the book. 3. Watched the movie to understand what the ceremony is.

Here is what I need from you: Who is going to be there? How many will be with you? Food/drink/desert requests or what will you bring?

I want this to be a fun event, I just need your help.

Here are some videos to watch about the Resolution:
 http://youtu.be/Cnb_WQ2v5Gw
 http://youtu.be/0jLGAsPb_ik  watch from 1:20 on to see about the Resolution.
 http://youtu.be/0jvaQ5gRi0w
 http://youtu.be/1CRchn9YeyE this is the scene from the movie.

1995 Promise Keepers

I recently was watching videos from Men at the Cross. It is a great ministry linking Men together "a Paul to a Timothy", teaching mentorship. Dr Tony Evans was a speaker at a past Men at the Cross Conference and I watched a video of him from a 1995 Promise Keepers Conference. Wow what a message click here to see it, it is 4 parts.

At first I was surprised...nearly 20 years ago Men were being called out to be the Men of God we are supposed to be. To be the Salt of the earth and the Light of the world. 20 years ago I was in high school clueless of what God expects of a Man. My parents were divorced and no Man in my life helped me to realize what God expects of Men. So I wandered the life clueless until one morning I "woke up" realized I'm married with 2 kids I better figure out what God want of me and do it NOW! By far what has helped me the most realizing what God wants and how to do what God want was a Men's Fraternity group at church. Strong Men of God challenging me to wake up, step up, and do what God expects of a Man.

I hope in 20 years there is a young man, or men, I have came along side, like Paul to Timothy, and showed him what God wants and expects of us. The challenge is for all of us to do this. Lock shields with men around you and challenge each other. Find a young man around you and help him, train him, show him what God wants from a Man.

I am fired up tonight to continue down the path God has set for me. Lock shields with me and bring others along as we go to battle dailey as soldiers for Christ. I want to be a better man, a better husband, and a better father. I hope you do to. You never arrive, you just keep getting closer to Glory.

Continue down the path of Authentic Manhood with me:

Reject Passivity

Lead Courageously

Accept Responsibility

Invest Eternally

Week #10 Courageous Challenge: Write a letter of appreciation to your father or pastor. 

Week #10 Memory Verse: “As those who have been chosen by God, holy, and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

Week #9 Resolve to Fight for Justice.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Resolution Point #6: I will WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

What does it mean "to act justly", "to love mercy", and "to walk humbly with our God"?

There have been great examples in the past of MEN who would not stand for injustice. What kind of footprint are you leaving for your kids? Do they see you ignoring things that need to be confronted?

There are great biblical examples of men taking hard stands for righteousness. From Nathan to Nehemiah to John the Baptist to Jesus. Specifically Nathan confronting King David of his adulteress affair.

There are good men in church who are passive because they say to be Christlike is to be "nice and quiet". Jesus called people out on their sin, rose his voice in anger. We have great examples all throughout the Bible of Great Godly Men who stood up to the popular world and held to the truths of our awesome God.

Will you be a bold witness for the goodness of God? Will you  act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?

Courageous Challenge: Contact your local police dept or youth detention center and ask them what the biggest concerns are in your city. Then pray for God to raise up strong men to help confront those specific issues.

Memory Verse: ““He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Here is the series I am looks at doing this fall: 33 the Series

Here is a trailer for the series: 33 Trailer

Week #8 Resolve to live with Honor

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth......Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12: 1,13

Resolution Point #5: I will train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

Do you have a healthy fear of the Lord. I think of it this way, my 3 year old has a fear of a "bustin". He can bend any limb to get in the way of a spanking, but the point of it is he has a fear of discipline from his earthly father. Too many times I have let my pride swell and had a lack of fear that I need of my Heavenly Father. Remember that pride always comes before a fall.


Do we teach our kids to honor authority? What do our kids hear us say about our bosses, preachers, politicians? Whether you disagree with politicians or not we are called to pray for our leaders to lead in a Godly way. It doesn't help to pray devastation over them. Pray that God will give them the wisdom to be a Godly leader.

Are you disciplined enough to give you kids the discipline they need? Give them loving Godly discipline.

Raise children of honor, train them to live responsibly.

Courageous Challenge: Ask your children if you have hurt them in any way in the past and never made it right. If so, apologize.

Memory Verse: The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear Gos and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every at to judgement, everything which is hidden, whether it it good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Iron Sharpens Iron is this Saturday at FBCBA. Click here to check it out.  

Here is a cool site I found last night tying the movie Act of Valor to Jesus.

Coming soon is a Men's retreat at Falls: Rewired

Bring someone with you next week. God is moving in the Men of Coweta.

Week #7 Resolve to Bless your Children

“May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May He also give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your descendants with you.” Gen 28:3-4

Resolution Point #4: I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

How do we instill God's word in our kids lives?

1. God's word must be on our heart. Are you in the word daily? Do you walk with Him?

2. Training your kids must take place in the context of a close relationship. Do you have a relationship with them?

When should you teach the word to your kids?

 Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "These commandments I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. "

We are to be about the Father's business teaching our kids ALL the time. We do this by our words and more importantly by our actions.

The Three most powerful things you can give your kids are: Attention, Affirmation, and Affection

Make them feel valued with you time, tell them they are important and special, and tell them you LOVE them. Remember God wants to spend time with us, we are important to Him, and He gave His only Son for us. That is how much He loves us.

Courageous Challenge: Talk with your kids this week and “bless” them by telling them how much you love them and are proud of them.

Memory Verse: “Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes delight in my ways” Proverbs 23:26

 

Be ready to go to battle for your kids!!!

 

Lead from the front!!

Week #6 Resolve to Love Your Wife

Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge"

Resolution Point #3 I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Christ did for me?

Do you treat our wife as HOLY? Is your marriage viewed as priceless? Do you love your wife unconditionally?

What safety measures have you put in place to guard your marriage? Your wife doesn't need to keep you accountable, find another MAN of God. Who keeps you accountable, who asks you the difficult questions? Are you being totally honest with what you view on the Internet?

Courageous Challenge for week #6: Set up one or more protective boundaries in your life this week to help you guard you heart and your marriage.

Memory Verse: Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge"

We have 9 weeks left in the study. Once we are finished with the study I want to have a resolution signing ceremony. Where we as Men of Resolution say before God and our Family that the world's manhood is not acceptable for me, I will be held to a higher standard. If you have 1) read the book, 2) Watch the movie Courageous, and 3) been to at least 3 weeks of the morning meetings; then come and stand with us as Men who want to be set apart to Authentic Manhood and sign the Resolution with your family at our Resolution Signing Ceremony.

Can you step up to the challenge?

Lead your heart, don't follow it. Lead your family. Lead from the front showing the way.

Resolve to Lead your Family

Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord"

Point #2 of the Resolution-I will love them, protect them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I remember as a kid being at my sisters house seeing Joshua 24:15 framed on the wall. I thought it was cool to have a Bible verse up in the house. My brother in law is a solid Christian MAN. I consider him one of my solid examples I look up to, to this day. I now realize the importance of taking the stand to declare before God and your family the direction all in your house will go.

They will follow your lead...which way are you taking them?

We have to remember what God gave Joshua as he was commissioned the leader of His people after Moses.
1. God ORDAINED authority.
2. God's WORD.
3. God's PRESENCE.
4. God's PEOPLE.

Seven times God encouraged Joshua to be "strong and courageous!"

Week #6 is coming up. Will you be there? Who will you bring?

Courageous Challenge: Begin the habit this week of reading at lest one chapter of God’s Word everyday.

Memory Verse: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Resolve to be a Man of Responsibility

"When I was a child I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a Man. I did away with childish things." 1 Cor 13:11

We started going through the different points of The Resolution this morning. We had a great time going through point #1: I DO solemnly relove before GOD to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. We had an awesome time going through the study and the group time going through the questions. I was in a group with a a grandfather and 15 year old grandson. It was an honor to listen to the grandfather tell stories of his youth, when he realized he was a man, when he recieved Christ. It was awesome to see how he loved his grandson(s) and takes them to school everyday, I told the grandson that when he is my age he will miss and cherish the times together.

Who impacted you the most growing up? Who was your greatest influence? Who do you influence? Do you live a life of influence.

Next week we will be going through Chapter 5 Resolve to lead your family...Point #2 of the Resolution: I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

We have 11 weeks left in the study. Each week we will go through a different point of the Resolution. God is changing Men's lives in our community. Don't miss out, come be a part even if you haven't been yet or if you've missed a couple of weeks, BE THERE. God has a plan for you, for you to BIG and awesome things for His Kingdom.

Courageous Challenge for this week: Identify and initiate this week at least one important conversation you need to have with you son(s)

Memory Verse (Free donut who says it!!): Be on the alert, stand firm, act like men , be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

The Next Step

Men of Resolution,

Wow God is good!!! We had nearly 50 men this week. Normally a group like this shrinks over time but we have grown each week. This is a result of the men of this group inviting and asking their friends/brothers to come with them. I commend you but I want more. This "Resolution Group" is to be a group of men from a community coming together regardless of church affiliation and taking a stand that we will stand together as Men of God ready to go to battle for our families.

The next step in the CHALLENGE is "Are you willing to go the distance?" There are 12 chapters left in the book. Lets break it down even further there are 4 Thursdays in February: 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. I will be there ready to teach. The question is will you be there and who will you bring with you?

If you haven't seen the movie Courageous yet FBC in Coweta is showing the movie FREE with CHILD CARE!!!! Feb 4th and 5th @ 7PM.

In the movie you will see a  Here is an example of one done at another church.

What is the "Resolution" click here and see.

I see the men of this group and other groups filling up football stadiums, saying in front of their families and friends "We WILL be COURAGEOUS MEN OF GOD!!".

1) Can you finish?
2) We will have a "Resolution Signing Ceremony". 
3) Who will you bring with you?



What is the "Resolution" click here and see.
"Resolution Signing Ceremony". 
Can you be one of these men?

Don't Forget:

Courageous Challenge: Consecrate your family by praying and dedicating them to God.
Memory Verse: 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

Week #2 A Lifelong Vision of Fatherhood

God is Good!! We had over 40 this morning. We had fathers bringing their sons, brothers bringing brothers, bosses bringing employees. There were over 8 churches represented from Coweta to Tulsa. Men of a community coming together saying we will be COURAGEOUS taking a stand for the Kingdom of God. What an awesome day.

1) Can you finish the 3 week challenge 2) Who will you bring with you new 3) The best time to step up is now

6:30am Thursday January 26th Coweta Fieldhouse

Week # 2 A Lifelong Vision of Fatherhood

We looked at 2 different stories. 1st is a man abandonded by his father, rejecting God. 2nd a man raised by a Godly man, taught Biblical Manhood Principals who created a legacy of Faith for generations.

What is your vision for your family as father? What will be your legacy? Will God say "well done my good and faithful servant" or will the "wages" for your life be an eternity away from God?

Courageous Challenge: Pray for God to give you His vision for generational faithfulness.

Write a comment for your family vision.

Memory Verse: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

This morning we had an 8th grader do the memory verse from last week. The result of a father with a vision for the legacy of his family.

See you next week.

What a great day!!!

Wow God is good! Nearly 40 MEN stepped up to the Challenge. Now the next step is 2 fold...

1) Those that came who can you bring with you? Bring teenage boys, if you think they are old enough to attend, that are transitioning to manhood. Bring you hunting/fishing buddy, your brother, any man that needs a vision of Godly Manhood.

2) Can you finish the challenge? Are you willing to sacrifice in order to grow? Remember that a man must die to himself in order to truly live full out for God.

I am excited to see MEN of Coweta, banding together regardless of church background, wanting to see a Revival in this community for the Kingdom of God!!!!

24 Hours-Firmness of Purpose

Resolution-the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute;firmness of purpose.


Firmness of Purpose do you have that in your life. There has been times in my life when I didn't have that, especially in my marriage. As a father I was hanging on trying to survive. But through a series of events I learned God's PURPOSE for a MAN. I learned Biblical Principal for Authentic Manhood: Reject Passivity, Lead Courageously, Accept Responsibility, and Expect a Greater Reward...God's reward. God lit a fire in me to see Men's lives change, to lead my family, to lead my football team to Godly Manhood.

What's the purpose of this group? To see the MEN of Coweta step up and be MEN of God and live out Authentic Biblical Manhood. It's very simple. Are you willing to take the steps to get there.

We are less than 24 hours from the 1st meeting. Are you registered? I am excited for whats doing.

Are you ready for a Manhood Revival?

3 More Days

Wow I am excited for what God is doing for the Community of Coweta. We are 3 days away from launching the Challenge. Can YOU commit to three weeks to be better, to see what God wants out of Men. Can YOU answer the call!?!?!

From the movie "Courageous" we will be going through the book "The Resolution for MEN".

Here is a video about the "Resolution" from the makers of "Courageous".

What an awesome way to challenge MEN in America to WAKE UP and be the MEN, God has called us to be.

Have you registered yet? Have you invited a friend? Do you like DONUTS and COFFEE!?!?!

ARE YOU READY TO RISE UP AND FIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY

WHO WILL YOU GO TO BATTLE WITH, WHO WILL YOU LOCK SHIELDS WITH

Are you hungry for Authentic Manhood?!?!?!?!

We are 8 days away from the launch of Chalenge Coweta!!! I am excited about what God is doing. If you haven't signed up yet do it here. You don't have to sign up, just show up.

The purpose of this group is to teach MEN what God wants from them, to teach Husbands what God wants, and to teach Fathers what God wants.

How many of you have been hungry for something more in your life, for a bigger purpose. This is the time to seek Authentic Manhood:

1. Reject Passivity
2. Accept Responsibility
3. Lead Courageously
4. Expect a Greater Reward...God's Reward

Can you commit to 3 weeks to get better, to see what God wants from you. 6:30am Thursday mornings starting 01.12.12 at the Fieldhouse.

Sign up here and personally invite your friends!!!!!

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be alert; stand firm in the faith; ACT LIKE MEN; be strong.