Closer to Home – Men: Transformation Demonstration

Key Bible Verse: “I pray also that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:21). Bonus Reading: John 17:21-23
In effect, Jesus said, “The world [...]

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Closer to Home – Men: Consider the Person

Consider the Person
 
Key Bible Verse: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up … (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). Bonus Reading: Romans 15:2-3
 
The friendship of a couple I knew was amazing. They were able to say the toughest things to each other, things that are [...]

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Theological Word of the Day: Egalitarianism

Egalitarianism
[ih-gal’-ih-tayr‘-ee-uh-niz’-um]
(French egal, “equal”)
Theological position held by many Christians (contra complementarianism) believing the Bible does not teach that women are in any sense, functionally or ontologically, subservient to men. Women and men hold positions in society, ministry, and the family according to their gifts, not their gender. The principle of mutual submission teaches that husbands and [...]

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Closer to Home – Men: Every-day Conversation

“Everyday” Doesn’t Mean “Insignficant”
Key Bible Verse: “What you say flows from what is in your heart.” (Luke 6:45). Bonus Reading: Matthew 12:33-37
Your everyday communication influences the shape, quality, and direction of your relationships. Every day your words give your relationships their tone. Every day you tell  people what you think of them, what you want [...]

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Closer to Home – Men: Consider the Problem

Consider the Problem

Key Bible Verse: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:1
Every word an ambassador speaks is directed by the king’s interest and will. What we say must be driven [...]

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Closer to Home – Men:A Mini-King or an Ambassador?

A Mini-King or an Ambassador?

Key Bible Verse: He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him. … We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us (2 Corinthians 5:15, 20 NIV). Bonus Reading: Romans 14:7-9
A mini-king is always seeking to establish his [...]

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Closer to Home – Men: Family Fractures

Family Fractures
Key Bible Verse: How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! (Psalm 133:1). Bonus Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
Beginning in the Garden of Eden, Satan has been the CEO of division, driving a wedge of separation between the Creator and his creation. But God so loved his created ones that he [...]

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Closer to Home

Men
Integrity in Difficult Situations
Jesus’ trip to the cross should serve as our example.
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            Women
Finding Safe Women
I used to equate “women’s ministry” with things like secret pals and salad suppers. Problem is I’m a horrible secret pal because I tend to forget birthdays and anniversaries. And I’m sorry, but I like warm food.
At one particularly [...]

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Closer to Home

            Men
Prideful Young Men: A Warning from J.C. Ryle
The following really doesn’t need any introduction other than a plea for all young men to consider carefully its warning; especially from one who has more warning to take than most (if I’m still allowed to call myself a young man!): “How common is it to see [...]

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Closer to Home

 The five-word antidote to grumbling Tony Payne
This story has been passed onto me second- or third- or possibly fifth-hand. Who knows how accurate the details are, or whether the words were spoken exactly in this way? But from my knowledge of the man in question, it is entirely believable. In fact, if it isn’t true, [...]

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