A Christian Men Together breakfast was really not high on my “list of things to do” on a Saturday morning at 8.00am. With autumn’s arrival I have been abruptly reminded of the impending winter and the need to get all the “summer jobs” done before it’s too late! These jobs did get my attention on Saturday morning but I did make the effort to reach the breakfast before it was brunch, and how splendidly I was rewarded for my exertion. Jeff the chef had produced a fantastic breakfast of hash browns, French toast and maple syrup, bacon and scrambled egg washed down with fresh orange juice and freshly brewed coffee. But the reward was not food for the body… Instead I found myself delighting in a grander fare of food for the soul.
Six men each took to the floor one by one to share in seven minutes flat (strictly measured by the cow bell) something of their lives as Christians. What a refreshing time of testimony it was: a call to get serious about prayer; a reminder of the value of the blogosphere; an insight into life as a Pastor; the place of prison ministry; an exhortation to reading good Christian books in community; and a moving testimony to the power of God at work in the life of a cancer sufferer.
There was much to inspire, challenge and exhort even the casual listener. The priority of prayer for a Christian man was outlined from great sayings about prayer and Scriptural gleanings which stated the matter clearly: men ought always to pray (Lk 18.1). The pastor helped us see that our primary identity as believers is not in a title or in a role (whether sacred or secular) but in the fact that at all times, whether at work or at play, we are Christians first – disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus. The young man who had recently committed himself to prison visitation spoke of the power of the gospel in the lives of hardened criminals, even when it is presented in the simplest of formats but with consistent faithfulness – God’s Word never returns to him void, but accomplishes the purpose for which he sent it. Good Christian books abound on the majority world’s bookshelves and in our multiplicity of preferred e-readers but how few of us are committed to reading them! And so the call to be accountable to one another in reading through books like ‘Disciplines of a Godly Man’ by Kent Hughes having informal review and discussion groups was an innovative way to stimulate us out of our lazy tendencies. The striking testimony of a man of God who has battled with cancer for six years was a moving end to an incredible morning. The change of perspective which faith in Christ brings to the ugly nature of the scourge of cancer was remarkable to hear – ‘my strength is made perfect in weakness’ (Phil 4:13). To hear such a testimony is one thing – to see it lived out in front of your eyes as we have done with our brother is quite another.
Oh, and blogging… yeah, this guy got up and said it would be good to blog, he blogged and blogs were good and useful and stuff… and you could learn and shape and influence others and others stuff like that… Thanks JT. Looks like you got to me also!
The Word is near you... 