Fishers of Men - Paul4Jesus Ministry

"Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God" (2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV)

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17 NIV)

The time has come! In the final session of Promise Keepers '93, Coach McCarthy reminded us all. "We have been in a war but not at war! If we are to make a difference, it will require much more than we've been doing until now."

While we have been asleep in our routines, the enemy has attacked relentlessly, cutting away the spiritual heritage of America. If we don't respond now, time could run out!

An Opportunity is Here And The Time is Now!

It is a little intimidating to realize that a "time of God's favor" is upon us. It is doubly intimidating when we see what an impact a few committed men have had in starting Promise Keepers. Many of us may feel tempted to think that is too great a burden to bear; that our lives, by comparison, are just the routine stuff of paying bills, trying to please an employer, and building strong marriages and families. But that is the point, for the vast majority of us, the routines of life are our divinely appointed opportunities. As the apostle Paul said:

"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:14-16(NIV)

Something is happening to the men of America. They are changing. They are looking for more out of life than mediocre relationships and daily ruts. And they are finding it by becoming Promise Keepers. Men of their word and men of God's Word.

Becoming a Promise Keeper is for any male who wants to know his creator better, be closer to his wife and children, tear down the walls of division, and see the entire world come to know God's love.

The Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, which we will read in this next chapter, holds the keys to unlocking the power and potential of men. Where men discover how to deepen their devotion to Christ through consistent worship, prayer and obedience. They will understand how a commitment to integrity results in spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity. They will learn how to be a better husband, father, and friend. And by following the seven foundational principles, they will see God work in ways they never thought possible.

Our nation is suffering from a severe shortage of integrity. It needs men willing to stand strong in the midst of moral chaos. It needs men willing to reach beyond racial and denominational barriers. It needs men willing to cement their commitments and become Promise Keepers. And for those men who dare, an unforgettable journey awaits.

Dear Brothers,

These powerful words you have just read were borrowed from the book: "Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper". Written by: Bill Bright, Edwin Cole, Dr. James Dobson, Tony Evens, Bill McCartney, Luis Palau, Randy Phillips and Gary Smalley. A powerful introduction to an ever growing and wonderful movement that is sweeping across America.

I remember a week-end in 1995, at the Oakland Coliseum in California as if it were only yesterday. Where some 56,000 men gathered and packed into one place. Men of all different race, age and denomination. Many of us were somewhat nervous, many of us were curious, and many simply did not know what to expect. Many were Christian, and many were not. Many men were there because a Pastor, friend, or relative had invited them. But a change was definitely in the air. Something different, something new, something I had never before experienced.

We saw with our own eyes, we listened intensely, we learned much about ourselves and each other, and we shared from our hearts as the racial and denominational barriers came down. Many of us cried together as our lives were being changed.

I suddenly realized what was so different and new in the air. That which I had never experienced before. The power of God was moving throughout the stadium as the lives of thousands of men were being changed forever. I witnessed thousands of men come to know the Lord as they accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts as their Lord and Savior. Praise God! They moved in endless lines down to the platform level of the stadium, where we prayed for them and with them.

My life and the lives of thousands of others were changed that wonderful week-end in '95.

It was by far the most incredibly awesome week-end of my life, as some 56,000 men were gathered together in one single place. Where we prayed, worshiped and sang songs together. That was the week-end that I became a Promise Keeper.

Brothers, I sincerely encourage you to join this wonderful movement. Join the movement of Men in action for Christ. Become a Promise Keeper!

Your brother in Christ,
Paul

Godly Men

Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.

Though we know we sometimes stumble, may the promise we strive to keep,
be to honor you with all our hearts and to worship at your feet.

Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.

As we enter in this covenant, we will seek your holy face,
to become men of integrity, protected by your grace.

Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men...Amen!

About Promise Keepers

PROMISE KEEPERS STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the Bible is God's written revelation to man, and that it is verbally inspired, authoritative, and without error in the original manuscripts.

We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death on the cross to provide for our redemption, bodily resurrection, and ascension into heaven, present ministry of intercession for us, and His return to earth in power and glory.

We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, that He performs the miracle of the new birth in unbelievers and indwells believers, enabling them to live godly lives.

We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of sin, was alienated from God. Only through faith, trusting in Christ alone for salvation which was made possible by His death and resurrection, can that alienation be removed.
THE SEVEN PROMISES OF A PROMISE KEEPER

A Promise Keeper is committed to honoring Jesus Christ through worship, prayer and obedience to God's Word in the power of the Holy Spirit.

A Promise Keeper is committed to pursuing vital relationships with a few other men, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises.

A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity.

A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values.

A Promise Keeper is committed to supporting the mission of his church by honoring and praying for his pastor, and by actively giving his time and resources.

A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.

A Promise Keeper is committed to influencing his world, being obedient to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

The Great Commandment:

"The most important commandment: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

"The second is: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31(NIV)

The Great Commission:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20(NIV)

Promise Keepers

Blacksmith Groups

A Blacksmith Group is a group of 2-5 men that gather regularly for prayer, accountability, encouragement, and the study of God's Word; with the purpose to glorify God by making disciples who will impact every area of the world for Christ.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17(NIV)

Getting Started

Pray and ask God to bring one or two men to your mind that he would have for your group.

Contact these men, pick a date and time to meet weekly or bi-weekly.

Open your Blacksmith Group with prayer, and dedicate your time together with Him.

Make it known that all conversations are to be kept confidential. Share as openly as possible.

Move into accountability, ask each other some of the suggested questions listed below. (see questions below)

Encourage each other to look to God for strength. Contact each other during the week to see how you're doing.

After having met for a few weeks and built some relationships, you may want to start reading a book or study and reviewing it during your group meetings.

Close your group with prayer and thanksgiving. Lift each other up in prayer now, and throughout the week.

Suggested Accountability Questions

How many days since we last met have you read the Bible?

How many days since we last met have you spent time in prayer (Goal of 15 minutes per day)?

Have you spent 20 minutes at least one time this week with your wife where you've sat down and listened to her?

Have you been in any situations with the opposite sex which may have appeared inappropriate?

Have you exposed yourself to any explicit material since we last met?

Have you been a good steward of the finances which God has entrusted you?

Have you considered making any major commitment of time, and is this in keeping with your spiritual gifts and other commitments to God, spouse and family?

In what area have you found it most difficult to trust God?

What is the name of one person whose salvation God has laid on your heart?

Have you lied or misrepresented the truth in answering any of the above questions?

Study Resources

"Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper"

Dear Brothers,

If you have any questions regarding material on this page, please feel free to contact me any time. I look forward to hearing from you.

God Bless You Brothers!
Love In Christ,
Paul aka Paul4Jesus

Created on 08/18/2008 06:10 PM by admin
Updated on 08/18/2008 07:57 PM by admin