Men

MEN'S MINISTRY

Jesus: More Than Sunday

Friday, September 12, 2008
Fellowship Hall
Details: Contact Brian Burgess
brian@westernavenue.org

Jesus: More Than Sunday Friday, February 22, 2008
Skip Cartin	Reading Your Bible: A Man's Magnificent Obession (Proverbs 2)	5.58 MB (24:23)
Brian Burgess	How to Have a Quiet Time (Psalm 119)	8.99 MB (39:17)
Jeff Spry	Family Devotions: Being the Spiritual Leader of Your Home	9.63 MB (42:04)

In the Hollywood western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the two outlaws find themselves hemmed in by an angry posse. Completely outflanked by deputies, they are backed up against the edge of a hundred-foot cliff. Looking over the edge, they see a raging river roaring through the canyon below. Butch suggests they jump. The Sundance Kid refuses. Butch won’t give up on the idea and Sundance continues to resist. Finally, with the lawmen closing in for the kill, Butch asks in desperation why Sundance won’t jump. Meekly, Sundance admits he can’t swim. Butch laughs and utters these immortal words: “You can’t swim? Shoot, the fall will probably kill you anyway!” With that, they both step off the cliff!

Numerous men feel they are in that exact same situation. Confusion has set in regarding what it means to be a man to the extent that men don’t know what to do and all the options seem incredibly risky and potentially fatal. Feminism and political correctness is attacking masculinity in every arena of life, making it harder and harder to be the type of man the Bible tells us a man is supposed to be. Dr. John MacArthur has written that First Timothy 6 tells us everything we need to know about identifying and being a man of God:

1) A man of God is known by what he flees from! I Timothy 6:11a says “Man of God, flee from all this.” Paul is referring to a long list of sinful attitudes and behaviors in the previous verses. Are you known for engaging in sin or running from it?

2) A man of God is known by what he follows after! Paul continues, writing “. . . pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (I Tim 6:11b). Are these qualities present and growing in your life?

3) A man of God is known by what he fights for! Paul tells Timothy (and us) to “fight the good fight of the faith” (I Tim 6:12). Are you willing to stand firm for Godly principles in your home, your job, your life?

4) Finally, a man of God is known by what he is faithful to! Paul concludes by telling his young charge to “keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Tim 6:14).

At Western Avenue, we want to invite you to join any of the support ministries we offer for men to become godly men, husbands, fathers and workers. Read about the opportunities you have to be the man God wants you to be!

GUYS NIGHT OUT
    Men from the church and community meet each month on the fourth Thursday of the month in the church’s fellowship hall for an evening of good food, engaging conversation and a challenging message from a guest speaker. The evening begins at 6:00 P.M. with a meal prepared by our church’s kitchen staff, which is eaten in a room buzzing with talk about family, home, work, sports, finances and anything else you want to discuss.

     Following the meal, you will hear testimonies from other men that will allow you to see how God is at work in the lives around you. It is truly a wonderful experience to hear how God worked in another’s life and to know that He wants to work in yours as well.

     A special speaker closes the evening with a challenging message from God’s Word. Usually, the message centers on issues pertinent to the man and the life he leads as employee/boss, husband, father, brother and son.

     There is no cost for the evening and you are encouraged to come whether you are a member of the church or not. In fact, bring several of your friends with you for a night they’ll want to return to again and again.

MISSIONS AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
     If you are handy with a hammer or power tools, there is a spot for you to serve others in Christ’s name. In the past, we have gone to areas of need to offer our services as mechanics, handymen and general workers. We have assisted with flood victims in eastern North Carolina and hurricane victims in Florida and many places in between. We also do numerous service projects in the Statesville area to help single mothers and the elderly with jobs they can’t do or afford on their own. The church began the construction of a Habitat For Humanity house in South Statesville in February 2002.

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
    Western Avenue offers several Bible study classes on Sunday mornings at 9:45 A.M. In these classes, you can join other men your approximate age for wonderful teaching and great discussion from God’s Word. Pick up a Sunday Connection brochure to find a class just right for you.

        Equipping University is open every Wednesday evening at 6:30 P.M. for one hour of specialized study. We offer numerous classes for eight to thirteen weeks at a time on a variety of subjects. We always try to have a class that meets the needs of men in the community by studying the Bible to see what it means to be a godly husband, father or employee. In the past we have offered such courses as Parenting Today’s Adolescents, The Image of God in Men and Women, Basic Budgeting, Making Love Last Forever, Homes of Honor, The Investor’s Club, Personal Disciple Making, Bringing Up Boys and Men Leading the Charge, among many others.

      We try to attend various seminars and retreats as they are offered in North Carolina and surrounding states. Our men have attended Promise Keepers events for the past several years and are always able to glean great insight into God’s plan for the godly male. Other local rallies and events are publicized and attended as they are appear.

RECREATION
     Of course, we also know that men like to play. Recreation is important and gives men an opportunity to participate in their favorite pastimes in a Christian atmosphere surrounded by supportive peers. We take various trips through the year to enjoy deep-sea fishing and golf. We also participate in local softball and basketball leagues.

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