97 West

Tonight we will remain with the Men of Genesis theme, I will discuss some of the character flaws in Adam as a result of the fall and how those relate to me and all other men today.

We have been speaking about Authenticity in manhood and being a real man from a wide angle perspective. Tonight it is more about a tight focus on what I’ve experienced and where God brought me from.

What is Authenticity and how does one get there? The first step is, accepting the truth that is Christ, and looking at your life honestly and truthfully and understanding that our family life shapes how we see manhood.

The reason looking back is good is A: Many men have yet to reckon with their past or close out the unfinished business that still lives there. B: Until a man unpacks his past and deals with the themes and pain that reside there he can never be an authentic man. and C: You cannot become a man without help. There is no such thing as a “Self-made man.”

Tonight, I will first talk about the circumstances and some events that helped misshape and misguide my life that led to my flawed way of thinking. Then, I will tell you about my experience of coming to know my Lord and Savior, and how He has radically changed my life and transformed me from the inside out. Finally, I will also give you some insight of how I now relate to God, myself and others, especially women, and how I deal with circumstances and issues much more differently as a result of this transformation.

In 2nd Timothy the Bible tells us that “All scripture is God-breathed, it is useful in teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” I knew that nothing short of a miracle could change me,

I am sure most of you will relate to some part of my life and my struggles. I hope that through my story you will see how Christ can truly transform a life.

See you at 7:30,

Jesse

I’m not real faithful in everything, but there are some things that I’ve remained extremely consistent in doing.  For example, I have been breathing consistently for quite a while now.  I don’t mean to brag, but I’m pretty good at breathing. 

Here is the award winning pattern for breathing that I have developed: Inhale…Exhale…Repeat.  I think it’s catching on – I’ve met a lot of other people who are breathers just like me.  I’m a trend setter.  Mark my words: Breathing is the next big thing.  Anticipate seeing Breathing Groups on Facebook.  (You may want to consider joining…) 

Pardon my arrogance, but I am so good at breathing that I can even breathe without having to think about it.  I like to think of it as a “gift.”  When it comes to breathing, I’m special.  I owe my success to nonstop practice – without fail, I have been breathing for 42 years, 4 months and 16 days.  And still counting.

Tonight at 97West we study a guy who had his own mad skills.  This guy – Enoch – “walked with God.”  Get this: He walked with God consistently, everyday for 300 years(!). 

Like I said, I’m great at breathing every single day, all day.  But walking with God is an area of inconsistency, one of those things that I could use some help.  I want to be just as consistent in my walk with God as I am with breathing.  How ‘bout you?

gary

I gotta be honest here… we live in a world that has some pretty messed up perspectives regarding manliness.  Is a real man the lead role in “Braveheart,” played by Mel Gibson?  Could it be the real man played by Jim Caviezel in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion”?  Or is a “real man” Mel Gibson during his latest tirade?  Will the Real Man please stand up so we can better see who to follow, who to emulate????

I’ve talked to many boys who left me thinking that the measure of manliness was based on biceps and bank accounts rather than Bible.  Tonight we start a new summer series – “Real Men of Genesis.”  Over the remainder of this summer we will look at what various characters of Genesis teach us about both Biblical manhood and also womanhood. 

I figured we should start with the first man – Adam – who was created by none other than the perfect man – God.

Tonight’s talk will not be just for the guys… it’s an ideal night for you girls to bring your boyfriend (and watch him squirm).  See ya at 7:30.

gary

What comes to mind when you hear the word “broke”?  Thoughts of an empty bank account?  I’ll use “broke” in a sentence as it may be referenced in a typical conversation between a male and female at 97West:  “Hi.  It’s nice to meet you.  I would like to take you out for a really nice meal, but I’m broke.” 

That same word – “broke” – may mean being in a state of not performing as intended, or fractured into parts.  Let me use this form of the word, again as it might be used on a typical Tuesday at 97West: “Hi.  It’s nice to meet you.  I would like to take you out for a really nice meal, but my car is broke.”

The psalmist has some encouraging words for all of us who are broken (and by the way, we all are broken): “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” – Psalm 34:18

David is the guy who wrote that psalm, and many others.  There is another David who will be the lead worshipper with us tonight.  Our David was with us a few months ago and we are thrilled to have him back, this time backed by some of our 97West band.  Join us tonight as we go for broke, laying it all on the line for a King who loves us.

gary

I’ve noticed people frequently running red lights down here in South Tampa.  It seems to happen quite often.  Because of the regularity of this, when my light turns green I’ve learned to do a slow 3-count and look both ways before easing into the intersection.  I do get how a yellow light may cause you to speed up and get through the intersection.  But a light that has already turned red???

There are times when proceeding through an intersection is safe, even ideal.  But there are also times when you gotta stop.  Stopping is the best thing for you and for those around you.

God, in His sovereignty, knows that we want to keep going and maintain momentum.  He knows that we have this driven side that thrives off of being productive, that wants to speed up on yellow lights, and even take risks by running red lights.

So God, in His sovereignty, created a Stop Day.  Stop Day may still be a busy intersection, but we have God’s permission to sit there letting our souls idle, waiting for His signal to move forward. 

For a couple Tuesday nights now we have been talking about how to glorify God in our work.  Tonight we consider what it looks like to bring glory to God when we play, when we Sabbath, when we celebrate Stop Day.

gary