1.-We've been working our way through Romans, so read Romans 4:13-25 and share anything that impresses you.
2.-How can you strengthen your faith? Write on your MP3 card a personalized paraphrase of Rom.4:21- "I am fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised." So don't focus on trying to strengthen your faith; focus on your all powerful and faithful God. He has the power to do what He has promised. He proved it by even raising Jesus from the dead. He certainly has the power to raise us to life with Him when we die.
One of our goals of M3 is to strengthen you in your faith (to be MANLY) so that you can multiply many manly men- to have many spiritual descendants like Abraham. To do that, you and I need to trust God and cooperate with Him in the great commission He has given us- to make Christlike disciples- to multiply MANLY men. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations (Literally, all ethnic groups), baptizing them...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" Mt.28:19-20.
As you've experienced, the blog is a very helpful teaching tool for making or maturing MANLY men. Rather than requiring you to meet regularly with a newer believer, just recruit them to the team and together we will mentor them. We are about team coaching. Teamwork makes the dream work. But for that to happen, each team member needs to fulfill his commitments to the team, otherwise he is weakening himself and the team. By way of review, the following is a portion from our M3 website, you read and then committed to when you filled out the application to join:
Count the Cost
A Marines billboard says it well. "We don't accept applications, only commitments." You still need to apply with the Marines, but it must involve commitment. You will also need to apply to join with us. Here are the commitments we make- -I will follow the orders of the captain of my salvation, Jesus Christ.
-I will read and share his word on a daily basis as my brothers are also doing.
-I will extend encouragement to others in M3 throughout each week.
-I will attend the monthly training and awards meetings. -I will not waste others time; so I will be on time for our monthly meetings.
-I will return calls promptly-by the end of the following day at the very latest. My brothers are more important than the excuses I might be tempted to give for not calling back sooner. If not, I owe him a doughnut or a soft drink and vice versa. If I fail to keep my word and commitments to any of the above, I will apologize and make amends.
We truly want to help you grow and multiply your life. As you know, anything worthwhile takes commitment. Are you sure you are willing to make the commitments spelled out on our M3 website-
1.-reading and sharing Scripture daily with your brothers on our blog
2.-returning phone calls or texts promptly
3.-attending our monthly meetings (Note: Our next mtg is Sun. April 26th at 3:00)
I'm happy all of you made those commitments on your application, otherwise you wouldn't be here. Keeping commitments is not always easy to do, but that is when our manly maturity kicks in. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. For example, sometimes it's tough to make time to spend in God's word and sharing it on the blog. It's late and I'm sleepy, but I made a commitment- "No Scripture No Sleep." Many of you have proven to be unstoppable in this area. A few months ago, Jack had surgery on both hands, yet still blogged. Wow! He's on vacation this week, but is still unstoppable. Others of you have faced your own hardships, and still have remained unstoppable. Way to go!
"No scripture, no sleep." Here's another statement I live by:"Grace people, don't guilt them." If a person misses blogging, I don't call them up and guilt them. God gives us grace when we fall. Having said that, may we never abuse grace. May we never cheapen God's grace and our our character by taking our commitments lightly. Who may live in God's presence? Psalm 15 says in part that it's the man who "keeps his oaths, even when it hurts." These days, there are few things that challenge us to be faithful, especially to the things of God. Good things push God things off to the sidelines.
Many believers live by their emotions, not devotion. If they don't feel like going to church, or giving or reading God's word they don't. Whose to know?! But we in M3 want to be manly men, to be tough soldiers. To be strong in the Lord. To be solid in godly character. To keep our oaths even when it hurts. To read God's word and share what we get before calling it a day. To keep our commitment- "No scripture, no sleep." To be Unstoppable. Soldiers in special forces training must stay awake for over 48 hours to carry out an assignment. So "endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus" 2 Tim.2:3. So if it's been a long, hard day, then please don't call it a day, until you spend it with the One who gave it to you. "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors" Prov.8:34. Thus, it should be the rare thing that someone needs to be called because he missed blogging. Emergencies do come up and I completely understand. But apart from being at the hospital or such, tough it out. As a football coach was apt to say to his team when they were on the edge of either giving in to weariness or winning against the other fatigued team- "Suck it up and go!" Or as Paul put it, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal.6:10
"I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread." Job.23:12
They examined the scriptures every day" Acts 17:11
3.-Will you renew your commitment to be daily in God's word and sharing with your brothers on the blog?
4.-Did you read the email I sent you Sunday about our strategy to encourage one another?
"Let us encourage one another daily...so that no one is hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Heb.3:13
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love" Rom.12:10
This weekend's fire team members are Jack, Roger, Armando, John and George D. What good brothers. Please give a word of encouragement to Andre, Ismael and Lucas. Their contact info is within the Contacts Tab on our Scoreboard page. Also, if those brothers are on your fire team, it would be good to contact them as well. Let's encourage one another on to be unstoppable. Thanks!
Speaking of being unstoppable, here's a 3 minute video purely for your enjoyment. You can skip it if you don't have the time. But come back to it when you can, 'cause it's amazing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPTIXldrq3Q
1. What impressed me the most of this passage is found in Rom 4:20-21 "No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised".
ReplyDeleteEven though Abraham knew that he was very old (around 100 years old) and his wife Sarah was barren he did not let these true facts keep him from believing in the true God that had promised to make him a father of many nations. To the contrary we see that his faith grew as he gave glory to God despite his circumstances.
This should give all of us that have put our faith in Christ extreme joy and confidence knowing that we serve the same God of Abraham and that God's promises for us in His Word will be come true.
2. Did it
3. Yes I renew my commitment to be daily in the word of God
4. Yes I did read Sunday's email
Excellent Roger! And you have been and are a great example of being unstoppable, never missing a day.
DeleteGreat point, Rodger we can trust Gods past character to repeat itself.
DeleteCovering you Roger!
DeleteBrother Roger, yes it's impressive even more so when you take under consideration that Abraham had to see the fulfillment of having descendants that out numbered the stars from heaven.
DeleteRoger it is always good to read your blog you are great example for everyone.
Delete1. Romans 4:20 ESV No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, This verse stuck out to me the most. It shows why we need to be in his word daily and praying. If we want to grow spiritually we need to being learning and speaking with are father on a daily basis.
ReplyDelete2.Did it
3. I recommit to reading on a daily basis.
4. I read your email from Sunday.
Good word James. I also liked that verse.
DeleteBrother James, Yes! He's the air that we breath and the bread we consume!
DeleteAmen James! That's exactly what im doing too. I am learning the Word and speaking to God regularly to grow closer to Him. I am glad that We are doing this together James.
Delete1) What stands out to me is that Abraham's hope had become an expectation. Abraham that God was able, therefore he could and that God was faithful therefore he would. In these conclusions Abraham could lay the full weight of his hope on Gods character and promises.
ReplyDelete2) One of the ways I strengthen my faith is to remind myself of what I have personally experienced of Gods provision. Or to think on the testimonies of the saints within the scripture and remind myself that this same God, longs to do and is doing good for me. Did it.
3) you have my re commitment.
4) Yes I did read your email from Sunday..
Yes, spiritual markers or faith builders. Looking back at my journals or talking with our believers and their stories stirres me up. Good Job.
DeleteBrother Tony, agreed, let's not forget! "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago." Psalm 77:11
Delete1. "And where there is no law there is no transgression." Romans 4:14b
ReplyDeleteEx Post Facto= Latin for "after the fact," which refers to laws adopted after an act is committed making it illegal although it was legal when done, or increases the penalty for a crime after it is committed." (http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/)
The Law (Ten Commandments) had not yet been written or given to Abraham. When God called him, he followed and obeyed by faith. The Law was given to Moses and the Hebrews hundreds of years later upon their exodus from Egypt. Unlike today, they didn't have the complete Canon of Scripture. They hoped and looked forward in faith to the cross and we have the wonderful privilege of looking back at it. So how much more should we believe?!
3. Yes
Delete4. Yes
We have the Law. We can't plead innocent by ignorance.
DeleteRobert, thanks for pointing out the fact that the Ten Commandments weren't handed down for hundreds of years. It makes Abraham's faith even more impressive.
Delete1. Romans 4:20 ESV No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God...
ReplyDeleteI like this verse because Abraham did not waver. He grew stronger as he gave glory to God. That's so amazing. When we praise God we come to know Him more. When we draw closer and step out in faith, He shows himself to us more. Allowing us to continue to build on that solid foundation we have solidify by the hope that we have in Our Rock.
2.Did it
3. I have committed to reading on a daily basis.
4. I read your email from Sunday.
I enjoy reading you daily blogs! I really like how you break things down and explain the message to us! Thanks brother
Delete1. What impresses me the most is Romans 4:16a "...the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all"
ReplyDeleteGod keeps His promises and makes them available to those who accept Him.
2. Did it
3. I will continue to read daily
4. I read Sunday's email
What impresses me is how Mr Sam Vargas continues to persevere and be a great example of a Manly Man! ;-)
Delete1. Romans 4: 18-21 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him."So shall your offspring be without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave the glory to God.
ReplyDelete2. Did it
3. Yes i renew my commitment to be daily in Gods word and sharing in the blog.
4. Yes i read the encouragement email from Sunday and i think its a great idea .
I admire the strength and faith of Abraham.
Delete1.-We've been working our way through Romans, so read Romans 4:13-25 and share anything that impresses you.
ReplyDeleteVerse 16 sticks out to me. States the start, the foundation for believers. Abraham believed God's promise that he will have a son and that he would be Father and seed of many nations, as numerous as the stars in heaven. His faith and trust in God was unwavering. Abrahams faithfulness without any doubts brought about God's grace and favor to him and to all man kind who believe and trust in God and his salvation. Just think if Abraham did not have faith in God's promise, how the state of this world might be, with no Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Jesus......., no hope of salvation ? Please I don't want to go there, thank you Lord for your mercy and glorious way with your children.
Brother Armando it so good see how much you are in growing in God word wow! Amen!!
DeleteI like today's theme team work makes the dream work. No unbelief made him
ReplyDeletewaver concerning the promise of God,because Abraham was strong in is his faith as he
gave glory to God.That was a gift given to him freely by the grace of God not by works or
the following the law of God.
2.did it
3.yes I renew my commitment.
4.did it
John it is great to see your faithfulness to God by renewing your commitment to seek Him everyday through His Word.
Delete1) I like verse 20 "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God," Abraham could have easily said i have waited to long God will not do what he has promised. Instead he gave full faith to God and waited till God was ready to fulfill his promise he made.
ReplyDelete2) to put it simply my heart + Praying to God= No worries. I realized no matter what I worry about God has his planned set and even though the present day is a struggle our future will be more gratifying and amazing but we have to let God take the reins of our lives and pray that we are doing what he made us for.
3) I am new so i will say I am committed
Welcome Andre! Great job brother!!!!
ReplyDelete1. Abraham had complete faith in God and gave him all the glory, as he was persuaded to believe fully that God has all the power to do what he promises. Abraham did become the Father of many nations.
ReplyDelete2. Did it
3. I am committed
4. Did it
Abraham was a true believer. He is a good example to follow. We believe in God but like many people we at times want to see for ourselves that God's promise was true before we get excited about our present and future. Our faith at time is weak. You always hear people asking for prayers when something is wrong in their life's. Why don't people ask for prayers when things are going good in their life's. It would be nice for someone to say "Hey Mike things are going good in my life but can you still pray for me." I would response "I pray that you get your hearts desires and that God keep satan away from you and your family's door steps." I am just saying it would be nice.
ReplyDeleteAbrahams faith stood strong and he was rewarded greatly.
ReplyDeleteDid it
I am committed
The passages are stating that you are credited by God by having faith. You could be physically weak but as long as you have faith, your are strong Spiritually.
ReplyDeleteCommitted
1. I liked Romans 3:20 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.” I want to be like Abraham, where my faith just keeps getting stronger and stronger.
ReplyDelete2. Did it
3. I am committed
4. Read it
1.Abraham he is the father of many nations. He is also the father of the Arab nations through the son he had with Hagar.I believe that if Abraham would not have listened to his wife we would have had less conflict in the world.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete1. Read Romans 4:13-25 and share anything that impresses you.
What impressed me was how Abraham's faith was detailed - which is a faith we are to have.
Vs 17 – Abraham believed in “the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
Vs 18 -Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed God
Vs 19 - Abraham's faith was not weakened by the circumstances (He and Sarah were too old to have children)
Vs 20 – Abraham's faith did not wavier through unbelief. (He did not struggle with doubts concerning God's promises.)
but was strong in his faith, giving glory to God.
Vs 21 – Abraham was fully persuaded that God was powerful enough to do what He promised.
Vs 22 – God credited Abraham's faith as righteousness.
2. Did It
3. Will you renew your commitment to be daily in God's word and sharing with your brothers on the blog? I will bow out of M3 in a few months for a season but will plan to rejoin when I can.
4. I read the email.
Romans 4:20-21New International Version (NIV)
ReplyDelete20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
1)Abraham had great faith. Romans has been a great read. I have gotten some great knowledge from this powerful book.
2) did it
3) YES I RENEW MY COMMITMENT. M3 has been a great blessing to me.
4) Read it
GOD BLESS
1
ReplyDeleteAbraham who did not have the gospel was considered righteous for his faithfulness in God. That he looked past the natural and really saw God's identity and what He was capable of. Paul is saying that faith is universal, unlike the law which brings condemnation to our natural selves. If Abraham's faith brings righteousness and our faith in the risen Christ bring righteousness as well then in all things first that is required by God is faith in himself
2
Did it
3
Absolutely yes
4
I did see your email message and commit to the encouragement of the team.
1.ts pretty impressive that Abraham lived to be 100.
ReplyDelete2. did it.
3. yes
4. yes
Remembering the promises and the glory that comes from God and Only God through Jesus Christ aRe we given rightesnouss.
ReplyDeleteCommitted.
I think I did it right....
1. I like how the passage clearly shows the importance of faith and trust in God over works. This is very important to remind ourselves about frequently because it is easy to become legalistic and to put trust in our works if we are not careful..
ReplyDelete2. Did It.
3.Yes
4.Yes
1.The passages are stating that you are credited by God by having faith. You could be physically weak but as long as you have faith, your are strong Spiritually.
ReplyDelete2.did it
3. Committed
4.did it
Yes I will recommit to the M3 degrees to best of my abilities, and honor to be in the company of my spiritually gifted brothers
ReplyDeleteGood morning everyone sorry i'm always running behind, so what really stuck out to me like a sore thumb was Rom. 4-18,19. Against all hope, Abraham IN hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, " so shall your offspring be". Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead - since he was about a hundred years old - and that Sarah's womb was also dead.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of any outcome that Abraham was in, even at that age along with his wife, he maintained his hope and STAYED IN HOPE which is an awesome thing to do. I think about the hope and faith that they had and how extremely short I fall from complete devotion. Also the video I truly like because I'm a car guy and just to think of how it all starts. from human beings made from god to have the capabilities to make and program robots to act as we do and perfect the laws of life.
If it was only that easy. but all in hope and faith is how I must be in comparison to Abraham and Sarah.
2- DONE
3-YES I WILL RENEW MY COMMITMENT
4-YES I READ THE EMAIL
Amen brother Guillermo! My condolences to you and your family for your recent loss.
Delete