MAY 2013 EDITION

Andy Stanley is probably my favorite preacher. Charles Sineath is my favorite pastor. Andy has just finished a series on his T.V, show "Your Move" which airs right after Saturday Night Live on NBC. I cannot stay up that late so I tape Andy's show and watch it Sunday night. "Christian." is the name of the series I watched.  It was outstanding! You can watch it on his podcast at www.yourmove.org. The gist of the series was the differentiation between the word "Christian", which is only used three times in the New Testament and usually as a derogatory term used by those outside the faith and the word "disciple", which is what Christ calls his followers. As disciples, we really have only one command…"a new command I give you: Love One Another…by this all men will know you are my disciples."  Jesus responded to the Pharisees' question of what is the greatest commandment in the Law. He replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

In this series, Andy asked a challenging question, "WHAT DOES LOVE REQUIRE?" When I heard that, I thought, "Now he has gone from "preachin' to meddlin"! Think of the ramifications if you asked yourself that question when difficult interpersonal situations arise.

When your child disappoints you when they do something really dumb and harmful to themselves or others…."WHAT DOES LOVE REQUIRE?"

When your spouse jumps all over your case about something seemingly minor…"WHAT DOES LOVE REQUIRE?"

When a brother in Christ and close friend hurts you by his thoughtlessness…"WHAT DOES LOVE REQUIRE?"

When a driver I front of you cuts you off or seems to be talking on the phone instead of making that left hand turn making you wait for another light…."WHAT DOES LOVE REQUIRE?"

If we were to respond to situations after taking a brief moment to consider the question, "WHAT DOES LOVE REQUIRE?" how different would our outlook be?  How different would our response be? How different would our world be if each of us, as followers of Christ,

would consider our actions and words in light of the question, "WHAT DOES LOVE REQUIRE?"

I know...."It is so hard to respond that way," you say.  Yes, it is. No question about it.  Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Ouch! I know personally that I will not be able to do this without the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  I must earnestly pray for His help. For me, it is what love requires.

May God richly bless each one of you and your families with a greater and greater sense of His love and peace.

Ministry News and Needs

Our Friday Morning Group has started a new book, "Proof of Heaven", a current best-seller. We will be discussing the book from both a secular and theological perspective. The group currently has seventeen members.

We are planning our Wounded Warrior Golf outing, which is scheduled to take place on Flag Day, June 14th

Opportunities for individual ministry to men has increased dramatically.

Net Work Ministries financial condition has deteriorated to a critical point.

We would ask that you prayerfully consider supporting this vital ministry to men and their families.