NEW POSTS
July 13, 2025 through July 29, 2025
Be Strong: Strength in Weakness Brothers, As we continue our journey through 1 Corinthians 16:13, we come to Paul’s fourth imperative: “Be strong.” This command, simple yet profound, speaks directly to the heart of our walk as Christian men. What does it mean to “be strong” in the biblical sense, and how can we live this out in our daily lives? Strength: More Than Muscle Biblical strength is not about physical might or bravado. Paul’s call to “be strong” is a call to spiritual resilience - a strength that is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. The original word Paul uses here means “to keep increasing in strength,” but it’s clear from the rest of Scripture that this strength is not self-generated. Rather, it is a gift from God, cultivated as we depend on Him and walk in the power of His Spirit. Paul himself was no stranger to weakness. He wrote, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Our culture may prize self-sufficiency, but the gospel teaches us that real strength comes from recognizing our dependence on God. We are like clay jars holding a priceless treasure; our power is from God, not from ourselves. Strength for the Battle Paul’s exhortation comes in the context of spiritual warfare. He urges us to “put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). We face real opposition - temptation, discouragement, and the pressures of a world that often runs counter to our faith. To stand firm, we need strength that endures, strength that is renewed daily by God’s Spirit. Strength in Community We are not called to be strong in isolation. Paul’s words were addressed to a church - a community of believers standing together. As brothers, we are called to encourage one another, to hold each other up when we are weary, and to remind each other of the source of our strength. We are soldiers on the same battlefield, not lone warriors. How Do We Grow in Strength? Abide in Christ: Spend time in prayer and the Word, drawing near to the One who gives strength. Rely on the Spirit: Ask God daily for His power to stand firm and resist temptation. Encourage One Another: Reach out to a brother this week-pray together, share your burdens, and remind each other of God’s promises. Remember Your Identity: You are a son of God, empowered by His Spirit, called to stand firm for His glory. A Call to Endurance Brothers, being strong does not mean never feeling weak. It means pressing on in faith, trusting God’s power to sustain us. As we look toward the next men’s retreat and beyond, let’s commit to growing in the strength that only Christ provides. Let’s stand firm, not in our own might, but in the strength of our Savior. Reflection Questions: Where do you feel weakest right now? How can you invite God’s strength into that area? Who can you encourage or lean on for support this week? Let’s be strong, together, for the glory of Christ. "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
July 3, 2025 thru July 12, 2025
WEEKLY EMAILS
July 13, 2025 through July 29, 2025
July 3, 2025 thru July 12, 2025
Week 26 - June 22, 2025 thru June 28, 2025
BOOK REVIEWS
Inspired by Thaddeus J. Williams, Don’t Follow Your Heart: Boldly Breaking the Ten Commandments of Self-Worship (2022).
Why “Be True to Yourself” Is Terrible Advice (And What the Bible Says Instead)
Author: Joe Rigney Series: Gospel Integrity Series (in partnership with Union School of Theology) To Purchase this Book: click here Overview Courage: How the Gospel Creates Christian Fortitude by Joe Rigney is a concise, practical exploration of the Christian virtue of courage—also known as fortitude—and its deep connection to the gospel. Rigney examines how biblical courage is not simply the absence of fear, but a habitual, sober-minded mastery of fear through a greater desire for the glory of God. Drawing on Scripture, church history, and practical wisdom, Rigney encourages believers to develop boldness rooted in Christ, enabling them to face anxiety, anger, fear, and even persecution with steadfast joy. Key Themes Courage as a Christian Virtue: Rigney defines courage as “a stable habit of the heart that masters the passions, especially the passion of fear, through the power of a superior desire.” For Christians, that superior desire is the glory of God, which overcomes all lesser fears and passions. The Gospel as the Source of Courage: The gospel is described as the “fountain of Christian courage.” Because Christ has conquered sin and death, believers can stand boldly before God and men, no longer enslaved by fear of condemnation. Courage vs. Cowardice: Rigney contrasts true courage with its antithesis—cowardice—and encourages Christians to resist timidity and faintheartedness, which sap spiritual strength and resolve. Courage in the Face of Suffering: Drawing from biblical examples, especially the apostles and Paul, Rigney shows that Christian courage often means standing firm and rejoicing even amid suffering, persecution, and loss for the sake of Christ. Practical Application: The book offers practical advice for cultivating courage in daily life, including preaching unpopular truths, mastering passions, and developing courage appropriate to one’s sex. Chapter Summaries
DEVOTIONAL/BIBLE STUDY
Praying for Each Other: Lessons from Colossians 1:9–13
Why Men Need More Than Life Hacks for Faith
This devotional was initially sent to GraceMen on October 28, 2024 as a part of the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. Scripture : "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise—think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9, ESV) Devotion : As men, we face the constant pressure of the world’s noise—temptations to chase success, status, or pleasure in ways that lead us away from Christ. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8-9 remind us that following Christ begins not only with what we do but how we think. Right actions flow from right thinking. Paul gives a filter for our thoughts: Is it true? Is it honorable? Is it pure? As Reformed believers, we recognize that the Christian life involves renewing our minds by the Word of God (Romans 12:2). Christ-centered thinking doesn’t come naturally; it requires discipline to reject worldly thoughts and fill our minds with what is praiseworthy—truth rooted in Scripture, reflections on Christ’s righteousness, and a desire to glorify God in every part of life. But Paul doesn’t stop with thinking—he moves to action. It’s not enough to meditate on these things; we must practice them. Our doctrine must shape our daily lives. Whether leading our families, working diligently, or engaging in the church, we are called to embody Christ's example, just as Paul encouraged his readers to imitate him. Men, this is a call to intentional living: guard your mind, dwell on truth, and put godly principles into practice. When we align our thoughts and actions with God's will, we experience the peace only He can give—a peace that equips us to stand firm no matter what challenges we face. Prayer : "Lord, help me to fill my mind with things that honor You. Teach me to think truthfully and act faithfully in every part of life. Let my thoughts and actions bring glory to Your name, and may Your peace rule my heart. Amen." Reflection : What thoughts do you need to replace with God's truth today? How can you practice what you know to be right? What influences shape your thoughts the most right now? Are there media, conversations, or habits that pull your mind away from Christ-centered thinking? How do you discern what is true, honorable, and pure in a world filled with competing ideas?Are you regularly in the Word, allowing Scripture to shape your discernment? Are your actions aligned with what you believe and think about? Are there areas where you need to grow in consistency between your faith and daily life? How do your thoughts affect your relationships with others—family, coworkers, friends? Are you thinking in ways that encourage humility, service, and love toward others? When do you experience the peace of God most deeply? How can you cultivate habits that foster God’s peace through both thought and practice? Who is an example of godly living that you can imitate, as Paul suggests? How can you surround yourself with men who encourage you toward excellence in both thought and behavior? In what practical ways can you take your thoughts captive today (2 Corinthians 10:5)? What specific steps will you take to replace negative or unhelpful thoughts with praiseworthy ones? These questions can help you reflect not only on how you think but how your thoughts drive action, leading to a life that glorifies God.
TEACHING
Difference Between a Devotional and Bible Study And the Need for Both
SPECIAL TOPICS/SERIES
Definition of Purity In the Reformed Protestant tradition, purity is understood as a holistic concept that encompasses more than just abstaining from certain behaviors, such as sexual immorality. Purity involves the heart, mind, motives, actions, and relationships. It is rooted in the transformation brought about by Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Purity is not merely about outward morality or ritual cleanliness, but about an inner reality-a life aligned with God’s will, characterized by integrity, holiness, and love. Reformed theology emphasizes that purity is not something we achieve on our own; it is a gift from God, grounded in the righteousness of Christ that is imputed to believers. Christians are called to pursue purity not to earn God’s favor, but as a grateful response to His grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit. “Our purity is from God, through God, and to God. Purity isn’t merely abstaining from sexual activity; it is offering our whole selves back to the Giver. This positive response of gratitude and worship is where we find our greatest satisfaction and joy.” Practical Pursuit of Purity 1. Pursuing Christ and Spiritual Disciplines The pursuit of purity is fundamentally the pursuit of Christ. As believers fix their hope on Jesus and abide in Him, they are transformed and empowered to live pure lives. Regular participation in spiritual disciplines-such as worship, hearing and meditating on the Word, prayer, fellowship, and the sacraments-is essential for growth in purity. Purity requires both inner transformation (pure heart, pure motives) and outward obedience (pure actions). 2. Fleeing Sin and Cultivating Godly Habits Christians are called to actively flee from situations and desires that lead to impurity, especially sexual immorality. This includes practical steps like avoiding compromising situations, guarding one’s eyes and thoughts, and not “flirting” with sin. Purity is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing pursuit that involves continual repentance and dependence on God’s grace. 3. Community and Accountability Purity is nurtured within the context of Christian community. Believers are encouraged to surround themselves with others who will support, encourage, and hold them accountable in their walk with God. Deep relationships and mutual encouragement help believers grow in purity and resist the isolation that often leads to temptation. 4. Holistic Approach Purity touches every aspect of life: thoughts, actions, words, motives, and relationships. It is not limited to sexual morality but includes integrity, honesty, love, and justice in all areas. Scriptural Support and Encouragement The Bible provides extensive encouragement and instruction regarding purity. Key passages include:
A Reformed Perspective on Muscular Christianity
A Christ-Centered Reflection
