| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Writing and Reading” Our Bible verse for today: “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and show yourself to be a man.” 1 Kings 2:2 (CSV) Our thought for today: “Man up” To “man up” means a man has to be brave enough and tough enough to do what it takes to deal with a difficult situation. Traditionally, historically, across cultures and down through the ages, there has been the expectation of men being strong and courageous, principled and trustworthy, protectors of the weak and the vulnerable. That’s not macho strutting; it’s not exaggerated or aggressive male pride; and it’s not in any way denigrating of the female half of the human race. It’s simply an observation of fact that men were designed by God to be the larger and stronger of the two genders, and there is a Biblical expectation that a man will conduct himself in particular appropriate ways. That’s what David meant in 1 Kings 2:2 when, on his deathbed, he urged his son Solomon to show himself to be a man by demonstrating courage, conviction, and integrity. Tragically, in our society today a lot of men are confused about what it means to be a man. The concept of Biblical manhood is especially derided as being patriarchal and misogynistic (strongly prejudiced against women). But nothing could be further from the truth. The Biblical man is the best kind of man, and Biblical manhood is what our society needs much more of. I came across a great statement the other day which I believe is important and insightful. It reads, “Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain.” In other words, a boy may be male by birth, but he still has to be taught how to be a man. Today, many men need to be taught how to be men. Sunday is Father’s Day. It’s the day we celebrate fathers in particular, but all men in general – especially Christian men. I always use it as an opportunity to preach and teach about Biblical manhood, and I also use it as an opportunity to lift up and encourage our men. I will do that this Sunday at Oak Hill Baptist Church. The title of the sermon is “A Man of Grit Who Will Not Quit”. I hope you will join us in person or online. Today I also want to share with you a few of my favorite Christian books about Biblical manhood: “Man of Steel and Velvet” by Aubrey Andelin; “Strong Men in Tough Times” by Edwin Louis Cole; “Disciplines of a Godly Man” by R. Kent Hughes; “Kingdom Man” by Tony Evans; and, if you would like a fun read that is insightful and inspiring but also a little whimsical, I recommend “Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men: An Utterly Invigorating Guide to Being Your Most Masculine Self” by Stephen Mansfield. Finally, many years ago I wrote an essay about the role of a man within a truly Biblical marriage. It’s based upon the Apostle Paul’s teaching in Ephesians chapter five and if you would like a copy of it, let me know. I would be happy to send it to you. God bless, Pastor Jim |
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