Starting Friday: Men's Fellowship Through Accountability

True story.

Today I went to the company vending machine for a Coke and, without looking, my selection turned out to be one of those “share a Coke with….” bottles with the name of….wait for it….Jacob on it!

I love those pieces of coincidence in our lives….where God shows up and drops little hints!

If you’ve missed the past couple of weeks, we’ve been in the midst of Abraham’s family lineage.  Last week was focused on Judah, son of Jacob.

Summer schedules are challenging and we had a very small turnout last week, so we’re going to hit the Judah chapter again this week.

And lots to update beyond just the readings…..so join us if you can!

Gather at The Cornwell Center beginning at 7:30 am.  I’ll lead us on Judah starting around 7:45 am.

Coca-Cola is optional…..

The headline for this week could be said as:  “Our last week in the Book of Genesis!!”…..which is certainly true.  (Spoiler alert…next week we’ll tackle Exodus.)

This week’s focus is on Abraham’s descendant, Judah.  The family tree gets a little fractured, to say the least, and I’ll try to “white board” it all out as a fun exercise at this Friday’s fellowship.

But the real focus this week is not just on God’s path in fulfilling His promises….but also on a family’s cast of characters.  Remember the phrase: “You can’t make this stuff up?”  You might find yourself asking that question as we dig into several generations of Abraham’s, Isaac’s, and Jacob’s offspring.

Homework this week is to read Chapter 6 of our book, and the corresponding section in the Study Guide.

You might also consider glancing over the passage on Judah in Wikipedia……It may help you come better prepared for this twisted family tree!

We’ll gather this week at The Cornwell Center starting at 7:30 am.  Mike will lead this week’s lesson on Genesis, chapter 49, verse 10.

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah”  GEN 49:10

Next up in our study….Chapter 5.  Enter Abraham into the mix!  Recall from last week’s chapter, that God had promised to crush the seeds of the Serpent.  But the Serpent had a reciprocal plan to crush the seeds of Woman.  The battle ensued!

But the Serpent seemed to be focused on the immediate “seeds”….while God shored up mankind’s future…..hence, the story of Abraham this week!

Abraham is the longer term focus in God’s plan…..the “long ball”!

Our scripture focus for Chapter 5 is Genesis 12:2-3

“In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  GEN 12:2-3

Jason will lead the group this week.  A couple folks are out….summer vacation stuff.

Gather at the Cornwell Center beginning at 7:30 am.  Jason will kick things off at 7:45 am.

Of a related note, Mike will be in Atlanta this Friday to attend FMMF Atlanta/Buckhead….the “mother ship” of our weekly fellowship.  Stay tuned for updates on that visit next Friday.

Peace!

Last week, we briefly talked about God’s actions after Adam & Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, something He has specifically told them not to do.  As we’ve learned, this disobedience was not so much about the “apple”, but more about the breaking of God’s covenant of trust and obedience with the couple.

We discussed God’s punishment to Adam and Eve, largely stated in their expulsion from the Garden.  Tough times!

But in case you think we glossed over God’s punishment and retribution on the Serpent, well this is the chapter for you!

God’s sovereignty remains despite a raging battle that continues between the Serpent’s “seeds” and the seeds of the woman.

Our scripture verse this week comes from Genesis:

“He shall bruise your head….” GEN 3:15

Homework this week is to read chapter 4, “Redemption Promised”, of our book then the corresponding section of the study guide.

Join us this week on Friday.  Gather at 7:30 am at the Cornwell Center.  We’ll kick things into gear starting at 7:45 am.

Peace!

Week 3 of our study of The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses.

So far, we’ve seen God’s “goodness”….very good-ness, actually from chapter 1.

Last week, we talked about God’s commission to Adam & Eve to provide dominion over the Garden.

Now this week….all things come to a screeching halt….!

Here’s our verse from Genesis:

“She took of its fruit and ate.”  GEN 3: 6-7

Read chapter 3 this week and the third week of the study guide.  We’ll discuss the how’s, the why’s and the what’s next as Adam & Eve fall from grace in the Garden.

Gather at 7:30 am.  Lesson starts at 7:45 am.

See you this Friday.

Peace!

 

We’re back at it this Friday, hitting the second chapter of our current study, The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses.

This week’s lesson focuses on God creating Man AND Woman in His own image.

What does that mean?  Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered….”What does God really look like….?”

And with that creation, God commissions us to have dominion over Eden.

Read Chapter 2 of the book then look over the questions for the same chapter in the Study Guide.

We’ll gather on Friday at 7:30 am, ready to roll at 7:45 am

Peace!

Quick reminder that we will not meet this week, June 23rd.  We’ve got several guys not available due to work travel, boy scout camp chaperoning, and other obligations.  Welcome to Summer!

We’ll meet next Friday, for sure, on June 30th and will tackle Chapter 2 of our new study.

Have a great rest of the week, gentlemen!

Peace!

Welcome to a new study at Friday Morning Men’s Fellowship (FMMF) – Charlotte!  We’ve picked the book, The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses by Chris Bruno.  This week, we’ll start in Chapter 1 with the “Creation” story.  Our first of 16 verses is Genesis 1:16 which reads:

“And behold…..it was very good.”  GEN 1:16

Your homework this week is to read Chapter 1 and then go through the questions for that same chapter in the study guide.  Please read Psalm 104 and Genesis 1:1-23 to supplement the chapter reading.

We are reminded this week that everything was made by God….and everything He made is good.  Ponder that for a minute or two.  We can all come up with lists of everything that is bad in this world.  Here’s mine for starters:

• Raw tomotoes
• Brussel sprouts
• Snakes
• Early morning alarm clocks
• ISIS
• Cancer
• Debt
• Grudges
• Paralysis
• Prejudices

How does my list compare to yours?

Let’s discuss this week.

See you on Friday at the Cornwell Center.  Gather at 7:30 am in the front parlor.  I’ll lead this week starting at 7:45 am.

Peace!

Final week of our powerful series, The Resolution for Men.  This week’s final assignment is Session 8 of the study guide, and chapters 14-15 of the main book.  Our focus this week is simply putting all the pieces together, understanding the “why and how” from previous seven sessions, and a call to action for us.

As I was skimming the pages last night, one of the more powerful stories is the opening one in the study guide.  A grieving son plays a voice message on his cell phone during a eulogy that his father had left him earlier.  We’re unclear as to how many days, weeks or even months before his father’s death the message occurred.  Time really doesn’t matter.  I believe the point of the story is that living out many of the principles we’ve leaned the last several weeks during this study should not be time-stamped.

Each of us has taken something or somethings from this study.  This Friday, as we wrap up, please come prepared to tell our group what you will take with you in the days ahead.  Will we be courageous enough to take the lessons learned on in our daily lives?

And in case you missed the big announcement last week, we’ve selected the book and topic of our next study.  Details on how to prepare for what’s coming up are in last week’s reminder blog post.  As always, a new study is a great time to invite someone you know to join our group.  I encourage you to consider inviting someone!

See you this Friday….gather at 7:30 am, ready to go at 7:45 am.  Meet in the front parlor of the Cornwell Center.

Peace!

What???

What’s the game I’m referencing where “WE” could possibly be up on Jesus by 100 points?  Is the Son of God having a bad day?  Is He coming off the injured reserve status?  Or is He giving us a padded “lead” in the game, only setting us up for His triumphant comeback??

Well, it’s none of the above.

I’m not talking about a game at all.  I’m talking about who’s at fault in our relationship between Jesus and ourselves.  Taken from this week’s lesson:

“Most relationships involve scars from wrongs committed by both parties.  The unique thing about our relationship with Jesus is we are 100 percent of the problem.”

100 – 0.

There’s your score.

This week, we’ll tackle Session 7 of our series.  Your homework is Session 7 of the Study Guide, titled “Forgive and Be Forgiven”.  And from the main book, read Chapters 12 and 13.  Our focus is how we forgive those who have wronged us, and reconcile with those who we have wronged.  Easier said than done.

Looking ahead, we’ve chosen our next study series that we’ll begin on Friday, June 16th.  We’ll be reading the book, “The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses” by Chris Bruno.  Order the book today for just over $10.  

Download the FREE Study Guide at this LINK.

In the meantime, focus on Session 7 of our current study!

See you on Friday in fellowship!  Gather at 7:30 am.  Mike will lead us beginning at 7:45 am.

Peace!