Brothers in Arms 2013

brothers

I had a very unique, amazing experience happen to me this past weekend. I met a brother that I didn’t know I had, didn’t even know he existed. Wild, huh? No, I didn’t meet a biological brother, but a spiritual brother. In fact, by the end of the weekend, I had personally met at least 15-20 of my brothers. Sharing what God has done one-on-one, face-to-face, eye-to-eye, heart-to-heart. And in those moments, I get a glimpse of Heaven.

Several churches brought me in to do my Knight’s Code conference. Men from different communities, different churches, different denominations, and different backgrounds all came together in one place, but for just one purpose—to accelerate our growth as men of God. Even though I was the speaker/teacher at the event, I am a better Christ-follower and man, because of meeting my new brothers. Iron sharpened iron. I also believe I have made some new friends that I can now call on, as they can with me.

Over the past several decades, we have figured out so many clever ways to divide ourselves as men in the church over issues like:

—Polity

—Language

—Worship elements

—Worship styles

—Leadership styles

—Mission focus

—Pride

Along with various other splinters and fragments that come down to petty differences, not passionate doctrine. And notably, also over the past several years, men in the church have been increasingly on the decline. . . . Think maybe there’s a co-relation? I think so. . . . Think maybe we’ve been wrong? Yeah. . . . Maybe focusing on the wrong things? . . . For sure.

Over about 6 hours, God knit our hearts together as one Body of men—because we focused on Him and the unity He brings. We focused on the fact that we are broken, needy, depraved men in need of a Savior, no one better than the other, and none having a corner on the market in spiritual matters. We put the focus, even for just a few hours, in the right place, on the Right(eous) One.

Think about the brotherhood aspect of Christianity for a moment. Think of what might happen if we focused on the majors and let go of the minors. The majors being the foundational points of the inspired Word of God, the saving grace of Christ alone, and the promise of an abundant, obedient life, and an eternal home in Heaven.

How many brothers exist in your town, right around you, that you don’t know, maybe even refuse to know, because you’ve focused on division when you should be thinking about multiplication? On subtraction, where it should be addition?

There is an amazing family out there that you belong to and they belong to you. You have brothers out there that can love, support, pray, and lift you up, as you can them. And let us not forget—we all have the same Father anyway.

You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. —Ephesians 4:3-6 MSG

(Parts of this post were written in 2012 for the article Brothers in Arms, but a very similar experience this past weekend prompted me to go back and update it for 2013.)




7 comments

Kip Boydston August 27, 2013

Robert, Thanks for this post. It was an amazing weekend! I can sense God doing away with denominational walls and dividing lines in our community. Thank you, Robert, for being such a vital part of this weekend. I'm happy to announce that there have already been some preliminary talks of another multi-church, multi-denominational event for men in early 2014. I am in lay leadership at one of the partnering churches for this event. I'd welcome anyone in other parts of the country that may be interested in promoting an event with several other churches in their area to give it a shot. And, if you're interested in gathering ideas or hearing what did or didn't work in the promotion of this conference, feel free to contact me at kip@lifegateburleson.com. I'll be more than happy to help you in any way I can. Thanks again, Robert! In His Service, Kip

    Robert Noland August 27, 2013

    Thanks, Kip. You did an amazing job of spearheading this event and I'd love for anyone wanting to host my conference to speak with you. -Robert

Frankie Rainey August 27, 2013

I am so glad you are my brother! Frankie

    Robert Noland August 27, 2013

    Well, you're my brother and spiritual Dad! -Robert

    Kip Boydston August 27, 2013

    You were referenced a few times throughout the weekend, Dr. Rainey. Thank you for pouring into so many over the years, but a big thank you for pouring into Robert! This weekend, as in all his teachings, was impactful because of men like you that have come before and poured into the next generation. It's now my purpose to pour those lessons into the generations behind us. Theresa & I love you!

David Frisbie August 27, 2013

Very powerful weekend for me and my brothers!!! "We are not monks in a mission. We are men on a mission"

    Robert Noland August 27, 2013

    Thanks, David. It was so good to meet you. ... Yes sir! -Robert




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