Brothers in Arms
I had a very unique, amazing experience happen to me last week. I met a brother that I didn’t know I had, didn’t even know existed. Wild, huh? No, I didn’t meet a biological brother, but a spiritual brother. In fact, by the end of the week, I had met dozens of my brothers. Honestly, I think it was a glimpse of heaven. I spoke at a men’s retreat and had no idea I would encounter so many amazing spiritual siblings that I didn’t even know I had. They just lived in a different state and belonged to a different denomination. In fact, a denomination that I had little to no understanding of, and so, like most of us, had made far too many inaccurate assumptions that we were drastically different. . . . but I was wrong. I am a better Christ-follower and man, because of meeting my new brothers. I have made some life-long friends and connected with some believers that I can now call on, as they will with me.
Over the past several decades, we have figured out so many clever ways to divide ourselves in the church over issues like:
—Polity
—Language
—Worship elements
—Worship styles
—Leadership styles
—Mission focus
And 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 the focus has been on the wrong things? . . . Uh huh.
One of my new brothers introduced himself with this statement: “I don’t know what you know or what you think about my denomination, but here, we are Bible-believing, Jesus-loving, Holy Spirit-inspired believers.” I told him that was good enough for me. Then over the next few days, God knit our hearts together—because we focused on Him and the unity He provides. We focused on the fact that we are broken, needy, depraved men in need of a Savior, no one better than the other, and neither had a corner on the market in spiritual matters. I believe that’s still called, as Aretha sang, R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Think about the brotherhood aspect of Christianity for a moment. Think of where we might go 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, your state, in your world 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, when you should be focused on 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. 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
5 comments
Bobby Bentz March 1, 2012
Robert, thanks for the kind words. I just mentioned you on my blog the other day. I sent you an email as well, hope you got it, let me know. My two buddies and I are starting our first accountability meeting tomorrow. That weekend, meeting you, and now my constant relationship with Christ has forever changed my life. One of your now many brothers in Christ, Bobby Bentz .
Tripp Lee March 2, 2012
Can I get a witness? The Word of God was proclaimed mightily through you this past weekend. The men gathered were edified. The fact that you were just as blessed to be a blessing ... priceless. That we look forward, expectantly hopeful, toward an eternity where our Heavenly Father will continue his progressive revelation side-by-side with all our brothers and sisters in Christ ... mind boggling. Robert His message through you resonated strongly -- in my mind's eye very much like the sympathetic harmony a tuning fork induces -- and for an all too brief period of time we were all allowed a very small foretaste of what that Heavenly Kingdom will be about. Know that the work you are doing, the mission you are on and the Kingly tenets you espouse are building up the body of Christ, calling men back into right relationship with Him and one another and are making a difference for his Kingdom here on Earth. Thank you, brother, and Praise Him! --- Rebel Yeller
Maury purcell March 2, 2012
Robert, I had a life-changing experience about 12 years ago attending a Man-in-the-Mirror event for men at a retreat. Guess what? It happend again at St. Christopher's last weekend! We are looking at getting a few small groups started around g3p and your book at my church(we had 7 attendees there, 6 first time). I might have some ideas to expand your ministry when you have 15 minutes or so to talk. 864-616-9699. thanks again and peace, maury purcell maury Purcell
Glenn Ohanesian March 2, 2012
When God's truth is told, it's obvious. Praise God for His work through you. I know it was mightily powerful at the Men's Conference. Thanks for your obedience, your boldness in proclamation, your humility of spirit, and for sharing your wisdom.
Troy Hutchinson March 4, 2012
I was blown away when I think how one weekend open doors that I thought, would never be opened. I am blown away when I witnessed so many men bow there heads in shame and ask forgiveness for there sins, then turn to each other for strength and guidance to become faithful and stronger men of Christ. I was blown away when I feel the power of a Christian mans faith, lead the way like a Knight in shinning armor to help others to build there own faith and beliefs so they can couple them together and one day put there beliefs into action so they can live like proud Christian men and serve the Lord. I was blown away when I could see and feel that I am not alone in my quest to be a man of Christ, so I may one day live pure, speak true, right wrong and then hold my head high and follow the King. I was blown away because I have felt the hurt of men who shared there pain of the tragedies in there lives, and were able to over come them because of there faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I was blown away when true men of Christ talked with me and accepted me for who I am and showed me that, no matter what I have done or what I do and where ever I go, that I am never alone because of the Lords love will always walk with me even in my darkest moments. I was blown away to feel my heart open up to say, I am sorry and please forgive me Lord for my sins and that I accept him with all my heart and soul, and with his help, I will be true to him and spread his love to others but only when he says I am ready. I was blown away to know that from the day I was born he has watched over me and given me strength when I thought I had no more strength to give. I was blown away because he has blessed me with so many gifts in my life even when I had shouted at him, took is name in vane, lived the life of a sinner and gave up on him but yet, he never gave up on me. I AM blown away because in one glorious weekend the Lord grabbed me, surrounded me with his Angels, lifted my faith higher then I could ever imagine, opened my eyes, heart and soul to feel his endless love and protection. The Lord Jesus Christ as blown me away and I am kneeling down waiting to serve him, learn from him, follow, protect and spread his word, shield others from evil so all may live with God Almighty and our Lord Jesus Christ. I am ready to Live Pure, Speak True, Right Wrong, Follow the King of Kings. Oh Lord Jesus Christ, when you feel I am ready, please “Knight” me, as I am yours to serve you forever and ever. Amen