Below is a copy of a call to worship I gave on Father's Day weekend 2005.

The Apostle Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians,

¹³ Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  ¹⁴ Let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:13, NAU).

Hear this again!

¹³ Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  ¹⁴ Let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:13, NAU).

“Act like men” Paul says. 

What type of man? 

• Should we behave like sensitive, renaissance men, who are Oprahized, and in touch with their feelings? 
• Or should we act like beer guzzling, outdoorsmen, who are crass, and preoccupied only with themselves and their toys? 

Neither of these American expressions of masculinity will do.  What the world needs is more gospel-men.

Gospel men are

• Alert
• They are aware of dangers around them and take protective measures to guard themselves and those under their watch.  Gospel men are not passive; they are aggressive in protecting their keep.
• Firm in the faith
• They are growing in their understanding of God and his world.  They are studious, and bring to expression in all areas of life the truth ‘Our God reigns’.
• Strong
• Strength has more to do with character than physical ability.  Gospel men are driven by the grace of God to maintain their allegiance to Jesus, and stand against the evil one.

• Lovers
• To gospel men love is not a weakness but strength.  Gospel men love strong and well.  Gospel men romance their wives, speak the truth, protect the weak, and play ‘tea party’ with their little girls.

It is this type of man who looks most like Jesus, a man who persevered to the end.  A man who loved though he was hated, a man who sacrificed himself for those who betrayed him.  Before Jesus demons bowed, but also in the presence of Jesus children played.