Promise Keepers
Men in Action for Christ
"Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God"
2 Corinthians 7:1
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17
The time has come! In the final session of Promise Keepers '93, Coach McCarthy reminded us all. "We have been in a war but not at war! If we are to make a difference, it will require much more than we've been doing until now."
While we have been asleep in our routines, the enemy has attacked relentlessly, cutting away the spiritual heritage of America. If we don't respond now, time could run out!
An Opportunity is Here And The Time is Now!
It is a little intimidating to realize that a "time of God's favor" is upon us. It is doubly intimidating when we see what an impact a few committed men have had in starting Promise Keepers. Many of us may feel tempted to think that is too great a burden to bear; that our lives, by comparison, are just the routine stuff of paying bills, trying to please an employer, and building strong marriages and families. But that is the point, for the vast majority of us, the routines of life are our divinely appointed opportunities. As the apostle Paul said:
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:14-16
Something is happening to the men of America. They are changing. They are looking for more out of life than mediocre relationships and daily ruts. And they are finding it by becoming Promise Keepers. Men of their word and men of God's Word.
Becoming a Promise Keeper is for any male who wants to know his creator better, be closer to his wife and children, tear down the walls of division, and see the entire world come to know God's love.
The Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, which we will read in the next chapter, holds the keys to unlocking the power and potential of men. Where men discover how to deepen their devotion to Christ through consistent worship, prayer and obedience. They will understand how a commitment to integrity results in spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity. They will learn how to be a better husband, father, and friend. And by following the seven foundational principles, they will see God work in ways they never thought possible.
Our nation is suffering from a severe shortage of integrity. It needs men willing to stand strong in the midst of moral chaos. It needs men willing to reach beyond racial and denominational barriers. It needs men willing to cement their commitments and become Promise Keepers. And for those men who dare, an unforgettable journey awaits.
Dear Brothers,
These powerful words you have just read were borrowed from the book: "Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper". Written by: Bill Bright, Edwin Cole, Dr. James Dobson, Tony Evens, Bill McCartney, Luis Palau, Randy Phillips and Gary Smalley. A powerful introduction to an ever growing and wonderful movement that is sweeping across America.
I remember attending my first Promise Keepers Convention at the Oakland Coliseum in California in 1995 as if it were yesterday. Where some 56,000 men gathered and packed into one place. Men of all different ages, race and denomination. Many were somewhat nervous, many were curious and many simply did not know what to expect. Many men were believers and many were not. Many were there because a Pastor, friend, or relative had invited them. Others from radio or TV advertisements.
The program opened in prayer, followed by music, a video, a couple speakers, more music, prayer and so on... After a short while you could sense a definite change in the air. Something different, something new, something I myself had never experienced before. Eventually we were instructed to spread out through the stadium to form small groups where we shared about ourselves to each other. We listened intensely to each person in our small group and as we shared from our hearts the racial and denominational barriers came down. Many of us cried together as we shook hands and even embraced. I then realized what was so different and new in the air. That which I had never experienced before was the power of God moving throughout the stadium as the lives of thousands of men were being changed forever. Men moved in endless lines down to the platform level of the stadium, where we prayed for them and with them. I witnessed thousands of men come to know the Lord as they accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts as their Lord and Savior.
My life and the lives of thousands of others were changed that wonderful week-end in '95. And that was the week-end that I became a Promise Keeper. Brothers, I sincerely encourage you to join this wonderful movement. Join the movement of Men in Action for Christ. Become a Promise Keeper!
Your brother in Christ,
Paul4Jesus <><
Godly Men
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
Though we know we sometimes stumble, may the promise we strive to keep,
be to honor you with all our hearts and to worship at your feet.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
As we enter in this covenant, we will seek your holy face,
to become men of integrity, protected by your grace.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men...Amen!
More About Promise Keepers
Promise Keeper Statement of Faith
We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that the Bible is God's written revelation to man, and that it is verbally inspired, authoritative, and without error in the original manuscripts.
We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death on the cross to provide for our redemption, bodily resurrection, and ascension into heaven, present ministry of intercession for us, and His return to earth in power and glory.
We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, that He performs the miracle of the new birth in unbelievers and indwells believers, enabling them to live godly lives.
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of sin, was alienated from God. Only through faith, trusting in Christ alone for salvation which was made possible by His death and resurrection, can that alienation be removed.
The Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper
- A Promise Keeper is committed to honoring Jesus Christ through worship, prayer and obedience to God's Word in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to pursuing vital relationships with a few other men, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to supporting the mission of his church by honoring and praying for his pastor, and by actively giving his time and resources.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.
- A Promise Keeper is committed to influencing his world, being obedient to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
The Great Commandment:
"The most important commandment: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31
The Great Commission:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
