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Thursday,
January 7,
2021
"Act Like Men"
Message summary: We need
men to heed God's call through Scripture to rise up
and "act like men".
Listen
to this message on your audio player.
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).
For the record today's message is in part prompted by a stunning example of biblical and etymological ignorance when a "minister" recently offered a prayer in our nation's House of Representatives and concluded with "Amen and Awoman", I suppose in a ridiculously pandering attempt to be inclusive and jump on the moronic gender confusion bandwagon.*
I was musing on this when "act like men", a phrase I thought was in Scripture, came to mind. Being thankful for modern day search engines I found the verse and want to give it consideration today.
"Act like men" translates a single Greek word "andrizesthe" which is used only here in the entire New Testament. The KJV uses this phrase, "Quit you like men" which is certainly capable of being misinterpreted based on how we presently use the word "quit"!
Some modern versions, possibly in an attempt to evade the gendered directive, use phrases like "be courageous" (NIV) and "be brave" (NKJV) which appear to catch the sense but I still prefer to understand the Greek word as "act like men" (ESV and NASB), and "Act like [mature] men and be courageous" (Amplified).
The letter itself is addressed, "To the church of God that is in Corinth" (1:2) which of course would have included men and women. But throughout the book Paul on occasion directs counsel specifically to men and at other times specifically to women (e.g. 1 Corinthians 7:2, 11:2-16, 14:33-35).
This is similar to preachers today (unless they're hyperwoke). Throughout the sermon we may specifically address certain groups, although the sermon is for everyone.
So with that background let us consider the phrase "act like men".
Blogger Denny Burk asserts that this particular usage means roughly the same thing as, “Be a man” or “Man up.”
"Despite accepted cultural norms, acting like men doesn't mean being macho, arrogant, overbearing, rude, or harsh. That's immaturity and sin. Men are to love and serve through controlled strength. The power of godly men is wrought through the redemptive work of Christ in our hearts and lives. To be a man in our world-- a biblical man-- will look different than much of what passes for manhood in the world and even in contemporary Christian cultural expressions" (Ed Stetzer).
"Rise Up O Men Of God" is a hymn written by William P. Merrill (1867-1954, the year of my birth). Merrill was a Presbyterian pastor who served several churches during his lifetime—most notably Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City, where he served from 1911 until his retirement in 1938. He wrote this song specifically for men in a burgeoning men’s movement within the church. Some newer hymnals have felt obliged to change the words and the author's original intent to be more inclusive changing the title to, "Rise Up O Church Of God". It still sings rhythmically and conveys truth but misses what Merrill intended, which is still vitally needed today.
We need men to heed God's call through Scripture to rise up and "act like men".
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Listen
to this message on your audio player."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).
For the record today's message is in part prompted by a stunning example of biblical and etymological ignorance when a "minister" recently offered a prayer in our nation's House of Representatives and concluded with "Amen and Awoman", I suppose in a ridiculously pandering attempt to be inclusive and jump on the moronic gender confusion bandwagon.*
I was musing on this when "act like men", a phrase I thought was in Scripture, came to mind. Being thankful for modern day search engines I found the verse and want to give it consideration today.
"Act like men" translates a single Greek word "andrizesthe" which is used only here in the entire New Testament. The KJV uses this phrase, "Quit you like men" which is certainly capable of being misinterpreted based on how we presently use the word "quit"!
Some modern versions, possibly in an attempt to evade the gendered directive, use phrases like "be courageous" (NIV) and "be brave" (NKJV) which appear to catch the sense but I still prefer to understand the Greek word as "act like men" (ESV and NASB), and "Act like [mature] men and be courageous" (Amplified).
The letter itself is addressed, "To the church of God that is in Corinth" (1:2) which of course would have included men and women. But throughout the book Paul on occasion directs counsel specifically to men and at other times specifically to women (e.g. 1 Corinthians 7:2, 11:2-16, 14:33-35).
This is similar to preachers today (unless they're hyperwoke). Throughout the sermon we may specifically address certain groups, although the sermon is for everyone.
So with that background let us consider the phrase "act like men".
Blogger Denny Burk asserts that this particular usage means roughly the same thing as, “Be a man” or “Man up.”
"Despite accepted cultural norms, acting like men doesn't mean being macho, arrogant, overbearing, rude, or harsh. That's immaturity and sin. Men are to love and serve through controlled strength. The power of godly men is wrought through the redemptive work of Christ in our hearts and lives. To be a man in our world-- a biblical man-- will look different than much of what passes for manhood in the world and even in contemporary Christian cultural expressions" (Ed Stetzer).
"Rise Up O Men Of God" is a hymn written by William P. Merrill (1867-1954, the year of my birth). Merrill was a Presbyterian pastor who served several churches during his lifetime—most notably Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City, where he served from 1911 until his retirement in 1938. He wrote this song specifically for men in a burgeoning men’s movement within the church. Some newer hymnals have felt obliged to change the words and the author's original intent to be more inclusive changing the title to, "Rise Up O Church Of God". It still sings rhythmically and conveys truth but misses what Merrill intended, which is still vitally needed today.
We need men to heed God's call through Scripture to rise up and "act like men".
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, Scripture says that it is the
whole duty of man to fear You, to keep Your
commandments, to do justly, to love mercy and to
walk humbly before You. We pray that men will rise
up and follow You; that they will act like men, that
they will have done with lesser things and give
their heart, their mind, their soul and strength to
serve You wholeheartedly as the King of kings. In
Jesus' name we pray. Amen.Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental
Resources
"Rise
Up O Men Of God" Video
Maranatha!
Promise Band
Today's satire become tomorrow's news: Consider the very "woke" progressive pastor who insists on calling the church songbook the hymnal and hermnal just to be inclusive!
* "Amen & Awoman" Here's an article for any who may be unaware of this spectacle. I was raised in the KC area and this man would be my representative if I still lived there!
For further study:
Here are some articles on this topic I found helpful:
Act Like Men: What It Means to Fight Like a Man - Men, is your life characterized by courage, strength, and love?
Men: Act Like Men
Here’s why the Bible calls men to “act like men”
Act Like Men
Finally today:
Brooksyne's Note: Some have asked for a post surgical update so today I want to bring you up to date. I had major surgery on November 16 and have recovered very nicely. I had several physical restrictions that seemed about as rough as the recovery but I returned for my post op visit a week ago and the doctor lifted all my restrictions, a great blessing to me and my family, as they were doing extras that they are now relieved of. Stephen and Ester worked together as a support team to help me have a successful recovery. There is still some follow-ups with the doctor but I am confident that they will turn out for my good. Thank you for your prayers and for your interest, friends.
Today's satire become tomorrow's news: Consider the very "woke" progressive pastor who insists on calling the church songbook the hymnal and hermnal just to be inclusive!
* "Amen & Awoman" Here's an article for any who may be unaware of this spectacle. I was raised in the KC area and this man would be my representative if I still lived there!
For further study:
Here are some articles on this topic I found helpful:
Act Like Men: What It Means to Fight Like a Man - Men, is your life characterized by courage, strength, and love?
Men: Act Like Men
Here’s why the Bible calls men to “act like men”
Act Like Men
Finally today:
Brooksyne's Note: Some have asked for a post surgical update so today I want to bring you up to date. I had major surgery on November 16 and have recovered very nicely. I had several physical restrictions that seemed about as rough as the recovery but I returned for my post op visit a week ago and the doctor lifted all my restrictions, a great blessing to me and my family, as they were doing extras that they are now relieved of. Stephen and Ester worked together as a support team to help me have a successful recovery. There is still some follow-ups with the doctor but I am confident that they will turn out for my good. Thank you for your prayers and for your interest, friends.
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Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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