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  • When: All January!
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  • QIC: Hushpuppy!
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I am honored to be your 3rd F Q for 2017.  When asked, I had all of the concerns that someone may have when taking on a new role.  “Can I live up to the example of those who came before me?  Am I really worthy to be the standard bearer for Faith in the Gashouse?”  The fact is, If I did anything when I felt worthy or “up to it”, I’d never accomplish anything.  I’d stay in the fartsack and get fatter by the year.  I’d still be on pain and blood pressure medicine, content that my best days were behind me. The TRUTH is, the best part of my life is still ahead.  the TRUTH is, that through Faith, I can do those things that I will never be worthy to do!  What will you be challenged with this year that seems too far out of reach?  How will you stretch yourself in this new year?

It is at the heart of the F3 men of the Gashouse that all men participate in both the fellowship and faith portions of F3.  You see, Fitness may draw the men in, to challenge them to be stronger and more healthy.  Fellowship becomes the glue that holds the groups together. My pastor said long ago, “men bond when they sweat together”.  Nothing builds bonds and relationships like an early morning beatdown covered in grass and sweat; your brother helping you up after what seems like an eternity of Dora.  You begin to feel a sense of mutual accomplishment.  “Brother, if you can survive this, you can survive that struggle you’re going through”.  But many never tap into the Faith aspect.  What many men fail to realize is, the Third F is the Dynamite that activates the man to be more than he thought he could be.  The source that turns his focus from himself to those around him.  To his wife, his children, and his community.

Each month I intend to share a theme for the month.  The theme for January is “New Beginnings”.  Some passages of scripture or inspirational literature will be shared in the monthly preblast and through twitter.  PAX are encouraged to review these scriptures and share them during coffee-rama.  I may post a few questions to encourage  conversation.  Each group at coffee-rama is encouraged to simply read the passage of scripture and discuss it.

These next 3 weeks, I ask you to read some passages in Acts.  The early church is one of the greatest examples of “new beginnings”.  A rough group of 12 men who no earthly leader would choose to start a movement.  Some had abandoned their Lord in His time of need; one even cursed him.  Yet here they were on the verge of a movement that would change the world.  The week of January 9-14th, Read Acts chapter 2 verses 1- 13. Some questions to discuss:

Why was it important that they were in one accord? What was the source of their power and impact? What was the response of those in the crowd?  How is it typical of something you were involved in?

The week of January 15th-21st, reach Acts chapter 2 verses 38-47. Some questions to discuss:

Who can receive the promise Peter is preaching about? What type of community formed after this event?  Did these members of the early church have any template to follow in this new endeavor?  How does this apply to your life?

January 22nd – 28th, read Acts 14 verses 21-28 Some questions to discuss:

What was the significance of strengthening the disciples?  What importance did they place on choosing leadership in the church?  In all the scriptures discussed this month, how did the church overcome the hardships they faced, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

I promise, February’s preblast  will not be this long!  Post to a workout, shield lock with your brothers, and most of all, Share your faith!