Tag: faith

In Ezekiel 46:9, there’s a curious instruction about worship in the temple:

“Whoever enters by the north gate shall go out by the south gate, and whoever enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate.”

At first glance, it sounds like crowd control. Just an orderly way to manage traffic.

But in a vision filled with spiritual symbolism, it’s hard to believe God was mainly concerned with foot patterns. The design forces something intentional: no one leaves the same way he came in.

That physical movement paints a spiritual truth.

When a man steps into God’s presence — and into godly community — he shouldn’t leave the way he came in.

Every week, we walk into church or men’s group carrying something:

Stress from work.
Tension at home.
Fatigue.
Pride.
Distraction.
Private struggles no one else sees.

If we walk out unchanged — same posture, same hardness, same distance from God — then we’ve treated the gathering like a hallway instead of holy ground.

Christian community is not spectator seating. It requires participation.

Sometimes your role is to receive.
To admit you’re struggling.
To let someone pray for you.
To hear truth you need.

Other times your role is to give.
To encourage a younger man.
To share wisdom from experience.
To speak up when silence would be easier.

Healthy brotherhood is an exchange. Some weeks you come in empty and leave strengthened. Other weeks you come in steady and leave having strengthened someone else. Either way, movement happens.

Before you leave your next gathering, ask yourself:

• What gate did I come in?
• What am I walking out with?
• What is actually different?

It may not be dramatic. It might simply be a softer tone at home. A needed apology. A clearer conviction. A renewed commitment to lead spiritually instead of coasting.

But it should be something.

Imagine if your wife or kids could tell which gate you left through.

Not, “Dad went to men’s group.”

But, “Dad came home different.”

That’s the point.

Sacred space isn’t designed for traffic flow.

It’s designed for transformation.

And as men who want to lead well, we should never leave the way we came in.

Questions:

What “gate” did you come in through today?
What are you carrying right now — stress, pride, discouragement, distraction, something else?

When was the last time you can clearly say you left Christian community different than you arrived?
What specifically changed?

Do you tend to show up more ready to receive or ready to give?
What might it look like for you to grow in the other direction?

What usually keeps you from engaging deeply — pride, busyness, fear of vulnerability, comfort?
What would it take to move past that?

If your wife, kids, or closest friends evaluated you after men’s group, what evidence would they see that you went through a different gate?
What’s one tangible change you can make this week?

This topic was inspired by the upcoming Northside Methodist Man Camp. It reminded me of the importance of a supportive Christian community among men….

Have you ever tried to carry a heavy piece of furniture by yourself? It’s not impossible, but it’s exhausting—and you’ll probably end up bumping into walls or throwing out your back. But with a couple of guys helping out? It’s smoother, lighter, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

That’s a picture of what brotherhood is meant to be.

Proverbs 27:17 puts it simply:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

We weren’t created to walk this life alone. God wired us for connection—for real, honest, sharpen-each-other kind of relationships. But let’s be real: that kind of brotherhood doesn’t just happen. It takes showing up, opening up, and walking alongside each other, even when life gets messy.

Sharpening Isn’t Always Comfortable

Iron sharpening iron sounds strong, but if you’ve ever actually seen metal sharpened, you know there’s friction involved. Sparks even. That’s part of the process.

In our lives, sharpening moments might look like:

• A friend calling out a blind spot in love.
• A brother encouraging us when we’re stuck in doubt.
• Someone simply sitting with us in silence when words don’t help.

It’s not always easy, but it’s good. Because growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community.

Showing Up Matters

You don’t need to have all the answers or be the “perfect Christian” to make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is show up.

Check in. Ask real questions. Listen without fixing. Pray with someone—even if it’s awkward at first.

Here are a few practical ways we can support each other better:

• Text a verse or a short prayer during the week—just a reminder that someone’s thinking of them.
• Ask how someone’s really doing, not just “how’s it going?”
• Invite a brother into your routine—grab coffee, go to a game/event, or serve somewhere side by side.
• Be honest about your own struggles—your vulnerability can give someone else the courage to open up.

The Strength Is in the Circle

When men encourage, challenge, and pray for one another—there’s real strength in that. Not the kind the world shouts about, but the kind that lasts. The kind that reflects Jesus.

Questions:

• Who has been a sharpening presence in your life recently?
• How does the idea of being “sharpened” by others sit with you—does it feel helpful, intimidating, or something else?
• If you are comfortable sharing, what kind of support would you appreciate more of right now?
• We all get busy and distracted at times but why is it so important to both offer support to Christian brothers and be open to receiving it?

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to lean on God when life feels like it’s falling apart—but how easy it is to forget Him when everything is going well?

Recently, I heard a speaker say something that’s stuck with me. He suggested that while we often assume good things and prosperity come from God, and hard times come from the devil, what if sometimes it’s the other way around? What if the devil can use prosperity, comfort, and success to distract us from God?

It’s a challenging thought. Not because we want to doubt blessings, but because it raises a deeper question: what role does comfort play in our faith life?

When our finances are solid, our relationships are smooth, and our plans are working out, it’s tempting to start thinking we’re in control. We might pray less, stop seeking God daily, or let gratitude slip. Without even realizing it, our dependency on God can begin to fade. But maybe that’s when we need Him most—to keep our hearts aligned, our pride in check, and our purpose clear.

The Bible gives us plenty of warnings about this. In Deuteronomy 8:10-14, God warns His people not to forget Him once they’ve entered the promised land and become prosperous:

“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God… Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down… then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God.”

It’s not that wealth or success is wrong—but if it pulls us away from our relationship with God, then we have to ask: is it still a blessing?

Even Jesus was tempted by Satan with comfort, control, and kingdoms (Matthew 4:8-10). The enemy knew those things could be powerful distractions—even for the Son of God.

So maybe this is worth considering together: could it be that some of the ease or success in our lives is actually making it harder to see our need for God?

And on the flip side—could the struggles we face sometimes be the very things that draw us back into deeper faith?

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Conversation Starters:

1. When things are going well in your life, do you find yourself praying and turning to God more, less, or about the same?
2. Can you think of a time when hardship brought you closer to God?
3. What are some ways we can stay grounded and connected to God in all seasons of life, including prosperous times?
4. Have you ever experienced a time when a “good” thing actually pulled you away from your faith?

“But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’ And He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked?’” — Genesis 3:9–11

There’s a question God asked Adam in the garden that still echoes in our hearts today in Buckhead: “Who told you?”

In the quiet of the garden, after sin had crept in, God didn’t come down with immediate punishment. He came with a question. Not because He didn’t know the answer — but because He wanted Adam (and us) to think.

In the same way God wanted Adam to think, He also wants us to think. Consider these questions:

Who told you that you weren’t good enough?
That you’re unworthy?
Unforgivable?
Too broken to be used by God?
Not smart enough, not man enough, not spiritual enough?

Somewhere along the way, many of us started believing voices that don’t sound anything like our Father’s.

Think about it: at what point did other people’s opinions, our own insecurities, or that harsh internal critic start speaking louder than God’s truth?

God’s Voice vs. Every Other Voice

God’s voice builds. It comforts. It restores and leads us toward wholeness.
The enemy’s voice accuses, shames, and divides — from others, from purpose, and from God.

Yet how easily we tune in to the wrong station.

A single negative comment can drown out a dozen kind ones. One failure can suddenly define our worth. And over time, we start living as though the lie was truth.

But here’s the truth: God never said those things about you.

You Are Not What Shame Says

God didn’t shame Adam — He called to him. And He’s still calling.

Whatever label you’ve picked up — failure, screw-up, not enough — it’s not your name.
Your name is son. Beloved. Chosen. Forgiven. Capable. Redeemed.

So, next time that old lie creeps in, ask yourself the same thing God asked Adam:
“Who told you that?”
Then take it to the One whose voice brings life.

Questions:

• Do you agree that sometimes it’s easier to listen to other voices than God’s?
• What voices have you elevated above God’s in your life — maybe without realizing it?
• What’s one lie you’ve believed that you’re ready to let go of?
• Who in your life speaks God’s truth to you — and how can you do the same for someone else this week?

Have you ever noticed how certain thoughts seem to hit harder when you’re already under stress? It’s like the enemy knows exactly when to poke and prod, whispering doubts, fears, and frustrations right when we’re most vulnerable.

Maybe it’s a moment where you feel overwhelmed at work. Suddenly the thought pops up: You’re failing. Or maybe a tough conversation with a loved one leaves you thinking, You’re not good enough.

Here’s a simple idea that might just shake you loose in those moments: do the opposite.

If the thought in your head is, I’m failing, say out loud or in your heart: I’m still standing, and God’s not done with me.

If the thought is, I’m not good enough, flip it: I am made in God’s image. I belong to Him.

It’s not magic. It’s not pretending everything’s fine. It’s more like grabbing the steering wheel before the car goes off the road. It’s a way of calling out the lie and choosing a different path—one that leads back toward truth, peace, and stability.

And here’s the kicker: when you invite God into that moment—when you ask, Lord, help me turn this thought around—He shows up. He always does. Sometimes it’s a sense of peace. Other times it’s clarity, or even just a breath that helps you reset.

James 4:7 tells us to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. This practice might be one small way of doing just that. Not by fighting fire with fire, but by choosing to speak light into darkness. It’s not always easy, especially when the pressure is on. But even pausing to consider the opposite of what you’re thinking can be enough to break the cycle and help you find your footing again.

We’re all in this journey together. One of the best things about our group is that we don’t have to pretend we have it all together. We share tools, encouragement, and reminders like this one—not because we’re perfect, but because we’re learning how to lean on God more every day.

So the next time a negative or anxious thought shows up uninvited, try doing the opposite. Speak truth. Claim peace. And invite God into the moment. You might be surprised how much lighter you feel just by flipping the script.

Questions:

1. Do you agree that we are most vulnerable to negative thoughts when we are already under stress?
2. What lies or negative thoughts do you find yourself believing most often?
3. How do you usually try to reset your thinking in tough moments? What role does prayer or Scripture play for you?
4. What role do other men—friends, mentors, or this group—play in helping you recognize and resist false thinking?
5. Do you have any other thoughts or strategies we haven’t covered that might help other men when they encounter the lies of the enemy?
   

Most of us don’t wake up thinking, “Today, I’ll change the world.” We’re just trying to get to work, love our families, and maybe find a little peace.

But what if that’s exactly where transformation starts?

Transformational Christianity isn’t about doing something flashy or famous. It’s about letting Jesus shape our everyday lives—and letting that change spill into the world around us.

In Acts 2:46-47, we see this in action. The early believers “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” And the result? “The Lord added to their number daily.” Their faith wasn’t just personal—it was practical, visible, and contagious.

That’s the beauty of transformation. It doesn’t begin in a’ church building. It begins at your kitchen table, in a conversation with a coworker, or when you choose integrity even when no one notices.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That kind of renewal doesn’t just change what we believe—it changes how we live, how we love, and how we lead.

When our hearts change, our habits follow. We start handling conflict differently. We become more patient, more present, more open to others. That shift—over time—transforms our homes, our workplaces, and our friendships.

And here’s the good news: this isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up, day after day, with a willingness to be shaped by God and used by Him—right where you are.

You don’t need to be a pastor to live out your faith in a way that brings change. You just need to be willing. Willing to love someone who’s hard to love. Willing to make time when you’d rather not. Willing to trust God when things are unclear.

That’s transformational Christianity. Quiet. Consistent. Powerful.

You don’t have to change the world. But with Jesus, your life can change someone’s world.

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Questions:

1. What’s one area of your life that God might want to “transform” from the inside out?
2. What distractions or pressures make it hardest for you to live out a transformed life?
3. Have you ever seen someone else’s quiet faith make a big impact? What stood out to you?
4. How can transformation in your own life overflow into your family, workplace, or community?