Real Men of Integrity
 Mark Pomeroy
3701 "O" St. #B5, Lincoln, NE 68510
(402) 474-7325
pomeroy@realmen.org
www.realmen.org

Feb. 4, 2003

Dear Partners in Ministry,

In our Feb. 1st meeting of strategic partners, we decided to name our group, "Partnership for Authentic Living" so it becomes an attractive possibility to major donors.  Each of the following partners has agreed to use the "Journey to Make God's Story Ours": Campus Life, Prison Fellowship, Parkview Christian, and Abundant Living and Counseling (Omaha inner-city ministry). There was consensus to work with National Christian Foundation in Atlanta because of their expertise and small overhead cost to handle donations (1 percent).  We would like to find representative ministries in each of the 8 areas of interest that National Christian Foundation uses: Evangelism, Discipleship, Education, Family, International, Poor and Needy, Urban and Youth. Please pray for this. Our next meeting will be in the second week of March.

Romans Study
Our Wed. a.m. group is currently studying Romans.  Last week, we studied Romans 8. Here is some of the content:
There is much confusion on how to live the Christian life.  Some say the key is discipline, obedience and following the principles in God's Word.  Others emphasize a more passive approach of letting go so God can lead one's life.   Some voices advocate a second blessing of God's Spirit that is often accompanied by speaking in tongues.  While each of these may include some truth, I believe Romans 8 gives the proper balance in living the Christian life.  The first three verses in Romans 8 summarized previous truths in Romans 6 & 7 in order to provide a foundation for our new walk in Christ. 
Fundamentals for New Walk (Romans 8:1-3)
Since Christ fulfilled the Law, we suffer no condemnation because we are identified with Him in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-13).  Three laws are identified: Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:14-7:6; 8:2a); law of sin and death (Romans 7:7-13; 8:2b) and Mosaic Law (Romans 7:7-13; 8:3a).   The flesh through the law of sin and death makes us powerless to keep the Mosaic Law (Romans 7:14-25; 8:3b).
Mind-Set for New Walk (Romans 8:4-6)

To live victoriously, we must change how we walk.  Rather than walk in the flesh through human self-effort, we operate in the Spirit by focusing our mind on God through His Word.  Eventually this should become a natural part of life just like walking is to a two-year old child.  He or she learns to walk after many failures - falling down and getting up.  The battleground in living the Christian life occurs in the mind.  We choose whether to focus on God or self -- the Spirit or the flesh (Romans 8:5-6).   We become what we think about.  "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (Proverbs 23:7a, NASB).

Rationale for New Walk (Romans 8:7-11)

There are two reasons why the fleshly walk will not work.  First, it is hostile toward God because it does not subject itself to the Law of God and is powerless to obey God (Romans 8:7).  Second, the fleshly walk cannot please God (Romans 8:8).  There are two reasons why the Spirit-filled walk will work.  First, the indwelling Spirit of God makes our spirit come alive if we belong to Him (Romans 8:9-10).  Second, resurrection power gives life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11).

Responsibility for New Walk (Romans 8:12-13)

We have an obligation to walk in the Spirit by using Word of God as a sword to put to death the deeds of the body.  Living according to flesh results in death.  When Christ was tempted three times by Satan, He defeated the evil one by using appropriate Scripture “it is written” (Matthew 4:1-11).  Romans 8:12-13 shows the balance between our responsibility and God's.  It is both - "by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body."

Motivation for New Walk (Romans 8:14-17)

As sons of God, His Spirit leads us into an intimate relationship as His child.  Even though it is great to have victory over sin as co-heirs with Christ, the greatest privilege is meeting Him face-to-face.  The Scriptures were explained to two disciples on the road to Emmaus.  It wasn't until they stayed overnight with Christ that "their eyes were opened and they recognized Him" (Luke 24:27-31).  The extra time with Jesus allowed them to experience a transformation in their minds, emotions and wills (Luke 24:33-35). 

Hope for New Walk (Romans 8:18-25)
God uses sufferings in our lives as motivation to grow.  Our sufferings are not worthy to be compared with future glory.  Life is so short in comparison to the great hope that awaits us when we are delivered from the law of sin and death and put on new bodies.  Paul said that in comparison to eternity, our troubles are light and momentary.  What is really encouraging about trials is the eternal weight of glory that is produced if we endure the pain (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Confidence for New Walk (Romans 8:26-39)

God has provided four things so we can be confident in our new walk with Him: intercession, sovereignty, sufficiency and love.  The Spirit uses our weakness by interceding for us according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).  Our prayers that are motivated by His Spirit blends with God's sovereignty so that all things work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28).  The past tense verbs prove that transformation into God's image is a done deal (Romans 8:29-30).  Even when things may seem to go against us, we experience God’s sufficiency because He is for us.  God is looking out for our good since He always intercedes for us (Romans 8:31-34).  Christ's love transforms all troubles into triumph.  Nothing separates us from God's love, not even our sin (Romans 8:35-39).

Living the Christian life is more than a mechanical formula of walking in the Spirit.  Love spurs the Godhead to intercede and equip us to relate intimately with Him. 

Prayer Requests:

1.       Steve, our son, is deciding whether he should stay in Mammoth, California, where he began a bus driver job three weeks ago.

2.       Additional financial investors in the Guide project.

3.       Wisdom as we add new board members for Real Men of Integrity

4.       Locate right individual or organization that can do computer layout of the Guide so it can be placed on our web page.

5.       Locate right individual or organization that can help write an evaluation form to monitor the degree of spiritual growth and understanding for those studying the Guide modules in small groups.

Sincerely in Christ

Mark Pomeroy
Executive Director