ExaMEN

ExaMEN

This discussion group is a spin off of the Kings Men growth group - a class geared for men at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The main goal of the group is to discuss the difficult topics and ask the tough questions that men need in order to examine themselves. Men discuss how to better understand the roles God has set for them so that they can be better fit to serve those around them. The goal is to develop men that will be properly equipped to guide and mentor the next generation as they go from boyhood to manhood.

  1. 31/07/2020

    S2 E6 - Pursuing Christ

    Join in as Josh, Stephen, Tyler and Jonathan talk about what it looks like to be a disciple of Christ and pursue Him. In the episode, we talk about  Qualities and characteristics that exemplify Christ How to "Carry your Cross" Putting Christ first Becoming more Christlike And... Why we pursue Christ Much of our discussion comes after talking about Matthew when it says "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness". It is difficult in a self-centered world to focus on Christ and HIs plan for our lives. To do that, without worry is tough. We want to encourage you to look more like Jesus each day for that is what God has called us toward.  After our session, we talked about some people, books, and influences that helped shape us to who we are today in our faith walks. We want to encourage you to find those people in your life and give back to them by saying thank you. Look around you and bring people along that are beginning their walks or who are questioning what it means to walk with Christ. Here are some of the influences we discussed: Podcasts about Christ Centered Relationships Former pastors we have sat under in College or our church backgrounds Andy Stanley, Matt Chandler, Chris Hodges, Louie Giglio, John Piper were a few pastors mentioned by name Our parents and the Godly influence we were placed in under them Our wives example to us when they seek God's word - whether in the morning or in a small group together Professors and Campus ministers Groups we have been a part of in churches and in community Desiring God Website Find us on instagram or facebook and ask if you would like a more exhaustive list of influences. Those listed above are a good start.

    42 min
  2. 03/07/2020

    S2 E4 - Sin in the Christian Life

    Carrying on our conversation from last time about sin, we wanted to take it a step further. It is easy to say what sin is, but "What's next?" or "What about me, who continues to still be in sin?" We all wonder about the hope that is come through Jesus and His plan for us and our lives. Many trust God, but either get caught up in today's futures of being okay with certain sins or mess up and we lose trust that God is who He promises He is... Our Father. We may compare Him to an earthly father who wasn't as forgiving as our Heavenly Father, which is not a good picture for us to compare to and trust. In today's episode, we ask some tight questions and give some beliefs that hopefully will begin to allow you to create discussions with others around you. Whether you are mentoring guys younger than you or you have a group of guys you are in contact with - bring up the topic and see what you come up with after discussing. A provoking question from this title was: IF SOMEONE CAME UP TO YOU AND YOU COULD ONLY GIVE THEM THREE THINGS OF ADVICE ON HOW LEAVE SIN BEHIND... WHAT DO YOU SAY? WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE? Here are some questions to think on yourself. Meditate or think about them, discuss with those around you, figure out answers for you do not know the day that someone will ask you and when you have examined your own beliefs and stances, it makes it a lot easier to share Biblically - rather than how you feel.  The questions are as follows: What does sin in the Christian life look like? Temptation - Is being tempted a sin? Where is the process of temptation carried out (origination)? How do we seek to leave Sin behind or how do we turn from our sinful nature? Not sinning anymore? Even after salvation, do people become complacent? Take away: Amazing concept of grace - we cannot earn our own salvation.

    44 min
  3. 19/06/2020

    S2 E2 - Why Christianity?

    The highest probabilities that someone will walk in a belief system is experience. Many people in Alabama, where we reside, grow up with it in the home. Much like the reason a lot of kids choose to follow the sport's team that their dad championed - many believe in Christianity because their parents championed the morality of it. Thats not the case for everyone - not even everyone in our group. Listen as we give our backgrounds to faith - we go from a pastor's son to a later in life reality. In this episode we talk about the meaning of Christianity as a whole. The basis is that you are becoming like Christ and choose to follow His teachings. Even when people get full understanding at times, situations lend to distrust and hurt and many choose to walk away from the faith they had their hearts set on before. We discuss why.  In the podcast, we want to share some things that we stand firm on that makes hearing and believing easier for us. The crazy part - it is easier to sit and speak of this on a podcast & to travel around the world and share our faith than it is to go across the street. We challenge one another to do this more. Why? Because of the implication that occurs for those who do not believe. We want you to learn about Christianity and why to believe. We want you to experience honesty in conversation. We want you to become a Christian - it is important to our lives, it is important to our families, and it is important for eternity. Answer some of these as you examine: What is your background with faith and religion? When you hear the word "Christian" what positives come to mind? Negatives? According to the Bible, how does one become a Christian? What do other faiths say? If you have walked away, why? Where was your focus? If you are a believer, what are some important beliefs you have that support your faith? Willing to share some? (use our Facebook page as a sounding board if you'd like) Have you ever been on a mission trip? Why or why not? Where would you like to go? Learn, Know and Experience Christ - it is life changing.

    49 min
  4. 21/05/2020

    Ep. 8 - Anger & Its Release

    Anger, what a HOT topic. It can range from just being annoyed to lashing out against others in rage. While anger is a normal human emotion, when it is unchecked anger often leads to massive, sometimes irrevocable, problems in  interpersonal relationships, work and on general quality of life. People that have difficulty managing anger are susceptible to road rage, verbal and physical violence, and some may find themselves in legal trouble due to anger-fueled incidents. From the Anger Management Report, 64% of people say the people seem to be getting angrier. In today’s episode, we look at the origin of anger. What does it look like? Where does it come from? What are the repercussions of anger? Especially during this COVID-19 Quarantine mandate, the rates of child abuse, divorce, and domestic violence have risen. How can you know when anger is coming from the wrong place? Is there a right anger? What are you defending when anger exists? Is it your own personal pride or social justices that better others’ well being? Stemming from PRIDE and a need for CONTROL, anger entails. From sports, to the work place, to relationships, etc… The desire for control - when it comes to anger - makes you lose control. The release comes from dying to self and forgiveness. Learning to evaluate yourself, your situations, and your surroundings - you can release anger when you learn to see things with the end in mind rather than the current situation. We must learn to train ourselves to be angry with SIN and a LACK OF JUSTICE not the individual. People will be held accountable to their sins and we are not the judge. We are called to love our enemy, to pray for our enemy, and trust that the Lord will turn things for the good of those who love Him. Challenge: ExaMEN yourself, are you harboring your struggles or are you giving forgiveness the same way you have been forgiven and want to be forgiven.

    52 min

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This discussion group is a spin off of the Kings Men growth group - a class geared for men at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The main goal of the group is to discuss the difficult topics and ask the tough questions that men need in order to examine themselves. Men discuss how to better understand the roles God has set for them so that they can be better fit to serve those around them. The goal is to develop men that will be properly equipped to guide and mentor the next generation as they go from boyhood to manhood.