WELCOME TO THE
2018 MEN’S KICKOFF
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We are glad you joined us today as we declare that we are Men of the Word.
hat do we mean by “the Word”?
When you Google “word definition,” you get;
• a single distinct meaningful element of speech or
writing: “Grace is a beautiful word.”
• something that someone says or writes: “These are
the words to the song”
• a brief remark or conversation: “I would like to have
a word with you”
• order, command: “Don’t move until I give the word”
• promise, declaration: “He kept his word”
When capitalized, Word means the expressed or
manifested mind and will of God.
So what does it mean to be Men of the Word?
First, we are men defined by Jesus Christ, who is the
Word, the incarnated mind and will of God.
The Gospel of John 1:1-5 (NLT) says:
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word
was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the
beginning with God. God created everything through
him, and nothing was created except through him. The
Word gave life to everything that was created, and his
life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the
darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
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The Apostle Paul says that Christ Jesus is the wisdom
and power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). The Apostle
Peter says that we were born again through the
“living and abiding Word of God” (1 Peter 1:23 ESV).
What does all this mean for us?
It means that we are men defined by our relationship
with God through Jesus Christ. Christ is the standard,
measure and source of our identity and lifestyle. This
is why the International Christian Brotherhood (ICB)
has always taught that manhood and Christ-likeness
are synonymous.
Second, we are men who believe that the Holy Bible
is God’s revealed and timeless message, or Word, to
us. The holy scriptures are our source of faith and
rule of conduct.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) says:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in
righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
equipped for every good work.”
Have you learned how to profit from the scripture?
Have you learned how the scripture can equip you
for every good work God intends for your life?
Is it time to answer the call to be a complete man of
God by being a man of the Word?