I have just returned from Kansas City, Missouri where I had the privilege of speaking to approximately 1000 men gathered under the sponsorship of the National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families. We met to discuss a biblical view of sexuality and how to be a man who guards his heart and home. Speaking with me was the very bright and energetic Christopher West, who spoke on a theology of the body. And Phillip Cosby was the driving force who put it all together and made it work….no, made it succeed.
This issue of living in sexual purity and getting a biblical view of how God would have us handle our sexually saturated society, drew men from every walk of life. And we saw the challenges are huge! For instance, the U. of Florida did a study that reveals that 1 out of 3 marriages ending in divorce are a result of internet porn and chat rooms. Statistics show that pornography is a growing epidemic not only in men…but in women. And studies reveal that churched men are struggling with this sexualized society… both men in the pew, and men in the ministry. The porn industry makes more money yearly than professional baseball, basketball and football….combined.
It was incredible seeing men…both Catholic and Protestant…willing to become vulnerable and open about the battles they face, and how to rise above them. I was honored to be a part of such a great event calling men to accountability for their walk matching their talk. I applaud the vision and work of Phillip Cosby and his wife Cathy. Thank God for an organization like the National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families who is willing to stand in the gap and raise a standard in a day…and nation…which seems to be jettisoning so many standards. Keep up the great work Phillip!
Thanks Bob! I heard God moved mightily through your message this weekend at Men of Valor. Talked to five people who were there that really gave you shining comments. And they didn’t even know you were ‘my new best friend’.
It’s a term my wife Rebecca tells me when I come home and tell her about a new friend God placed in my life.
She is precious to me…and grounds me. A true Gift from God.
Wish I could have been there at MOV.
Will get the audio from Phillip Cosby.
Wow! How timely is your message. Thank you for taking a stand, focusing on men and caring enough to engage the struggles we all face. Far too often the church places funds and focus on women, children and youth while men are overlooked. No wonder its hard to find a home where the man is honored and respected as the God given leader. Men of Valor is a testament to our times and the importance of Godly men in the home, our churches and where we work. Thank you Bob!
Hello Bob, What a great privilage it was to have you with us in Kansas City. Your presentations were given high marks by the 1,000 men in attendance. Both Catholic and Protestant. You have a quick mind and passionate delivery of the gospel of Christ. Thank you for coming and I look forward to the next time our paths cross. Stay Strong my Friend, Phillip Cosby
Thank you Bob for you ministry. I had the pleasure of being under your teaching at The Cove last summer; the coach’s marriage retreat sponsored by Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The session in which you took us men aside and frankly shared with us the common struggles we have concerning purity.
I have struggled at times………and still do. But God has taught me some valuable lessons through past experiences and through godly men like you. I recognize that the most precious human relationship I have on this earth is with my wife. Our “souls are blended” and Satan will do everything he can to rob us of our intimacy.
I’ve learned that its too late when you are sitting in front of the computer with a battle raging in your mind and heart. After honestly sharing with my wife the dangers of the internet we agreed to get a filter. It has saved me on more than one moment of weakness.
I’ve learned that there are certain things that are windows to impurity; seemly innocent flirting, second looks, or even grasping and holding on to a fleeting, impure thought.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that my best weapon is God’s Word. When I’m in His Word daily and genuinely (not just going through the motions) my mind drifts toward the right kind of thinking. My prayer is for God’s protection and discipline and for God to love my wife through me.
Will I still experience moments of failure? Absolutely. But thank you Bob for helping us realize that we men who love God are not alone in our battles and with God’s help and encouragement from friends like you, we can win those battles that we face. God bless you brother.
Jerry
Thanks so much for your comments and for your vulnerabiltiy. That is the key for me…to be willing to be open and honest…first with themselves, and then with others.
And you are so right. The time to make decisions about what your response will be is not WHEN the temptation comes…but before it does. God has made a great promise to us in 1 Cor. 10:13 that He will always make available what we need to deal with temptation.
God bless you Jerry for your honesty.
Thanks Phil. I’ll speak for you anytime and for the impact you are making on the hearts of men!!! Keep up the great work in Kansas City and standing up against the onslaught of a sexually saturated culture!
Bob, you did an awesome job last weekend. It was powerful to see hundreds of men stand and commit to go resolve relational issues and to forgive those who have hurt them. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Rick. What a rush to see men step up to the plate and be counted…and do what Scripture says, whether it’s comfortable or not. It was great being with you. Thanks for the great leadership you give the business community in Kansas City. Blessings!
Bob,
You were a great encouragement to the men and women who were with us in Kansas City. Your talks were challenging, Christ centered and gave hope to all that purity is possible. God is using you powerfully in His service and your ministry to the Men of Valor and their wives was clearly led by the Spirit.
Rick Schatz
President, National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families