The fellows look at prayer from perspectives that range from Richard J. Foster to Lulu Roman. Prayer might be the primary means of accessing the Holy Spirit, yet most of us find it difficult. In Romans, Paul says the Spirit will find the words when we can't. We discuss the importance a prayer life and ways to cultivate it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our panel talks more about the meaning of Paul's call to forsake the life in the "flesh" for indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We question conventional wisdom that humanity can progress without help from God. And what did Paul mean by the "flesh" anyway? No more smoked brisket for Robert? Can Mike still shop at Houston's Rice Epicurean Market? No church answers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we continue our discussion of living in the Holy Spirit, we look at Paul's teaching as to how Christ's crucifixion frees us "the law of sin and death." If the law is fulfilled, what replaces it? Is it a paradox to find joy and freedom through total surrender to the Spirit? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We look at how the Holy Spirit can direct our witnessing for Christ. When it comes to spreading the Word, should we be a fire hose or a watering can? We also discuss the importance of spiritual disciplines that keep us focused on the Lord. Also, Steve and Robert talk about giving our sons room to stay socially connected with their peers amid pandemic protocols. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We return to John the Baptist and the idea of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. We talk about the importance of being open to receive the and recall some depressing times when we felt its distinct absence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Man Up's Robert Cocheu interviews Capt. Bobby Delgado, chaplain, Houston Fire Department, one of the few city fire departments that maintains a full-time in-staff chaplain. Delgado addresses the leadership role men have, and the challenges of ministering to alpha males who work in dangerous, high-stress jobs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We look at Mark's version of Jesus' cleansing of the temple and its juxtaposition with the story of the fig tree that he cursed because it bore no fruit. No church answers. Also, in a new Men Matter segment, Houston Fire Department chaplain Bobby Delgado talks about ministering to firefighters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We start a new series on Living in the Holy Spirit with a look at baptism. We look at the mission of John the Baptist and talk about the baptism traditions of our respective faith backgrounds. Plus Kyle talks about his work with the Cajun Navy in St. Charles, La. aiding Hurricane Laura victims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We conclude our study of the Book of Daniel by mulling its promise of resurrection and eternal life and how it anticipates the later vision in the Book of Revelation. We also discuss the final words of the angel to Daniel: “Go your way till the end…” We take that as wise advice to focus on one’s faith journey and not worry too much about the specifics of the end times. Certainly, Daniel did not get all the answers, but we have reason to think that despite a life in exile, he ended his days satis...
Check out host Bill Cox's full interview with Chris Curran, senior pastor at Southland Baptist Church, San Angelo, Tex. Chris talks about men's ministries at his church, strengthening friendships between men and how the gift of hospitality can "make room for a brother." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we look more at Daniel's apocalyptic vision, we talk about how a prophesy can apply to different readers in different eras. We pick up on last week's discussion of spiritual warfare and, if we are to be soldiers for the Kingdom, what constitutes "basic training?" Also, in a new Men Matter segment, Chris Curran, senior pastor at Southland Baptist Church, San Angelo, Tex., talks about his discipline for maintaining friendships in busy times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...
The final vision of Daniel begins with the appearance of two angels and the prophecy of a "great war." This leads us into a discussion of spiritual warfare, a "struggle..against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil," as Paul puts it in Ephesians 6:12. Our panel broaches the topics of angels and demons and the reality of evil in this world.Man Up is now available on the Pray.com platform. Find us there or on on SoundCloud, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Twitter, Facebo...
In an extended edition of our interview with John Cates from Podcast 166, the founder of Lifeway International talks about his own struggled with alcohol and drug addiction as well as the science behind Lifeway International's Alternative Peer Group (APG)approach to treatment and recovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get out your calculators. We dive into one of the more puzzling sections of the Bible: Daniel's prophesy of the "seventy sevens." We look at the symbolism as well as one theologian's 173,880-day countdown to the first Palm Sunday. But fun with numbers aside, is there an aspect to this prophesy more relevant to us in our time? Man Up is now available on the Pray.com platform. Find us there or on on SoundCloud, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Visit us on the Web at www....
After almost 70 years in exile, Daniel offers a humble and deeply sorrowful prayer of confession and supplication to the Lord. We look at the model the prayer offers for seeking forgiveness from God and from those others we hurt. We also talk about the difference between lasting grace and "cheap grace." Plus, in our first Men Matter segment, host Bill Cox talks discusses addiction and recovery with John Cates, founder of Lifeway International. Man Up is now available on the Pray.com platform. Fi...
In a dream that leaves Daniel ill for several days, God reveals that in the future his faithful will endure oppression and destruction over an extended course of time—things will get worse before they get better. As Christians, we are supposed to be hopeful and positive, but how do we "Man Up" when it’s clear life will be difficult for an indefinite period? How do we accept realism without descending into pessimism and depression. Host Bill Cox (“The Director”) states bad times require men to “s...
Our study of the Book of Daniel turns to the prophet’s apocalyptic dream of dreadful beasts, the Ancient of Days upon a throne of judgment and the arrival of the messianic Son of Man. We try to see past the fantastical imagery to the basic meaning of the passage, and what responsibilities it places on us as Christians. On the panel: Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"), Mike Cropper (“The Judge”), Kyle Trahan ("The Deacon") and Steve Titch ("The Gambler") Bill Cox (“The Director”) hosts. Visit us at ...
Daniel continues praying daily to God in defiance of Darius the Mede’s order, and is tossed to the lions, a sentence that seems to trouble Darius much more than Daniel. We talk about the pressure Christian men face—in the workplace and in their social circles—not simply to keep silent and tolerate, but to openly affirm cultural beliefs that run counter to their own or face loss of job, friends and reputation. Daniel is an honest, hard-working servant to his imperial masters, yet he retains his r...
God brings an abrupt and chilling end to Belshazzar’s blow-out party in the form of a disembodied hand that literally spells out doom for the Babylonian Empire. We continue our talk on the theme of hubris in Daniel, as well keeping your reputation for integrity amid an amoral culture. On the panel: Michael Cropper (“The Judge”), Robert Cochefor iu (“The Professor”), Bill Cox (“The Director”), Kyle Trahan (“The Deacon”). Steve Titch ("The Gambler") hosts. Visit us at www.man-upspiritualoasis.com....
Pride goes before a fall. Just when the Babylonian king is feeling good about his dominion, his mind snaps, serving up a big lesson in hubris. Are men inclined toward self-aggrandizing? Does time and failure prompt greater reflection? On the other hand, do too many Christian men conflate humility with selling themselves short? God is the source of our gifts. What is the best way to employ our gifts to honor him? On the panel this week, Mike Cropper (“The Judge”), Robert Cocheu (“The Professor”),...
Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, choose the fiery furnace rather than bend the knee to a golden statue of Nebuchadnezzar. We talk about how men bravely face consequences—personal, professional and social—when conscience prevents them from “going along to get along.” Robert Cocheu (“the Professor”), Michael Cropper (“the Judge”), Kyle Trahan (“the Deacon”) and Bill Cox (“the “Director”) are on the panel. Steve Titch (“The Gambler”) hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...
Daniel reveals and interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, revealing who really is in charge of earth and heaven. We talk about Daniel’s boldness as well as the idea of not simply yielding control of our lives, but realizing we’re not in control to begin with. Bill Cox (“the Director”) is back with us and recounts his unenviable experience as a hospital patient during Covid-19. Robert Cocheu (“the Professor”), Michael Cropper (“the Judge”), and Kyle Trahan (“the Deacon”) round out the panel. Steve Ti...
Nebuchadnezzar has a dream no one can interpret. What do we do when faced with an impossible task? We see what we can we learn from Daniel’s example. Also, Deacon Kyle Trahan talks about the re-opening of our church after 14 weeks. With Kyle on the panel: Robert Cocheu (“The Professor”), Michael Cropper (“The Judge”). Steve Titch (“The Gambler” hosts). Visit us at www.man-upspiritualoasis.com. Find us on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See...
We start a study of the Book of Daniel with a lesson in how to stand up for one’s principles in a way that results in a win-win. How do we hold onto God when society rewards a secular path? With us: Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"), Michael Cropper ("The Judge"), Kyle Trahan ("The Deacon") and host Steve Titch ("The Gambler"). Find our study, Faith Under Fire, at www.baptistwaypress.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"Everything is meaningless," Solomon writes. Right now, with the world coming apart at the seams, where do we as Christians find meaning? We pause from our regular study series to look at what the Bible says about depressing times, and, in our "no church answers" tradition, consider gaming as one way to find structure in the world. With us: Robert Cocheu ("The Professor"), Michael Cropper ("The Judge"), Kyle Trahan ("The Deacon") and host Steve Titch ("The Gambler"). Cited in our discussion: Rea...
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asks two blind men. Their answer can be taken several different ways, which might make it the most appropriate for anyone at any time or place. We also view this healing as another example of Jesus seeing past the pressing crowd and addressing those too easily ignored and marginalized. Our panel: Mike Cropper (“The Judge”), Steve Titch (“The Gambler”), Robert Cocheu (“The Professor”) and host Bill Cox (“The Director”). Visit us at www.man-upspiritualoas...
What do Christians owe the government? Taxes? Respect? Obedience? Our panel turns its attention to Jesus’ instruction to pay the temple tax so as “not to give offense.” We correlate that with other parts of scripture that call for submission to earthly powers, but does that obligation change under modern democracy? Our panel, still submitting to government social distancing orders: Mike Cropper (“The Judge”), Kyle Trahan (“The Deacon”), Steve Titch (“The Gambler), Robert Cocheu (“The Professor”)...
Is faith strong enough to move mountains? A frustrated Jesus schools his disciples. Why the harsh tone? We talk about what “having faith” truly means. Is it simply believing God can do anything for you if you wish hard enough, or is there something deeper, more mature in committing to seeking the Kingdom? Our panel, frustrated by Covid-19 but responding in a Godly way: Mike Cropper (“The Judge”), Steve Titch (“The Gambler) and Robert Cocheu (“The Professor”) and host Bill Cox (“The Director”). V...
We explore a section of Matthew’s gospel where Jesus seems most unJesus-like, ignoring a woman seeking healing for her daughter and then apparently insulting her when she gets his attention. No polite Sunday School answers as we unpack these verses, finding virtue in being “persistently humble.” On our panel this week: Mike Cropper (“The Judge”), Steve Titch (“The Gambler) and Robert Cocheu (“The Professor”) and host Bill Cox (“The Director”). Visit us at www.man-upspiritualoasis.com. Find us on...
Which failure is worse: taking a risk and falling short or never taking a risk at all? Peter may not have been able to walk on water, but he did get out of the boat. We discuss this miracle and overcoming fear and rising to the challenge of Christian engagement. Also, we grade ourselves on how we’ve each handled social distancing and other restrictions of the Covid-19 lockdown. Panelists this week: Mike Cropper (“The Judge”), Kyle Trahan (“The Deacon”), Steve Titch (“The Gambler) and Robert Coch...
