Christianity and Bodybuilding

[Irish Cannon]

First of all, I'm going to ask that this doesn't turn into a religious debate. That's not what this thread is about. Out of respect, I ask that you please do not participate in the thread if all you want to do is argue your disbelief in Christianity or religion.

*****

Sometimes I feel as though my bodybuilding gets in the way of serving in the ministry. Many times I've passed up opportunities to go on missions trips purely because I didn't want to risk muscle loss over the period of a month.

I don't necessarily feel as though I'm doing anything wrong, but I do feel like I'm missing out on chances the Lord has for me to grow spiritually outside of my comfort zone.

I'm considering on taking some small steps and offering to volunteer at my church for some stuff. For example, we've got a coffee shop at my church and I was going to simply volunteer to work there after the Wednesday night service. I go anyways for the service, so I may as well hang out for another hour and work and fellowship with other believers.

I was just curious if any of you felt the same way? I don't at all feel like the Lord is asking me to quit bodybuilding, but I do feel as though He's kind of telling me to simply give up some time. If I have to skip a meal and have a shake instead, so be it. Who knows, maybe I'll be blessed by it and grow some nice triceps. Not that I'm expecting that. Haha.

 

[suncloud]

i think that God would want us to serve Him on our own terms. more than that negates our free will. of course, i'm an atheist, so i probably got that wrong

 

[Irish Cannon]

i think that God would want us to serve Him on our own terms. more than that negates our free will. of course, i'm an atheist, so i probably got that wrong

Haha. I mean, you make somewhat of a good point. Christians should WANT to serve and not feel as though they're being forced, but it seems the more I learn about my faith, and the more I fellowship with believers, the more I DO WANT to serve. The only thing that holds me back at times is bodybuilding. Do you see what I'm saying? I don't feel forced, I want to do it.

 

[Jayhawkk]

It's almost something that goes in a circle when discussing what God wants us to do.

1. God wants me to workout less to focus more on the church
2. If you were devout enough then you would want this yourself and automatically do it.

Hard to get around that with any other possiblities... My personal opinion and belief is that if you feel as if you're living your life the way you should according to your religion then you're fine. If you feel as if you're shorting yourself and know it but continue in the same fashion then you're wrong.(in the eyes of God) Bodybuilding is a pretty vein hobby to begin with so you're already treading on thin ice

 

[Irish Cannon]

It's almost something that goes in a circle when discussing what God wants us to do.

1. God wants me to workout less to focus more on the church
2. If you were devout enough then you would want this yourself and automatically do it.

Hard to get around that with any other possiblities... My personal opinion and belief is that if you feel as if you're living your life the way you should according to your religion then you're fine. If you feel as if you're shorting yourself and know it but continue in the same fashion then you're wrong.(in the eyes of God) Bodybuilding is a pretty vein hobby to begin with so you're already treading on thin ice

I don't really even feel it's a matter of working out less. I just feel I shouldn't be focusing so heavily on it at times. Like I said, I don't think God is telling me to quit or lessen my hobby, more so telling me to rearrange my priorities.

Bodybuilding IS vain, but I know my heart, and I don't do it to impress other people. I just find it enjoyable. I don't go around showing it off, I don't try to pick up women with my muscle...It's just something I do for fun.

 

[Resolve]

Well, you seem to be talking specifically about serving in the Church, rather than just serving the Lord in general.
I don't think it's necessary to go on mission trips at all to be active in ministry. Now, if you feel you're idolizing bodybuilding, then that's a different story, and something that I have struggled with in the past too. But different folks are called to different ministries dependend upon spiritual gifts. I've never felt called to go to another country, I've always felt my career field (the scientific community) is mission field enough.
"Just giving up some time" as you say, can be a great way to get to know people and bless people. Consider it this way: in that situation, you're tithing your time, and for a bb'er that's pretty precious, especially when mealtime rolls around. And I think God realizes that; that it's somewhat similar to the "Widow's Mites" in a convoluted way

 

[Jayhawkk]

If you feel your priorities are off then you need to change them. It's really that simple even if it isn't a simple thing to do. You can always ask for opinion of those around you to see if they feel you haven't done enough... It's really only one of those things you can answer for yourself and correct for yourself.

*vain... thanks for the correction

 

[suncloud]

Haha. I mean, you make somewhat of a good point. Christians should WANT to serve and not feel as though they're being forced, but it seems the more I learn about my faith, and the more I fellowship with believers, the more I DO WANT to serve. The only thing that holds me back at times is bodybuilding. Do you see what I'm saying? I don't feel forced, I want to do it.

so what you're saying is you're not quite ready yet to dedicate all of your time, but you expect that to change at any moment. my brother, you've answered your own question

also, when you do go on missions, you still have some time to yourself, which you could spend working out doing body weight exercises, lunges with gallon milk containers, etc. you might not grow, but you won't loose anything either

 

[Irish Cannon]

Well, you seem to be talking specifically about serving in the Church, rather than just serving the Lord in general.
I don't think it's necessary to go on mission trips at all to be active in ministry. Now, if you feel you're idolizing bodybuilding, then that's a different story, and something that I have struggled with in the past too. But different folks are called to different ministries dependend upon spiritual gifts. I've never felt called to go to another country, I've always felt my career field (the scientific community) is mission field enough.
"Just giving up some time" as you say, can be a great way to get to know people and bless people. Consider it this way: in that situation, you're tithing your time, and for a bb'er that's pretty precious, especially when mealtime rolls around. And I think God realizes that; that it's somewhat similar to the "Widow's Mites" in a convoluted way

Yes, I know it's not necessary to go on missions trips, but when the only thing holding you back from going on one is bodybuilding, don't you think there is something wrong there? Like I've literally had the offer to go on some real cool trips, and the only reason I said no was because I didn't want to spend two weeks away from my kitchen.

Like you, I've always looked at time as an offering as well. I'll make sure to keep this in the forefront of my mind.

If you feel your priorities are off then you need to change them. It's really that simple even if it isn't a simple thing to do. You can always ask for opinion of those around you to see if they feel you haven't done enough... It's really only one of those things you can answer for yourself and correct for yourself.

*vain... thanks for the correction

Yes, it is very simple.

As for vain, I didn't even notice that. Haha.

 

[Irish Cannon]

And on the other side of things...

I wish the people I fellowshipped with didn't see what I do as such a big deal. So I bring meals to Bible study...So I don't want to eat the food you have there...so what? I'm here to grow and to spend time with other believers. Give me a break!

I've had people tell me it was rude to bring my own food and not eat what they have...:dunno: - Where do people come up with this stuff?

Them: "You're their guest and they bought the food for you to enjoy."

Me: "Well perhaps they haven't considered that I would NOT enjoy eating their food."

Grr.

 

[Jayhawkk]

Please don't get me started on fellow believers at this point. I just had my best friend's mother request me to delete her off myspace because I sent her a message letting her know she had posted a few 'religious' bulletins that were not based in fact. I was polite but she decided that I was the one who was wrong and my pride is my downfall and living in sin(celebrating valentine's) was proof of this. etc etc i'm burning in hell

 

[suncloud]

And on the other side of things...

I wish the people I fellowshipped with didn't see what I do as such a big deal. So I bring meals to Bible study...So I don't want to eat the food you have there...so what? I'm here to grow and to spend time with other believers. Give me a break!

I've had people tell me it was rude to bring my own food and not eat what they have...:dunno: - Where do people come up with this stuff?

Them: "You're their guest and they bought the food for you to enjoy."

Me: "Well perhaps they haven't considered that I would NOT enjoy eating their food."

Grr.

that's some old school rule. last time i checked, that only applied to eating at someone's house though... maybe telling whoever complains, that you would prefer the money the church earns not to be spent on you, would give them an excuse to shut up

 

[Irish Cannon]

Please don't get me started on fellow believers at this point. I just had my best friend's mother request me to delete her off myspace because I sent her a message letting her know she had posted a few 'religious' bulletins that were not based in fact. I was polite but she decided that I was the one who was wrong and my pride is my downfall and living in sin(celebrating valentine's) was proof of this. etc etc i'm burning in hell

Ha. Some people are just out there, man. You can't let it frustrate you with the faith, nor group other followers together in that category. She's obviously just got a hard heart that needs to be softened.

 

[Irish Cannon]

that's some old school rule. last time i checked, that only applied to eating at someone's house though... maybe telling whoever complains, that you would prefer the money the church earns not to be spent on you would give them an excuse to shut up

Haha! Well, it was at someones house, but I like that line anyways.

 

[Funny Monkey]

I'd say its priorities and it looks like you have answered your own question.

yeah I hear ya Irish I hate going anywhere where people have food. It is always bad...If I am not cutting I eat before I go and then get something very small....Even if others are drinking its always a club soda and lime for me..tastes pretty good

 

[Resolve]

Yes, I know it's not necessary to go on missions trips, but when the only thing holding you back from going on one is bodybuilding, don't you think there is something wrong there? Like I've literally had the offer to go on some real cool trips, and the only reason I said no was because I didn't want to spend two weeks away from my kitchen.

Like you, I've always looked at time as an offering as well. I'll make sure to keep this in the forefront of my mind.



Yes, it is very simple.

As for vain, I didn't even notice that. Haha.

Well, did you feel honestly called to go on those trips? I mean, just because they're "cool trips" doesn't mean you are supposed or providentially intended to go on them.

 

[Irish Cannon]

Most people have been pretty cool about it, but some just aren't. People can be very pushy down South it seems. They weren't like this too much up North.

 

[Irish Cannon]

Well, did you feel honestly called to go on those trips? I mean, just because they're "cool trips" doesn't mean you are supposed or providentially intended to go on them.

I felt like it was one of those situations that was up to me. By "cool" I just meant the opportunity to fellowship with other believers, which I don't too often outside of regular church services or family.

 

[Dadof2]

Heres my quick .02, as the influenza is currently kicking my butt.

Remember that the central tenet of Christianity is Christ in you, via new life given freely by grace. This being the case, Christ in you, your whole life becomes a ministry whether you are aware of it or not. This isn't an issue of trying, it is more an issue of faith: "I trust God will use me to minister as He sees fit". not "I have to do _______ for God".

Who knows, perhaps your bodybuilding is a part of your ministry. My advice is don't sweat it, you are placing yourself under an unnecessary bondage. When you are living in faith i.e. in rest, then you will be a light to the world rather you realize it or not.

 

[Irish Cannon]

Heres my quick .02, as the influenza is currently kicking my butt.

Remember that the central tenet of Christianity is Christ in you, via new life given freely by grace. This being the case, Christ in you, your whole life becomes a ministry whether you are aware of it or not. This isn't an issue of trying, it is more an issue of faith: "I trust God will use me to minister as He sees fit". not "I have to do _______ for God".

Who knows, perhaps your bodybuilding is a part of your ministry. My advice is don't sweat it, you are placing yourself under an unnecessary bondage. When you are living in faith i.e. in rest, then you will be a light to the world rather you realize it or not.

This is great advice. Thanks man!

 

[Resolve]

Please don't get me started on fellow believers at this point. I just had my best friend's mother request me to delete her off myspace because I sent her a message letting her know she had posted a few 'religious' bulletins that were not based in fact. I was polite but she decided that I was the one who was wrong and my pride is my downfall and living in sin(celebrating valentine's) was proof of this. etc etc i'm burning in hell

A prime example of living up to the negative stereotype of closeminded Christians. So sad.

 

[B5150]

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ"

Hanging By A Moment

I'm desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
I'm chasing after you

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

Forgetting all I'm lacking
Completely incomplete
I'll take your invitation
You take all of me now

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you

There's nothing else to lose
There's nothing else to find
There's nothing in the world
That can change my mind

There is nothing else
There is nothing else
There is nothing else

I'm desperate for changing
I'm starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
I'm chasing after you

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you

Just hanging by a moment
Hanging by a moment
Hanging by a moment
Hanging by a moment here with you

 

[Irish Cannon]

Group hug. :grouphug:

 

[Resolve]

Heres my quick .02, as the influenza is currently kicking my butt.

Remember that the central tenet of Christianity is Christ in you, via new life given freely by grace. This being the case, Christ in you, your whole life becomes a ministry whether you are aware of it or not. This isn't an issue of trying, it is more an issue of faith: "I trust God will use me to minister as He sees fit". not "I have to do _______ for God".

Who knows, perhaps your bodybuilding is a part of your ministry. My advice is don't sweat it, you are placing yourself under an unnecessary bondage. When you are living in faith i.e. in rest, then you will be a light to the world rather you realize it or not.

Well said.

 

[B5150]

The Holy Spirit prompts us to move out of our comfort zone to a deeper trust and faith. You don't need to give up in order to step up and out and move closer to others and Christ. If it hinders you from growing closer to Christ and serving Him with your God given gifts (social, service, fellowship) then you may need to consider it.

 

[jminis]

Why don't you design a program to use in the gym and have another program designed for when your on a trip.

Pushups
Situps
Pullups
Curls (using water, sand, ect... in a bag)
Lunges
Calf raises
Squats
Handstand shoulder press
Lateral Raises
Front Raises
The list goes on man. You can have the best of both worlds here.

 

[BodyWizard]

And on the other side of things...

I wish the people I fellowshipped with didn't see what I do as such a big deal. So I bring meals to Bible study...So I don't want to eat the food you have there...so what? I'm here to grow and to spend time with other believers. Give me a break!

I've had people tell me it was rude to bring my own food and not eat what they have...:dunno: - Where do people come up with this stuff?

Them: "You're their guest and they bought the food for you to enjoy."

Me: "Well perhaps they haven't considered that I would NOT enjoy eating their food."

Grr.

Well, it IS rude by perhaps THE most universal standard for human behavior.

The sharing of food with a guest is one of the most universal and basic gestures of friendship. It's part of virtually every culture on the planet: to refuse a gift of food and drink from your host (bread, salt and drink are the basics), especially on the first visit, is a rejection of the host's hospitality in any culture, including this one. People get thrown out of places (and sometimes roughed up) for being a 'bad guest' all the time, all over the world. Ironically, Muslims tend to be particularly prickly about violations of and insults against hospitality (which can really explain a lot if you think about it), but it's all through our culture, along with the rest (are you familiar with the old spiritual, "Let us break bread together"?).

Unless you explain in advance that you have "special dietary needs", you will certainly insult your hosts, whether they explain it to you or not. And even if you give advance notice, you should *still* take a token cracker, a token beverage. It's an explicit gesture of fellowship, of appreciation that goes way deeper than "thank you", and in the actions-speak-louder-than-words sense.

Unless you don't care if people think you're rude and inconsiderate, don't don't care if they don't want to open their homes and hearts to you in the future.

May you receive this in the spirit in which it is offered...

 

[Bionic]

Lots of good advice here and I agree with JayHawkk among others. If you feel it's getting in the way, it is. If you feel like you can use it to help and fellowship with others, do it that way. I know Joel Osteen gets a ton of crap due to the fact that a great deal of his sermons deal with self-help and "earthly matters." Some people will just never understand why we do what we do. The good thing is, these people cannot judge you (although they'll try). All of that is to say, if you feel like you should spend more time in Church, spend more time in Church. But don't go to the gym and think about being in church and then go to church and think about the gym.

 

[B5150]

May you receive this in the spirit in which it is offered...

Ironically much of Christ's teaching was hosted in a breaking bread atmosphere. Whether at a private function or a public gathering bread and water and or wine were a staple and a "bringing around the table" tool which transcended the cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political diversity of the time.

He went as far as multiplying loaves and fish so he could feed his sheep. He wanted to be sure they ate so that they could be fed.

 

[Irish Cannon]

Ironically much of Christ's teaching was hosted in a breaking bread atmosphere. Whether at a private function or a public gathering bread and water and or wine were a staple and a "bringing around the table" tool which transcended the cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political diversity of the time.

He went as far as multiplying loaves and fish so he could feed his sheep. He wanted to be sure they ate so that they could be fed.

A lot of this was a symbolic...but just for everyones information, I would eat their food if it was healthy fish and whole wheat bread.

I doubt Jesus would have served fried chicken and biscuits.

 

[B5150]

A lot of this was a symbolic...

Yes, it was a symbol of fellowship and communion.

 

[elementrip]

Well, it IS rude by perhaps THE most universal standard for human behavior.

The sharing of food with a guest is one of the most universal and basic gestures of friendship. It's part of virtually every culture on the planet: to refuse a gift of food and drink from your host (bread, salt and drink are the basics), especially on the first visit, is a rejection of the host's hospitality in any culture, including this one. People get thrown out of places (and sometimes roughed up) for being a 'bad guest' all the time, all over the world. Ironically, Muslims tend to be particularly prickly about violations of and insults against hospitality (which can really explain a lot if you think about it), but it's all through our culture, along with the rest (are you familiar with the old spiritual, "Let us break bread together"?).

Unless you explain in advance that you have "special dietary needs", you will certainly insult your hosts, whether they explain it to you or not. And even if you give advance notice, you should *still* take a token cracker, a token beverage. It's an explicit gesture of fellowship, of appreciation that goes way deeper than "thank you", and in the actions-speak-louder-than-words sense.

Unless you don't care if people think you're rude and inconsiderate, don't don't care if they don't want to open their homes and hearts to you in the future.

May you receive this in the spirit in which it is offered...

I agree its as if to say you had a food allergy but it was brought for you that you ought to eat it? It's just a matter of being put into a friendly understandable context.

As for your faith and intentions in general. Your head is in the right place and even if on this day you may not be taking those steps to involve yourself just a little more, you have the intention of bettering yourself and your mind is on the subject of god in your personal life included... That to me has been the very best that can be expected of one another anything above that is free will and is appreciated but not our place to request.

The three biggest parts of my mental outlook on life currently are: god/faith, bodybuilding, and my education. All of which provide growth in a multitude of ways.

Words cant express how much i thank you for this post. I really needed to see that others are facing the same internal dilemas.

 

[B5150]

The challenge is - does one want encouragement to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit prompting us to give our lives over to Christ or comfortable company for dismissing the voice. The Church pews around the planet are full every Sunday with those kind of Christians.

As Christians we believe that the voice that prompts us is the voice of the Holy Spirit - God. This is His communication tool.

He has commanded us to serve Him and others. We are to be obedient to the best of our ability. The shortcomings and inabilities that we possess are covered in and buy His grace. Our unwillingness is a different animal. Obedience is for our own good, the good of others and the good in serving God.

An increasingly growing intimate relationship with Christ inherently implores and compels us to serve and fellowship. We should not look or sound so surprised when we are overwhelmed with a desire to serve Him. He created us this way for this purpose. He is transforming us to His likeness if we are willing.

This guy already said what I mean to say so I'll let him say it:

Invalid Link Removed

The Prompting of the Holy Spirit

The passages below are taken from Charles Stanley’s book, “Walking Wisely,” published in 2002.



The very first prompting of the Holy Spirit that any person experiences is to accept Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior, and then to follow Jesus Christ as the Lord of one’s life.

After we have received Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells within us to guide us in the way we should walk—--the choices and decisions we should make, the work we should undertake, and the new attitudes and opinions we should adopt. Jesus said that one of the primary roles of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into all truth (John 16: 13).

When God wants to clarify the next move He has for us, or to move us in a new direction, He very often creates what I call a “prompting” in a person’s spirit. A prompting is like a flash of lightning in a person’s spirit that creates an almost immediate knowing of which way to turn, what to do, what to say, how to respond. The prompting comes with a deep assurance and confidence that the choice or decision is right.

Anytime you have a prompting of the Holy Spirit, you can be assured that our all-wise God—--the omniscient Holy Spirit—--is saying to you, “I love you enough to tell you what to do in this situation.”

Much of what the Holy Spirit prompts us to do involve a potential loss or gain of something important or valuable. At times the Holy Spirit prompts us to take an action that could result in a loss or gain in the life of another person.

There are certain things we should avoid . . . should discard. . .should ignore. . . should put away. There are other things that we should reach out and receive . . . should pay attention to . . . or should act upon.

As much as the Holy Spirit prompts us to do or to say certain things, He also prompts us not to act or to speak. There have been times when I have clearly felt the Holy Spirit prompting me, “Sit down and don’t say a word.” There have been times when I have felt the Holy Spirit telling me to do nothing in a particular situation, even though everything in me was boiling and eager to take action.

How do you develop this sensitivity? Ask God to make you sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The work of imparting sensitivity to you is His work. However, if you fail to act on the prompting that the Holy Spirit gives you, you will never learn how to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. When you experience what you believe to be a prompting, act on it immediately. Don’t second—guess what God tells you to do.

You will quickly discern if you have heard correctly. If you have not heard correctly, you will feel unrest in your spirit; you will not have peace. On the other hand, if you have heard correctly, you will feel a growing peace and confidence at the action you have taken.

 

[carpee]

jeremiah 29:11.

i went to costa rica for a month last summer, after wrestling with the idea that i would not be able to lift or control my diet like i wanted. But i prayed about and found out that when i got there, i didnt lose muscle like i had been so afraid.
honestly, in all these forums and stuff...i think some information goes a little far...as far as catabolism.
yea, goin on a missions trip for a month, you may lose a little bit of mass...probably not even noticeable by anyone but you. but what you gain is the experience, and the joy of service

 

[dsade]

Think about it this way...what voice inside of you called you to bodybuild?

The way I see it, one of the most powerful and effective ways that you CAN serve your fellow man is by being a living example. Live your life for your own goals, DO NOT HARM OR HINDER OTHERS, and share your wisdom when asked.

You will be doing the closest thing I can see to perfect work that exists, by giving others a concrete personalized example they can emulate.

teach a man to fish, blah blah blah

 

[B5150]

i think some information goes a little far...as far as catabolism.

Missing a meal for a couple hours is not going to make or break anyone here's physique...

As a Christian the placing the consuming of such as an obstacle to fellowship and service is shortsighted at very the least.

 

[Irish Cannon]

Guys, great responses! I really appreciate the help, encouragement, and opinions.

Totally off topic, but I was just listening to Bebo Norman on Rhapsody. I never heard that song he did called "Britney." Has anyone else heard it? Such a good message to the song.

Came across this: Invalid Link Removed

If you haven't heard the song, look it up on YT.

 

[carpee]

honestly...

when i'm doing what i know God is calling me to do..wether its daily things or larger more purposeful things, it correlates into my bodybuilding. mentally and spiritually i am more in tune, physically my body feels fuller, my lifts go up, and i feel like my body is just more efficient in general.

 

[ozarkaBRAND]

Totally off topic, but I was just listening to Bebo Norman on Rhapsody. I never heard that song he did called "Britney." Has anyone else heard it? Such a good message to the song.

Came across this: Invalid Link Removed

If you haven't heard the song, look it up on YT.

Hmm.. Not bad.

 

[B5150]

Sometimes I feel as though my bodybuilding gets in the way of serving in the ministry. Many times I've passed up opportunities to go on missions trips purely because I didn't want to risk muscle loss over the period of a month.

I don't necessarily feel as though I'm doing anything wrong, but I do feel like I'm missing out on chances the Lord has for me to grow spiritually outside of my comfort zone.

I'm considering on taking some small steps and offering to volunteer at my church for some stuff. For example, we've got a coffee shop at my church and I was going to simply volunteer to work there after the Wednesday night service. I go anyways for the service, so I may as well hang out for another hour and work and fellowship with other believers.

I was just curious if any of you felt the same way?

I did not reply directly to your questions before but I will.

I have in the passed allowed the inherent obsessives that is bodybuilding to interfere with fellowship in general. The needing to get to bed early so I can get up early has been an excuse for me to not engage and commit in evening fellowship, studies and gathering.

I did not feel like I was doing anything wrong but I had an incessant sense of stagnancy, spiritual longing to grow and a disobedience to engage and fellowship with the body of Christ...my church and community. I had a comfort zone that was no longer comfortable.

I recently took a leap of faith and act of obedience and enrolled mid-session in a Men's Group Study. The study has been a crucial step in me growing my faith and my service. More importantly it has been a huge aspect of growing my relationship with God and other men as well as my family relationships.

As a result of this honest and open engagement with other men I have had the opportunity to find a mentor who has encouraged me to continue to grow in my faith of service and fellowship. He has enlisted me to co lead the same study on a Saturday morning.

So now not only do I go to my own group on Wednesday nights from 7:00-9:00 but I also co-lead one on Saturday mornings from 7:30-9:30. My wife and I also go to a couples meeting on Sundays from 5:00-7:00.

I'll have you know that I have not missed a meal as a result. I have not missed a workout nor have I become catabolic.

But I have on the other hand found a greater sense of connection with God and His purpose for my life. I have found a greater empathy and connection with my fellow man as well as seen how my testimony and life experience can be a great asset to the Lord.

This purpose transcends the temporal and certainly greatly exceeds anything I have achieved with my physique now or in the future.

You have already answered for yourself the question you asked. I will testify that God is faithful to deliver on His promises. I would encourage you to respond to what the Holy Spirit is prompting you to do. Do the little you can and you may see that you will have a desire and ability for more. You will wonder why you hadn't done so sooner.

The study I am close to finishing and just begun to lead - Invalid Link Removed / Invalid Link Removed. This study has been a life changing experience that has pushed me passed the important plateaus in my life and grown me leaps and bounds as a man, a son, a father and a husband.

The one my wife and I are in on Sunday - Invalid Link Removed This too is very good. If you get a chance to see the movie it is a great message (weak acting but great message).

 

[Irish Cannon]

Really appreciate that post, B5150.

Yes, I've seen Fireproof. Very wonderful message.

I actually used to attend a church that did the Men's Fraternity. Looked like an excellent thing to get involved in, but my school schedule conflicted with the times they met. I actually still have a piece of duct tape on my Bible that they gave to me the day they announced the study. Ha.

 

[B5150]

Really appreciate that post, B5150.

Yes, I've seen Fireproof. Very wonderful message.

I actually used to attend a church that did the Men's Fraternity. Looked like an excellent thing to get involved in, but my school schedule conflicted with the times they met. I actually still have a piece of duct tape on my Bible that they gave to me the day they announced the study. Ha.

I have the entire The Quest for Authentic Manhood transcripts. I've actually considered starting up a AnabolicMinds Social Group to do an e-study.

I will tell you without hesitation it has been the best thing to come to my manhood and my Christianity since I was baptized 21 years ago. It has been life transforming on many levels.

 

[Irish Cannon]

I have the entire The Quest for Authentic Manhood transcripts. I've actually considered starting up a AnabolicMinds Social Group to do an e-study.

I will tell you without hesitation it has been the best thing to come to my manhood and my Christianity since I was baptized 21 years ago. It has been life transforming on many levels.

That's awesome. I'm going to look more into this. Off the top of your head, are there any study books one can do on their own, or does it involve a group? If I can't find a study around here to go to that has this, I'd like to do it on my own.

 

[B5150]

Invalid Link Removed

As far as material goes - there is no single book or single study item. It is lecture based with a support workbook. It is a multimedia study course.

 

[TripDog]

I have the entire The Quest for Authentic Manhood transcripts. I've actually considered starting up a AnabolicMinds Social Group to do an e-study.

I will tell you without hesitation it has been the best thing to come to my manhood and my Christianity since I was baptized 21 years ago. It has been life transforming on many levels.

That would be a very positive thing to do. I would like to see that happen Brian.

 

[Zero V]

I would say change nothing if its another Christian that has made you feel this way, unless you take a long time to reflect upon your past and decide if there was any err in your choices.

Ive been on a missions trip. A missions trip really isnt about convenience or it being a good time. Its about making a sacrifice, to put off yourself to help others who are in desperate need. I mean where I went in Mexico, they themselves couldn't even body build if they wanted to. Living off a bag of beans to feed a family of 4 for a week...kids didnt even have shoes.

If its caring more about your gains, personal fitness goals, than about helping some people who are in dire need of not only physical supplies, and spiritual help, but just a person to be there to support them as a loving human being, then yeah I would find an issue with it.

What I will say, is it is obvious you are feeling concerned or guilty a little about skipping such trips. Just find out if you feel that way because of other people or because of God moving in you. Not everyone is meant to go on every single missions trip. At my church they have been back to Mexico several times, each time they want me to go. I am jobless, i simply cant do it. Sometimes life is life.

So if someone said something to make you feel this way, ignore it. There is no sin in not going on a missions trip, not every ones a missionary. It is a great experience, I would say definitely go on a few even if its not your lifelong calling. For me in the long run, I will spend many years in my future outside of this country serving people. Which is fine considering I hate what this country is becoming lol.

When I was on my trip, we had a weight room (though hilariously small) at the hotel we stayed in. You should know yourself you can do a heck of alot of damage to your body even without weights. The right intensity and a week or 10 days outside of your normal schedule wouldn't hurt you at all. Not to mention the short break from weights would probably contribute to a boost when you get back, whens the last time you took a week off. Man i added so much strength sometimes when just relax for a week every couple months. Best gains I make is during that for some weird reason

I would say, unless your feeling that conviction inside from God, then its all really preference for you.

And I think it was jay who said something about that lady and the way she reacted on Myspace...WOW....i really have come to dislike some of these older Christians. Most people who accuse another of pride, are in of themselves guilty of the sin of pride. And besides, having a small amount of pride in yourself, is a form of confidence. Its a good thing to have in small doses. Bah.

I have been taking a long time to reflect on my own views. Being too extreme in the past confused myself of who I was. Though that is clearing up a bit now. G'luck and God bless.

 

[aries70]

It's good to see a topic like this especially on a forum like this. The part that I need to work on is keeping myself humble and not feeling vain. Staying humble in the fact that no matter how I look to God be the Glory. Not being vain because we (I) look in the mirror and like what we (I) see. But look at our selves knowing that we are his children and have what we have (genetic's) because of him. My wife and I are youth directors at our church and try to be the spirtual and physical examples that we can be. My only question is, is right for us to take supplements.

 

[B5150]

That would be a very positive thing to do. I would like to see that happen Brian.

I'm considering it. I'm just trying to get my head around the presentation and format as well as the moderation and leadership aspects of it. There is some material that is non copyright that I am free to share but there are aspects of it that are missing without the actual individual study guide/workbook and video lecture.

The study guide/workbook runs in tandem with the lecture (which I have the transcripts for) and a PowerPoint presentation (which I also have access to). The PowerPoint displays bullet point that you capture and write in your study guide/workbook throughout the lecture. There is a flow to it.

I am trying to explore ways to bridge this and still have continuity between the raw material (transcript/PowerPoint slides) and the post lecture discussion (topics contained in the study guide/workbook) aspects of it. I'll work on it and get back to you.

 

[Irish Cannon]

My only question is, is right for us to take supplements.

That's pretty broad. I would think it depends on what it is, and what your reasoning for taking it is. Even hormones I don't really think it's
wrong...when you dive into illegal stuff, that all changes. I think as long as you don't let it alter your mind negatively, you're fine.

 

[JudgementDay]

This is an awesome thread! I think if you pray to God, follow the 10 commandments and be kind to everyone and work very hard in life for God, then you will be blessed. Going to church and volunteering and making this thread to make sure your pleasing the Lord, then you're obviously a true Christian and an amazing person and call me weird, but I find if I say a little prayer pre and post workout it really helps, just an extra thing to add into the pre/post workout drink