Back to the Stone Age
Men Returning to the Fire
by
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We suffer under the delusion that SPIRITUAL MEN have to be key leaders gathered around conference tables in the church. Yet, David was a shepherd boy before he was the king of Israel. Gideon, also called Jerubbaal, did not perceive himself as a leader but presumed that God would not leave Israel after the fall of Gaza to the Midianites. When God told him to gather the Men of War, they were common, hard-working, caretakers of their families. Many "spiritual men" were “fearful and afraid” leaving only 300 men of quality to battle behind the Lord. These men were the men of war who passed God’s test. They are not mentioned as spiritual men. But they were.
God is calling men back to the war with only faith and the tools God gives. They took up trumpets and pitchers to fight the enemies of God. They were spiritual warriors. They were just men, not necessarily Sunday School teachers, or on committees, or preachers or prophets... a man without a social fire, an emotional passion, and a spiritual purpose will never find a definition!
(Prologue)
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About the Book
This book is written under the impression that God is raising up an army of men to be Spiritual Warriors. These men do not need a stage or a position. They may be pipe-fitters or professionals; they may landscapers or lawyers. They are being drawn by the Holy Spirit to engage personally and collectively. As Men of Fire who make a difference, they are defined by what they do. This book asserts that men need to recapture their passions for “building, breaking, providing and protecting” in their homes, churches, and community.
Men are ready to gather at fires as they define themselves through stories. Retelling life experiences at campfires, BBQ pits, and bonfires expose a man’s passions and announce readiness to address life as Men of Fire. Stories need a safe place to surface the passions that have been surrendered to television warriors and superheroes consigning themselves as the “keeper of the remote.” From emerging young men sitting at the feet of fathers and spiritual warriors, to men who have been told to sit down and be quiet, God is raising up Men of Fire today to face God’s challenges as spiritual warriors that face life with courage and commitment.
About the Author
Thoughout his life and career, Bob shared fires with strong male influences. Bob Ryan is a Viet Nam Veteran serving at 3rd Field Hospital, Saigon in surgery and triage capacities. He remained in medicine after release from the Army until he entered ministry in 1979. He served in pastoral ministry twenty-three years, as an Associational Missionary twelve years and with the NAMB five years. He completed a Doctor of Ministry with Golden Gate (Gateway) Seminary completing a project, "Identifying and Coping with Ministry Burnout" in 1994. In retirement, he continued ministry in a country church developing and mentoring men hungry to understand express God's purpose through their passions and purpose.