International Single’s Conference, Manila 2010

Introduction Isaiah 17:7 “In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel”

Introduction Proverbs 24:16 “For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.”

3 points today 1) Have a heart…and a backbone 1) Have a heart…and a backbone 2) Being Connected…it’s a command 2) Being Connected…it’s a command 3) Tap into power…His power 3) Tap into power…His power

1) Have a heart…and a backbone Phil 3: Phil 3: Chronicles 16:9 “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. (NLT) 2 Chronicles 16:9 “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. (NLT)

2) Being Connected…it’s a command 1 John 3:16-25 The Bible says if we have loved, then there is nothing to fear. The Bible says if we have loved, then there is nothing to fear. One of the major ways that Satan has undermined men in this generation is to make us feel lonely & isolated. One of the major ways that Satan has undermined men in this generation is to make us feel lonely & isolated.

2) Being Connected…it’s a command Difference between aloneness & loneliness

Being “Vulnerable” What does it mean to be vulnerable? Revealing the child inside us Why is it important (if at all) to learn to be vulnerable? Misunderstood, arguments, disagreements, have differences in opinions/preferences, feel under/unappreciated, feel wrongly accused, feel frustrated with someone etc We RE-LIVE some past experiences all over! We are fighting with our LIFE-TRAPS.

Being “Vulnerable” When our Life traps gets triggered, we re- experience the feelings of needs not met when we were children… We end up in a place of very old but very great pain How do we avoid /deal with this in our interactions? We got to learn to be “vulnerable”. Being vulnerable is NOT the same as being open.

Being “Vulnerable” Being vulnerable helps combat the toxic qualities of showing contempt & being defensiveness with one another Being vulnerable encourages humility, respect, courage & love for one another Qualify: we assume that most/all of us feel safe to be vulnerable with our small group!!! How do we get vulnerable?

Jesus was Vulnerable He encouraged it (Matt 18:1-4) He modeled it by: (i) sharing his weakness (Matt 26:41) (the hardest part!) (ii) sharing his feelings (Matt 26:38a) (iii) expressing his needs (Matt 26:38b) (not demanding but rather a plea) Also we need to apologize where necessary (NOT Jesus!)

4 aspects: (i) Share Our weakness(es) (ii) Sharing how we feel (iii) Expressing our needs (not demanding but rather a plea) Apologize where necessary

2 bible talk leaders & their response when I offer them my house to be used for BTs Was trying to help a brother resolve his feelings towards his leader Arrange preaching schedule for the men staff in Singapore

4 aspects: (i) Share Our weakness(es) (ii) Sharing how we feel (iii) Expressing our needs (not demanding but rather a plea) Apologize where necessary

3) Tap into power…His power Acts 2:42-47