After eight years, a group of men from our church felt it was time to bring the men of the church together for time of building one another.

Our theme was from Proverbs 27:17 says "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance."

One of our teaching pastor'broughtth some very thought producing talks challenging each of us to stronglconsinderer the power of accountability.

We men face on a daily bases a battle against the spiritual forces of darkness. In Ephesians, Paul tells us that we must be equipped with all the power that God supplies to fight this battle, "Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13). Notice that Paul said "that you may be able to withstand. "He realized that even if we equip ourselves with everything God has to offer in defense of evil that we are still human and we may not be able to always resist Satan's temptations. "May be able" is from the Greek word dunamai (doo'-nam-ahee) which means "possibly able." So, what more can we do to stand against evil and temptation? We know without a doubt that temptation will come.

That is why Proverbs 27:17 is so important for us. A friend's countenance is a look or expression indicative of encouragement or of moral support. The question of the day is, when was the last time you had a friend call you just to ask how you are doing? When is the last time you called a friend and asked he needs to talk? Encouragement and moral support from a friend are sometimes the missing ingredients in fighting the battle against Satan.

The writer of Hebrews summed it up when he said, "Having therefore, brothers, boldness to [1] enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a great priest over the house of God, [2] let's draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water,[3] let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful. [4] Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching. [5] For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins."

[1] Let's begin each day walking with our best friend and Lord, Jesus Christ;

[2] With an open, loving heart that Jesus provided, draw near to friends (your accountability team);

[3] Remembering our confession of faith to the One who can change lives;

[4] Encouraging one another (your accountability team) in love, urging each other to love and to do good to others, as we continue to meet together (with your team or church family);

[5] Satisfied that we have done everything possible to avoid sin and to help our brothers and sisters to remain strong in their faith, we praise God for what He is doing in our lives!

Men, concider the challenge that Pastor Paul gave us by seeking out 3 other men and enter into a one another relationship were we can be sharpen and have an encouragety to incourage others to be all they can be in the Lord.

Now go Sharpen each other.