What does it take to make a life, not just a living—and how do I re-engage when life starts to feel flat, numb, or overly burdened?

• Anyone can make a living—but it takes adventure to make a life. Many men settle into half-life manhood: successful but unsatisfied, responsible but restless.

• Four core life adventures define whole-life manhood:

  1. Family Adventure – Reproducing life in your children through intentional, hands-on fatherhood that shapes their character and future.

  2. Noble Cause Adventure – Fighting for something bigger than yourself that contributes to others’ lives, moving from mere success to significance.

  3. Man-Size Adventure – Making space for fun and rejuvenating experiences; planning for joy and making memories that sustain you.

  4. Spiritual Adventure – Experiencing a relationship with God that brings eternal perspective, peace, and purpose.

• Time for a "timeout": This session was intentionally a pause to reflect, process, and realign with the journey so far. Life is like mountain climbing—you need rest stops.

• Tension is a gift. The restlessness many feel isn’t something to run from—it’s a signpost, revealing areas of needed growth or change.

• Fun must be reinvented. Especially as men age, meaningful recreation becomes something you must plan and pursue with intentionality.

• Finding your unique design matters. Robert introduces a future exercise (led by Bill Wellons) to help men discover what makes them come alive and how they’re wired to thrive.

• Work is a means, not the end. Work should serve your life’s adventures—not be the thing that swallows them whole.

• It's okay to need change. For some, that may mean adjusting work roles; for others, it might require the bold step of changing jobs entirely.

• For younger men: Be realistic, pursue wise mentors, and take God seriously. Avoid chasing a dream version of manhood that leads to burnout or boredom.

• Not religion—relationship. Robert clarifies he’s not pushing religious tradition, but offering the Bible’s wisdom and the reality of a spiritual life with God.

• Genesis 1:28 – The foundational call to be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth, revealing God’s original design for man’s adventures.

• Ecclesiastes 3:11 – God has set eternity in the human heart.

• Ecclesiastes 2:24, 5:18, 9:9 – Emphasize enjoying one’s work and life as gifts from God.

• Third John 1:4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

• John 10:10 – Jesus promises life, and life abundantly.

• Augustine (quoted): “There is a God-shaped vacuum in every human heart that can only be filled by God.”

Guiding Question: What if your life as a man could be more than responsibilities and routines—what if it could be a great adventure, full of purpose, meaning, and joy?

• Responsibility Alone Will Drain You Robert Lewis warns that when a man's life becomes nothing more than duties—family, work, obligations—he becomes exhausted emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Anger, sadness, or fear often creep in when adventure and passion are absent.

• Men Need More Than Survival—They Need Purpose Real manhood isn’t just about showing up; it's about showing up with vision. Men were never meant to just survive life but to live it with mission, balance, and joy.

• The Great Adventure = Purpose + Fit + Destiny Every man should strive to find a life that:

  • Aligns with a sense of calling (purpose),

  • Matches his personal design (fit),

  • Builds toward a meaningful impact (destiny).

• Three Core Adventures for Every Man Drawing from Genesis 1:28–30, Lewis outlines God's original commission to men as the basis for a threefold adventure:

  1. The Family Adventure – Engaging hands-on to shape a virtuous next generation.

  2. The Noble Cause Adventure – Fighting for something bigger than yourself that benefits others.

  3. The Man-Sized Adventure – Having fun, taking risks, and doing things that make you come alive.

• Self-Discovery is Critical in a World of Options In today's culture of endless career paths and distractions, men must become pioneers of their inner world. This means asking: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?

• Culture Offers Confusion; God Offers Clarity While modern culture defines men by performance, pleasure, or possessions, Scripture roots manhood in being:

  • Created by God – I am not random; I am a man made on purpose.

  • Commissioned by God – I am called to live fruitfully and with impact.

  • Accountable to God – I will one day answer to Him for how I lived.

• Your Job Should Serve Your Life, Not Define It Work is meant to be a means to the adventure—not the entirety of it. If your career is crushing your sense of family, passion, and mission, something’s off.

• To Find Life, You Must Risk Something Real adventure will always require courage—facing fears, asking hard questions, making bold choices, and sometimes breaking from the norm.

• Genesis 1:28–30 – “Be fruitful and multiply…subdue the earth…enjoy all I have given.” (The foundational mandate for manhood—reproduction, contribution, enjoyment.)

• Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “The body returns to the earth… the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (We are spiritual beings accountable to our Creator.)

• 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” (Each life is headed toward a divine evaluation.)

• 3 John 1:4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (A father’s greatest joy is seeing his legacy live on.)

• Deuteronomy 30:19 – “Choose life so that you may live…” (Life is a series of choices with eternal consequence.)

• Men’s Fraternity is a Journey of Rediscovery Robert Lewis frames this session as the start of a meaningful journey for men to uncover their true identity, understand their design, and live with purpose. This is not just a Bible study—it’s a bold initiative to challenge passivity and embrace courageous manhood.

• Three-Year Structure of Men's Fraternity:

  • Year 1: The Quest for Authentic Manhood – Focused on core identity and rejecting passivity.

  • Year 2: A Man at Work and at Home – Emphasizes responsibility in vocation and relationships.

  • Year 3: The Great Adventure – Invites men to step into their destiny and lead courageously.

• Men are Often Disconnected Many men are drifting—successful on the outside but unclear on the inside. They lack spaces to be real and honest about their struggles, dreams, and fears. Men’s Fraternity offers a safe, supportive environment to change that.

• Rediscovering the Spirit of Adventure Somewhere along life’s path, many men lose their sense of adventure. Responsibilities pile up, passions fade, and life becomes maintenance rather than mission. This year’s focus aims to reignite that inner fire and clarify life’s direction.

• Masculinity Must Be Defined and Lived Intentionally Without a clear, compelling definition of manhood, men default to culture’s confusion or retreat into passivity. Lewis emphasizes the need to establish personal mission, reflect on one’s design, and step forward with conviction.

• Life is a Choice—Choose Adventure Men can either live managed by circumstances or step into life with intention. This means rethinking careers, risks, passions, and even how we approach aging. The goal: to finish life satisfied, with a sense of "mission accomplished."

• Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply…subdue the earth.” (God’s original mandate to Adam was adventurous and expansive.)

• John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” (Jesus invites men into a full, flourishing life.)

• Psalm 90:12-14 – “Teach us to number our days…that we may present to You a heart of wisdom…that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (A call to live with purpose, joy, and reflection.)

• Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Be careful how you walk…making the most of your time.” (An urging to live wisely and not waste life’s opportunity.)

• Deuteronomy 30:19 – “Choose life so that you may live…” (Life and death are choices—men must decide how they’ll live.)

• Genesis 25:8 – “Abraham died…satisfied with life.” (A beautiful picture of finishing life well, having lived a full adventure.)

Guiding Question: What is a husband really called to be—and how does a man step into that role with confidence and clarity?

Summary

Description: Robert Lewis delivers a deeply practical and inspiring message on biblical manhood and marriage, focusing on Ephesians 5:22–33. Speaking directly to married men—but also with applications for single men and parents—Lewis explains what it means to be the “head” in a marriage. Far from a model of dominance or superiority, biblical headship is a call to Christ-like leadership through love, guidance, and provision.

He highlights three essential roles every husband must embrace: being a lover, a standard bearer, and a provider. Each role is unpacked with vivid illustrations, cultural observations, and personal reflections. Lewis also explains the modern confusion around headship and submission and offers a redemptive vision for how those principles create health and strength in marriage.

Lewis appeals especially to men to gain direction—not domination—and calls fathers to pass this vision on to their sons. He ends with practical steps for husbands to engage their wives more deeply, starting with discovering their love language.

Outline:

1. The Challenge of Modern Headship – Cultural confusion, resistance to submission, and the loss of clear direction.

2. Setting the Context – Marriage as a sacred calling for men; not superiority, but responsibility.

3. Perspective Check:

   • Men need clear direction to thrive.

   • Headship in Scripture is modeled after Christ, not power.

   • Submission is space for responsibility, not oppression.

   • Neglectful husbands push wives into damaging fallback roles.

4. Three Best Practices for Husbands:

   • Lover – Show your heart, connect emotionally, learn your wife’s love language.

   • Standard Bearer – Hold up God’s Word, protect the home morally and spiritually.

   • Provider – Enable your wife to become all God intended, including financial provision where possible.

5. Why Respect Comes Last – True respect from a wife is earned through a husband’s consistent, sacrificial love.

6. Sociological Backing – Contemporary studies support biblical principles for husband roles in happiness and stability.

7. Applications:

   • Fathers teaching sons.

   • Single men embracing these roles as preparation.

   • Married men identifying their weakest area and taking steps to grow.

Key Takeaways

• Biblical headship is about responsibility, not rights—modeled after Christ, not culture.

• A husband must actively love, lead, and provide for his wife to foster a healthy and joyful marriage.

• Emotional connection is vital; husbands must learn and act on their wife’s love language.

• Leading spiritually means holding up the Word as a guide and guard for the home.

• Providing includes enabling a wife’s calling—financially and otherwise.

• Respect from a wife is the fruit of a man’s sacrificial, consistent love.

• These roles must be taught to young men early; most flounder without vision.

Scriptural References

• Ephesians 5:22–33 – Roles of husbands and wives in marriage.

• Genesis 2:24 – “Leave and cleave” foundation for marriage.

• Genesis 3:1–6 – Adam’s failure to lead as standard bearer.

• Proverbs 29:18 – “Without vision, the people perish.”

• 1 Peter 3:7 – Husbands live with their wives in an understanding way.

Recorded 3/4/07

Guiding Question: What does it mean to truly follow Jesus—not just by coming to church, but by going out into the world as His representatives?

Summary

Description: In this bold and energizing message, Robert Lewis challenges believers to rethink their understanding of the Christian life. Drawing from Genesis 12 and Matthew 28, Lewis identifies a single word—“Go”—as the defining call of both Israel and the Church. The Christian life isn’t about endlessly attending services; it’s about being sent out, equipped to make disciples and bless others.

Lewis unpacks three key ingredients for “go living”: conviction (believing this is the best way to live), finding a personal fit (discovering how you are uniquely wired to serve), and being equipped (having the confidence to effectively help others). Through stories of real people—like a man leading Men's Fraternity in Iraq and a car dealer starting spiritual conversations at work—he illustrates how “going” leads to the most vibrant, Spirit-filled Christian life.

He also casts vision for how the church might release everyday believers to be local missionaries, start “mini-churches,” or lead high-impact equipping sessions using trusted resources. The message is both a wake-up call and a blueprint for turning passive attenders into active ambassadors for Christ.

Outline:

1. The Problem of Passive Christianity – Too many believers repeat basic training without engaging the mission.

2. The “Go” Command – Genesis 12 and Matthew 28 as pivotal moments in redemptive history.

3. Three Essentials for Going:

   • Be convinced it’s the best way to live.

   • Find your personal fit.

   • Get equipped to make a real impact.

4. Modern Examples of “Go People” – Personal stories of mission in Iraq, local businesses, and church members.

5. Jesus' Catch-and-Release Model – Discipleship was never meant to be stagnant.

6. Vision for a “Go Church” – Dreaming of house churches, equipping ministries, and spiritual entrepreneurship.

7. Practical Models for Going:

   • High-touch mini churches.

   • High-interest equipping.

   • High-impact family training.

8. Conclusion & Prayer – Asking God to make Fellowship a church of movement, not maintenance.

Key Takeaways

• The call to “go” is foundational to both Old and New Testament faithfulness.

• Many believers feel spiritually bored or disconnected because they’ve stopped moving outward.

• Going isn’t just about missions; it’s about finding your fit and serving in meaningful, everyday ways.

• Real spiritual growth and experiences of God’s power happen most often on the “front lines.”

• The church must shift from being event-driven to being mission-driven.

• You don’t have to be a preacher—just a willing participant with a passion to reach others.

Scriptural References

• Genesis 12:1–3 – God’s call to Abraham: “Go…and you will be a blessing.”

• Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission: “Go and make disciples…”

• Titus 2:14 – God redeems us to be “zealous for good deeds.”

• John 10:10 – Life to the full comes through following Jesus actively.

• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are Christ’s ambassadors.

Recorded 3/19/06

Guiding Question: What does it really mean to experience the Shepherd’s care in our lives—and how do we follow Him to the high ground of faith?

Summary

Description: Robert Lewis unpacks Psalm 23:5 in this deeply reflective and encouraging message, helping believers understand how God’s care is both profoundly personal and powerfully transformative. This message explores the imagery of the Shepherd preparing a table, anointing with oil, and filling the cup to overflowing—each symbolizing how God provides, heals, and blesses His people.

Lewis begins by reminding the congregation that biblical belief is inseparable from action—true belief means following. With humor and honesty, he describes how failing to follow leads to isolation and trouble. He then dives into the three word pictures in Psalm 23:5: the table, representing the Shepherd’s advance preparation; the oil, symbolizing healing through the Holy Spirit; and the cup, representing a life overflowing with God’s presence and provision.

The message is rich with applications, including stories of healing from conflict and emotional wounds. One particularly powerful example involves a pastor reconciling with his aging father—a real-life picture of how the Shepherd’s care restores brokenness.

Outline:

1. Intro & Psalm Recitation – Congregational reading of Psalm 23 to frame the message.

2. The Psalm’s Two Big Themes – Following and experiencing “better.”

3. Defining Biblical Belief – Belief equals following; passive faith is unbiblical.

4. Three Word Pictures in Psalm 23:5:

   • The Table – God's provision prepared in advance, like lush tablelands for sheep.

   • The Oil – Healing for irritations and infections; symbolic of the Holy Spirit.

   • The Cup – A life that overflows with God’s presence, peace, and hope.

5. Personal and Pastoral Stories – Including the Civil War letter from Robert’s family, illustrating God’s care even in death.

6. Practical Application – Believe in God's preparation and keep applying the Spirit's "oil" through surrender and listening.

Key Takeaways

• Biblical belief always leads to action—it means following Jesus as Shepherd.

• God's care is active, intentional, and preemptive; He prepares “tablelands” for our good.

• The Holy Spirit is our healing oil, bringing peace amid irritations and freedom from infections like unresolved conflict or unrepentant sin.

• When we follow, our lives overflow with spiritual abundance, even in hardship.

• Yielding to God through quiet, honest reflection is the pathway to ongoing spiritual vitality.

• The Shepherd’s care reaches all the way to eternity—our future home is already being prepared.

Scriptural References

• Psalm 23:5 – “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”

• John 10:10 – Jesus came to give life “more abundantly.”

• John 14:2–3 – Jesus prepares a place for His followers.

• Ephesians 2:10 – God has prepared good works in advance for us.

• Revelation 19:9 – The marriage supper of the Lamb.

• 2 Corinthians 1:21–22 – Anointing and sealing by the Holy Spirit.

• Romans 8:14 – Led by the Spirit of God.

Recorded 6/5/05

Guiding Question: How can the church prepare for what’s next while faithfully handing off leadership to the next generation?

Summary

Description: In this heartfelt and visionary message, Robert Lewis shares his final sermon as a staff member of Fellowship Bible Church. Using a marathon analogy and drawing from 2 Timothy 4, he frames the transfer of leadership as a necessary and strategic “handoff” to the next generation. Like Paul entrusting Timothy to lead the church at Ephesus, Lewis charges the younger leaders at Fellowship—particularly Tim Lundy—with the responsibility of preaching the Word and fulfilling their ministry with conviction and endurance.

This message is both personal and prophetic. Lewis reflects on 25 years of ministry, celebrates the strength of the church, and lays out five key cultural and ministry trends that the next generation must address to ensure the church remains vibrant and faithful.

Outline:

1. Marathon Analogy – A race requires preparation, guidance, and the right pacing.

2. Paul and Timothy (2 Timothy 4) – The sacred handoff of leadership and mission.

3. The Reality of Decline – Every thriving church has a shelf life without renewal.

4. Five Cultural and Ministry Trends:

   • Massive church closures due to generational shifts.

   • A move toward small, high-quality churches.

   • A demand for doctrinal clarity and authentic leadership.

   • The rise of homegrown, non-seminary ministers.

   • A renewed focus on evangelizing children and teens.

5. Personal Reflections and Departure – Robert Lewis formally announces his transition to Global Reach and commissions Fellowship’s next generation.

6. The Final Charge – Preach the Word. Fulfill your ministry. Die with no regrets.

Key Takeaways

• Effective leadership transitions are intentional, spiritual, and urgent for the future health of the church.

• The church must adapt to cultural and generational changes without compromising doctrinal clarity or mission.

• Small churches can be powerful when combined with excellence and community.

• The future of the church depends on equipping everyday believers for ministry.

• The most strategic evangelism today is aimed at youth, given their openness and under-reached status.

• Finishing well means living with “no regrets” and passing the baton with confidence and hope.

Scriptural References

• 2 Timothy 4:1–8 – Paul’s solemn charge to Timothy and reflection on finishing well.

• Acts 20:18–32 (paraphrased) – Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders, adapted by Lewis to say goodbye to Fellowship.

• Ecclesiastes 3:1 (implied) – Recognizing seasons and times for transitions.

Recorded 3/6/05

Guiding Question: What kind of faith and leadership does the next generation of Christians need to resist spiritual decline and carry the church forward?

Summary

Description: Robert Lewis uses humor, cultural critique, and biblical insight to deliver a sobering and urgent call for the next generation—particularly those under 40—to wake up to the dangers of spiritual drift. Through a satirical opening commercial for a fictional "pious pill," he illustrates the tendency of modern culture to seek artificial shortcuts for deep issues, including spiritual maturity.

The message pivots to the biblical examples of Moses and Joshua in Deuteronomy 31, and Paul and Timothy in 2 Timothy 3. Lewis warns that every generation faces powerful cultural currents—what he calls the "undertow"—that pull believers away from authentic faith. He describes a four-generation cycle from spiritual excitement to eventual emptiness and argues that only by becoming a renewed “first generation” church can younger believers break that cycle.

Outline:

1. Satirical "Pious Pill" Sketch – Critique of easy spiritual fixes.

2. Artificial Maturity – Cultural obsession with shortcuts to growth.

3. Undertow Metaphor – Spiritual drift illustrated through generational flow.

4. Deuteronomy 31 – Moses’ warning to Joshua: Stay faithful to “the Rock.”

5. 2 Timothy 3 – Paul’s charge to Timothy: Resist cultural corruption.

6. Four Modern Spiritual Currents:

   • Corrupt personal values (self, money, pleasure).

   • Corrupt behaviors (pride, irreverence, gossip).

   • Formalized religion without power.

   • False teachers offering spiritual tricks.

7. Call to the Next Generation:

   • Be Standard Bearers: Hold firm to Scripture.

   • Be Personal Trainers: Disciple others deeply.

   • Be Generous Givers: Time, money, and energy for the Kingdom.

   • Be Risk Takers: Bold, creative, globally-minded leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Spiritual maturity can’t be manufactured with shortcuts; it requires discipline and authenticity.

• Generational drift is natural unless intentionally resisted through biblical conviction and courage.

• Leaders must prepare for cultural and theological challenges that mimic spirituality but lack truth.

• The next generation can become a renewed "first generation" if they commit to deep personal growth and bold faith.

• The church's future vitality depends on young Christians stepping into leadership, with courage and vision.

Scriptural References

• 2 Timothy 3:1–9 – Warnings of cultural decay and false spirituality in the last days.

• Deuteronomy 31:15–23 – Moses warns of Israel’s tendency to forget God.

• Deuteronomy 32:4–18 – God as “the Rock” and Israel’s rebellion.

• Joshua 1:8–9 – Be strong and courageous; obey the Word.

• 1 Timothy 4:12 – Young believers are called to be examples.

• 2 Timothy 2:2 – Entrust the faith to faithful teachers.

• 1 Timothy 6:17–19 – Wealth should be used to build God’s Kingdom.

• Hebrews 1:1–2 – These are the “last days” where God speaks through His Son. Recorded 2/20/05