Thank you for starting this New Year alongside other men willing to stand unapologetically for Christ.
We trust this experience will equip you to "Release the King in You!"
Now, someone might question our audacity. We live in an age of the cynic, the skeptic, the petty, and the hater. All of them wounded, many missing exactly what they insist we cannot become. They may disparage your ambition, while simultaneously hoping you succeed. A multitude of forces stands against any man who dreams too big, desires more out of life, or simply dares to believe that with God, nothing is impossible.
But we were made in the image of God. The Creator sent Adam in the garden to cultivate, defend and expand his rule over the earth. God designed us, under His leadership, to exercise dominion, protective stewardship over His creation, expressing His vision of order, peace and blessing.
Someone might say, "but we lost that because of sin." Still others will simply point out all the negative images of men exalted in our culture. Personality is preferred over character. Dominion has turned into exploitation. We celebrate bullies over leaders, selfishness over service, and loud bragging over quiet strength. We are often deceived and distracted by addictions, gadgets, and superficial pleasures.
Too often we see the image of God in men suppressed and neglected. We remain prayerless, haunted by guilt over our past and shame for our sin. We've mastered the art of looking like we are on the throne of a castle we know to be made of sinking sand. And usually we are the ones sinking. Isolated from God and brotherhood, men languish in mediocrity and poverty of spirit.
But falsehood and brokenness is not God's will. God was in Christ putting the world right, starting with a few chosen men who would surrender to His reign.
Now, you might be saying to yourself, "I don't look like a king. I don’t feel like a king."
Believe the message of the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe that through his blood you've been redeemed. Believe that by the Holy Spirit you've been empowered. And that your Heavenly Father is blessing you, and cheering you on.
After all, we are born again from an incorruptible seed. We are a royal priesthood. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are meant to do great exploits, win souls, and take territory for the Kingdom of God.
Here’s more good news: The King in you is waiting to be released! The leader. The man who is mature, decisive, consistent and strong. Kings inspire others to rise to new heights. They don’t just govern their lives well; they influence others to do the same.
That is why you are here today. God has drawn you so that Christ can change you. And the Holy Spirit is stirring in you visions and dreams, plans and strategies he has purposed for imminent release.
Beyond the friendship, food and fun, we gather today to prepare for a coronation...Yours!
It’s time to release the King in you!
Director ICB
Special thanks to Minister Mischa Field, Ahmed Campbell and Craig Gopie for inspiring this year's theme.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
TheKingdomofGod
international christian brotherhood