‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭ESV‬‬, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

C.S. Lewis wrote that we are stuck in a tragi-comedy, a world where morals and virtue are not taught but expected, where ethics are relative to the eye of the beholder. What was true in his day is even more true today.

He wrote:

In a sort of ghastly simplicity we remove the organ and demand the function. We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honour and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful. —Lewis, The Abolition of Man, pp. 35-37.

Our world is in need of men. Real men. Men who know the Word and step out to change the world. Men who stand for life, for their families, who think not about themselves but the ones they are called to care for. Men who are men indeed, who lead with love and love those they lead. Men with chests.

This is where the church needs to step up. Men who are being discipled to disciple others. Men who are developed, who serve Jesus well, who stand for truth and express love in a balance that is seen in Jesus. Men who become our pastors, deacons, husband’s, and fathers. Men who change lives.

This is the cornerstone of our ministry at Beacon. We have opportunities to grow, to study in the Word personally and collectively. We have shifted to be all about making disciples of men and of women and to be a light to the community around us. As we grow more, we serve more, reach more, and teach more. We can change the world when we do this faithfully and with patience.

I’m excited to be at Beacon Church, yet we’re only getting started. Pray for us as we seek to make men with chests who live and love unselfishly, as we reach Cincinnati and beyond with the gospel.

—Pastor Fran

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Published by Fran Trascritti

I am a husband, a father, and a grandfather, but most of all, I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. My wife, Teresa, and I have been married for 38+ years. I have been blessed to have been in church ministry since 1994, including pastoring, serving in ministry roles for LifeWay Christian Resources, and leading a team for the Illinois Baptist State Association. As of February 2023, I've been blessed to be a part of a new adventure as the Lead Pastor for Beacon Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Exciting times ahead!

2 thoughts on “Men without Chests”

  1. Hi Fran! Andy Phillips here. I was a part of a Bible study you led at Parkers Creek back a few years ago. Anyway, I agree with you, this world needs to see Godly men. It takes first knowing the whole word ( scripture) then knowing and being known by The Word, who is our living and ruling Savior, Jesus! I find so few that even read the entire scripture. I tell my friends that they should read our new covenant over and over.Start with John, the last of the old covenant books, then read Acts-Jude. Read it like God intended, as letters to His people. It’s a pretty quick read, takes a few hours, but planting the word in our minds will begin to grow Jesus in us. Bless you and Teresa on your new adventure!

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