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Fatherhood
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWhen we were single, we had all the answers to the art of parenting, but actual practice humbles us as to how ill-equipped we are for this task.
Fatherhood and Modern Temptations
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFathers today fail at their responsibilities because modern distractions such as Internet pornography, excessive busyness, and entertainment draw them away from their wives and children. This neglect produces devastated families, rebellious children, and societal breakdown, as described in Malachi 4:5-6, where the prophet warns that the hearts of fathers must turn to their children or the earth will face utter destruction. Isaiah 3:12 and 3:5 likewise show that when fathers abdicate leadership, children and women fill the resulting void, producing insolence and confusion in the home. Paul catalogs the underlying sins in 2 Timothy 3:2-7, including self-love, disobedience to parents, and lack of self-control, which directly erode true fatherhood. Scripture presents fatherhood first as an ideal established by God. Fathers are to serve as loving heads who teach their children diligently, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and illustrated throughout Proverbs, where a father repeatedly addresses his son with instruction and affection. Psalms 127:4-5 and 128:3-6 portray the blessed father whose children are like arrows in his hand and whose wife is fruitful within his house. Yet the Bible records few sustained examples of this ideal. From Adam onward, fathers such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Eli, and David repeatedly give in to favoritism, emotional absence, or failure to discipline, leaving their children to suffer the consequences. Against this pattern of human failure stands God as the perfect Father. He alone provides the patience, firmness, and righteousness that earthly fathers lack. Jesus reveals the Father's character by submitting to Him in all things, and believers are invited to become sons by adoption, crying "Abba, Father" through the Spirit (Romans 8:14-17). The relationship between the Father and the Son therefore supplies the pattern every human father must follow. Successful fatherhood requires first learning obedience to God and then reproducing that same obedient love toward one's own children, thereby reflecting the divine image rather than the failures of the surrounding world.
Happy Father's Day
Commentary by Mike FordEven a poor father is better than no father. In a single parent household, children are 4 times as likely to be poor, have bad grades and a confused sexual identity.
Father Knows Best
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordNegative role models and failure to take responsibility characterize more and more fathers today. Here's why this is happening and what to do about it.
Are We Losing Our Children?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe demands of life leave most adults gasping for breath and struggling to shoulder the load. But what effect is this pace having on the next generation?
Fathers Provoking Children
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMost families in God's church have a functional father, but even so, extremes of leniency and overbearing strictness do not make an ideal father.
Our Father
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidEmotional and spiritual well-being of children improves when fathers fulfill their role. People from dysfunctional families have a skewed image of God.
Prove Yourself A Man!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMasculine leadership is demonstrated by men who embrace God's commandments, love and protect their wives, and instill a love of God's truth in their children.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Two): Cultivating Love
Sermon by David F. MaasThe opposite of selfishness is not self-hatred, but mature self-love, loving ourselves as a responsible, caring parent would (or should) love a growing child.
Remember the Rechabites!
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJonadab, who demonstrated his zeal toward God by assisting Jehu in ridding Israel of idolators, is one of the finest examples of fatherhood in the Bible.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 3)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsParents are obligated to teach God's laws to their children. According to Emily Post, good manners are to the family what good morals are to society.
God as Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is the only perfect example of fatherhood. We need to emulate His virtues, among them being the perfect example of what we want our children to be.
The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus demonstrated His meekness in His treatment of many with whom He interacted. Balancing firmness and gentleness, He seeks to save rather than destroy.
Assurance (Part Two): Of the Path to Glory
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can be assured that we are God's heirs and offspring if we are led by the spirit, remaining on the sanctified path of fellowship, growing continually.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGodly men, in scripture, far from the tyrannical dominance decried by feminists, demonstrate love and noble self-sacrifice and the way of outgoing concern.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Eight) Cultivating the Fruit of Faithfulness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe only tangible measures of faith is faithfulness, trust, and loyalty to God. We don't need to ask God for more faith, but rather work on being faithful.
God the Father (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus reveals that the Father has always had supreme authority, and that He and His Father are absolutely at one in purpose. We must conform to their image.