Forward In Faith, Fathers!

Sermon

Lanier Christian Church

June 19, 2011 – Father’s Day

David Simpson

Forward in Faith

Ephesians 3:20,21 and Jeremiah 7:24 AND Ephesians 6:4

Why A Son Needs A Dad by Gregory Lang

A son needs a dad to show him how to shave.

…to teach him how to talk to girls.

A son needs a dad to teach him how to apologize for reckless words

…to pull him back when he is headed in the wrong direction.

A son needs a dad to encourage him when he meets disappointment.

…to teach him that it is wise to seek advice.

…to tell him that ignorance is not an excuse.

A son needs a dad to help him understand it isn’t necessary to be like everyone else.

…to teach him to stand up for himself.

A son needs a dad to teach him that respect must be earned.

A son needs a dad to teach him to honor the woman who loves him.

…to teach him to be honest at all times.

…to teach him that forgiving is always the right thing to do.

A son needs a dad who will show him affection without hesitation.

A son needs a dad to teach him to be respectful of women. To teach him how to be a gentleman…to help him plan for his future.

A son needs a dad to tell him that he is proud of him.

A son needs a dad to tell him that there is no disgrace in losing.

…to help him try again after he has stumbled.

…to show him patience.

A son needs a dad to talk with about the tough decisions he will face.

…to show him how to control his temper.

…to help him learn from his mistakes.

A son needs a dad to teach him that family is more important than work.

A son needs a dad who will discipline him firmly, while loving him relentlessly.

…who will teach him to avoid selfish temptation.

A son needs a dad who will help him face his challenges with confidence.

A son needs a dad to show him how to love others, even when it is hard…to teach him how to maintain dignity in difficult times.

A son needs a dad to be the role model for the father he will become.

A son needs a dad because without him he will have less in his life than he deserves. (Excerpts from “Why a Son Needs a Dad” by Gregory E. Lang)

The Bible says, in Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

I am thankful to the Lord for my father…my dad. He is now 82 years old and not only a dad and granddad but a great grandfather as well. My parents raised me with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Church has been part of my life for every Sunday of my life since birth. Being a Christian became real to me when I was 12 years old and gave my life to Christ in baptism. I believed then and still believe today that Jesus is my Lord and Savior who died for my sins and is preparing a home for me in heaven.

But, I must be honest. I believe my dedicated Christian parents influenced me when I was young. They influenced me for Christ. Did they brainwash me? No. Did they make my decision for Christ and later for ministry for me? No. Am I apologetic for having a loving Christ-like influence in my childhood at home and at church?

Absolutely not!

When I took my first steps, my mom and dad were there, encouraging me to keep moving forward. And before you know it, I was walking on my own. Next, came running. They always encouraged me to walk and run in a forward direction, not backward.

When I got a little older they provided me with other modes of transportation (stroller, tricycle). And again…they were telling me to keep moving forward.

When I entered school it was a weekly challenge to keep moving forward, keep learning, keep working, keep making good grades.

My grandmother used to give me a quarter at the end of every school year if I “made my rise” to the next grade!

When I became a Boy Scout the challenge remained the same. Keep advancing. Keep working on those merit badges.

When church camp came each summer, it was a challenge to get involved, enjoy the experience, stretch and grow as a young person to know more about Christ beyond church. There I heard missionaries and other preachers and teachers and met other young people who were moving forward in the faith as I was. It was at Camp I met another camper who was later to be my roommate in college and my brother in ministry and dear friend today.