Father’s Day: The Gift of the Father

Acts 1:4-8 “Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

"As we gather together on this blessed Father's Day, I am moved to reflect upon our understanding of the Divine. We have come to know Jesus, who through his teachings, made known to us God the Father. However, it strikes me that our comprehension of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, often lacks depth and nuance. Too frequently, the Holy Spirit is referred to as an impersonal 'it' or an abstract force, instead of being acknowledged for what it truly is - a divine part of our Godhead.

Dear fathers, both the young lions taking their first steps into fatherhood, and those seasoned by the wisdom of years, along with our beloved congregation, it is of utmost importance that we delve deeper into understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Particularly today, as we celebrate the noble calling of fatherhood, let us also honor the Holy Spirit's divine presence.

Just as a father guides, nurtures, and shapes us, so too does the Holy Spirit work within our lives. This Father's Day, let's not just honor our earthly fathers, but also pay homage to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I challenge each of you, fathers, to embrace this divine guidance, to lead your families with wisdom imparted from the Holy Spirit.

Fathers, you are the architects of your family's faith, the shepherds of your household. But remember, you do not walk this path alone. The Holy Spirit walks alongside you, guiding you when the path becomes rough, offering strength in moments of weakness. By acknowledging and honoring the Holy Spirit's role, we open the door to transformational living, creating ripples of positive change in our families and beyond.

Let us recognize, nurture, and honor the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, guiding us on our unique journey of fatherhood. Just as we know the unyielding love of God the Father, and the redemptive grace of Jesus, let us be ever mindful of the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives."

The power of fatherhood - Fatherhood is intricately linked with image- the image that is created in my likeness. This image is not merely a representation of physical features, but rather an embodiment of my legacy. My legacy is the culmination of my genes, characteristics and name, which I leave behind for posterity. As a father, it is my aspiration to create a legacy that endures beyond me, and serve as evidence of my existence on earth. To truly be a father, one must strive towards leaving a remarkable and indelible impact on the world.

I. Holy Spirit Is A Gift Of The Father A. The Father gives us many Gifts Matthew 7:11 1. Salvation is a gift - Acts 4:12 2. Freely given because of Jesus Key Pt: Gifts are given because of Grace and Received by Faith! B. The Father send you a gift - Holy Spirit

1. The Father has a gift 2. The Father is going to send it.

Key Pt: When I send something it is originating with me and you are only Responsible for receiving it C. Notice it is a gift 1. A gift is simply received, it is not earned or deserved. 2. If something is earned or worked for it is not a gift but a payment.

Key Pt: A gift is given on the merit of the one giving the gift not on the merit of the One receiving the gift.

II. Holy Spirit Gives Us Gifts I Corinthians 12:1II. Holy Spirit Gives Us Gifts I Corinthians 12:1 A. Don't want you to misunderstand 1. Spiritual Gifts are often times misunderstood the most. 2. Spiritual Gifts have been the center of division for many churches.

Key Pt: The reason Paul says this is because the gifts are so many times Misunderstood. They are often abused and not even used. B. Spiritual Gifts Are Not: 1. Given to the Super Spiritual elite few. 2. Natural talents and abilities 3. A sign of being Spiritually Mature 4. Spiritual Fruit 5. Something to fear an ... “Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this.” A. Don't want you to misunderstand 1. Spiritual Gifts are often times misunderstood the most. 2. Spiritual Gifts have been the center of division for many churches. Key Pt: The reason Paul says this is because the gifts are so many times Misunderstood. They are often abused and not even used. B. Spiritual Gifts Are Not: 1. Given to the Super Spiritual elite few. 2. Natural talents and abilities 3. A sign of being Spiritually Mature 4. Spiritual Fruit 5. Something to fear an ...

3.Being a father is a gift to your family. I want every father to understand that fatherhood is a role, not an identity. When a father understands his identity, he can learn how to move and lead from that place, ultimately becoming a beautiful gift to the family.

Gen 1:26 “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.””

A. - Fatherhood is about leaving a legacy and shaping a person's life through conversations and revealing oneself gradually over time.

- The absence of a father figure can lead to a lack of identity and reflection, causing individuals to reflect whoever is closest to them.

- The role of a father is important for boys to understand their purpose and identity.

- Being a good father requires relationship skills and the ability to provide unique nuances that help a child grow and develop.

- Flawed individuals can still strive to become great fathers despite their imperfections, and understanding the differences between masculine and feminine expressions of love is crucial for healthy relationships.