Sermon - Father's Day

Father’s Day, June 18, 2006

Elizabeth River Baptist Church

James 5:1-11 “To Elders & Young Men”

[Elephants in Pilanesburg]

Glory  v.1 “Will share in the glory to be revealed”

v.4 “you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away”

[Not like Trophies that get old & dusty]

v. “& the God of grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ”

Future Grace

Elders v.2 “Be Shepherds” = Caregivers

“Because you are willing” “but eager to serve”

v.3 Not lording it over, but being examples

Young v.5 “Be submissive”

All v.5 “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” [mutual]

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”

v. 8 “Be self-controlled and alert.”

v.10 “And the God of all grace, will himself restore you and make you strong”.

[Why Men Hate going to Church, David Murrow.]

Gaps: Presence, Participation, Personality

Mother to faith – family follows 17%

Father to faith – family follows 93%

[Jailer in Acts 16]

God calls every man to be a spiritual Father

George Barna research - Women are:

• 100% more likely to be involved in discipleship.
• 57% more likely to participate in adult Sunday school.
• 56% more likely to hold a leadership position at a church (not including the role of pastor).
• 54% more likely to participate in a small group.
• 46% more likely to disciple others.
• 39% more likely to have a devotional time or quiet time.
• 33% more likely to volunteer for a church.
• 29% more likely to read the Bible.
• 29% more likely to attend church.
• 29% more likely to share faith with others.
• 23% more likely to donate to a church.
• 16% more likely to pray.

“K-Love disc jockeys have created a mythical average listener, whom they call Kathy. She is a mother in her mid-thirties with 2 kids, a minivan, & a mortgage. Kathy is very busy, driving her kids to soccer practice, piano lessons, & youth group. As she drives, she listens to K-Love. Kathy’s name come sup frequently during staff meetings, & the DJs make sure their on-air antics won’t upset or offend her sensibilities.”

Adjust the thermostat.

Set on Challenge

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Heb. 10:24 “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”

Eph. 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training & instruction of the Lord.”