FATHERINGBruce Robinson 2013
The Blue Book of Tips
for Fathers & Father-figures
Bru
ce R
ob
inson
1800 1900 2000
drugs/binge drinking obesity >sexual pressures/pornography decline in school behaviour cyber bullying > school performance pressure < self esteem, depression no ‘values compass’
• > time at work < help from family e.g. grandparents < helpful models – repeating cycle > separation
FATHER’S PERFORMANCE
KIDS NEEDS/RISKS
WHY?
A lot of people have not had very good fathers. Including Christians.
Billy Graham
Malachi 4.6He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children ...
WHAT DO KIDS NEED?
• love
• discipline
• provision
How many verses in the bible specifically tell us how to behave as fathers?
31,103
GOD
YOU CHILD
BUS
Being thereUnconditional loveSpecial
Luke 15:17-23 (NIV)
When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
So he got up and went to his father.
The gate wasn’t shut – his father was there for him.
Being there
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) Because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.“
Being thereB
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’But the father…
Unconditional Love
Unconditional Love
AcademicSportLooks
UPersonalityBehaviourBeliefs
d136
Feeling Special
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.
Matt 10:29,30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered
Psalm 139:13-16. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made …I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
SpecialS
YOU
>3 billion base pairsCCGTACCTGAAGC
Your DNA would stretch to the moon and back >1000 times.
d188
Special one-on-one times
It doesn’t have to be flashBut it does have to be differentListen, don’t preach
No other adultsNo other kids
Scott. Student
“I enjoyed spending time with my dad, like being next to each other on plane trips.
You talk to other kids at school and the majority have never been anywhere or done anything special with their dads. But it’s not like their dads don’t love them. It’s just that dad makes an effort and that makes me feel special, that I really mean something to him”.
GOD
YOU CHILD
BUS
Being thereUnconditional loveSpecial
What can you do?
1. become a good father BUS
2. be a strong father-figure
3. help your community to improve their fathering - church, school, workplace etc
Why improve fathering in your community?
1.Because it makes a big difference – love your neighbour
2. Because the way to a man’s heart is through his children
- evangelism