Daddy Lessons - Rev. Andra D. Sparks

June 7, 2020 Sermon Series: “Shades of a Father“ Speaker: Pastor Sparks Text: Matthew 3:16-17 1. A Father ANNOUNCES His Son • Good fathers are never ashamed of their children! • Regardless of how a child is brought here, once he/she is here, don’t ever let them know a time that you aren’t thankful to have them in your life! • A Father ADORES His Son • Children can live without a lot of things, but love isn’t one of them • Next to giving your child the knowledge of having a relationship w/ The Lord, the best thing a father can give his child unconditional love o Unconditional means that if no one else affirms, likes, appreciates them, daddy will o Unconditional means you love them thru their mistakes o Unconditional means we love them like God loves us! • You can love your child unconditionally without approving of the junk they sometimes do • Don’t starve your children of your love and affection! We are physical beings created for physical interaction; how you nurture your children plays a significant role in how they respond to the world around them • Make telling your children “I love you” a regular occurrence • A Father ACCEPTS His Son • God said “I’m well pleased”, which signified God’s approval of His Son; when’s the last time you told your child “I’m proud of you”? • A child’s responsibility is to be what God has created them to be, not be what parents think they should be • Don’t hold your children hostage with your expectations • Don’t hold the mistakes of your children over their head • A Father APPRENTICES His Son • A good father gives his son some work to do • If you want your children to have a meaningful life, teach them how to do some work • Your children may not want to follow in your footsteps, but they should pick SOMETHING up from you that makes them better! • Do your children want to follow Jesus based on your relationship with Jesus? -- -Deacon Anthony D. Sparks