1 Cor 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
I have often wondered about fatherhood; its defined quality and purpose. Of course, the most natural definition is procreation and the rearing of children. While lines and definitions have changed in the modern age, the fact remains that fathers are by definition men who have both birthed and raised sons and daughters. However, there are other aspects which dig a little deeper. The purpose revolves around exampling the tenets of godly character and moral integrity. Men are protectors and providers by the natural order of God’s design. Our world, especially the American left, has corrupted these definitions by introducing a perversion of manhood, diluting masculinity, and dismantling God’s authoritative structure. I am not hesitant to call out the obscenities of the progressive against the holy nature of the Lord. So again, fathers are men raising children.
There is another realm often left unsaid. It can be found in Paul’s first letter to his young apprentice: 1 Tim 1:2 “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith:” Some fathers are those defined by converts, i.e., they have sons in the Gospel. Fatherhood reaches to the exampling, teaching, and growing of “children” in the faith. I submit that on this Father’s Day we should honor both our natural fathers and our spiritual fathers. Men who have given us scriptural understanding, spiritual strength, and godly wisdom.
The church is always in need of men. Not passive men who are void of worship. Not half-hearted men who live without sacrifice or praise. We need men who give of themselves and set the pace for the church body. It is imperative that the men of the church live with integrity and spiritual authority. In all, we need spiritual fathers.
I give honor to my own father who taught me balance and steadiness. I give honor to my brother, Scott, who taught me prayer. I honor Bro. Paul Mooney who deepened the Apostolic Doctrine in my spirit and gave me opportunities on his platform. Finally, I give honor to my pastor, the Bishop James Stark, who pressed me into Apostolic authority and led me into spiritual dominion. All spiritual fathers in their respective ways.
My prayer is that every man takes on this most needful role among every new believer and the multitude of children, young people, and young adults. Fathers in the Gospel. Fathers in the Faith. Our treasured and desired call!
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
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