Our preacher, Mark Stinnett, publishes articles for the church bulletin each week. These articles are designed to teach, encourage and challenge the members of our congregation. His latest articles can be found below with the most recent at the beginning of the list. Mark has archived all of his articles on his personal blog 'MicroMarks' which can be accessed at: micromarks.blogspot.com.
Preacher's Blog
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It’s Not Fathers’ Day (But You’re Still the Dad) (Pt. 3)
Part 3: Spiritual Leader
God assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline to fathers. Consider the context in which this role is defined:
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
The simple phrase ‘in the Lord’ places the responsibility of fathers in the context of spiritual leadership. The desired result of leadership in the home is not to produce model citizens or people with great careers (both good things), but to please God. ‘In the Lord’ could be thought of as ‘according to the Lord.’ A father’s leadership should be according to God’s expectations. So also, his instruction and discipline should be according to God’s expectations. This is carried out by devoting oneself to the principles taught in God’s word.
A father is not a dictator who controls his children so that he can create an illusion of spirituality. He truly leads his children to Christ. A father’s instruction is first from God with the purpose of training his children to be like God in their personal character and in their values. Discipline has the ultimate goal of directing attitudes and behaviors toward God.
It is great to teach our children how to fix the car, fish and hunt, manage money, repair the house, cook, entertain guests, negotiate business deals, distinguish the big dipper from the little dipper, write an essay, grow vegetables, play a sport, grill chicken, unclog the sink, remove melted crayon from the back seat of the car, invest money wisely, manage electronic devices, plant a tree, keep a pet, and find the best deal on an online auction.
But what about their souls??
The discipline and instruction of the Lord is spiritual instruction including faith, humility, godly character, service, devotion to God and concern for one’s fellow man. The discipline and instruction of the Lord is applied to all areas of life but should focus on preparation for the Lord’s return.
The discipline and instruction of the Lord is rooted in God’s word. That does not mean that a dad must organize formal Bible training times with his children, have them memorize and recite scriptures, or quiz them on Bible facts. Some fathers might choose these kinds of activities, however, we can learn something from God’s plan for instruction for ancient Israel.
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
I knew a dad who took his son into the back yard before a fishing trip and spent time teaching him how to use a new rod and reel. Another dad heard a peculiar noise from the engine of a passing car and shared some valuable auto info with his son. One opportunity was more formal and planned while the other presented itself quite by chance. In both cases knowledge and experience were shared as valuable instruction to be passed on.
Fathers, how well do you know God and His word? Based on your experiences what can you teach your children about God’s way of handling life’s trials, keeping oneself pure, the value of eternal life? How are you preparing your children for the Lord’s return??
Mark Stinnett
May, 18, 2025
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It's Not Fathers' Day (But You're Still the Dad) (Pt. 2)
Part 2: Disciplinarian
Who was the primary disciplinarian in your home when growing up? Parents, who is the primary disciplinarian in your home now? Would it surprise you to learn that the Bible designates the father as the primary disciplinarian in the home?
The Apostle Paul echoes many teachings from the book of Proverbs in a short admonition to fathers:
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
It would be erroneous to take this verse out of context and reason that mothers are not responsible for discipline or instruction. Yet, the simple truth is that the primary responsibility falls to fathers.
Some fathers might be tempted to delegate disciplinary responsibility to the mother. It is wise to remember that head, or leader, is not the same as dictator. A man must never simply hand off his responsibility as father. Translation: Man Up! Don’t wimp out on your God-given role as dad.
Discipline and instruction are separate ideas but related. Discipline is more about actions while instruction has more to do with the mind and attitude. Instruction promotes self-discipline. Yet, when simple instruction fails, a parent must take the next step: correction. In general, correction is verbal, often a reminder of past instruction. It may also come with a warning of future consequences if instruction is not followed.
While instruction and correction are more verbal, there is also the need for training. Training is a positive form of discipline that involves verbal instruction and demonstration, as well as application on the part of the child. Training involves telling them, showing them, and then letting them try. Additional instruction and correction, along with parental patience, are important for successful training.
Discipline is necessary when a child demonstrates a poor attitude at some level of instruction. It is best thought of as a part of instruction and training, not punishment. Discipline has a positive goal of changing a child’s attitude and behavior. It may call for extreme measures which include corporal punishment, i.e. spanking or other physical consequences. It should not be assumed that this is the first disciplinary option in all cases, nor is it always the most appropriate.
Fathers, you set the tone for discipline and instruction in your home. You must communicate with your wife about the discipline and instruction of your children. While your wife is deeply involved with the children, you lead the way. You provide direction in the values and behaviors that are important for your children.
Do not abandon your wife and place the burden of discipline solely (or mostly) on her shoulders. There ARE times when it is appropriate for your wife to be able to say to your child, “Wait until your father gets home!” It is your job to rescue your wife when she is exasperated with the children. You must deal with the most difficult situations. You are the one to make the hard decisions. God has given this responsibility to YOU, the dad.
Intimidating? Perhaps. Yet, the book of Proverbs is a tremendous resource for learning to be a good father and a good disciplinarian. Treat it like an instruction manual. If you haven’t read it lately, start TODAY!
Mark Stinnett
May 11, 2025
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It’s Not Fathers’ Day (But You’re Still the Dad) (Pt. 1)
Part 1: Head of the Home
The husband is expected to be the ‘head of the house.’ This responsibility goes back to the Garden of Eden and has been echoed throughout scripture. (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:22). Of special interest to fathers are the following verses:
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
--Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart.
--Colossians 3:21
To provoke someone to anger is to be the cause of the anger. You have done something or said something or NOT done or said something that causes another person to become angry.
The word exasperate is the idea of making someone so exhausted through your actions or speech that they simply want to give up and get away. Exasperation affects one physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Both scriptures are written in a negative sense, more like a prohibition: Don’t do this! So, what are some specific things that should be avoided?
Paul does not enumerate, yet by applying the Golden Rule you might ask, “What kinds of things would provoke me to anger or exasperate me?” The following is a general list that might help you get started.
A father can exasperate his children…
- When he does not listen.
- When he disciplines in uncontrolled anger, more of a reaction.
- When he is often unreasonable: “No questions; just do it. Follow my orders!”
- When he is often overbearing: Children are often bullied and/or treated more like slaves than family members.
- When he is often insensitive: Communication by yelling. Harsh words. “Just deal with it.” “Get over it!”
- When he is often critical: ”You never do anything right.” “You’ll never amount to anything.” “You can’t do that, what a foolish idea.”
- When he is generally unyielding: “Rule #1: Father knows best. If there are any questions, refer to Rule #1.”
- When he administers consequences that do not fit the offense, yet does not acknowledge the error or apologize.
- When he intentionally teases to the point of embarrassment (especially in public).
- When he is in the wrong, but refuse to acknowledge and apologize.
‘Head of the home’ is not synonymous with dictator or overlord. Head implies leadership. As the leader of the home God expects fathers to govern with a keen mind that considers each individual in the family. A good father understands differences in personalities, abilities, and even personal interests. He welcomes input from his wife and from his children. He is also careful to admit to his own failures and shortcomings.
Father’s Day is a day on which fathers are honored. For self-evaluation: Do you lead every day in such a way that you are deserving of honor?
Mark Stinnett
May 4, 2025
