Skip to content
logo horizontal
logo tree only
logo tree only
  • about
      • About us
        • Vision Generic_YEG Feature art
      • Times & Directions
        • Watch us online 2023 169hd web
      • Staff & Leadership
        • Team Web Rotator
      • Worship
        • Worship-arts-169HD-sm2
      • Membership
        • Fall 2025 Class NO QR
      • Baptism
        • Interested in Baptism 169HD
      • Communion
        • Communion 169HD
      • Baby Dedication
        • Baby dedication2 169HD
      • New Believers
        • Care,Of,New,Life,-,Watering,Young,Plant,-,Vintage
      • Meet With A Pastor
        • Living,Room,With,Two,Yellow,Armchair,mockup,Concrete,Wall.3d,Rendering
      • Sermon Series
        • RTR Website 16×9
        • Up Next:
  • ministries
      • Family
        • Happy,Family,In,The,Park,Evening,Light.,The,Lights,Of
      • Kids
        • MBC KIDS Postcard 169HD
      • Teens
        • admin-ajax-rgb
        • Fresh wave Podcast Logo Full
      • Adults
        • small groups 2017 HD16
        • Adult-Sunday-School 2018 169HD
        • Womens min winter 2024
        • Mens Ministries 2018 169HD
        • Young Adult 2020 16.9HD generic no dates
        • Master_senior 3rd_Fri_ lunch slide 16.9HD
        • Men,Supporting,Men,,Introduction,To,A,Men’s,Therapy,Group
      • Missions
        • Missions Logo new page2 169HD
        • Senegal Missions banner 169HD 2021
        • 1st Choice 169HD
        • City Relief 16.9
        • market Street Mission 169HD
        • Feedng Hands
      • Care
        • Care team 2015 169hd
      • Internships
        • Internships
      • Underground Sessions
        • Underground Sess. Signage
      • Stephen Ministry
        • Stephen Ministry 2017 169HD
      • Little Footprints Learning Center
        • LFLC Postcard 2017 V2
  • media
      • Sunday Worship Playlist & Sermon Outline
        • Worship arts logo copy
      • Digital Ministry
        • Podcasts Feature GRaphic2
        • Move to YT Livestream MBC UNHINDERED noDate-169 copy
      • Pastor’s Table Blog
        • RTR PTB
      • Behind the Pulpit
        • Behind the Pulpit weekly YouTube 169 V2 Rach. no text
      • Fresh Wave
        • Fresh wave Podcast Logo Full
      • Wednesdays in the Word
        • Weds in the Word v1
      • Sermon Archive
        • Sermon Archive Banner
      • Right Now Media
        • church_slide_1
      • Merch Store
        • MBC Merch store 169 reg copy
  • events
  • prayer
      • Praise & Prayer Weekly Update
        • Prayer Web 169hd
      • Men and Women’s Prayer Room
        • ladies and mens prayer graphic copy
  • give
      • Year-End Giving for 2025
        • 2025 Giving
      • MBC Giving
        • MBC Giving Slides_template 10 digit 2021b
      • Serving
        • Ministry Page feature graphic 169
  • connect
      • Getting Connected
        • Newsletter,Email,Icon,Isolated,On,Special,Blue,Banner,Background,Abstract
      • The Bridge
        • Bridge Sep 28 2025 V2
      • Shared Interest Groups
        • Shared Interest Groups 169
      • Share your Gifts
        • Serving page alt With Webpage URL 169
      • Finance Team
        • Finance Team 169
      • Safety & Security Team
        • Safety&Security 16×9 V1
      • Buildings & Grounds Team
        • Buildings & Grounds Team 16×9 V3
      • Hospitality Team
        • Hospitality Team 16×9 FINAL
  • log in
PrevPrevious EntryWhy is Love so Important?
Next EntryWhat does it mean to be a good father?Next

BACK TO THE PASTOR’S TABLE

What Does It Mean To Be A Good Father?

Listen to this article

 

The History of Father’s Day

I’d like to ask a question: What does it means to be a good father? If you don’t know, the history of Father’s Day is quite fascinating. The inception dates to December 6th, 1907 when a massive explosion decimated a coal mine in Monongah, West Virginia and 362 miners were killed. It was the worst mining disaster in U.S. history. Several months after this disaster, a local church held a special service to honor the 362 miners lost—most left behind wives and children. It was the first public event on record specifically honoring fathers. This all led to a public campaign to establish a national Father’s Day, which President Woodrow Wilson began in 1916. It was finalized in 1972.

Why would people do this? Why would people launch a public campaign to honor fathers?

I think they knew something: When a father is present he makes a huge difference in the life of his kids. Pastor Jon Tyson writes this in his book, “The Intentional Father”: “When a father is present, emotionally healthy, and involved in his child’s life, the child has a tremendous advantage in the world to navigate its complexities and challenges with joy and confidence.”

Let me state the obvious: when a father is absent—he can leave a huge hole. When a father is not fully present in the life of his kids, or if he misuses his power through abuse of some type, or if he is lost due to illness and death, a father wound is created.

Marks of an Intentional Father

The Barna Group recently did a study asking men if they felt prepared for fatherhood and here is what they found: 52% of all U.S. Dads and 44% of practicing Christians felt “somewhat prepared,” or “not prepared at all” to become a father. That is A LOT of men who don’t feel prepared to become fathers. What does it mean to become a good dad? How do we get there? Paul has been giving us clues in this letter to the Philippians. It’s the way Paul has been speaking to the Philippian Church—as an intentional, spiritual, father figure. He wants them to grow in their love of Christ Jesus. Then we get to Philippians 4:8-9, some of my favorite verses—verses we should commit to memory.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9, ESV)

These words, offered to the church of Philippi, are instructive for all Christians and especially fathers or future fathers. As a spiritual father, Paul writes to his children and says, “Let this thought pattern dominate your life … then put it into practice. Become a 489 Christian; become a 489 Father! Then the church and the world will be blessed! What does Philippians 4:8-9 call us to?

People of Virture

First, we should be people of VIRTUE. What is a virtue? It is a kind of moral excellence. Morals and ethics form the framework for how we should live our lives. If you will remember, much of the letter up

until this point has focused on creating a unified environment of peace. In vv. 8-9, Paul is showing us how to rearrange our life and thought so that the peace of God can freely work.

This sums up the section of scripture where he has told us to rejoice, to not be anxious, and to pray. Then he offers some parting words. These words are applicable for all Christians, but I think they are strikingly poignant for dads. What virtues should embody our lives?

Truth. Honor. Justice. Purity. Beauty.

If we live out those virtues our lives will be commendable; people will speak well of us. Do those virtues dominate your thought life on a daily basis?

People of Action

Second, we must be people of ACTION. Too many people THINK but don’t ACT. Other people ACT but don’t think. We need to be both. Paul writes this in v. 9:

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9, NIV)

Look at the language he uses: what you just heard … DO IT! Put it into practice. He is not providing a contrast to verse 8; it is a complement. Take notice of that word, “whatever.” It refers back to the end of v. 8 where Paul said, “think about such things.” This refers to that list of moral virtues, but it also points to more. It points back to other teachings in the letter that are excellent and praise worthy. It points back to the humble work of Christ on the Cross we are called to emulate. Jesus did not just think about saving us: he was a man of action. He came to earth, lived a sinless life and died a brutal death on the cross. What does this tell us about God the Father?

The Love of God The Father

God the Father embodies the 489 life. He is a calm in the storm. He lavished his love on us by sending his own son, the prince of peace himself, to die on the cross and bring us the peace of God, which will guard our hearts and minds. What does the Apostle John tell us in his letter?

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! […] Dear friends, now we are children of God […] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3, NIV)

Church, God the Father loves you! Whatever our experience has been on earth—you have a Heavenly Father who has made a way for PEACE with him. And now, just like the prodigal son, he wants us to run to his open arms and experience his deep love. Will you do that today? When you experience that love it will transform you from the inside out. Then, then … the 489 life will flow from you: truth, honor, justice, purity, beauty. We can show the world, and our families, the beauty of Jesus every day. We love, because God the Father first gave his deep, deep love to us. What does it mean to be a good father? It means reflecting the love of God to our children … and the world. Amen.

Picture of Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig serves as Lead Pastor: Preaching, Family Life and Mission at Millington Baptist Church in Basking Ridge, NJ. He is a graduate of Eastern University and Denver Theological Seminary. He and his wife Amanda enjoy one daughter.
PrevPrevious EntryWhy is Love so Important?
Next EntryWhat does it mean to be a good father?Next

BACK TO THE PASTOR’S TABLE

Like what you see? Sign up to receive notifications from The Pastor's Table!
Loading
Like what you see? Sign up to receive notifications from The Pastor's Table!
Loading

Recent Entries

Loading...

From Gloom to Glory (Isa. 9:1-7)

October 7, 2025
/
Bob Erbig
A Light in the Darkness “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 If you’ve ever been in deep...
Read More

God With Us: The Near and Far Fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14

September 29, 2025
/
Dave Hentschel
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) Isaiah 7:14 is one of the most famous prophecies in all of Scripture, quoted directly in Matthew’s Gospel as fulfilled in the birth of...
Read More

The God of Dangerous Beauty

September 24, 2025
/
Bob Erbig
Dangerous Beauty: Encountering God’s Holiness Isaiah 6 is one of those passages many of us know well. We’ve heard it in sermons, sung parts of it in worship songs, and maybe even memorized a few verses. But let me challenge you—don’t let the familiarity dull your sense of awe. This...
Read More

The Invitation of Grace

September 16, 2025
/
Dave Hentschel
A devotional on Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (Isa 1:18, ESV) Isaiah 1 opens with a strong rebuke—God’s people have...
Read More

The View from the Mountaintop: Introduction to the book of Isaiah

September 8, 2025
/
Dave Hentschel
The View from the Mountaintop (Introduction to the book of Isaiah) Climbing a mountain takes effort, but it also gives you a breathtaking view. That’s what the prophet Isaiah offers us: a higher perspective on God, ourselves, and the world. When we open his book, we’re not just reading ancient...
Read More

Fight The Good Fight (1 Timothy 6:11-16)

July 14, 2025
/
Bob Erbig
The Spiritual Battle for a Healthy Church This was an important series for our church as we approach our 175th Anniversary next year. For a church to last 175 years, the principals in 1 Timothy must be present. We’ve learned how to combat false teaching, how to make the Gospel...
Read More
1 2 … 32 Next »

From Gloom to Glory (Isa. 9:1-7)

A Light in the Darkness “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 If you’ve ever been in deep darkness, you know how desperately

Read More
Bob Erbig October 7, 2025

God With Us: The Near and Far Fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) Isaiah 7:14 is one of the most famous prophecies in all of Scripture, quoted directly in Matthew’s Gospel as fulfilled in the birth of Christ. But like many Old

Read More
Dave Hentschel September 29, 2025

The God of Dangerous Beauty

Dangerous Beauty: Encountering God’s Holiness Isaiah 6 is one of those passages many of us know well. We’ve heard it in sermons, sung parts of it in worship songs, and maybe even memorized a few verses. But let me challenge you—don’t let the familiarity dull your sense of awe. This chapter is meant to shake

Read More
Bob Erbig September 24, 2025
Page1 Page2 Page3 Page4 Page5
  • www.millingtonbaptist.org
  • mbc@millingtonbaptist.org
  • /millingtonchurch
  • /MBCNewJersey
  • www.millingtonbaptist.org
  • mbc@millingtonbaptist.org
  • facebook.com/millingtonchurch
  • twitter.com/MBCNewJersey
  • 520 King George Road | Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 | 908-647-0594
  • about
    • Back
    • About us
      • Back
      • Back
    • Times & Directions
      • Back
      • Back
    • Staff & Leadership
      • Back
      • Back
    • Worship
      • Back
      • Back
    • Membership
      • Back
      • Back
    • Baptism
      • Back
      • Back
    • Communion
      • Back
      • Communion
      • Back
    • Baby Dedication
      • Back
      • Baby Dedications
      • Back
    • New Believers
      • Back
      • New Believers
      • Back
    • Meet With A Pastor
      • Back
      • Meet With A Pastor
      • Back
    • Sermon Series
      • Back
      • Back
    • Back
  • ministries
    • Back
    • Family
      • Back
      • Family Ministries
      • Back
    • Kids
      • Back
      • MBC Kids
      • Back
    • Teens
      • Back
      • Teens
      • The Fresh Wave Podcast
      • Back
    • Adults
      • Back
      • Small Groups
      • Adult Education
      • Women
      • Men
      • Young Adults
      • Senior Luncheon
      • Radical Mentoring
      • Back
    • Missions
      • Back
      • MBC Missions
      • Senegal
      • First Choice
      • City Relief
      • Market Street Mission
      • Feeding Hands
      • Back
    • Care
      • Back
      • Back
    • Internships
      • Back
      • Internships
      • Back
    • Underground Sessions
      • Back
      • Underground Sessions
      • Back
    • Stephen Ministry
      • Back
      • Back
    • Little Footprints Learning Center
      • Back
      • Back
    • Back
  • media
    • Back
    • Sunday Worship Playlist & Sermon Outline
      • Back
      • Sunday Worship Playlist & Sermon Outline
      • Back
    • Digital Ministry
      • Back
      • Digital Ministry
      • Livestream
      • Back
    • Pastor’s Table Blog
      • Back
      • Pastor’s Table Blog
      • Back
    • Behind the Pulpit
      • Back
      • Updates & Connection Opportunities
      • Back
    • Fresh Wave
      • Back
      • The Fresh Wave Podcast
      • Back
    • Wednesdays in the Word
      • Back
      • Wednesdays in the Word
      • Back
    • Sermon Archive
      • Back
      • Sermon Archive
      • Back
    • Right Now Media
      • Back
      • Right Now Media
      • Back
    • Merch Store
      • Back
      • Merch Store
      • Back
    • Back
  • events
  • prayer
    • Back
    • Praise & Prayer Weekly Update
      • Back
      • Praise & Prayer Weekly Update
      • Back
    • Men and Women’s Prayer Room
      • Back
      • Men and Women’s Prayer Room
      • Back
    • Back
  • give
    • Back
    • Year-End Giving for 2025
      • Back
      • Year-End Giving for 2025
      • Back
    • MBC Giving
      • Back
      • give
      • Back
    • Serving
      • Back
      • Share your Gifts
      • Back
    • Back
  • connect
    • Back
    • Getting Connected
      • Back
      • getting connected
      • Back
    • The Bridge
      • Back
      • The Bridge – September 28th, 2025
      • Back
    • Shared Interest Groups
      • Back
      • Shared Interest Groups
      • Back
    • Share your Gifts
      • Back
      • Share your Gifts
      • Back
    • Finance Team
      • Back
      • MBC Finance Team
      • Back
    • Safety & Security Team
      • Back
      • MBC Safety & Security Team
      • Back
    • Buildings & Grounds Team
      • Back
      • MBC Buildings & Grounds Team
      • Back
    • Hospitality Team
      • Back
      • MBC Hospitality Team
      • Back
    • Back
  • log in