Spiritual fathers

[quietbloke]

I recommend the book,'Spiritual Fathers', by Paul Newberry. 'A Biblical and Practical Perspective On Spiritual Fathers and Fathering'

 

[quietbloke]

'The father theme runs like a country road through Scripture. We need to take the road and enjoy the journey. Speed is not always necessary or helpful to our spiritual progress,we may well be missing fatherhood,both as an understanding and as a ministry in the modern church,because we have taken the religious motorway. High velocity Christianity too often fails to appreciate the grace and width of God's country for the flash of the dual carriageway. At some point we will have to slow down. Fathers are rarely in a rush' (Paul Newberry)

 

[ChristianGirl_96]

I’ve been looking for books on spiritual matters. How much is it? Where can I buy it?

 

[quietbloke]

I’ve been looking for books on spiritual matters. How much is it? Where can I buy it?

Hi 'ChristianGirl'. The publishers were Sovereign World Ltd PO Box 777 Tonbridge Kent T N11 0ZS. I bought my copy second hand on Amazon. It was just a few pounds and was a signed copy by Paul Newberry.

 

[quietbloke]

Paul Newberry was a well known Pastor in Assemblies of God. He was our Senior Pastor when we were in Maidstone,Kent. What we read in this book we saw in practice all those years ago!

 

[quietbloke]

'In Western society as it stands at present there is a serious lack of understanding regarding fathers and fathering. Some observers would view this as the result of a deliberate attack on family and relationships. They see a concerted policy by humanist groups to question and discard 'outmoded conventions' such as husband and wife marriage and father and mother family. If this is happening (and there is evidence that it is) we need look no further for at least one major reason why fathers have become itinerant and why recent generations are suffering for lack of them' (Paul Newberry, 2003)

 

[quietbloke]

'Not only is 'father' an empty word for many children,it is already an irrelevant word to many young adults. The Fatherhood of God,therefore,carries little meaning for increasing numbers of people. Further decline in this direction will view fatherhood not simply unfashionable,but as optional,a 'component' of life to be discarded if considered unnecessary' (Paul Newberry)

 

[quietbloke]

'Fathers care. A father's heart fills with affection and interest when faced with the concerns of His children. He cannot help it. He is caught up in their feelings,in their desires and ambitions,their joys,disappointments and hurts. He will commiserate,cry and laugh with them. Why? Because quite simply,he cares' (Paul Newberry)

 

[quietbloke]

'Fathers listen. To have someone who actually listens is rare...In order to listen well we must find on our heart a true interest in the person who wants to talk. Listening,therefore is born out of care..' (Paul Newberry)

 

[quietbloke]

'Fathers give time. Caring and listening means time....Once we understand the worth of people,giving time falls into place. It is part of a father's heart to know this worth and it is this knowing that enables him to see beyond self interest and make time..' (Paul Newberry)

 

[quietbloke]

'Fathers share weight. Caring,listening and giving time will inevitably mean sharing weight. The problems,hurts,responsibilities and duties of ministry can be heavy. Spiritual fathers,together with the gift of care and time,are also able to carry weight. Their shoulders are strong to support burdens and by so doing,relieve sons for whom the weight has become overwhelming'..(Paul Newberry)

 

[quietbloke]

'Fathers release..Spiritual Fathers have to resist the temptation to make their 'children' dependent on them. The great joy of fathering is to see Christ so formed in each one that they know and walk with God in their own right...we must teach our sons to fly!' (Paul Newberry)