Lecture Notes: Understanding the Kingdom Principle of Fatherhood

Introduction

• Reflective opening on the power of a song to evoke emotion.
• Encouragement to use Bibles and notebooks for note-taking.
• Emphasis on the theme "Men Are Builders" at a men's conference in Dallas, Texas.
• Focus on understanding the kingdom principle of fatherhood.

Personal Anecdotes and Family

• The speaker shares insights from personal family life as a testimony to success.
• Discusses the importance of managing one's own household as a precursor to managing God's house.

Importance of Fatherhood

• Fatherhood is described as a crucial responsibility for men, whether married or unmarried.
• The speaker shares insights from books on fatherhood and leadership.
• Emphasizes the role of men as leaders in both family and societal structures.

God's Foundation for Humanity

• The foundation for building the human family is through God's concept of fatherhood.
• Many people lack the training from good fathers; thus, there's a need to re-learn these principles.

Kingdom Principles

• The Bible is about a kingdom, not a religion: a king (God), a kingdom (Heaven), and His royal family (humanity).
• The term "dominion" translates to sovereign rulership or kingdom authority.

Purpose of Man

• Man was created to have dominion over Earth, not just to prepare for Heaven.
• The goal is kingdom influence on Earth, not evacuation to Heaven.

Jesus' Teachings

• Jesus focused on the return of the kingdom of heaven to Earth, not on taking souls to Heaven.
• His miracles were evidence of a heavenly influence and power on Earth.

The Role of Kingdoms

• Kingdoms expand by colonizing, and God's original intent was for Heaven to colonize Earth.
• The concept of colonization involves influencing a territory with the culture and values of the colonizing power.

Sociological Impact of Fatherhood

• Fatherlessness is linked to societal issues such as poverty, crime, and educational failures.
• Time Magazine notes the crucial role of fathers in determining a child's success and happiness.

God as Father

• God chose "Father" as His primary title, emphasizing the importance of fatherhood.
• Sin is framed as a fatherhood problem: man declared independence from God, his Father.

Biblical Context

• Genesis 1:26 depicts man as made in God's image, tasked with dominion over Earth.
• The male is considered the foundation of the family, designed to carry the weight just like a building's foundation.

Responsibilities of the Male

• Men are tasked with being the foundation and support of their families, often without recognition.
• The male's role involves sustaining and supporting those who come from him.

The Concept of Abba

• "Abba" (Father) means source, sustainer, nourisher, supporter, and foundation.
• God as Abba: everything originated from Him and He sustains it.

Practical Takeaways

• Males are responsible for fathering not just children, but also nurturing and sustaining their wives.
• The woman (womb-man) is meant to be supported and protected by the male.
• Importance of cultivating relationships within the family to reflect the kingdom of God.

Closing Thoughts

• Emphasis on breaking generational curses and aligning with God's original purpose for fatherhood.
• Encouragement for men to embrace their roles as leaders and father figures in their families and communities.