Built by the Book
Where are the men of valor, the fathers? Not just the ones who share DNA—but the ones who disciple, the ones who worship, the ones who teach, correct, love, and lead by example. The ones who build legacies not of trauma, but of truth. The ones who build homes by the Book.
We are living in a generation that is redefining manhood. In pop culture, men are either jokes or missing: The message behind that is clear: Masculinity is optional, laughable, or replaceable. But the damage is not fiction—it’s a crisis according to statistics. There are 18 million children in the U.S. who grow up without a father. The following numbers are the percentage of children who happen to be from fatherless homes.
63% of youth suicides.
71% of high school dropouts.
90% of homeless and runaway kids.
85% of children with behavioral disorders.
70% of incarcerated juveniles…
It is evident that when fathers go missing, there is a natural breakdown in the developmental structure. The good news is that God is still calling men. And His voice is the same as it was in Eden: “Adam… where are you?” —Genesis 3:9
In a sermon preached during V1 Churches' “Men of Valor” series, Pastor Eddie Perez pulled no punches. He made it clear that God has placed a mandate on the lives of men. Both Eve and Adam sinned. But God didn’t call out to Eve, He called for Adam because fathers are responsible and men are to lead with their lives and teach the Word of God
The Blueprint for Biblical Fatherhood
“If you remove the father, you destroy the legacy,” Pastor Eddie declared. If men return to God's design, they can reclaim their legacy and rebuild it by the Book.
Deuteronomy 6 outlines three non-negotiables for fathers:
1. Fathers Teach by Living What They Learn – Deuteronomy 6:1–3
Before you ever preach, live it. Before your children follow your words, they’ll follow your ways. Obedience is the first form of instruction. Israel was told: Don’t adopt the identity of Canaan. Don’t conform. Be distinct. Fathers are not called to fit in; they are called to stand out.
The popular preacher of the 1800’s Charles Spurgeon, said: "When you train up a child in the way he should go, make sure you’re going that way yourself."
Believers today don’t need a perfect past to be a good example to the next generation; they need a submitted present. Your upbringing may be marked by trauma, addiction, or rage, but you can be the curse breaker in your family. The one who ends the cycle of secrets, lust, and violence. The one who trades the familiar chains for unfamiliar freedom. Availability always outweighs ability.
Men of valor should be present, be transparent, and be the example.
2. Fathers Teach by Loving God Deeply – Deuteronomy 6:4–5
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
This Shema, a central Jewish prayer and declaration of faith, is the foundation of covenantal fatherhood. God isn’t asking for weekend attendance or occasional quiet times. He wants everything.“Love God with the totality of your being. Nothing held back,” Pastor Eddie encouraged.
Children do not need to just see sermons; they need to see surrender. You cannot pass something you don’t possess. Your kids can’t follow a God they don’t see you walking with.
3. Fathers Teach by Leading at Home – Deuteronomy 6:6–9
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit, when you walk, when you lie down and when you rise…”
A man’s home should be his first pulpit.
God didn’t give us a 60-minute Sunday model—He gave us a daily blueprint for the impact of his word:
When you sit.
When you walk.
When you lay down.
When you rise.
Parents need to quit allowing their kids’ spiritual formation to come from TikTok. Fathers read the word of God to your children with intention, lead with conviction. Teach them how to build life on God’s truth. Scripture encourages the reading of God’s word over and over because of the impact it makes.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” —Colossians 3:16
“I have hidden your word in my heart…” —Psalm 119:11
“The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.” —Psalm 37:31
We must not let the memories of our kids be shaped by rage; instead, let their legacy be shaped by reverence. “Stop allowing trauma to disciple your children,” Pastor Eddie warned. “A boy discipled today is a man saved from destruction tomorrow.”
Fathers will give an account to God for how they raised their children. A righteous legacy isn’t just what you leave behind; it’s who you raise up. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 states. Likewise, 3 John 1:4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
The message issues a strong call for fathers to embrace their God-given role, drawing parallels to Joshua. When Moses died, the baton passed to Joshua. And what did God say? “Be strong and very courageous… Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night…” —Joshua 1:7–8
We don’t need fathers who are strong in rage, loud in frustration, or hard in pride. We need fathers who are strong in Scripture. Fathers who meditate day and night on the Word. Fathers who build by the Book.
The success of a righteous family and nation begins with fathers surrendering to God, renewing their covenantal relationship with Him, and becoming the "teacher" and the "priest of the home." Today, make a vow to be a man built by the book and reclaim fatherhood in a culture of collapse.
About the Author
Jeannie Ortega Law is a chart-topping singer, evangelist, media personality and author from New York City. She can be reached on social media: @JeannieOrtega or emailed at Info@JeannieO.com
At V1 Church we believe in teaching Bible-based relationship principles so that you can your family can be strengthened. Connect with us using one of the links below – we’d love to see you and help you walk through the process of reconciliation.