Discussion Guide | June 15, 2025

June 16th, 2025

Introduction

"The Heart of the Father" - Sermon Summary

The sermon focuses on understanding and experiencing God's love as a Heavenly Father. Pastor Bill emphasizes that God's love is unconditional, present, and active in our lives, using the parable of the Prodigal Son to illustrate God's loving, compassionate nature. He contrasts this with misconceptions of God as distant or judgmental, encouraging us to embrace God's fatherly love and care in our daily lives.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your incredible love for us, open our hearts and minds to truly understand the depth of Your father's heart. Help us to be vulnerable with one another and receptive to what You want to teach us today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's your favorite memory with your father or a father figure in your life?

Main Study

Key Verses

Isaiah 49:16
Matthew 10:30
1 John 3:1-2
Romans 8:38-39
Luke 15:11-24

Questions

How does your earthly father relationship impact how you view God as a Father?
The sermon mentions God has 'engraved you on the palms of his hands.' What does this tell us about God's commitment to us?
What barriers might prevent someone from accepting or experiencing God's fatherly love?
In what ways have you experienced God's father-like care in your life?
How does understanding God as a loving Father change how we approach prayer and worship?
The prodigal son's father ran to meet him while he was still far away. What does this teach us about God's character?
How can we share God's fatherly love with others who may not have experienced it?
What practical steps can we take to better receive and rest in God's fatherly love?

Life Application

This week, spend 10 minutes each day meditating on God's father-like love for you. Write down specific ways He has shown His care and protection in your life, and share one of these testimonies with someone who needs encouragement.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

God's love is unconditional and active, not distant or passive
Jesus used the term 'Father' 107 times, emphasizing the importance of this relationship
God cares about both our big and small concerns
Like the prodigal son's father, God eagerly watches and waits for us to turn to Him
Understanding God's fatherly love provides security in an insecure world

Ending Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for Your perfect, unconditional love for us. Help us to fully embrace our identity as Your beloved children and to share that love with others. Give us the courage to run to You in both our victories and failures, knowing You always welcome us with open arms. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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