Sermon Recap | June 15, 2025

The concept of God as our Heavenly Father is one of the most powerful truths in Scripture. Beyond anything we've ever done or said, God loves us deeply and unconditionally. He is righteous, yet incredibly loving—present to touch our hearts in ways we might not expect.

In our society, there's been a push toward gender neutrality, even in some Bible translations that refer to God as a "divine parent" rather than Father. However, Scripture is clear and purposeful about this relationship. Jesus taught us to pray saying "Our Father," and used the term "father" 107 times when speaking about God—it was His favorite term!

This isn't just semantics. The concept of God as Father is powerful and transformative when we truly understand it.

Isaiah 49:16 tells us, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." Think about that—God has permanently etched you into His hands. This isn't how most people view God. Many see Him as distant or waiting to punish us for our next mistake. But the truth is that God is for you every minute of every day.

Matthew 10:30 reveals that "even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." God is involved in our lives in such a meticulous way that He cares about even the smallest details. Nothing in your life is too insignificant to bring before Him.

1 John 3:1-2 says, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are." This isn't just a nice sentiment—it's our identity.

In Galatians 4:6, we read that "because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" The word "Abba" denotes a deep, meaningful relationship with the Father. It's intimate and personal.

Some of us grew up with remote fathers, absent fathers, or like me, never even knew our fathers. Others had wonderful father figures. But regardless of your earthly father experience, your Heavenly Father offers a relationship that's deeper and more meaningful than anything you've experienced.

Our Father is holy, yet He cares about our daily needs. When Jesus taught us to pray "give us our daily bread," He was showing us that God cares about our practical concerns.

I grew up in a home where my mom was both mother and father to my brother and me. I remember her praying on her knees for an hour every day. Miraculously, groceries would show up at our door when we least expected it. Money would appear when we dusted. God always provided breakthroughs right when we needed them.

The Psalmist began each morning acknowledging God's love: "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you" (Psalm 143:8).

Colossians 3:12-14 gives us practical ways to reflect God's love: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience... And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

1 John 3:18 reminds us that love isn't just words—it's action: "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." Love is a verb. It's wonderful to have great convictions, but we must apply those convictions to our everyday lives.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of the prodigal son. After squandering his inheritance, the son returns home in shame. But "while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."

This depicts a father who is constantly looking into the distance for his child. Our Heavenly Father looks toward us before He even sees any inclination on our part to move toward Him. He looks for us when we are unworthy, guilty, and ashamed.

The story could have been about judgment, condemnation, or retribution—but it's not. It's about love. In Old Testament culture, a son who dishonored his father would face the vengeance of the entire community. The father ran toward his son to protect him, to be his advocate.

That's your Heavenly Father's heart toward you. He runs to protect you, heal you, and strengthen your heart.

God is not just a God of the past or future—He is the God of now, ready to heal you in this moment. Whatever is tormenting you, whatever has broken your heart, whatever physical ailment you're facing—your Healer is present and running toward you with love.

Ask yourself these questions this week:

• How do I currently view God? Do I see Him as distant and judgmental, or as a loving Father running toward me?
• What areas of my life have I been hesitant to bring before God because I thought they were too small or insignificant?
• How can I practically demonstrate God's love to others this week through my actions, not just my words?
• What would change in my life if I truly believed that God has engraved me on the palms of His hands?