Raphael's famous 1518 depiction of Prophet Ezekiel's vision of God the Father in glory

How Firm a Foundation Apostles’ Creed Summer Series Week 3: “I believe in God…the Father Almighty”

Central Truth: God is Almighty, but God also is our Father.

Open: Begin by reading the Apostles’ Creed together out loud.

Watch: “You’re a Good, Good Father” () (click the blue link to watch video)

Chris Tomlin is an American contemporary Christian music singer, , and worship leader from Grand Saline, Texas, who has sold over 7 million records. He is a member of Passion Conferences and is signed to EMI's sixstepsrecords. Some of his most well-known songs are "How Great Is Our God", "Our God", "Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)" and his cover of "Good, Good Father."

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 6:1-8; Psalm 91:1-4; Corinthians 21:2-4

New Testament Reading: Matthew 6:9-13; 1 John 3:1-3

Quotes for Reflection:

“We call God ‘Father’ for one reason only: when Jesus spoke to God, he called God ‘Abba,’ an Aramaic word that a little child would use when curled up on the father’s lap; even a grown child would continue to use this endearing term of affection. Jesus enjoyed such an intimate relationship with the ‘almighty’ God that he spoke to him tenderly as ‘Abba.’” - The Life We Claim

If God is not a personal being for me like my earthly father, he is intimately more. - Mahatma Gandhi

Discussion Questions:

1. Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father…” (Matthew 6:9-13). What does that address of your relationship to God in this familiar manner mean to you?

2. As indicated in the Howell quote, Jesus referred to his Father as “Abba”, “Daddy”, a most intimate term. How is it possible to have a similar relationship today with our Heavenly Father?

3. What would you say to someone who had a negative relationship with their earthly father, about the fatherhood of God? How is it different?

4. Genesis 17:1-2 indicates God’s directive to Abram to walk before Him as Almighty God, “and be perfect.” Why was that important to the covenant God was establishing with Abram, who was to be “the father of many nations”?

5. God’s commands to Israel instructed them that 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Are those commands still important for our families today? Why? How can we make this happen?

6. Psalm 91 reads: “1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” The protection of God Almighty is promised in this wonderful Psalm to those who “dwell” with the Lord. In what ways have you experienced God’s providence and protection?

7. John wrote to the early Christians (1 John 3:1): “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” As you have experienced the love of God the Father, how has that impacted your life, realizing that you are a child of God?

8. The quote from Mahatma Gandhi indicates a realization on his part of the importance of a personal relationship with God the Father. While Gandhi was a practicing Hindu, this statement indicates God’s universal revelation even to others who are of different faiths. How might you bring Jesus into that equation if talking with Gandhi?

Closing Prayer: Almighty Father, thank you for your parenting relationship in our lives, adopting us as your precious children, through our relationship to Jesus Christ. May that relationship grow as we follow your commands and live for your glory. Amen.