My Father

Today we celebrate our fathers, we are thankful for every one of you. We ask the Heavenly Father to bless you in a special and unique way today! We not only celebrate our fleshly fathers, but our Heavenly Father! When we say my Father it tells us we have been fathered, it’s personal. Some have had painful experiences, and some have had good experiences; but we all have had an eternal father who has given us Promise and has not failed us. Jesus said: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with Power from on high.” Luke 24:49 – Jesus talks a lot about His Father in Scripture. Jesus referred to “My Father” fifty some times in the Gospels. Jesus also called God “Our Father” some twenty one times in the Gospels. This is awesome for Jesus clearly shows us that those who believe on Him share the same relationship with God in Heaven that Jesus does. We probably need to pause here and give this statement some thought. It seems that relationships are thin in this moment and time, but we have a Father who desires to be in relationship with us at all times. --- There are many Fathers in Scripture who in the midst of danger, difficulty, and misfortune, maintained a Godly Fortitude. We also note the strength of our Forefathers who placed the foundation of a Godly Nation before us and fought for our Liberty. Some gave up their livelihood for the Freedom to Worship our Heavenly Father. We are grateful for our Fathers who have faithfully served in the wars and those who are serving still today.... Not only is Jesus “My Father” but He calls God “Your Father” twenty-one times in the Gospel. Here is a powerful thought: The Israelites had no concept of God as “Father.” They saw Him as Jehovah, the transcendent God. Usually they never thought of God in intimate terms. So, when Jesus arrived calling God “My Father,” it was a totally new concept and it even angered many of them. Jesus revealed this to His disciples in Luke 11:2 “Jesus said, When ye “Pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.” Immediately we note as we come into Salvation we are intimately related to God through Jesus Christ. Rom. 8:15‑16 “...ye have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the Children of God!” Just as our human father has certain responsibilities for his children, God has taken responsibility for us, “His Children.” Thank God for our Fathers and Thank You God that You are Our Father! Loving U, Pastor