At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.

28 November 2021 - 11am Service

In the Beginning God Series

“In the beginning God…” These are the first words of the bible. God is the foundation of everything, the ground of our being. But do we really know God or have a right view of Him? And is a journey of faith a journey towards a greater understanding and deeper relationship with Him?

Jesus came to reveal God as Father to the people on earth who thought they knew God best. Jesus reveals a God of surprises to us, and this series aims to help us examine our view of God and maybe look with fresh eyes at a God who is greater, more loving and merciful than we ever expected.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

November 28th. ‘the Father heart of God’. Romans 8:14-17 Luke 11:1-11 Luke 15:11-32

Abba is Jesus’ special name for God. It is not a profound sacred mystery YHWH, but the first words an infant might say. To know God is to become like a little child, and acknowledge our need but also God’s compassion and heart for us.

If God is our father his fathering involves

• Intimacy

Provision and nurture
Discipline and challenge.
Celebration and pleasure

Perhaps the key story about the father heart of God is ‘the prodigal son’ (Luke 15). How is God revealed as father there? How have we seen him Father us whether we have been in a ‘prodigal’ phase of life, or in legalistic religiosity? Are we able to respond to Him as children, or do we take the posture of ‘servants’ at the expense of intimacy and grace?
How comfy would you be calling God ‘daddy’? Can you explain your reaction to that?
Does God love us unconditionally? What does that mean in terms of obedience and
discipleship? Does God love us more if we are more obedient to Him?
What is the connection between love and discipline? Does God discipline us? If so how?

Grace isn’t opposed to effort, it’s opposed to earning. (Dallas Willard)