I Believe; God the Father | Pastor Burnard Scott

[music] [music] [bell] >> Come on, is anybody in the house love >> Come on, is anybody in the house love Jesus today? Jesus today? Jesus today? Yes. [cheering] Yes. [cheering] Yes. [cheering] Yes, yes, yes. Welcome to church, Yes, yes, yes. Welcome to church, Yes, yes, yes. Welcome to church, everybody. Do me a favor. Everybody everybody. Do me a favor. Everybody everybody. Do me a favor. Everybody that's joining us online, all of our that's joining us online, all of our that's joining us online, all of our locations, everybody here at Lakewood locations, everybody here at Lakewood locations, everybody here at Lakewood Ranch, would you put your hands Ranch, would you put your hands Ranch, would you put your hands together? Let's welcome everybody that together? Let's welcome everybody that together? Let's welcome everybody that are joining us at church today.

are joining us at church today. are joining us at church today. Welcome. [applause] So glad to have you here, and my name is So glad to have you here, and my name is Bernard if I haven't had a had the Bernard if I haven't had a had the Bernard if I haven't had a had the privilege of meeting you. I have the privilege of meeting you. I have the privilege of meeting you. I have the privilege of serving on the team here, privilege of serving on the team here, privilege of serving on the team here, and I just want to say nice to meet you. and I just want to say nice to meet you. and I just want to say nice to meet you. Thanks for being here. I have the Thanks for being here. I have the Thanks for being here. I have the privilege of starting off, kicking off privilege of starting off, kicking off privilege of starting off, kicking off this new series that we're doing this new series that we're doing this new series that we're doing called I believe, and I want to just called I believe, and I want to just called I believe, and I want to just give honor to where honor's due, to my give honor to where honor's due, to my give honor to where honor's due, to my pastor, Pastor Randy and Amy. They are a pastor, Pastor Randy and Amy. They are a pastor, Pastor Randy and Amy. They are a phenomenal just people in general, but I phenomenal just people in general, but I phenomenal just people in general, but I just love them as pastors, as friends, just love them as pastors, as friends, just love them as pastors, as friends, and that I get to do this with them. and that I get to do this with them. and that I get to do this with them. But as we kick off this series today, I But as we kick off this series today, I But as we kick off this series today, I want to give you permission. I want to want to give you permission. I want to want to give you permission. I want to help you if you've never heard me speak help you if you've never heard me speak help you if you've never heard me speak before. Uh first of all, this is what before. Uh first of all, this is what before. Uh first of all, this is what I've learned. If you really want to uh I've learned. If you really want to uh I've learned. If you really want to uh engage in the learning process, you can engage in the learning process, you can engage in the learning process, you can talk back to this preacher. Okay? That talk back to this preacher. Okay? That talk back to this preacher. Okay? That means, you know, something There's just means, you know, something There's just means, you know, something There's just something about when you say amen to the something about when you say amen to the something about when you say amen to the preacher that helps you to remember it. preacher that helps you to remember it. preacher that helps you to remember it. It helps stick. You say, "Uh-huh, It helps stick. You say, "Uh-huh, It helps stick. You say, "Uh-huh, preach. That's all right. Mm, that was preach. That's all right. Mm, that was preach. That's all right. Mm, that was good. Preach. good. Preach. good. Preach. B, you just go ahead now." Whatever. And B, you just go ahead now." Whatever. And B, you just go ahead now." Whatever. And And if you're not used to talking in And if you're not used to talking in And if you're not used to talking in church, I understand. There's a little church, I understand. There's a little church, I understand. There's a little note card there in front of you. You note card there in front of you. You note card there in front of you. You just take that and just wave it just just take that and just wave it just just take that and just wave it just like that. But, when you wave it when like that. But, when you wave it when like that. But, when you wave it when when that that means amen, but when you when that that means amen, but when you when that that means amen, but when you wave it, you got to do like this. Mm.

wave it, you got to do like this. Mm. wave it, you got to do like this. Mm. Got to make the face with it. Mm. Got to make the face with it. Mm. Got to make the face with it. Mm. Right? That's when you know it's real Right? That's when you know it's real Right? That's when you know it's real good. All right. But, as we kick off this, I believe, But, as we kick off this, I believe, series, series, series, here's the big idea. here's the big idea. here's the big idea. The greatest revelation isn't simply The greatest revelation isn't simply The greatest revelation isn't simply that God is almighty. It is that that God is almighty. It is that that God is almighty. It is that almighty has chosen to be our father. almighty has chosen to be our father. almighty has chosen to be our father. Okay? That's the big idea today. Okay? That's the big idea today. Okay? That's the big idea today. And so, before we dive into anything, And so, before we dive into anything, And so, before we dive into anything, I want you to finish this sentence in I want you to finish this sentence in I want you to finish this sentence in your own head, okay? I want you to your own head, okay? I want you to your own head, okay? I want you to finish this sentence in your head. I finish this sentence in your head. I finish this sentence in your head. I believe. believe. believe. And then, what you're going to do is And then, what you're going to do is And then, what you're going to do is you're going to go ahead and fill in the you're going to go ahead and fill in the you're going to go ahead and fill in the blank. All right? I believe Go ahead and blank. All right? I believe Go ahead and blank. All right? I believe Go ahead and fill in the blank right there where you fill in the blank right there where you fill in the blank right there where you are. Now, I just heard some of y'all went all Now, I just heard some of y'all went all spiritual immediately, right? The first spiritual immediately, right? The first spiritual immediately, right? The first thing you did is like, "I believe God is thing you did is like, "I believe God is thing you did is like, "I believe God is good." Uh-huh, that's a good answer. good." Uh-huh, that's a good answer. good." Uh-huh, that's a good answer. Yes, God is good. Some of you went Yes, God is good. Some of you went Yes, God is good. Some of you went sports. You believe that this is the sports. You believe that this is the sports. You believe that this is the Cowboys' year. And I just want you to Cowboys' year. And I just want you to Cowboys' year. And I just want you to know know know I'll be praying for you because there I'll be praying for you because there I'll be praying for you because there That's a faith that has been tested and That's a faith that has been tested and That's a faith that has been tested and found wanting. And I also want you to found wanting. And I also want you to found wanting. And I also want you to know know know that that's a generational stronghold that that's a generational stronghold that that's a generational stronghold that needs to be broken. All right. So, that needs to be broken. All right. So, that needs to be broken. All right. So, anyways, anyways, anyways, Now, some of you did go personal on Now, some of you did go personal on Now, some of you did go personal on that. Some of you went personal.

that. Some of you went personal. that. Some of you went personal. Um Um Um It may be I believe It may be I believe It may be I believe I can get through the week. I can get through the week. I can get through the week. Or I believe my marriage will make it. Or I believe my marriage will make it. Or I believe my marriage will make it. Or I believe my kids are going to be Or I believe my kids are going to be Or I believe my kids are going to be okay. okay. okay. Now, here's the thing. Now, here's the thing. Now, here's the thing. Everybody in here believes something. Everybody in here believes something. Everybody in here believes something. Everybody believes something. Everybody believes something. Everybody believes something. And because of that, the question isn't And because of that, the question isn't And because of that, the question isn't whether you have faith, the question is whether you have faith, the question is whether you have faith, the question is can what you believe actually hold the can what you believe actually hold the can what you believe actually hold the weight weight weight of your life? of your life? of your life? Can what you believe actually hold the Can what you believe actually hold the Can what you believe actually hold the weight of your life? weight of your life? weight of your life? Because beliefs aren't just ideas we Because beliefs aren't just ideas we Because beliefs aren't just ideas we carry, beliefs actually carry us. carry, beliefs actually carry us. carry, beliefs actually carry us. They shape how we see God, They shape how we see God, They shape how we see God, how we see ourselves, how we handle how we see ourselves, how we handle how we see ourselves, how we handle suffering, suffering, suffering, how we approach our future, how we how we approach our future, how we how we approach our future, how we respond when life doesn't go according respond when life doesn't go according respond when life doesn't go according to plan. to plan. to plan. And that's why for the next 5 weeks, And that's why for the next 5 weeks, And that's why for the next 5 weeks, we're going back to the foundation. we're going back to the foundation. we're going back to the foundation. The beginning of this in this series The beginning of this in this series The beginning of this in this series what we call I believe.

what we call I believe. what we call I believe. And we're going to anchor this series in And we're going to anchor this series in And we're going to anchor this series in one of the oldest and most widely used one of the oldest and most widely used one of the oldest and most widely used summaries of the Christian faith, it's summaries of the Christian faith, it's summaries of the Christian faith, it's called the Apostles' Creed. Now, if you called the Apostles' Creed. Now, if you called the Apostles' Creed. Now, if you grew up in a denominational church, you grew up in a denominational church, you grew up in a denominational church, you are familiar with this, you recited it are familiar with this, you recited it are familiar with this, you recited it often. You may not have completely often. You may not have completely often. You may not have completely understood what it meant, but you're understood what it meant, but you're understood what it meant, but you're used to this Apostles' Creed. But I used to this Apostles' Creed. But I used to this Apostles' Creed. But I understand for context, we got a very understand for context, we got a very understand for context, we got a very diverse audience diverse audience diverse audience and congregation. So, I want to help us and congregation. So, I want to help us and congregation. So, I want to help us to understand what's happening. Now, to understand what's happening. Now, to understand what's happening. Now, first of all, Creed simply comes from first of all, Creed simply comes from first of all, Creed simply comes from the Latin word which is credo, which the Latin word which is credo, which the Latin word which is credo, which means I believe. means I believe. means I believe. And here's why this matters. Most And here's why this matters. Most And here's why this matters. Most Christians Christians Christians know what we believe, know what we believe, know what we believe, but sometimes we're not very good at but sometimes we're not very good at but sometimes we're not very good at explaining what we believe. explaining what we believe. explaining what we believe. Our culture has a creed, Our culture has a creed, Our culture has a creed, right? right? right? Your feed Your feed Your feed has a doctrine. has a doctrine. has a doctrine. Your algorithm has a catechism. Your algorithm has a catechism. Your algorithm has a catechism. But something is always teaching you But something is always teaching you But something is always teaching you what matters.

what matters. what matters. Teaching you what success looks like, Teaching you what success looks like, Teaching you what success looks like, what truth is, what truth is, what truth is, who you are and what you should desire, who you are and what you should desire, who you are and what you should desire, which means actually the question isn't which means actually the question isn't which means actually the question isn't if you're being discipled, the question if you're being discipled, the question if you're being discipled, the question is who is discipling you. is who is discipling you. is who is discipling you. And today And today And today we begin exactly where the Creed begins we begin exactly where the Creed begins we begin exactly where the Creed begins with God the Father. In a moment we're with God the Father. In a moment we're with God the Father. In a moment we're going to recite it and at the end we're going to recite it and at the end we're going to recite it and at the end we're going to do something special so you going to do something special so you going to do something special so you don't leave because we're going to spend don't leave because we're going to spend don't leave because we're going to spend some time with the Father. But we're some time with the Father. But we're some time with the Father. But we're going to focus on the first part of this going to focus on the first part of this going to focus on the first part of this Creed, which is the Father, because the Creed, which is the Father, because the Creed, which is the Father, because the greatest thoughts you'll ever have are greatest thoughts you'll ever have are greatest thoughts you'll ever have are the thoughts about God. the thoughts about God. the thoughts about God. Because everything flows Because everything flows Because everything flows from those thoughts. from those thoughts. from those thoughts. And what you believe about God And what you believe about God And what you believe about God eventually determines how you live eventually determines how you live eventually determines how you live before God. before God. before God. How you see God How you see God How you see God affects how you see yourself. affects how you see yourself. affects how you see yourself. How you see God affects how you pray. How you see God affects how you pray. How you see God affects how you pray. How you see God affects how you suffer. How you see God affects how you suffer. How you see God affects how you suffer. How you see God affects how you handle How you see God affects how you handle How you see God affects how you handle disappointment. How you see God affects disappointment. How you see God affects disappointment. How you see God affects how you even approach your future.

how you even approach your future. how you even approach your future. So this So this So this Apostles' Creed, it's important and why Apostles' Creed, it's important and why Apostles' Creed, it's important and why it matters it matters it matters before we actually declare this before we actually declare this before we actually declare this together, together, together, I I want us to understand I want to give I I want us to understand I want to give I I want us to understand I want to give us a little bit of of context, a little us a little bit of of context, a little us a little bit of of context, a little history to understand why history to understand why history to understand why Christians have been saying these words Christians have been saying these words Christians have been saying these words for generations. for generations. for generations. Um we're not introducing some something Um we're not introducing some something Um we're not introducing some something new. This has been around. We're new. This has been around. We're new. This has been around. We're actually reconnecting with the ancient actually reconnecting with the ancient actually reconnecting with the ancient rhythm that has actually helped anchor rhythm that has actually helped anchor rhythm that has actually helped anchor Christians Christians Christians in their faith for centuries. in their faith for centuries. in their faith for centuries. Now the Apostles' Creed, it wasn't Now the Apostles' Creed, it wasn't Now the Apostles' Creed, it wasn't literally written by the apostles, but literally written by the apostles, but literally written by the apostles, but it was created as a means to help early it was created as a means to help early it was created as a means to help early believers know what we actually believe. believers know what we actually believe. believers know what we actually believe. And they took it from the apostles' And they took it from the apostles' And they took it from the apostles' teaching, all right? So its roots teaching, all right? So its roots teaching, all right? So its roots developed in the early centuries of developed in the early centuries of developed in the early centuries of Christianity. Christianity. Christianity. And uh And uh And uh the church ended up summarizing. the church ended up summarizing. the church ended up summarizing. And this is really important because And this is really important because And this is really important because Christianity at that time, it was Christianity at that time, it was Christianity at that time, it was growing rapidly. It was growing super growing rapidly. It was growing super growing rapidly. It was growing super fast. And there were so many distorted fast. And there were so many distorted fast. And there were so many distorted views of Christianity.

views of Christianity. views of Christianity. So many different versions of So many different versions of So many different versions of Christianity. People were questioning Christianity. People were questioning Christianity. People were questioning who was Jesus really God? Uh was was he who was Jesus really God? Uh was was he who was Jesus really God? Uh was was he was he really human? Did he physically was he really human? Did he physically was he really human? Did he physically rise from the dead? Was was the material rise from the dead? Was was the material rise from the dead? Was was the material world something that God created and world something that God created and world something that God created and called good? called good? called good? Could you follow Jesus while blending Could you follow Jesus while blending Could you follow Jesus while blending Christianity with other religious ideas Christianity with other religious ideas Christianity with other religious ideas around you? These are some of the things around you? These are some of the things around you? These are some of the things that were happening in the early church that were happening in the early church that were happening in the early church and for Christians. And though there and for Christians. And though there and for Christians. And though there were different names, different ideas, were different names, different ideas, were different names, different ideas, but essentially the same problem. but essentially the same problem. but essentially the same problem. People kept trying to remake Jesus into People kept trying to remake Jesus into People kept trying to remake Jesus into someone other than who he revealed someone other than who he revealed someone other than who he revealed himself to be. himself to be. himself to be. This was what was happening and it's This was what was happening and it's This was what was happening and it's still happening today. still happening today. still happening today. Every generation is tempted to create a Every generation is tempted to create a Every generation is tempted to create a Jesus who agrees with everything that we Jesus who agrees with everything that we Jesus who agrees with everything that we already believe. already believe. already believe. In other words, we all like a Jesus who In other words, we all like a Jesus who In other words, we all like a Jesus who never confronts us. never confronts us. never confronts us. We like a Jesus who never corrects us. We like a Jesus who never corrects us. We like a Jesus who never corrects us. We like the Jesus who never challenges We like the Jesus who never challenges We like the Jesus who never challenges culture.

culture. culture. We love the Jesus that never challenges We love the Jesus that never challenges We love the Jesus that never challenges us. us. us. But But But if Jesus always agrees with me, there's if Jesus always agrees with me, there's if Jesus always agrees with me, there's a pretty good chance I'm not following a pretty good chance I'm not following a pretty good chance I'm not following Jesus. Crank up down the AC cuz it's about to Crank up down the AC cuz it's about to get hot up in here. Maybe Maybe you're just following yourself and you're just following yourself and you're just following yourself and attaching Jesus' name to it. That's why doctrine really matters. That's why doctrine really matters. Doctrine is important. Doctrine is important. Doctrine is important. And remember, And remember, And remember, the world at that time in the early the world at that time in the early the world at that time in the early church, there was no printing press, church, there was no printing press, church, there was no printing press, there was no Google, there was no there was no Google, there was no there was no Google, there was no YouTube, there was no Bible app, there YouTube, there was no Bible app, there YouTube, there was no Bible app, there was no Bayside app, there was no was no Bayside app, there was no was no Bayside app, there was no podcast. Scripture was literally copied podcast. Scripture was literally copied podcast. Scripture was literally copied by hand and actually a lot of people by hand and actually a lot of people by hand and actually a lot of people couldn't even read by then they back couldn't even read by then they back couldn't even read by then they back then they needed a rabbi or somebody to then they needed a rabbi or somebody to then they needed a rabbi or somebody to read the scriptures to them. read the scriptures to them. read the scriptures to them. So the church, they actually needed a So the church, they actually needed a So the church, they actually needed a clear way of saying what we believe.

clear way of saying what we believe. clear way of saying what we believe. This is what we believe. And the creed This is what we believe. And the creed This is what we believe. And the creed actually became three things. actually became three things. actually became three things. One, it was a baptismal confession. When One, it was a baptismal confession. When One, it was a baptismal confession. When people got baptized back in the early people got baptized back in the early people got baptized back in the early church, they confessed this creed church, they confessed this creed church, they confessed this creed because this was the why behind their because this was the why behind their because this was the why behind their baptism. Because at the time, Caesar was baptism. Because at the time, Caesar was baptism. Because at the time, Caesar was saying that he was Lord, but when you saying that he was Lord, but when you saying that he was Lord, but when you got baptized, you were saying that Jesus got baptized, you were saying that Jesus got baptized, you were saying that Jesus is Lord. is Lord. is Lord. And then it was also a teaching tool. And then it was also a teaching tool. And then it was also a teaching tool. This creed helps us to know who God is, This creed helps us to know who God is, This creed helps us to know who God is, who Jesus is, who Jesus is, who Jesus is, what he has done, who is who the Holy what he has done, who is who the Holy what he has done, who is who the Holy Spirit is, what is the church, and what Spirit is, what is the church, and what Spirit is, what is the church, and what is our ultimate hope. is our ultimate hope. is our ultimate hope. And in third, it was a doctrinal And in third, it was a doctrinal And in third, it was a doctrinal guardrail. All right? The creed actually guardrail. All right? The creed actually guardrail. All right? The creed actually helped keep Christianity centered on the helped keep Christianity centered on the helped keep Christianity centered on the historic faith that was handed down from historic faith that was handed down from historic faith that was handed down from the apostles. This is really important the apostles. This is really important the apostles. This is really important for us to understand. We're not just for us to understand. We're not just for us to understand. We're not just doing this here today doing this here today doing this here today to become more traditional. to become more traditional. to become more traditional. What we're doing, this is a part of who What we're doing, this is a part of who What we're doing, this is a part of who we are. This is what anchors us.

we are. This is what anchors us. we are. This is what anchors us. And when we declare it, we are actually And when we declare it, we are actually And when we declare it, we are actually joining believers across generations, joining believers across generations, joining believers across generations, across continents, across cultures and across continents, across cultures and across continents, across cultures and centuries centuries centuries who've confessed these exact same who've confessed these exact same who've confessed these exact same truths. truths. truths. We're actually stepping into a stream We're actually stepping into a stream We're actually stepping into a stream that was flowing long before we ever got that was flowing long before we ever got that was flowing long before we ever got here. here. here. And by God's grace it'll keep flowing And by God's grace it'll keep flowing And by God's grace it'll keep flowing long after we're gone. long after we're gone. long after we're gone. So before we read it together, I I want So before we read it together, I I want So before we read it together, I I want to just bring one thing to just bring one thing to just bring one thing make one thing clear. There's a phrase make one thing clear. There's a phrase make one thing clear. There's a phrase that when we read this that you're going that when we read this that you're going that when we read this that you're going to hear and think, "Wait, wait, wait, to hear and think, "Wait, wait, wait, to hear and think, "Wait, wait, wait, what what what are you saying? So, when what what what are you saying? So, when what what what are you saying? So, when the Creed says the Holy Catholic Church, the Creed says the Holy Catholic Church, the Creed says the Holy Catholic Church, now we love our Catholic brothers and now we love our Catholic brothers and now we love our Catholic brothers and sisters, but it's a it's a lower case C sisters, but it's a it's a lower case C sisters, but it's a it's a lower case C because it's not speaking of the Roman because it's not speaking of the Roman because it's not speaking of the Roman Catholic Church. It is speaking this Catholic Church. It is speaking this Catholic Church. It is speaking this word Catholic means universal. It's word Catholic means universal. It's word Catholic means universal. It's specifically referring to the universal specifically referring to the universal specifically referring to the universal church of Jesus Christ, okay? Now, church of Jesus Christ, okay? Now, church of Jesus Christ, okay? Now, because of that, this church of Jesus because of that, this church of Jesus because of that, this church of Jesus Christ is every nation, every tribe, Christ is every nation, every tribe, Christ is every nation, every tribe, every language, which every generation, every language, which every generation, every language, which every generation, every follower of Jesus.

every follower of Jesus. every follower of Jesus. This is what it's speaking to. This is what it's speaking to. This is what it's speaking to. So, So, So, the next 5 weeks, we're not just going the next 5 weeks, we're not just going the next 5 weeks, we're not just going to study the Apostles' Creed, we're to study the Apostles' Creed, we're to study the Apostles' Creed, we're going to declare it. going to declare it. going to declare it. And we're going to declare it together. And we're going to declare it together. And we're going to declare it together. So, would you all stand with me on your So, would you all stand with me on your So, would you all stand with me on your feet? And as we recite these words, I want you And as we recite these words, I want you to remember what it means. It means I to remember what it means. It means I to remember what it means. It means I believe. This is what we believe. If you believe. This is what we believe. If you believe. This is what we believe. If you call yourself a Christian, a follower of call yourself a Christian, a follower of call yourself a Christian, a follower of Christ, this is what you believe. This Christ, this is what you believe. This Christ, this is what you believe. This is an anchor. This is a declaration. is an anchor. This is a declaration. is an anchor. This is a declaration. This is our confession of faith. And so, This is our confession of faith. And so, This is our confession of faith. And so, let's declare it together. let's declare it together. let's declare it together. Ready? Go. Ready? Go. Ready? Go. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe creator of heaven and earth. I believe creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. born of the Virgin Mary. born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He crucified, died, and was buried. He crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to hell. The third day he rose descended to hell. The third day he rose descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. again from the dead. again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at He ascended to heaven and is seated at He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father the right hand of God, the Father the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.

Almighty. Almighty. From there he will come to judge the From there he will come to judge the From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. living and the dead. living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Catholic Church, the communion of Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Now, Father, I pray everlasting. Amen. Now, Father, I pray everlasting. Amen. Now, Father, I pray in the name of Jesus in the name of Jesus in the name of Jesus that as as study that as as study that as as study and present your word and your truth and present your word and your truth and present your word and your truth today that you would open our hearts to today that you would open our hearts to today that you would open our hearts to hear and to receive. hear and to receive. hear and to receive. Remove every hindrance and every Remove every hindrance and every Remove every hindrance and every distraction. distraction. distraction. I pray in the name of Jesus that as we I pray in the name of Jesus that as we I pray in the name of Jesus that as we encounter your truth, we would become encounter your truth, we would become encounter your truth, we would become more like you. more like you. more like you. The sons and daughters that you've The sons and daughters that you've The sons and daughters that you've created and redeemed us to be. created and redeemed us to be. created and redeemed us to be. In Christ's name I pray and everybody In Christ's name I pray and everybody In Christ's name I pray and everybody said said said Amen. You may be seated. So when we go back to the first line of So when we go back to the first line of this this this Apostles' Creed, Apostles' Creed, Apostles' Creed, I believe in God I believe in God I believe in God the Father Almighty the Father Almighty the Father Almighty creator of heaven and earth. creator of heaven and earth. creator of heaven and earth. Now, Now, Now, there's enough theology in that first there's enough theology in that first there's enough theology in that first line that I could be here till next line that I could be here till next line that I could be here till next Sunday preaching right now. I just need Sunday preaching right now. I just need Sunday preaching right now. I just need need you to know. I could but not we're need you to know. I could but not we're need you to know. I could but not we're not going to do that. All right? I have not going to do that. All right? I have not going to do that. All right? I have 20 minutes.

But I want you to notice three big But I want you to notice three big realities in that first line. There's realities in that first line. There's realities in that first line. There's three pillars just in that first three pillars just in that first three pillars just in that first sentence. Number one, God is above us. sentence. Number one, God is above us. sentence. Number one, God is above us. Right? He's almighty. Right? He's almighty. Right? He's almighty. Two, God made us. Two, God made us. Two, God made us. He's creator. He's creator. He's creator. And three, God is for us. And three, God is for us. And three, God is for us. He is Father. He is Father. He is Father. Now, above us, he made us, he's for us Now, above us, he made us, he's for us Now, above us, he made us, he's for us and we actually need all three. and we actually need all three. and we actually need all three. Because if he's creator without Father, Because if he's creator without Father, Because if he's creator without Father, he's powerful but he's distant. he's powerful but he's distant. he's powerful but he's distant. If he's Father without almighty, he's If he's Father without almighty, he's If he's Father without almighty, he's loving but limited. but limited. But the Christian revelation of this But the Christian revelation of this But the Christian revelation of this whole thing is whole thing is whole thing is Father Father Father Almighty. Almighty. Almighty. The God who possesses unlimited power The God who possesses unlimited power The God who possesses unlimited power has unlimited love for us. has unlimited love for us. has unlimited love for us. So here's the first point today. So here's the first point today. So here's the first point today. The Father The Father The Father is bigger than you think. Can I just get a Can I just get a uh-huh?

uh-huh? uh-huh? Yes, the Father is bigger than you Yes, the Father is bigger than you Yes, the Father is bigger than you think. think. think. And here's the key truth. And here's the key truth. And here's the key truth. The size of your worship is connected to The size of your worship is connected to The size of your worship is connected to the size of your revelation of God. The size of your worship is connected to The size of your worship is connected to the size of your revelation of God. So, the size of your revelation of God. So, the size of your revelation of God. So, before we talk about Father, we have to before we talk about Father, we have to before we talk about Father, we have to remember who the Father is. First of remember who the Father is. First of remember who the Father is. First of all, in Genesis 1:1, it says, "In the all, in Genesis 1:1, it says, "In the all, in Genesis 1:1, it says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and beginning, God created the heavens and beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." the earth." the earth." So, before there was anything, So, before there was anything, So, before there was anything, there was God. there was God. there was God. Before there was galaxies, God. Before there was galaxies, God. Before there was galaxies, God. Before there was oceans, there was God. Before there was oceans, there was God. Before there was oceans, there was God. Before there was mountains, there was Before there was mountains, there was Before there was mountains, there was God. Before there was oxygen, there was God. Before there was oxygen, there was God. Before there was oxygen, there was God. Before there was gravity, there was God. Before there was gravity, there was God. Before there was gravity, there was God. God. God. Before there was time as we know it, Before there was time as we know it, Before there was time as we know it, there was God. And God didn't struggle there was God. And God didn't struggle there was God. And God didn't struggle to create, he spoke, "Let there be to create, he spoke, "Let there be to create, he spoke, "Let there be light."

light." light." And light showed up. And light showed up. And light showed up. That is power. That is power. That is power. Some of us, we speak the things in our Some of us, we speak the things in our Some of us, we speak the things in our house and they still ain't listening to house and they still ain't listening to house and they still ain't listening to us. Alexa! Alexa! us. Alexa! Alexa! us. Alexa! Alexa! Maybe it's your kids. You tell you just Maybe it's your kids. You tell you just Maybe it's your kids. You tell you just you say it forever and ain't nobody you say it forever and ain't nobody you say it forever and ain't nobody paying attention. But look, look, God paying attention. But look, look, God paying attention. But look, look, God speaks and galaxies respond. speaks and galaxies respond. speaks and galaxies respond. My God. My God. My God. He is omnipotent. He is omnipotent. He is omnipotent. What does that mean? He's all powerful. What does that mean? He's all powerful. What does that mean? He's all powerful. In fact, Matthew 19:26 In fact, Matthew 19:26 In fact, Matthew 19:26 says this, "Jesus looked at them says this, "Jesus looked at them says this, "Jesus looked at them intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it is impossible, but with God, everything is impossible, but with God, everything is impossible, but with God, everything is possible.'" is possible.'" is possible.'" So, he's omnipotent. Then, the second So, he's omnipotent. Then, the second So, he's omnipotent. Then, the second thing is he's omniscient. What that thing is he's omniscient. What that thing is he's omniscient. What that means is he's all knowing. means is he's all knowing. means is he's all knowing. In Psalm 147:5, it says, "How great is In Psalm 147:5, it says, "How great is In Psalm 147:5, it says, "How great is our Lord? His power is absolute. His our Lord? His power is absolute. His our Lord? His power is absolute. His understanding is beyond comprehension." understanding is beyond comprehension." understanding is beyond comprehension." There has never been a moment where God There has never been a moment where God There has never been a moment where God has said, "Wow, I didn't see that has said, "Wow, I didn't see that has said, "Wow, I didn't see that coming."

coming." coming." God's never had that experience. He has God's never had that experience. He has God's never had that experience. He has never There's no new information when it never There's no new information when it never There's no new information when it comes to God. comes to God. comes to God. He's omniscient. Here's another thing, He's omniscient. Here's another thing, He's omniscient. Here's another thing, he's omnipresent. he's omnipresent. he's omnipresent. What that means is he's everywhere What that means is he's everywhere What that means is he's everywhere present. God is everywhere present. present. God is everywhere present. present. God is everywhere present. Psalms 139:7. Psalms 139:7. Psalms 139:7. I can never escape from your spirit. I I can never escape from your spirit. I I can never escape from your spirit. I can never get away from your presence. can never get away from your presence. can never get away from your presence. He's everywhere all the time. He's everywhere all the time. He's everywhere all the time. What I love about that is before you get What I love about that is before you get What I love about that is before you get there, God's already there. there, God's already there. there, God's already there. When you hit that doctor's appointment, When you hit that doctor's appointment, When you hit that doctor's appointment, God's there. God's there. God's there. That conversation, God's there. That conversation, God's there. That conversation, God's there. That uncertainty, That uncertainty, That uncertainty, he's there. That business decision, he's he's there. That business decision, he's he's there. That business decision, he's there. The children's future, he's there. The children's future, he's there. The children's future, he's there. Your tomorrow, there. Your tomorrow, there. Your tomorrow, he's there. he's there. he's there. And revelation like that should produce And revelation like that should produce And revelation like that should produce something something something that in church today we've lost, which that in church today we've lost, which that in church today we've lost, which is awe. is awe. is awe. Complete awe of such a powerful God Complete awe of such a powerful God Complete awe of such a powerful God who's omnipotent, who's omniscient, and who's omnipotent, who's omniscient, and who's omnipotent, who's omniscient, and who is omnipresent.

who is omnipresent. who is omnipresent. Yeah, we should be comfortable in God's Yeah, we should be comfortable in God's Yeah, we should be comfortable in God's presence, but never be casual about his presence, but never be casual about his presence, but never be casual about his glory. Yes, he's approachable, but he's not Yes, he's approachable, but he's not ordinary. ordinary. ordinary. He's God. He's God. He's God. He's personal, He's personal, He's personal, but he's still holy. but he's still holy. but he's still holy. He's close, He's close, He's close, but he's still king. but he's still king. but he's still king. He's king of all kings and he's lord of He's king of all kings and he's lord of He's king of all kings and he's lord of all lords, and I wonder if sometimes our all lords, and I wonder if sometimes our all lords, and I wonder if sometimes our anxiety is evidence anxiety is evidence anxiety is evidence that we've been staring at the size of that we've been staring at the size of that we've been staring at the size of our problem longer than we've been our problem longer than we've been our problem longer than we've been staring at the size of our God. >> Because when God gets bigger in your >> Because when God gets bigger in your vision, vision, vision, problems start finding their proper problems start finding their proper problems start finding their proper position. position. position. Some of us are carrying the universe Some of us are carrying the universe Some of us are carrying the universe like you're the one responsible like you're the one responsible like you're the one responsible for keeping it spinning. for keeping it spinning. for keeping it spinning. But God says, But God says, But God says, you can go to sleep. you can go to sleep. you can go to sleep. I got the night shift.

He's almighty. He's almighty. He's creator. He's creator. He's creator. So what that means is that when it seems So what that means is that when it seems So what that means is that when it seems impossible, the creator can speak into impossible, the creator can speak into impossible, the creator can speak into that. And if it doesn't exist, he can that. And if it doesn't exist, he can that. And if it doesn't exist, he can create it. create it. create it. So we trust, but here's where So we trust, but here's where So we trust, but here's where Christianity gets almost unbelievable. Christianity gets almost unbelievable. Christianity gets almost unbelievable. This God, infinite, eternal, This God, infinite, eternal, This God, infinite, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere present, creator of heaven and earth present, creator of heaven and earth present, creator of heaven and earth says this one thing. He says, says this one thing. He says, says this one thing. He says, call me father. I don't know if you get it. I don't know if you get it. But he is bigger than you think. But he is bigger than you think. But he is bigger than you think. And here's the second thing. He's better And here's the second thing. He's better And here's the second thing. He's better than you think. than you think. than you think. God is better than you think. God is better than you think. God is better than you think. And here's the key truth. And here's the key truth. And here's the key truth. Your earthly father is not the blueprint Your earthly father is not the blueprint Your earthly father is not the blueprint for God. for God. for God. God is the blueprint for fatherhood. God is the blueprint for fatherhood. God is the blueprint for fatherhood. Now this is really important. For some Now this is really important. For some Now this is really important. For some people, the word father feels safe, people, the word father feels safe, people, the word father feels safe, but for others, it hurts. but for others, it hurts. but for others, it hurts. Maybe your father was absent.

Maybe your father was absent. Maybe your father was absent. Maybe physically present, but Maybe physically present, but Maybe physically present, but emotionally absent. Maybe emotionally absent. Maybe emotionally absent. Maybe demanding. Maybe he was angry. Maybe his demanding. Maybe he was angry. Maybe his demanding. Maybe he was angry. Maybe his affection had to be earned. affection had to be earned. affection had to be earned. Maybe you spent your childhood and even Maybe you spent your childhood and even Maybe you spent your childhood and even your adulthood now trying to hear these your adulthood now trying to hear these your adulthood now trying to hear these words, I'm proud of you. words, I'm proud of you. words, I'm proud of you. And you never heard of it. And you never heard of it. And you never heard of it. So when somebody says God wants to be So when somebody says God wants to be So when somebody says God wants to be your father, something inside of you your father, something inside of you your father, something inside of you pulls back. You get this visceral pulls back. You get this visceral pulls back. You get this visceral reaction because you don't know how to reaction because you don't know how to reaction because you don't know how to relate to a God that calls himself relate to a God that calls himself relate to a God that calls himself father because you had a bad father because you had a bad father because you had a bad representation of a father. Because if God is like your earthly Because if God is like your earthly father, father, father, you're not sure if you really want him. you're not sure if you really want him. you're not sure if you really want him. But here's what I need you to understand But here's what I need you to understand But here's what I need you to understand today. today. today. God is not a magnified version of your God is not a magnified version of your God is not a magnified version of your earthly father. earthly father. earthly father. He's better than you think. He's better than you think. He's better than you think. In fact, every human father is supposed In fact, every human father is supposed In fact, every human father is supposed to be imperfect. to be imperfect. to be imperfect. They're supposed to be a imperfect They're supposed to be a imperfect They're supposed to be a imperfect reflection of God. reflection of God. reflection of God. Because God is the only original.

Because God is the only original. Because God is the only original. He's an original. He's an original. He's an original. Everything else is a copy. Everything else is a copy. Everything else is a copy. And so perhaps you need to release And so perhaps you need to release And so perhaps you need to release your father your father your father because he did the best he knew how with because he did the best he knew how with because he did the best he knew how with what he knew, but he was at best what he knew, but he was at best what he knew, but he was at best a small reflection a small reflection a small reflection of who our heavenly father actually is. of who our heavenly father actually is. of who our heavenly father actually is. And our heavenly father wants to fill And our heavenly father wants to fill And our heavenly father wants to fill those gaps, but we have to trust him. In those gaps, but we have to trust him. In those gaps, but we have to trust him. In fact, he reveals himself in Exodus fact, he reveals himself in Exodus fact, he reveals himself in Exodus chapter 34 verse 6, chapter 34 verse 6, chapter 34 verse 6, "The Lord passed in front of Moses "The Lord passed in front of Moses "The Lord passed in front of Moses calling out, Yahweh, the Lord, the God calling out, Yahweh, the Lord, the God calling out, Yahweh, the Lord, the God of compassion and mercy. of compassion and mercy. of compassion and mercy. I am slow to anger and filled with I am slow to anger and filled with I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." unfailing love and faithfulness." unfailing love and faithfulness." I hear in that scripture, I hear in that scripture, I hear in that scripture, that's father. that's father. that's father. Compassionate, Compassionate, Compassionate, mercyful, patient, faithful, loving. mercyful, patient, faithful, loving. mercyful, patient, faithful, loving. Then Jesus gives us perhaps the clearest Then Jesus gives us perhaps the clearest Then Jesus gives us perhaps the clearest picture of the father's heart in Luke picture of the father's heart in Luke picture of the father's heart in Luke chapter 15. chapter 15. chapter 15. We know this, it's the the prodigal son We know this, it's the the prodigal son We know this, it's the the prodigal son story where the the son tells the story where the the son tells the story where the the son tells the father, "Give me my inheritance."

father, "Give me my inheritance." father, "Give me my inheritance." And really in that in culture what he And really in that in culture what he And really in that in culture what he was saying was I wish you were dead. was saying was I wish you were dead. was saying was I wish you were dead. That's basically what he was saying. He That's basically what he was saying. He That's basically what he was saying. He took the inheritance and he ran off and took the inheritance and he ran off and took the inheritance and he ran off and he squandered it and he partied and did he squandered it and he partied and did he squandered it and he partied and did everything he wants to do. He he left, everything he wants to do. He he left, everything he wants to do. He he left, waste everything and finally he decides, waste everything and finally he decides, waste everything and finally he decides, "I want to go home." "I want to go home." "I want to go home." But he's not thinking like a son But he's not thinking like a son But he's not thinking like a son anymore. anymore. anymore. He knows that he thinks that in order to He knows that he thinks that in order to He knows that he thinks that in order to come back home, he's got to think like come back home, he's got to think like come back home, he's got to think like an employee and he starts going, "Well, an employee and he starts going, "Well, an employee and he starts going, "Well, okay, I'll go back and I'll work for my okay, I'll go back and I'll work for my okay, I'll go back and I'll work for my dad instead of sitting here eating with dad instead of sitting here eating with dad instead of sitting here eating with the pigs. I'll earn my way back into his the pigs. I'll earn my way back into his the pigs. I'll earn my way back into his grace. I'll become a servant." grace. I'll become a servant." grace. I'll become a servant." But I love in in Luke chapter 15, the But I love in in Luke chapter 15, the But I love in in Luke chapter 15, the father he responds. It says in verse 20, father he responds. It says in verse 20, father he responds. It says in verse 20, he says, "So he returned home to his he says, "So he returned home to his he says, "So he returned home to his father and while he was still a long way father and while he was still a long way father and while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled off, his father saw him coming. Filled off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his with love and compassion, he ran to his with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him." son, embraced him and kissed him." son, embraced him and kissed him." Now don't miss this. Now don't miss this. Now don't miss this. Fam, don't miss this. Fam, don't miss this. Fam, don't miss this. The father runs to the son. He saw him The father runs to the son. He saw him The father runs to the son. He saw him coming from a long distance.

coming from a long distance. coming from a long distance. Now you got to understand, a dignified Now you got to understand, a dignified Now you got to understand, a dignified Middle Eastern man, uh patriarch didn't Middle Eastern man, uh patriarch didn't Middle Eastern man, uh patriarch didn't normally go sprinting down the road. normally go sprinting down the road. normally go sprinting down the road. Right? This father sees his son. Right? This father sees his son. Right? This father sees his son. And dignity doesn't keep him from And dignity doesn't keep him from And dignity doesn't keep him from standing still. He ran towards him. standing still. He ran towards him. standing still. He ran towards him. I'm sure the son has a speech prepared I'm sure the son has a speech prepared I'm sure the son has a speech prepared to justify why he is coming back. You to justify why he is coming back. You to justify why he is coming back. You know, I'm sure he had all these excuses. know, I'm sure he had all these excuses. know, I'm sure he had all these excuses. I've sinned, I don't deserve your grace, I've sinned, I don't deserve your grace, I've sinned, I don't deserve your grace, make me a servant. make me a servant. make me a servant. And the father in this case interrupts And the father in this case interrupts And the father in this case interrupts him. him. him. He says, "Because He says, "Because He says, "Because you know, really the son's thinking like you know, really the son's thinking like you know, really the son's thinking like an orphan, he's thinking like an orphan, he's thinking like an orphan, he's thinking like an employee. an employee. an employee. But the father's thinking, But the father's thinking, But the father's thinking, "Son, "Son, "Son, religion religion religion makes us want to work our way back to makes us want to work our way back to makes us want to work our way back to God. God. God. It's all about our works. But the father It's all about our works. But the father It's all about our works. But the father says, "Come home." says, "Come home." says, "Come home." Come home. Come home. Come home. And I don't know where you're at. Maybe And I don't know where you're at. Maybe And I don't know where you're at. Maybe you're here and you need to hear this you're here and you need to hear this you're here and you need to hear this that no matter how bad that you think that no matter how bad that you think that no matter how bad that you think you are or what you've done or what you are or what you've done or what you are or what you've done or what damage you've caused, I want you to know damage you've caused, I want you to know damage you've caused, I want you to know this, the heart of the father is this, this, the heart of the father is this, this, the heart of the father is this, come home.

come home. come home. He's running towards you. He's running towards you. He's running towards you. None of what you have squandered, none None of what you have squandered, none None of what you have squandered, none of what you've done moves him. of what you've done moves him. of what you've done moves him. It's the heart of the father is that you It's the heart of the father is that you It's the heart of the father is that you would come home. would come home. would come home. And he told him, he says, "Kill kill And he told him, he says, "Kill kill And he told him, he says, "Kill kill fatted calf. Let's celebrate because my fatted calf. Let's celebrate because my fatted calf. Let's celebrate because my son has come home. son has come home. son has come home. You thought God was standing there with You thought God was standing there with You thought God was standing there with his arms crossed saying, his arms crossed saying, his arms crossed saying, "Let's see if you've learned your "Let's see if you've learned your "Let's see if you've learned your lesson." lesson." lesson." Now, maybe your earthly father did that, Now, maybe your earthly father did that, Now, maybe your earthly father did that, but God doesn't do that. but God doesn't do that. but God doesn't do that. The father says, The father says, The father says, "Here I am. Come home." "Here I am. Come home." "Here I am. Come home." Welcome home. Welcome home. Welcome home. He comes running for you. He comes running for you. He comes running for you. Even though you may smell like a pig Even though you may smell like a pig Even though you may smell like a pig pen, pen, pen, he's running for you. he's running for you. he's running for you. Even though you feel embarrassed, Even though you feel embarrassed, Even though you feel embarrassed, he's running for you. he's running for you. he's running for you. Maybe you still have questions, Maybe you still have questions, Maybe you still have questions, he's running for you. he's running for you. he's running for you. You don't have everything fixed. It's You don't have everything fixed. It's You don't have everything fixed. It's okay. okay. okay. He's running for you. He's running for you. He's running for you. You don't have to clean yourself up so You don't have to clean yourself up so You don't have to clean yourself up so that you can come to the father. You that you can come to the father. You that you can come to the father. You just come to the father and he begins to just come to the father and he begins to just come to the father and he begins to make you whole.

make you whole. make you whole. Cuz that's the love of a father. Cuz that's the love of a father. Cuz that's the love of a father. So, the father, he's bigger than you So, the father, he's bigger than you So, the father, he's bigger than you think, he's better than you think, and think, he's better than you think, and think, he's better than you think, and here's the third thing, the father cares here's the third thing, the father cares here's the third thing, the father cares more than you think. more than you think. more than you think. He cares more than you think. He cares more than you think. He cares more than you think. Here's the Here's the truth. If If God Here's the Here's the truth. If If God Here's the Here's the truth. If If God is your father, is your father, is your father, you don't have to live like everything you don't have to live like everything you don't have to live like everything depends on you. Am I at Bayside this morning? Am I at Bayside this morning? Okay, I just want to make sure cuz Okay, I just want to make sure cuz Okay, I just want to make sure cuz it got real quiet. If God is your father, you don't have to If God is your father, you don't have to live like everything depends on you. live like everything depends on you. live like everything depends on you. In fact, Jesus teaches in Matthew In fact, Jesus teaches in Matthew In fact, Jesus teaches in Matthew chapter 6 verse 11, "Give us today chapter 6 verse 11, "Give us today chapter 6 verse 11, "Give us today our daily bread." our daily bread." our daily bread." Give us today our daily bread. Give us today our daily bread. Give us today our daily bread. Daily bread. Everybody say daily bread. Daily bread. Everybody say daily bread. Daily bread. Everybody say daily bread. Mhm. Key word, daily. Mhm. Key word, daily. Mhm. Key word, daily. Now, I know that we don't particularly Now, I know that we don't particularly Now, I know that we don't particularly like daily, like daily, like daily, right? We would prefer, "Lord, give me right? We would prefer, "Lord, give me right? We would prefer, "Lord, give me the 5-year strategic bread plan, the 5-year strategic bread plan, the 5-year strategic bread plan, please." please." please." Right? Show me Q1 to Q4, right? Get Give Right? Show me Q1 to Q4, right? Get Give Right? Show me Q1 to Q4, right? Get Give me the projected outcomes. Give me the me the projected outcomes. Give me the me the projected outcomes. Give me the spreadsheet, oh God. Forget about the spreadsheet, oh God. Forget about the spreadsheet, oh God. Forget about the daily. I I need to know everything, daily. I I need to know everything, daily. I I need to know everything, everything.

everything. everything. Okay? Okay? Okay? But God says daily, why? But God says daily, why? But God says daily, why? Because sometimes God doesn't give us a Because sometimes God doesn't give us a Because sometimes God doesn't give us a lifetime supply, but he wants a lifetime lifetime supply, but he wants a lifetime lifetime supply, but he wants a lifetime relationship. relationship. relationship. If you had everything, if you had all of If you had everything, if you had all of If you had everything, if you had all of the answers, the answers, the answers, you wouldn't trust him. you wouldn't trust him. you wouldn't trust him. Because you have everything that you Because you have everything that you Because you have everything that you want and need. want and need. want and need. And Jesus says this in Matthew 6:26, And Jesus says this in Matthew 6:26, And Jesus says this in Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds. They do not plan or "Look at the birds. They do not plan or "Look at the birds. They do not plan or harvest or store food in barns for your harvest or store food in barns for your harvest or store food in barns for your heavenly father feeds them. heavenly father feeds them. heavenly father feeds them. And are not you far more valuable to him And are not you far more valuable to him And are not you far more valuable to him than they are?" than they are?" than they are?" Now, Jesus is not giving them a lesson Now, Jesus is not giving them a lesson Now, Jesus is not giving them a lesson on bird watching. on bird watching. on bird watching. Even though bird watching is fun. I I Even though bird watching is fun. I I Even though bird watching is fun. I I recently I don't know what it is. You recently I don't know what it is. You recently I don't know what it is. You know, we bought this property and we know, we bought this property and we know, we bought this property and we moved out there and we we my wife and I moved out there and we we my wife and I moved out there and we we my wife and I we sit there and we eat dinner and we we sit there and we eat dinner and we we sit there and we eat dinner and we just watch nature. And we have all these just watch nature. And we have all these just watch nature. And we have all these birds and ducks and chickens. We got all birds and ducks and chickens. We got all birds and ducks and chickens. We got all this stuff happening and and we just sit this stuff happening and and we just sit this stuff happening and and we just sit there for fun and narrate what we think there for fun and narrate what we think there for fun and narrate what we think is happening is happening is happening as they do their bird thing. as they do their bird thing. as they do their bird thing. And there's been several times where a And there's been several times where a And there's been several times where a bird has flown into our window.

bird has flown into our window. bird has flown into our window. And it boom! And it's down on the And it boom! And it's down on the And it boom! And it's down on the ground. It's out for the count. And ground. It's out for the count. And ground. It's out for the count. And we're like, "Oh!" And we went out and we we're like, "Oh!" And we went out and we we're like, "Oh!" And we went out and we prayed for it. prayed for it. prayed for it. Lord, just bring this bird back to life. Lord, just bring this bird back to life. Lord, just bring this bird back to life. Lord, let it get up and sing, "I'll fly Lord, let it get up and sing, "I'll fly Lord, let it get up and sing, "I'll fly away, oh glory." away, oh glory." away, oh glory." Life. Life. Life. Make it comfortable and pray that it Make it comfortable and pray that it Make it comfortable and pray that it comes back to after it knocks itself out comes back to after it knocks itself out comes back to after it knocks itself out and I don't know, wake up the next and I don't know, wake up the next and I don't know, wake up the next morning and it's gone. I don't know if morning and it's gone. I don't know if morning and it's gone. I don't know if it got eaten or if it flew away, but it got eaten or if it flew away, but it got eaten or if it flew away, but either way, praise God. But Jesus wasn't giving a lesson in bird But Jesus wasn't giving a lesson in bird watching, right? watching, right? watching, right? He's revealing the father. He's revealing the father. He's revealing the father. If the father notices If the father notices If the father notices um birds, um birds, um birds, how much more would he notice you? how much more would he notice you? how much more would he notice you? I want you to know that you're not I want you to know that you're not I want you to know that you're not overlooked. You are not forgotten. overlooked. You are not forgotten. overlooked. You are not forgotten. You are not carrying your life alone. You are not carrying your life alone. You are not carrying your life alone. Some of us are stressed out about Some of us are stressed out about Some of us are stressed out about December while it's still August. We're fighting battles that We're fighting battles that that haven't even happened.

that haven't even happened. that haven't even happened. And we're rehearsing these conversations And we're rehearsing these conversations And we're rehearsing these conversations nobody has had. nobody has had. nobody has had. And Jesus says, "Look at the birds. Stop And Jesus says, "Look at the birds. Stop And Jesus says, "Look at the birds. Stop worrying. worrying. worrying. Your father fed you yesterday. He's your Your father fed you yesterday. He's your Your father fed you yesterday. He's your father today. He'll feed you tomorrow father today. He'll feed you tomorrow father today. He'll feed you tomorrow when it gets here, and he'll still be when it gets here, and he'll still be when it gets here, and he'll still be your father tomorrow. He is God. He your father tomorrow. He is God. He your father tomorrow. He is God. He loves you. He's always present. He's loves you. He's always present. He's loves you. He's always present. He's always providing. All you have to do is always providing. All you have to do is always providing. All you have to do is just trust him. He wants to be a father just trust him. He wants to be a father just trust him. He wants to be a father to you." to you." to you." Sometimes his provision is an open door. Sometimes his provision is an open door. Sometimes his provision is an open door. Sometimes it's a closed door. Sometimes it's a closed door. Sometimes it's a closed door. Sometimes his provision is is yes. Sometimes his provision is is yes. Sometimes his provision is is yes. Sometimes the most loving provision he Sometimes the most loving provision he Sometimes the most loving provision he can give is a no or a not yet. can give is a no or a not yet. can give is a no or a not yet. Because a good father does not simply Because a good father does not simply Because a good father does not simply give his children everything they ask give his children everything they ask give his children everything they ask for. for. for. He gives them what is good for them. Listen to this. Trust Listen to this. Trust is believing that the father's heart is is believing that the father's heart is is believing that the father's heart is good even when his hand is hard to good even when his hand is hard to good even when his hand is hard to understand.

understand. understand. Should I say that one more again? Should I say that one more again? Should I say that one more again? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Run that back. >> Run that back. >> Run that back. Okay. Trust Okay. Trust Okay. Trust is believing that the father's heart is is believing that the father's heart is is believing that the father's heart is good even when his hand is hard to good even when his hand is hard to good even when his hand is hard to understand. You know, the father he teaches us You know, the father he teaches us so many things. And sometimes we just so many things. And sometimes we just so many things. And sometimes we just have to trust him even when we don't have to trust him even when we don't have to trust him even when we don't understand. Here's the fourth thing. understand. Here's the fourth thing. understand. Here's the fourth thing. The father The father The father is closer than you think. is closer than you think. is closer than you think. The father is closer than you think. The father is closer than you think. The father is closer than you think. Um I I remember my wife Um I I remember my wife Um I I remember my wife uh uh uh when we first got married and uh I was when we first got married and uh I was when we first got married and uh I was traveling traveling traveling singing. I was I was in the music. singing. I was I was in the music. singing. I was I was in the music. And um um And um um And um um we were in California and we end up we were in California and we end up we were in California and we end up going out to Venice Beach and we were going out to Venice Beach and we were going out to Venice Beach and we were just kind of hanging out and and stuff just kind of hanging out and and stuff just kind of hanging out and and stuff and we had no idea then, but most of you and we had no idea then, but most of you and we had no idea then, but most of you don't know this story, but my wife at don't know this story, but my wife at don't know this story, but my wife at birth, her and her twin brother were birth, her and her twin brother were birth, her and her twin brother were adopted. adopted. adopted. And uh and so recently about the last And uh and so recently about the last And uh and so recently about the last it's about 7 years ago it's about 7 years ago it's about 7 years ago uh she discovered her biological family uh she discovered her biological family uh she discovered her biological family on her father's side and they are all on her father's side and they are all on her father's side and they are all from California. Well, little did we from California. Well, little did we from California. Well, little did we know that on that beach that day when we know that on that beach that day when we know that on that beach that day when we first got married that on Venice Beach first got married that on Venice Beach first got married that on Venice Beach most likely her father was right there most likely her father was right there most likely her father was right there in the middle of all of that stuff that in the middle of all of that stuff that in the middle of all of that stuff that were happening because he goes there were happening because he goes there were happening because he goes there every single day. That's where he works.

every single day. That's where he works. every single day. That's where he works. He hangs out there and for years that He hangs out there and for years that He hangs out there and for years that was her biological father. She did not was her biological father. She did not was her biological father. She did not know that and it wasn't until some know that and it wasn't until some know that and it wasn't until some 20-something years later that we end up 20-something years later that we end up 20-something years later that we end up meeting him, but this is what I come to meeting him, but this is what I come to meeting him, but this is what I come to understand is God is always the father. understand is God is always the father. understand is God is always the father. It's always closer than you actually It's always closer than you actually It's always closer than you actually think. And here's the key truth. And here's the key truth. You aren't a slave trying to get God's You aren't a slave trying to get God's You aren't a slave trying to get God's attention. You're a child who has been attention. You're a child who has been attention. You're a child who has been brought into his family. You can believe in God and still live You can believe in God and still live like an orphan. like an orphan. like an orphan. Listen, an orphan mindset says Listen, an orphan mindset says Listen, an orphan mindset says everything depends on me. everything depends on me. everything depends on me. But a child of God says But a child of God says But a child of God says my father is almighty. my father is almighty. my father is almighty. An orphan says I have to provide for An orphan says I have to provide for An orphan says I have to provide for myself. myself. myself. But the father says I know what you But the father says I know what you But the father says I know what you need. need. need. The orphan says I I have to prove my The orphan says I I have to prove my The orphan says I I have to prove my worth, but the father says you worth, but the father says you worth, but the father says you are mine. are mine. are mine. The orphan says I have to earn love, but The orphan says I have to earn love, but The orphan says I have to earn love, but the father says I loved you first. the father says I loved you first. the father says I loved you first. The orphan says if I fail then I'll be The orphan says if I fail then I'll be The orphan says if I fail then I'll be rejected, but the father says come home.

rejected, but the father says come home. rejected, but the father says come home. I won't reject you. So, here's the I won't reject you. So, here's the I won't reject you. So, here's the question. question. question. What would change if you actually What would change if you actually What would change if you actually believe that you have a good father? believe that you have a good father? believe that you have a good father? Not simply I believe in God, but I have Not simply I believe in God, but I have Not simply I believe in God, but I have a father. a father. a father. What happens to your anxiety? What happens to your anxiety? What happens to your anxiety? Your striving, Your striving, Your striving, your insecurity, your insecurity, your insecurity, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your need to control everything, >> your need to control everything, >> your need to control everything, your comparison. your comparison. your comparison. Here's the revelation. Here's the revelation. Here's the revelation. When I forget When I forget When I forget who my father is, who my father is, who my father is, I actually start carrying things that I actually start carrying things that I actually start carrying things that belong to him. When I forget who my father is, I start When I forget who my father is, I start carrying things that belong to him. carrying things that belong to him. carrying things that belong to him. Tomorrow's stuff, Tomorrow's stuff, Tomorrow's stuff, that's father's stuff. that's father's stuff. that's father's stuff. Outcomes, father's stuff. Outcomes, father's stuff. Outcomes, father's stuff. People you can't change, that's father's People you can't change, that's father's People you can't change, that's father's stuff. Your future, that's father's stuff. Your future, that's father's stuff. Your future, that's father's stuff. stuff. stuff. You were never built to carry all of it. You were never built to carry all of it. You were never built to carry all of it. He says, "Cast your cares on me, for I He says, "Cast your cares on me, for I He says, "Cast your cares on me, for I care for you."

care for you." care for you." That's the heart of the father for all That's the heart of the father for all That's the heart of the father for all [music] of us. [music] of us. [music] of us. What I love about that is What I love about that is What I love about that is in Romans chapter 8, in Romans chapter 8, in Romans chapter 8, it says that we've been adopted. it says that we've been adopted. it says that we've been adopted. So, you have not received a spirit that So, you have not received a spirit that So, you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. makes you fearful slaves. makes you fearful slaves. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Instead, you received God's spirit when >> Instead, you received God's spirit when >> Instead, you received God's spirit when he adopted you as his own children. he adopted you as his own children. he adopted you as his own children. Now, we call him Abba Father. Now, we call him Abba Father. Now, we call him Abba Father. For his spirit joins with our spirit to For his spirit joins with our spirit to For his spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And affirm that we are God's children. And affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his since we are his children, we are his since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ, we heirs. In fact, together with Christ, we heirs. In fact, together with Christ, we are heirs of God's glory. are heirs of God's glory. are heirs of God's glory. Because if we are to share his glory, we Because if we are to share his glory, we Because if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. must also share his suffering. must also share his suffering. I love this because Paul is writing to I love this because Paul is writing to I love this because Paul is writing to this Roman world that understood this Roman world that understood this Roman world that understood adoption as a legal transfer of identity adoption as a legal transfer of identity adoption as a legal transfer of identity and inheritance. and inheritance. and inheritance. The old status was replaced by a new The old status was replaced by a new The old status was replaced by a new one, a a new family, a a new name, a a one, a a new family, a a new name, a a one, a a new family, a a new name, a a new future. new future. new future. And this is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

And this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. And this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is exactly what Christ did for us. This is exactly what Christ did for us. This is exactly what Christ did for us. You are not a servant begging for You are not a servant begging for You are not a servant begging for scraps, but you are a child. Welcome to scraps, but you are a child. Welcome to scraps, but you are a child. Welcome to the table, God's table. You are his the table, God's table. You are his the table, God's table. You are his family. You are his son. You are his family. You are his son. You are his family. You are his son. You are his daughter. You are family. He is closer daughter. You are family. He is closer daughter. You are family. He is closer than you think. than you think. than you think. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You don't have to cower. You don't have >> You don't have to cower. You don't have >> You don't have to cower. You don't have to keep performing and trying to earn to keep performing and trying to earn to keep performing and trying to earn what grace has already provided. He has what grace has already provided. He has what grace has already provided. He has already given you an inheritance. already given you an inheritance. already given you an inheritance. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Therefore, your spirit can cry, "Abba, >> Therefore, your spirit can cry, "Abba, >> Therefore, your spirit can cry, "Abba, Father." Father." Father." You're not earning it. You're not earning it. You're not earning it. It's been given to you. It's been given to you. It's been given to you. And you're just learning to live from And you're just learning to live from And you're just learning to live from it. it. it. And this is the gospel. And this is the gospel. And this is the gospel. Sin separated us from the Father. We couldn't bridge the distance We couldn't bridge the distance ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. So, the Father sent His Son, Jesus. So, the Father sent His Son, Jesus. So, the Father sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus lived the life that we couldn't Jesus lived the life that we couldn't Jesus lived the life that we couldn't live. He died the death that we should live. He died the death that we should live. He died the death that we should have died, but He rose again defeating have died, but He rose again defeating have died, but He rose again defeating death, hell, and the grave.

death, hell, and the grave. death, hell, and the grave. And in John chapter 1, verse 12, it And in John chapter 1, verse 12, it And in John chapter 1, verse 12, it says, "But to all who believed in Him, says, "But to all who believed in Him, says, "But to all who believed in Him, believed Him, and accepted Him, He gave believed Him, and accepted Him, He gave believed Him, and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God." Christianity is not merely God making Christianity is not merely God making bad people better. bad people better. bad people better. It's the Father bringing lost children It's the Father bringing lost children It's the Father bringing lost children home. home. home. Sin separated us, Sin separated us, Sin separated us, but God made a way for us to come back. but God made a way for us to come back. but God made a way for us to come back. And so, if you've never made a decision And so, if you've never made a decision And so, if you've never made a decision today to trust Jesus Christ as your today to trust Jesus Christ as your today to trust Jesus Christ as your [music] Lord and Savior, the Father is [music] Lord and Savior, the Father is [music] Lord and Savior, the Father is saying to you, "Come home. saying to you, "Come home. saying to you, "Come home. Come home. Come home. Come home. Come home." Come home." Come home." Would you bow your heads with me? Would you ask the Lord, "What are you Would you ask the Lord, "What are you saying to me through this message?" And if you've never made a decision to And if you've never made a decision to trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, Savior, Savior, to allow Him to He paid for the penalty to allow Him to He paid for the penalty to allow Him to He paid for the penalty of your sin, of your sin, of your sin, so that you wouldn't have to. He also so that you wouldn't have to. He also so that you wouldn't have to. He also made a way for you to be reconnected to made a way for you to be reconnected to made a way for you to be reconnected to your heavenly father.

And so if you're saying today that you And so if you're saying today that you want that, you want salvation, you want want that, you want salvation, you want want that, you want salvation, you want to be reconnected to your heavenly to be reconnected to your heavenly to be reconnected to your heavenly father. On a count of three, you're just father. On a count of three, you're just father. On a count of three, you're just going to lift your hand as an indication going to lift your hand as an indication going to lift your hand as an indication saying yes, that's me. saying yes, that's me. saying yes, that's me. I want to receive salvation. I want to I want to receive salvation. I want to I want to receive salvation. I want to trust Jesus as my Lord and Savior. 1 2 trust Jesus as my Lord and Savior. 1 2 trust Jesus as my Lord and Savior. 1 2 3, lift your hand all over this room. 3, lift your hand all over this room. 3, lift your hand all over this room. That's you. Online, make that That's you. Online, make that That's you. Online, make that indication. Thank you. Hold it high. indication. Thank you. Hold it high. indication. Thank you. Hold it high. Fantastic. Thank you. All right, you can put your hands down. All right, you can put your hands down. If you lifted your hand or desired to If you lifted your hand or desired to If you lifted your hand or desired to lift your hand, we're all going to say lift your hand, we're all going to say lift your hand, we're all going to say this simple prayer together [music] this simple prayer together [music] this simple prayer together [music] as a family. Say these words after me. as a family. Say these words after me. as a family. Say these words after me. Father God, Father God, Father God, forgive me of my sin. forgive me of my sin. forgive me of my sin. I believe I believe I believe that Jesus died for me. that Jesus died for me. that Jesus died for me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> That he rose again. >> That he rose again. >> That he rose again. So I make a choice So I make a choice So I make a choice to say yes. to say yes. to say yes. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I surrender. >> I surrender. >> I surrender. And I invite you now And I invite you now And I invite you now to be my Lord to be my Lord to be my Lord and my savior. and my savior. and my savior. Thank you Thank you Thank you for saving me. for saving me. for saving me. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. And everybody said, And everybody said, And everybody said, amen.

amen. amen. Now, Now, Now, here's what's really important. here's what's really important. here's what's really important. As I was talking about the father today, As I was talking about the father today, As I was talking about the father today, there's some of us there's some of us there's some of us that have tremendous awe of God. There's that have tremendous awe of God. There's that have tremendous awe of God. There's a reverence, there's a there's a respect a reverence, there's a there's a respect a reverence, there's a there's a respect for God. And you're very stoic in for God. And you're very stoic in for God. And you're very stoic in [music] in in your [music] in in your [music] in in your awe of him. awe of him. awe of him. Then there's some that are Then there's some that are Then there's some that are you have a great intimacy with God. you have a great intimacy with God. you have a great intimacy with God. You know, he's he's my friend, he's my You know, he's he's my friend, he's my You know, he's he's my friend, he's my brother, he he hooks me up. And but sometimes you can have all of And but sometimes you can have all of this awe, this awe, this awe, but not accept the invitation to but not accept the invitation to but not accept the invitation to intimacy. intimacy. intimacy. A relationship that a father wants with A relationship that a father wants with A relationship that a father wants with his son and his daughter. his son and his daughter. his son and his daughter. Or you can be so casual Or you can be so casual Or you can be so casual in your intimacy and your relationship, in your intimacy and your relationship, in your intimacy and your relationship, you forget that the fear of the Lord is you forget that the fear of the Lord is you forget that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. the beginning of wisdom. the beginning of wisdom. That not to be afraid of him, but to That not to be afraid of him, but to That not to be afraid of him, but to reverence [music] and respect his awe. reverence [music] and respect his awe. reverence [music] and respect his awe. He is the creator of the universe. He is He is the creator of the universe. He is He is the creator of the universe. He is God. There's There's no one like him. I God. There's There's no one like him. I God. There's There's no one like him. I mean, he is all powerful.

mean, he is all powerful. mean, he is all powerful. And there's an awe that should come with And there's an awe that should come with And there's an awe that should come with that, a respect, a holiness that a holy that, a respect, a holiness that a holy that, a respect, a holiness that a holy God, a respect, but also one that wants God, a respect, but also one that wants God, a respect, but also one that wants to be called Father. to be called Father. to be called Father. So, you may be one of those two. So, you may be one of those two. So, you may be one of those two. And in a moment we're getting ready to And in a moment we're getting ready to And in a moment we're getting ready to sing this song called Elohim. sing this song called Elohim. sing this song called Elohim. And while they're singing this song, And while they're singing this song, And while they're singing this song, here's your response. If you find here's your response. If you find here's your response. If you find yourself one of those people where you yourself one of those people where you yourself one of those people where you have great awe of God, but no intimacy, have great awe of God, but no intimacy, have great awe of God, but no intimacy, maybe your response is God, maybe your response is God, maybe your response is God, I want a relationship. I want a relationship. I want a relationship. Show me your intimacy. Show me your intimacy. Show me your intimacy. Or maybe you've got the whole intimacy Or maybe you've got the whole intimacy Or maybe you've got the whole intimacy thing down, and maybe your response is thing down, and maybe your response is thing down, and maybe your response is God, God, God, give me an awe of you. And maybe your response is this. And maybe your response is this. You're sitting here, and you've had a You're sitting here, and you've had a You're sitting here, and you've had a terrible relationship with your father. terrible relationship with your father. terrible relationship with your father. And first, I am sorry. And first, I am sorry. And first, I am sorry. On behalf of your father who may have On behalf of your father who may have On behalf of your father who may have not treated you not treated you not treated you the way you deserve to be treated. the way you deserve to be treated. the way you deserve to be treated. I apologize on his behalf.

I apologize on his behalf. I apologize on his behalf. But I also challenge you [music] to let But I also challenge you [music] to let But I also challenge you [music] to let the heavenly Father step into that the heavenly Father step into that the heavenly Father step into that place. place. place. And today you can release him and allow And today you can release him and allow And today you can release him and allow the Father to heal your father wounds. the Father to heal your father wounds. the Father to heal your father wounds. Because he wants to step in to that Because he wants to step in to that Because he wants to step in to that situation, and he invites you to come situation, and he invites you to come situation, and he invites you to come home. You've been resisting him home. You've been resisting him home. You've been resisting him because of what has been represented to because of what has been represented to because of what has been represented to you, or misrepresented to you. you, or misrepresented to you. you, or misrepresented to you. And the Father's saying, "Come home." And the Father's saying, "Come home." And the Father's saying, "Come home." So, as they sing this song, the prayer So, as they sing this song, the prayer So, as they sing this song, the prayer team's going to come, and they're going team's going to come, and they're going team's going to come, and they're going to be standing here. And if you just to be standing here. And if you just to be standing here. And if you just need help releasing, need help releasing, need help releasing, and maybe just want prayer because maybe and maybe just want prayer because maybe and maybe just want prayer because maybe you want more intimacy with the God, or you want more intimacy with the God, or you want more intimacy with the God, or you want more awe, or maybe you just you want more awe, or maybe you just you want more awe, or maybe you just want to be healed from the wounds want to be healed from the wounds want to be healed from the wounds [music] that have been created by your [music] that have been created by your [music] that have been created by your father, and you want help to release father, and you want help to release father, and you want help to release that. While we're singing this song, that. While we're singing this song, that. While we're singing this song, let's worship. Let's connect with him. let's worship. Let's connect with him. let's worship. Let's connect with him. Let me pray for you. Father in Jesus' Let me pray for you. Father in Jesus' Let me pray for you. Father in Jesus' name, I ask name, I ask name, I ask that Lord, your that Lord, your that Lord, your grace would be revealed in this moment. grace would be revealed in this moment. grace would be revealed in this moment. Meet us where we are. Meet us where we are. Meet us where we are. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. Amen.