Sermon Notes 6/21 – Father’s Day

1st Service – Pastor Tony

The Best Father In The World Is God The Father

Ephesians 3:5

He is the Best Father In The World Because He adopted us into His family
The Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen. Adoption was a familiar concept to the Apostle Paul because it was practiced in Rome by the rich
He chose us. Jesus did 100% of the work of Salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9
Before the foundation of the world was created, you were in God’s heart. Jeremiah 1:5
He is a loving Father.
He is not an angry Father – 1 John 4:8
He is Love – Romans 8:15
He is our Abba Father
He loves us unconditionally
Sometimes you have to unlearn what you have learned from your earthly father. Abandonment, rejection or even abuse
He has predestined us to be His sons and daughters through Jesus. Romans 8:29
He is the best Father in the whole world because He is Jehovah Rapha
He is the best Father in the whole world because He is Jehovah Jireh
He is the best father in the world because He is Jehovah Shamma. He is there with you
He is the best father in the whole world because He is El Shaddai
There are many circumstances and situations we will face that we cannot handle

2nd Service – Pastor Paxton

The Greatest Father I’ve Ever Known

Luke 15:11–32

4 Ways Earthly Fathers Helped Reveal My Heavenly Father

1. God the Father Shows Us His Presence

Luke 15:20 – “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him.”

  • The father was watching and waiting.
  • He never gave up on his son.
  • Even when we feel far away, God never loses sight of us.
  • Don’t let the failures of an earthly father keep you from knowing your perfect Heavenly Father.

2. God the Father Shows Us His Relentless Love

Luke 15:20 – “His father saw him… was filled with compassion… and ran to his son.”

  • The father ran to his son before he could explain himself.
  • In Jewish culture, respected men didn’t run—it was considered shameful.
  • The father embraced shame to restore his son.
  • God doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up—He comes after us.
  • The cross is the greatest picture of God’s relentless love.
  • Romans 5:8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

 

3. God the Father Shows Us His Strength

Luke 15:22 – “Bring the best robe… put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.”

  • The robe symbolizes honor, restoration, and God’s strength.
  • God meets us at our lowest point and clothes us with His strength.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

 

4. God the Father Shows Us His Acceptance

Luke 15:24 – “This son of mine was dead and is alive again.”

  • The son was restored as family—not treated like a servant.
  • The father interrupted his apology with acceptance.
  • The enemy labels us by our failures; God calls us His sons and daughters.

Challenge

Run back to the Father today.

3rd Service – Pastor Jeff

A Father’s Heart

Acts 13:21-23

Acts 13:21-22 – God replaced Saul with David, declaring: “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.”

The Father’s Blueprint: Earthly fathers need direction. Our Heavenly Father possesses every quality we lack.

“God isn’t looking for perfect men; He’s looking for pursuing men.”

 

Point 1: A Man After God’s Heart Knows His Source
Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”
 
David’s Foundation: Before sitting on a throne, David learned total dependence on God while isolated in the pasture as a simple shepherd.
 
1 Samuel 17:37 – “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
 

Fathers are not called to be the source; they are called to stay connected to the Source daily.

 

Point 2: A Man After God’s Heart Isn’t Afraid to Show It

2 Samuel 6:16, 6:21-22

What Jesus does on the inside of a man should show on the outside.

You can tell who has been with Jesus

If Jesus changed your heart, it should show on your face.
People around you need to see your work ethic, but they must see your worship. They need to see a man who prays and praises openly.
Point 3: A Man After God’s Heart Knows How to Repent
The Mark of True Strength: David’s greatest legacy is not that he never failed, but that he knew exactly where to run when he did.
Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Repentance is not just feeling sorry for yourself; it is actively pursuing God to change your sinful direction.

When a father lives in a continuous “repentance mode,” the shift will visibly transform his home, workplace, and relationships.

 

A Heart After God is Marked By:

  1. Humility – Knowing God is your true source.

2. Passion – Refusing to be ashamed to worship Him.

3. Repentance – Running directly to God when you fail.

 

The Ultimate Legacy: The pursuit of holiness matters infinitely more than the shallow appearance of holiness. God does not demand perfection from fathers; He demands pursuit.

“The goal of the Christian life is not looking like you have it all together; it’s staying close to the One who truly does.”