Daily Encounters: Finding Our Father in Faith
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to a profound and daily encounter with God, our Father. This relationship is not merely a theological concept but a living reality that shapes our identity and mission. As children of God, we are invited to find the Father every day, to experience His kingdom, and to grow to resemble Jesus more closely. This is the essence of our church's mission, and it is a mission that is deeply personal and transformative.
God, in His infinite goodness, holiness, and power, has chosen to call us His children. Despite our imperfections and the lack of family resemblance we might see in the mirror, God sees us as His own. The scriptures affirm this truth, revealing that we have not received a spirit of fear but one of adoption, allowing us to call Him "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). This adoption is not based on our merit but on His gracious choice.
Our purpose in life is intricately woven into God's eternal story, a narrative that includes characters like Adam, Abraham, Esther, and now, each one of us. We are not passive observers but active participants with a role to play in God's unfolding plan. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus to do the good works He has prepared for us. Our purpose is not simply to attend church or avoid eternal separation from God; it is to partner with Him in bringing His kingdom to earth.
Finding the Father daily is not a matter of stumbling upon Him occasionally; it is about intentional touchpoints where we reconnect with Him. Whether through serving in ministry, volunteering, or sharing Jesus with others, we find the Father in our mission. Moreover, we experience His power when we step beyond our capabilities and rely on the Holy Spirit within us. Acts 1:8 promises that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Our church's commitment to evangelism and outreach is driven by our desire to help others find the Father. We engage in this mission both by going to where people are and by inviting them to come to us. Our partnerships with ministries around the world, such as those in Kenya and India, are focused on helping people encounter God. Through literacy programs, church planting, and children's Bible clubs, we are seeing lives transformed as people find the Father.
In our local context, we strive to create an environment where unchurched people can feel comfortable and encounter the Holy Spirit. Our approach to music, Bible translation, and church events is designed to draw people in and introduce them to the love of Jesus. We practice "side door evangelism," inviting people to experience the community of believers and, ultimately, to find the Father.
Finding the Father is not a one-time event but a daily pursuit. Jeremiah 29:13 assures us that when we search for God with all our heart, we will find Him. He is not distant or elusive; He is present in every moment, waiting for us to become aware of Him. Like the fog that reveals the air we breathe, God's presence is all around us, and we are invited to perceive and appreciate it.
In summary, our mission as a church and as individuals is to find the Father every day, to engage with His purpose, to rely on His power, and to bask in His presence. This is the heart of our faith, and it is a journey that we embark on together, supporting one another as we grow closer to our Heavenly Father.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our identity as God's children is not dependent on our feelings or perceptions but on His declaration of love and adoption. This truth should anchor our self-worth and guide our interactions with others, as we are all part of God's family. [19:02]
2. Our purpose in God's story is not a passive existence but an active partnership with the Creator. We are called to engage with the world, using our unique gifts and talents to further His kingdom. This purpose gives meaning to our daily lives and aligns our actions with God's eternal narrative. [38:50]
3. Experiencing God's power is not limited to our own abilities but is most evident when we step beyond them and rely on the Holy Spirit. This divine empowerment enables us to accomplish tasks that seem impossible, reflecting God's glory through our lives. [44:08]
4. Evangelism and outreach are not optional activities but central to our mission as believers. By helping others find the Father, we participate in the transformative work of the gospel, which has the power to change lives and communities. [27:04]
5. Daily finding the Father is a practice of intentional awareness and connection. It is about recognizing His presence in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life, and it is a journey that we are all invited to embark on. [49:30]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:15 - "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'"
2. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
3. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:15, what kind of spirit have we received, and what does it enable us to call God? How does this relate to our identity as God's children? [19:02]
2. Ephesians 2:10 describes us as God’s masterpiece. What purpose does this verse say we were created for? [39:01]
3. In Acts 1:8, what is promised to believers when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and what is the purpose of this empowerment? [44:15]
4. The sermon mentioned various ways our church engages in evangelism and outreach. Can you list some of these methods and their intended impact? [22:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being adopted by God and calling Him "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15) change the way we view our relationship with Him? [19:02]
2. Ephesians 2:10 speaks of us being created for good works. How does understanding this purpose affect our daily lives and decisions? [39:01]
3. Acts 1:8 talks about receiving power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. What does it mean to be a witness for Christ in our everyday context? [44:15]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of daily finding the Father. What are some practical ways we can intentionally reconnect with God each day? [32:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to intentionally reconnect with Him daily, as suggested in the sermon? [32:00]
2. The sermon mentioned that our identity as God's children is based on His declaration, not our feelings. How can this truth anchor your self-worth and interactions with others? [19:02]
3. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are created for good works. Identify one specific way you can use your unique gifts and talents to further God's kingdom this week. [39:01]
4. Acts 1:8 promises power from the Holy Spirit. Can you recall a situation where you relied on God's power rather than your own abilities? How did it impact the outcome? [44:15]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of evangelism and outreach. What is one practical step you can take to help someone in your community find the Father? [22:04]
6. The idea of "side door evangelism" was discussed in the sermon. How can you create an inviting environment for unchurched friends to experience the love of Jesus through your actions? [29:01]
7. Jeremiah 29:13 assures us that we will find God when we search for Him with all our heart. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to become more aware of God's presence? [32:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Adoption
We often look in the mirror and see our flaws and imperfections, yet God sees something entirely different. He sees His children, loved and chosen, not because of our merit but because of His grace. This divine adoption is a profound truth that should shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. As adopted children, we have the privilege to call the Creator of the universe "Abba, Father," a term of endearment and intimacy. This relationship is not based on fear but on love, and it invites us to live with confidence and purpose, knowing we are part of God's family.
Understanding our identity as God's children is foundational to how we interact with others. It calls us to recognize the same divine image in everyone we meet, treating them with the dignity and love that is due to a member of God's family. This perspective can transform our relationships and the way we engage with the world around us. It is a call to live out the reality of our adoption in our daily lives, reflecting the love of our Father to all. [19:02]
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15 ESV).
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as an adopted child of God change the way you view yourself and others?
Day 2: Active Participants in God's Narrative
Our lives are not random or insignificant; we are part of a grand narrative that God has been writing since the beginning of time. Like characters in a story, we each have a role to play, a purpose crafted by the Author of life. This purpose is not passive but active, calling us to engage with the world and use our unique gifts and talents to further God's kingdom. We are God's masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus to do the good works He has prepared for us. This gives our daily lives profound meaning and aligns our actions with God's eternal story.
Living out our purpose requires us to step into the roles God has designed for us, whether that means serving in our local community, pursuing justice, or sharing the hope of the gospel with those around us. It is about being intentional with our time and resources, recognizing that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. Our daily choices and actions contribute to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. [38:50]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10 ESV).
Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them today to further His kingdom?
Day 3: Empowered Beyond Our Abilities
The power of God is not confined to what we can achieve on our own; it is most evident when we step beyond our capabilities and rely on the Holy Spirit. This divine empowerment enables us to accomplish tasks that seem impossible, to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit within us is a source of strength and courage, allowing us to reflect God's glory through our lives. When we face challenges that seem insurmountable, we can trust that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us.
Experiencing God's power often requires us to take risks and step out in faith. It is in these moments that we truly understand the meaning of being more than conquerors through Him who loved us. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we become vessels through which God's power is displayed, and His purposes are accomplished. [44:08]
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8 ESV).
Reflection: In what situation do you need to rely on the Holy Spirit's power today, rather than your own strength?
Day 4: The Heart of Evangelism and Outreach
Evangelism and outreach are not just activities we add to our Christian to-do list; they are central to our mission as believers. By helping others find the Father, we participate in the transformative work of the gospel. This mission is driven by a desire to see lives changed as people encounter God's love and truth. Our commitment to sharing the gospel is an expression of our obedience to Christ's command to make disciples of all nations. It is also a response to the love we have received, a love we are compelled to share with others.
Our approach to evangelism should be both proactive and inviting. We go to where people are, meeting them in their context, and we also create environments where they can encounter the Holy Spirit. Whether through partnerships with global ministries or local church events, our goal is to facilitate encounters with God that lead to transformation. [27:04]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15 ESV).
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the love of Jesus with this week, and what practical step will you take to do so?
Day 5: Intentional Awareness of God's Presence
Finding the Father is a daily pursuit that requires intentional awareness and connection. It is about recognizing His presence in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. God is not distant or elusive; He is present in every moment, waiting for us to become aware of Him. Like the fog that reveals the air we breathe, God's presence surrounds us, and we are invited to perceive and appreciate it. This daily practice of seeking God cultivates a deeper relationship with Him and transforms our perspective on life.
To find the Father daily, we must cultivate habits that draw us into His presence. This could be through prayer, worship, reading Scripture, or simply being still and knowing that He is God. As we make space for God in our lives, we become more attuned to His voice and His leading. [49:30]
"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13 ESV).
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally seek God's presence in your daily routine starting today?
Quotes
1) "The most important ministry is the one you do when you get past your capabilities, when you rely completely on his power instead of yours." [44:08] (Download | )
2) "We want unchurched people to feel comfortable here, hoping the Holy Spirit will draw them and they will find the Father." [29:42] (Download | )
3) "Finding the Father every day is not so much about He's lost and we're looking for Him. It's more about being open to Him and being aware of Him." [35:46] (Download | )
4) "I'm not sure why God chooses to partner with us in his plan to redeem the world, but maybe it's because he likes to feel proud of us, to feel close to us." [41:42] (Download | )
5) "Almost 5,000 people have found the Father through the churches this little church has planted. That's how we go there, trying to help people find the Father." [27:04] (Download | )
6) "Our mission isn't to convert people from other churches, but to help people find the Father, especially those who have never found Him at all." [28:28] (Download | )
7) "God's everywhere. It's not so much like we're looking for Him when we find Him as we're becoming more aware of Him as we're finding Him." [34:29] (Download | )
8) "You can reconnect to God through your purpose. God wants you to be his partner in bringing his kingdom here." [37:51] (Download | )
9) "The proof of our adoption isn't a court decree. It's God's Spirit in us. God is our Father. That is such an amazing, that's such a huge thing." [19:48] (Download | )
10) "You give God joy. He likes you. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Can you perceive that? God, your Father, singing a lullaby over you to calm you." [54:49] (Download | )
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