Religion & Spirituality
God as Father The name of God – “Father” is used in the Old Testament only 15 times and 245 times in the New Testament. The name Father signifies one that exhibits loving care, provision, and discipline. Jesus Christ taught his disciples and followers a way to address God in prayer in Matthew 6:5-15. God as Abba Father Abba is an Aramaic word which was used in the everyday language of families as a term addressing one's father. Children, as well as adult sons and daughters, used Abba when speaking to their fathers. And so Abba conveys a warm, intimate sense just as with our expression "Dear father." Abba emphasizes the warm, intimate and very personal relationship which exists between the believer and God. In this very personal relationship, a Christian can find intimacy, tenderness, dependence, security and confidence in the Father’s loving care. The name of God – “Abba Father” is found referenced in the Bible three separate times, all in the New Testament spoken only by Jesus and the apostle Paul. Each scripture is in the form of a prayer, each time as a cry, each cry is enabled by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and each is followed by the Greek word for Father (pater). Let’s look at these three scriptures: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: Mark 14:36 “And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Author: Jesus 1. Just as Jesus called God, “Abba” like a loving child, can you and will you? 2. Jesus is teaching us here that prayer centers on finding God’s will, to seek it and then do it. My challenge to you this week is, can you carve out a time this week to pray to your Abba Father to seek His will? Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Author: Paul 1. Does the Holy Spirit help you share intimate feelings and concerns with the Father? V.14-16 2. Does the Holy Spirit take away your fears? 3. Does the Holy Spirit give you confidence to call God “Abba, Father?” Galatians 4:6 “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Author: Paul When we address God as our Abba Father, this is an indication of our spiritual health and the mark of the authenticity of our faith. “That God is our Abba-Father is a truth we must cultivate for the sake of our soul’s health”.-R Kent Hughes 1. Have you allowed the Spirit to pray for you? 2. The Spirit will give you intimacy with Abba Father. Are you willing to receive and experience that intimacy? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deanna-fullerton/message