Restoring Calm, Part 3: The Perfect Father

GRANT FISHBOOK, LEAD TEACHING PASTOR

“There are no .”

Defining the Wounds
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The Ripple Effect of Wounds
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God, Your Father
He is the Father who is always (Psalm 68:5; John 14:18)
He is the Father of unconditional and (Romans 8:15; 1 John 3:1)
He is the Father who and (Matthew 6:25-34)
He is the Father who (Zephaniah 3:17; Matthew 3:17)

Be present, provide, pronounce their love for us

God promises…

     Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

…because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b

     So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31–33

God, Your Father declares…

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

     Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:3-5

So, what do we do with this?

1. Acknowledge and lament your pain
2. Renew your understanding of God the Father
3. Receive his love and adoption
4. Embrace healing by the Holy Spirit
5. Extend forgiveness
6. Live as a beloved child
7. Celebrate dads who got it right and their impact in your life!

Small Group Questions

1. What did you do to celebrate Father’s Day?
2. What was your relationship with your father like? What is your story?
3. Did any of the father wounds that Grant described touch a tender spot in your heart? Why?
4. Have you experienced any of the ripple effects listed in the outline?
5. Review the scriptures that Grant went over in the message. Which one helps heal a father wound in your life?
6. Which of the 7 practical steps do you need to take today?
7. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?