Discipleship, Legacy, Renewal
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Matthew 6:9-13
9b “‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
The formative power of a father:
18.4 million children - 1 in 4 - live without a biological, step, or adoptive fathers in the home
OUR FATHER
Exodus 34:6 - “YAHWEH YAHWEH, a God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, overflowing with loyal-love and faithfulness.”
The irresponsible Father
The ignorant Father
The Inconsistent Father
The Involved Father
The Intentional Father
Henri Nouwen - To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation. We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us. We say, “I no longer hold your offense against you” But there is more. We also free ourselves from the burden of being the “offended one.” As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load. The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them. Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves. It is the way to the freedom of the children of God.
Set your heart to seek the Lord.
Life is hard.
You are not that important.
Your life is not about you.
You are not in control.
You are going to die.
*Adam’s Return (Rohr)
Life is hard - From ease to difficulty
You are not that important - From self to others
Your life is not about you - From the whole to a part
You are not in control - From control to surrender
You are going to die - From temporary to eternal.
*The Intentional Father (Tyson)
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Each Sunday we come together we offer an open invitation into the way of Jesus. An invitation to enter into sacred rhythms - to draw near to God through singing, giving, learning, and praying.
As a community that desires renewal in Des Moines as it is in Heaven, we recognize that we cannot offer what we ourselves do not have. We cannot lead where we ourselves have not been led; in turn, these questions aim at reflection. Reflecting on God’s word and making space for his leadership.
After watching or listening consider the following discussion questions as a large group or in groups of three to four:
What stood out from the teaching?
