The Character of the Father

1. The Character of the Father In honor of the ultimate Father on Father’s Day

2. The character of the Best Father (We’re only getting started)

3. The Names of God • The characteristics of the Best Father • What that means to us as His children • The link of heredity

4. Elohim • God – My Creator • Your wiring, your gifts, your abilities were all chosen by Him for you at the time of your creation • Inheritance versus created

5. El Elyon • The Most High God – All Sovereign • Nothing that happens to you has escaped His view. • The enemy has no authority over you other than what God has granted him • The ultimate “my dad can beat up your dad”

6. Adonai • He is my Lord, my Master, my Owner • We chose whom we shall serve. Sin or Christ, Death or Life, Hell or Heaven • As we submit to Him as our authority, we are hidden and subject to His jurisdiction • Bond versus indentured servant

7. El Roi • God is our shepherd who watches-omniscient • He sees all of it. Your afflictions, Your failures, Your successes, Your victories, every bit of it • He does not fill His eyes with our mistakes, He sees us through the blood of the Lamb • Where’s dad?

8. El Shaddai • The All Sufficient One - Omnipotent • In Him, all our needs are met • His power is perfect in my weakness • We will never come away from His presence wanting • Chest of drawers example

9. Jehovah Yahweh • The Self-Existent one • I AM THAT I AM • He needs nothing to be God • Everytime your Bible reads LORD – this is the term used • No human correlation

10. Jehovah Jireh • The Lord will provide • It is all His – every last bit of it • He has taken personal ownership of all your needs • He has all that is necessary • Who did you go to when you needed something

11. Jehovah Rapha • The God who heals • Your physical body, your relationships, your brokenness • He turns the bitter waters sweet • Dad’s typically didn’t do so well at this one – mom’s kisses fixed the boo boos

12. Jehovah Nissi • The Lord our banner and victory • The ability to stand against a cruel and unjust world • The assurance of the victory over Sin • Who is your first draft pick?

13. Jehovah Mekeddeshem • The Lord who sanctifies • How can a believer live a Holy life in a fallen and broken world? • How can I overcome the fleshly nature that is still battling for control of my life • Fatherly advice is the parallel

14. Jehovah Shalom • The Lord is Peace • Not just peace, flowers, Volkswagon buses, and beads • Shalom is a security, peace, contentment, and assurance of rest in all things • You don’t need to carry the weight of decision

15. Jehovah Sabaoth • The Lord of Hosts • Most often used when Israel was facing battle or was in a time of great affliction (270X) • Your promise of provision, hope, and rest in the most difficult of circumstances • As host, he’s taken care of the details

16. Jehovah Ezer • The Lord Our Help • He is always there as an ever present help in times of trouble. • He descended from Heaven, gave up His holy place, all to help us with our sin problem. • How often do we need dad’s help?

17. Jehovah Shammah • The Lord who is There – Omnipresent • He is always with us, in the ups, downs, good stuff, stupid stuff, he is always there • Nothing escapes His view, nothing is beyond His reach, and nothing escapes His presence • A growing gap in parenthood today *