Welcome & Engage

•    Spend time welcoming everyone as they arrive. 
•    Create an intentional environment.
•    Watch the Ethos online experience. 
•    Sing, lean in, take notes, be vocal.

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Overview

Names are important and they can reveal a lot about us. Even more so, the names given to Jesus reveal the embodiment of who He is. In Isaiah 9:6-7 when Isaiah says that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, we begin to get a greater glimpse of how Jesus is the perfection of everything we have ever wanted.

Calling Jesus “Everlasting Father” may seem odd, since the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is called “God’s Son.” Here, the Son is called, “the Father.” This doesn’t mean he has switched places with God the Father. Rather that Jesus, in his relationship to us, would be like the father we are most in need of. Some of you have great dads or you had great dads, and your memories of him are fond and cherished. But many of you didn’t have a great relationship with your dad, and some of the greatest pain in your life comes from your relationship with him.

There are Four Common Areas of Father-Woundedness: the Never-Satisfied Dad, the Time-Bomb Dad, the Emotionally Distant Dad, and the Absent Dad. But Jesus is the Everlasting Father you’ve always craved. Even if you had a good dad, at some point he disappoints you and fails you. That is why I love that word that Isaiah adds, “Everlasting.” Jesus is the Everlasting Father. He never disappoints; never forsakes; never leaves; never dies. He’s the Father your heart has always longed for.

 

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
-Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)-

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Discussion Questions

1. When you think about the way you were raised, or as a child, what you may have learned about God. What comes to mind when you think about God as your Heavenly Father?

2. As Jordan was describing the Four Common Areas of Father-Woundedness (Reference community guide for brief overview), which ones stood out to you? Why? How can Jesus as your Everlasting Father fill the father-wounds in your life?

3. Pastor Jonathon Edwards said, “Stop viewing your heavenly father through the lens of your earthly. Evaluate your earthly father through the lens of your heavenly one.” In your own words, what does that look like practically?

4. If you’re a dad, share an application from the message today that you can practice this week.

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Close in Prayer

Father, we thank you that you have always been and will always be our Everlasting Father. No matter what we may have experienced in our past, by our fathers here on earth. Or what may be to come; help us to stay fixed on your promises. We thank you that who you are stays true and you fill our hearts desires. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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