April 1--THE FATHER'S LOVE--part 3

Scripture:
Luke 22:39-44; 23:32-46

An audio file of the entire message is available for streaming/download by clicking on:
http://www.mediafire.com/?bjtnjnzkzex

Who do you talk about all the time? That’s who you are most excited about at that time.
Spouse, Boyfriend/girlfriend, Parents, Children, grandchildren, etc.

Jesus always talked about his Father.

His primary relationship was with his Father.

Baptism…THE CENTRAL EVENT… “You are my beloved Son…in you I am well pleased.”
Mountain of Transfiguration….
Jesus going away to spend time with his Father.
Teaches disciples to pray: “OUR DADDY” (Abba)
Prays to the Father

Today’s reading…(Luke 22 & 23)
“Father, if it is possible, remove this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

All three prayers are possible, only to one who is secure in the Father’s love.

Can we pray as Jesus did in all three circumstances?

1. When we are faced with the “agony of the soul?”--Gethsemane experiences

2. When we are faced with the desire to take revenge or to withhold forgiveness?--as Stephen did in Acts 7?

3. When we face death?

We need a (greater) revelation of the Father’s love.

Romans 8:15 "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

The Holy Spirit gives us that revelation.

Would you like to be able to pray as Jesus did?

As the music plays…Sulojana, Marian and I will come around and pray for each of you, asking God to impart a revelation of the Father’s love to you today.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS

1. "All three prayers are possible, only to one who is secure in the Father's love." Do you agree with this statement? Why? Why not?

2. Have you gone through a "Gethsemane" experience? How did you get through it?

3. Do you struggle with "forgiving your enemies?" How do you deal with it?

4. Are you afraid of death and/or dying? Can you face death as Jesus did?

5. Play some soaking music and pray for one another, asking the Holy Spirit to impart a greater revelation of the Father's love (through the laying on of hands)