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FWMBC Members and Friends,
It is very unfortunate that the divide between our country's legislators is so profound. It would truly be a tragedy if an agreement is not reached by August 2nd. President Obama correctly stated that the voters never intended for divisions to make us dysfunctional. Remember 2nd Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear their prayers, forgive their sin, and heal their land."
Let us pray for a speedy resolution to this serious matter.
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Weekly Message
"ABBA" FATHER
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:6) Lately, I have heard a few ministers refer to God (Jehovah) as Daddy. I don't question their sincerity as Christians, but personally I have a difficult time making the same comparison. The problem deals with translation. Most of the New Testament was originally written in Greek. We are reading a translation from the original language. However there is no English equivalent word for "Abba" because the word "Abba" has multiple meanings. (Posted in Bible Study, Theology) Therefore we must look at the context in which the word "Abba" is used in order to derive its meaning. In addition to its use in Galatians 4:6, it is also mentioned in Mark 14:36, and Romans 8:15. Some have said that "Abba" is a term that small Jewish children would use to speak of their father. But it is still difficult for me to interpret that to mean that we can refer to God as "Daddy." It would be correct to say that "Abba" refers to an intimacy between God and His children. Because we are adopted sons and daughters in Christ, we have a very real and close relationship with God. He is there for us whenever we need Him. He loves us and shows His love to us in many ways. Although my earthly father is deceased, I was truly blessed that he loved me and gave me much needed help at those special times. Of course I called him Daddy and played ball with him and so on, and so on, and so on. But when I got in trouble, he became "father." My responses to him changed accordingly.
Perhaps there are some "similarities" between my earthly father and my "HEAVENLY FATHER." But the "differences" are as wide as the Pacific Ocean. My Heavenly Father is "God!" He is powerful, almighty Father. He is the creator of the universe; He is God all by Himself. There are no other Gods beside Him. He is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. There is no way in the world that I could possibly refer to Him as Daddy.
Therefore I am blessed to have an intimate relationship with God, while respecting Him with a sense of awe and wonder at the same time. You can decide for yourself what to call Him, but I will still call Him "my Heavenly Father!"
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News Update:
July 30, 2011 - YOUNG MEN OF VALOR CONFERENCE (Multi- purpose Center) 9:00 am
July 31, 2011 - Mission Sunday
August 14, 2011 - Anniversary Service (11:00 am) Pastor George Burrell, Internal Hope Fellowship Church
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