What does it really mean that God is our Father—and how should that shape the way we live, worship, and relate to Him? In this episode of the Core Podcast, Pastor Luke Bilberry sits down with Jackie Van Dyke and Pastor Jim Jeffery to explore the Person, attributes, names, and character of God the Father and what it means that this all-powerful, holy God invites us to call Him Father. Building on Sunday’s message, this conversation unpacks who God has revealed Himself to be through Scripture and how our understanding of Him affects every part of our lives. From the fear of the Lord and the holiness of God to the tenderness of “Abba Father,” this episode explores the beautiful tension of a God who is infinitely transcendent yet deeply personal. Together, they discuss how our earthly experiences shape our view of God, why suffering often distorts our understanding of Him, and how the Father’s heart is fully revealed through Jesus Christ. As the conversation unfolds, you’ll hear powerful reflections on Exodus 34, the prodigal son, the attributes of God, and the invitation to come home to the Father—not in shame, but in humility, trust, and worship. Most of us don’t struggle with having information about God—we struggle to truly know Him. This episode is designed to deepen your awe of the Father, strengthen your trust in His character, and remind you that His arms are open wide for His children. In this episode: Why what you think about God shapes every part of your lifeHow Scripture reveals the Father’s character and heartThe difference between being afraid of God and fearing the LordHow our earthly fathers can shape (and sometimes distort) our view of GodWhy suffering can tempt us to misunderstand the Father’s heartWhat the prodigal son teaches us about repentance and the Father’s loveWhy guilt and shame keep people in the “far country”Why the cross is the clearest picture of the Father’s character and lovePractical encouragement for approaching God with humility, surrender, and faithResources Mentioned in this Episode Practical Christian Theology Book: https://a.co/d/03EgMh8L Submit a Question We want to hear from you! Submit your question about the Core Series topics at https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ or by texting 616-662-8801, and we may feature your question on an upcoming episode of the Core Podcast. About this Podcast This podcast is an 11-week companion to the Core Series at Chapel Pointe Church. Through deep theological conversations with our pastors, our goal is to help you build a deeper understanding of the core truths of Christianity and apply them to your life. From the Bible and Jesus to salvation and the church, our prayer is that you don't just grow in knowledge but that you gain a deeper appreciation for the love, grace, and movement of God in your life. Visit chapel-pointe.org/core-series for a full list of resources, including sermons, discussion guides, and more. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Purpose 04:10 Seeing God as Father 10:35 Fear of the Lord 17:50 Exodus 34 and God’s Glory 24:20 God Both Good and Sovereign 24:32 Seeing God Through Christ 26:17 Abba Father and Holy Awe 28:03 Prayer and Fatherly Provision 35:29 Prodigal Son Coming Home 42:57 Cross and Final Blessing
