God Our Good Father | Core Podcast Ep. 3
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 life
* How Scripture reveals the Father’s character and heart
* The difference between being afraid of God and fearing the Lord
* How our earthly fathers can shape (and sometimes distort) our view of God
* Why suffering can tempt us to misunderstand the Father’s heart
* What the prodigal son teaches us about repentance and the Father’s love
* Why guilt and shame keep people in the “far country”
* Why the cross is the clearest picture of the Father’s character and love
* Practical encouragement for approaching God with humility, surrender, and faith
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
Practical Christian Theology Book: https://a.co/d/03EgMh8L [https://a.co/d/03EgMh8L]
Submit a Question
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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 [http://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