Why Calling God “Father Almighty” Changes How You Face Hard Times
The Heart of the Message
In this sermon, Pastor Kirt Anderson walks through the opening lines of the Apostles’ Creed: “God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” He explains that these ancient words are not just historical statements but living declarations of who God is right now, still creating, still all-powerful, and still a loving Father. The message offers real comfort for anyone wondering whether God’s power and God’s love can truly coexist in the middle of suffering.
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What does “Maker of Heaven and Earth” mean if God already finished creating?
Pastor Kirt points out that the Creed uses present tense language on purpose. It does not say God “made” heaven and earth as a completed, past event, it says God is the Maker, meaning His creative work is still happening all around us. He connects this to the moment anyone’s heart is stirred to believe, calling that very moment an act of new creation.
Why does it matter that God is called “Father” and not just “Almighty”?
Pastor Kirt addresses the modern discomfort some have with calling God “Father,” including a story from a hymnal committee that wanted to remove the word altogether. He points back to Jesus’ own instruction to pray “Our Father,” and explains that God’s almighty power is always held together with His identity as a loving parent. Because God has chosen to love us, Pastor Kirt says, He is patient with us the way the Old Testament shows Him forgiving His people again and again rather than simply overpowering them.
How can I trust that God is in control when I’m going through something painful?
Pastor Kirt shares the story of the early church at the Council of Nicaea, where many believers carried scars from persecution, yet still gathered in hope and even sang praise on the way to their deaths. He also shares a personal memory of his mother’s healing after prayer. His point is that God’s almighty power is not distant or cold, it is a power wrapped in fatherly love, which means “the deeper the valley we find ourselves in, the darker the shadows, the nearer are your hands that will never let us go.”
Scripture Focus
Anchor Passage: The Lord’s Prayer Pastor Kirt draws on Jesus’ teaching that we are to address God directly as our Father. Read the full passage on Bible Gateway: Matthew 6:9
Supporting Reference
- Hebrews 12:1 (the “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us)
