God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth

Reflections on the Apostles’ Creed – Week 2

Last week, we began our journey through the Apostles’ Creed by focusing on the importance of believing in God at all. This week, we’re diving into the next section: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” There’s a lot packed into those few words—truths that are foundational to the Christian faith and deeply personal to our daily lives.

God as Father — A Radical Idea
The first thing that stands out is the word Father. For Christians, this may seem like a given. We often pray, “Our Father in heaven...” without a second thought. But referring to God as Father was (and still is) revolutionary. Judaism, during Jesus’ time, did not speak of God in such personal terms. Nor does Islam today. This intimacy is unique to Christianity—and it’s something we might take for granted.

Our culture has absorbed this imagery. Whether it’s Michelangelo’s depiction of God in the Sistine Chapel or animated portrayals in shows like The Simpsons, the idea of “the man upstairs” lingers in our collective consciousness. But the origin of calling God “Father” is found in Jesus.

Jesus Called God Father—And Invites Us To Do the Same
In John 5:17–18, Jesus boldly says, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” This statement caused outrage among the religious leaders because Jesus wasn’t just claiming closeness with God—He was claiming equality. That’s why they sought to kill Him.
Yet Jesus didn’t stop there. He taught His followers to call God Father too. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9), He invites us to say, “Our Father in heaven…” This is not just poetic language—it’s relational truth.

Even the Old Testament gives glimpses of this idea. Psalm 103:13 says, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” Other passages like Hosea 11:1–4 and Deuteronomy 32:6 echo the same.
The takeaway? If you’re a believer in Jesus, you have the right to call God Father.

What Does That Mean for Us?
Think about that. The Almighty God—the One who created everything—invites you into a personal relationship. Through Jesus, we become not just followers, but sons and daughters. Galatians 4:4–7 explains this beautifully:

“Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’... So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”

That means we don’t just get a new title. We receive benefits as children of the King:

• Direct access to God in prayer. The veil was torn. No need for intermediaries.
• The Holy Spirit living in us. We are now God’s temple.
• Eternal life. A future without sorrow, pain, or death.
• Purpose, belonging, and fulfillment.

God Is Almighty — A Catch-All for His Attributes
The creed also calls Him Almighty. That’s not a throwaway word—it encompasses His nature: all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, unchanging, perfectly just, endlessly merciful, supremely wise, and more.
Exodus 34:6–7 gives a poetic snapshot of this:

“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love…”

This was God speaking to Moses after Israel’s rebellion and the breaking of the first tablets of the Law. Despite Israel’s failure, God reaffirms who He is—unchanging in love and justice.
Creator of Heaven and Earth

Genesis 1:1 begins with profound simplicity: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” He existed before time. He made everything—not with tools or raw materials, but by speaking it into being.
Think of the diversity in creation:

• Vibrant butterflies that live just a few days.
• Breathtaking landscapes—from towering mountains to lush rainforests.
• Mysterious sea creatures that glow in the deep ocean.
• Stunning galaxies and nebulas far beyond our reach.

God made it all.
Romans 1 reminds us that creation itself is proof of His existence and power.

And here’s what makes this even more incredible: God created everything from nothing. Ex nihilo. We create from existing materials—God created those materials.
Romans 4:17 says He “calls into existence the things that do not exist.” Job 38 gives us God’s own words challenging Job’s understanding:

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?”

Jesus — The Word at Creation and the Word Made Flesh
John 1 tells us that the Word was with God in the beginning and that the Word was God. Then John 1:14 declares:

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us...”

Jesus—the Word—was there at creation. And He came to earth to save us. That’s how much God cares. He didn’t just make the universe and step back. He entered it. He took on flesh to redeem it.

So What? Now What?
Let’s end with two key takeaways:
1. There is nothing God cannot do.
God is still Almighty. He can fix what’s broken. He can redeem what’s lost. He can handle whatever burden you're carrying. So go to Him. Cry out, “Father, help.” He hears. He cares.
2. God is your Father.
You may have been failed by earthly fathers. You may carry wounds. But you have a perfect Father in heaven who knows you, loves you, and wants you. Run to Him.
Like the father in the story of the prodigal son, He’s waiting with open arms.
Take a few minutes to reflect: How is God your Father? Where do you need to trust in His power today?

If you’d like to watch the video we shared during the service that powerfully illustrates this relationship, https://www.wonderhunt.co/films/stronger-stuff