This week our time of praise and worship, led by Jackie Rodda, centred on the greatness of God and lifting up the name of Jesus through whom we as believers, have free access to our loving, heavenly Father. Also singing with Jackie, were Debbie and Natalie with Dave on guitar. Pastor Ed Evans then spoke with great insight on the 'Father Heart of God', i.e. God's nature is that of Father. As Sunday was Father's Day, Pastor Evans asked God to bless all fathers, saying that fatherhood is both a privilege and a calling, facts often overlooked or lost in today's society. In Ephesians 3 v14-15, Paul speaks of bowing his knees before the Father who reigns supreme over all His children. Jesus brought this revelation (of God as a Father) to the Jews who already knew Him to be Holy and the Creator of the Universe. God's heart is tender and He is willing to draw us into that same relationship with Him as the one Jesus has. The greatest revelation of the Bible is of God as Father. In heathen temples, the faces of the idols are often depicted with gnarled faces, devoid of any kindness; not showing grace towards their worshippers. False religions appear to be trying to placate their god. Science tries to explain how the universe came into being, where attention has been given to even the smallest detail. However, it cannot say why. Genesis still stands firm as the reason for creation. In Genesis 1 v14-19 we see that God firstly created the World and then the Sun, Moon and stars to minister to the Earth. Our weather and the tides are due to planetary influence, confirming that Earth is the reason for the Universe and the planets are as servants ministering to our World. So what is the reason for Earth being in existence? Before its foundation, our creator God desired to have sons and daughters. He is our Eternal Father, who has created a suitable home for His family by providing all the resources necessary in order to live upon Earth. All over the world we see indignation when human beings are in bondage to evil powers. At 'The Fall', man became subject to Satan, but now by means of our 'New Birth', available through trust in Jesus and His sacrifice for us on the cross, our relationship has been restored to that of children of God. John 1 v12-13. In the heart and mind of God, no one is born by accident. He knew us before the foundation of Earth and marked us out to be His sons and daughters. Even the best of human fathers fall short and can feel inadequate. God never falls short and despite any negative experience we might have, we can put our trust in Him. In Ephesians, God states that He predestined us to be adopted as Sons, belonging to Him, not cringing and cowering, but as Holy, without blame before Him. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude and love because of the grace God has shown to us. Ephesians 2 v10 states that we are as God's unique masterpiece. We must not rely upon our feelings as a measuring gauge of how God sees us. We should ask the Holy Spirit for His help to fulfil all that God has for us. Emmanuel Gospel Church, Manorbier, meets every Sunday at 10.30 am, finishing with a time for tea/coffee and an informal chat. Bible study is on Monday evenings at 7.30 pm. For more information or a pastoral visit, please phone 01834 871975. Recordings of our meetings are available on CD and by visiting our website http://www.emmanuelgospelministries.org">www.emmanuelgospelministries.org.