Many of us have a perception of God that is quite different from who he actually is. Even though I grew up in a churched culture the way I thought about God was not the way I now understand He has revealed himself through Scripture.

Society has carved out an image of God in which he is perceived as harsh, vindictive, self-centred and angry.  Ironically, though, the society which has created that image also exhibits the habits and lifestyle patterns of a spiritually fatherless generation.

God has always been about family.  From the outset his intention was that mankind would be fruitful and multiply – and maintain their relationship with him. After mankind turned away (Gen 3) God did not give up.  His promise to Abraham was to, through him, establish a nation and that meant Abraham having an heir (Gen 12.2-3; 15.4).  Throughout Old Testament history, God spoke of ‘his people’ (Ex 19.4-6) his dwelling with them (1 Chron 22.10), caring for those without families (Ps 67.5-6) and his desire for his people to bless all nations (Is 61.1-11).

The most clear example we have of God is through the life of Jesus who was the perfect representation of God (Hb 1.3) and all who saw or heard Jesus had seen the Father (Jn 5.19,14.9).

Jesus spoke of God as Father (Jn 15.1, 9; Mk 1.36).  He explained that we become a child of God (Mt 6.32, 7.11) through the relationship we have with him (Mt 28.20; Jn 16.13).  Jesus also spoke of the house that God the Father is preparing for us (Jn 14.2).  The New Testament authors reinforced the concept of family (1 Tim 3.5) and the household of God (1 Pt 4.17).