Bethel Church Service | Gabe Valenzuela Sermon | Worship with Peter Mattis, Giannah Villarreal

Main message: Fathers are called to reflect a father's heart—responding to children with grace, presence, and godly example—trusting Christ's identity and community rather than perfection. The way a father responds when kids fail (like the father in the prodigal son) matters more than flawless outcomes.

Key points:

• A father's response to wayward children should be grace-filled and welcoming (the prodigal-son model), not defined by the child's success or failure.
• Children often see God first through their father's actions and attitudes, so fathers must lead by example.
• What fathers most want is for their children to learn to hear the Father's voice and follow God; cultivate that spiritual listening.
• Fathers should lean on other dads and community—“iron sharpens iron”—because parenting is learned and supported, not solo.
• Replace self-criticism with truth about identity in Christ; pursue mind-renewal through Scripture (start with Romans, Ephesians 2, Galatians, Colossians) and embrace grace.

Scriptures mentioned: Luke 15 (Prodigal Son), 2 Corinthians 5:17; also referenced: Romans, Ephesians 2, Galatians, Colossians.