With Arms Wide Open | Cortland Church of Christ

Larry Siegle

With Arms Wide Open — Father’s Day Sermon Outline (June 21, 2026)

Four marks of a godly father, drawn from Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open” and Scripture

Introduction: The Song Behind the Message

The moment: In 1998, musician Scott Stappheard “You’re going to be a father,” and in about fifteen minutes poured out a song of joy, fear, and wonder.
The instinct: His first response wasn’t to celebrate but to pray — “I close my eyes, begin to pray.” Fatherhood begins on our knees.
The honest fear: “I don’t know if I’m ready to be the man I have to be.” Every honest father has whispered this. God doesn’t call us to be ready in our own strength; He calls us to open our arms and lean on Him.
Thesis: Scripture gives four things to reach toward, and the song gives a melody to remember them.

Song line: “With arms wide open… Welcome to this place.”
Verses: Luke 15:20 (the father runs to the prodigal), Psalm 103:13 (a father’s compassion), 1 John 3:1 (love lavished on us).
Illustration — The Father Who Ran: The lost son rehearsed a servant’s speech he never finished; while he was still far off, his father ran with robe gathered and dignity forgotten. In that culture an older man never ran — but love made him run.
Takeaway: Open arms say, “You belong here. You always did.” Run toward your children with grace, not condemnation.

Song line: “I close my eyes, begin to pray.”
Verses: Joshua 24:15 (“as for me and my household”), Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (impress them on your children), Job 1:5 (Job’s regular custom of praying for his kids).
Illustration — Abraham, A Father on Purpose: God chose Abraham to direct his children to keep the way of the Lord (Genesis 18:19). Before a father provides a dollar or sets a rule, he points his family to God. Children forget our lectures but never forget the sight of dad on his knees.
Takeaway: You cannot lead your children where you refuse to go yourself.

Song line: “I’ll show you everything… I’ll show you love.”
Verses: Proverbs 22:6 (start children on the way), Ephesians 6:4 (don’t exasperate; bring them up in the Lord), Proverbs 20:7 (a righteous father blesses his children).
Illustration — The Major-League Dad:Pitcher Tim Burke adopted four children with special needs and walked away from baseball at his peak — “My family needs me more” — choosing presence over prestige.
Takeaway: More is caught than taught. Children spell love T-I-M-E.

Song line: “…that he can greet the world with arms wide open.”
Verses: Genesis 48:15 (Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons), Numbers 6:24–25 (the Lord bless you and keep you), Psalm 127:3 (children are a heritage from the Lord).
Illustration — The Hands of Blessing: Old and nearly blind, Jacob laid hands on his grandsons and spoke God’s blessing over their future. A father’s words can launch a child for generations.
Takeaway: Bless your children out loud. They are waiting to hear it.

Every earthly father points to a greater One. On Calvary, God the Father opened His arms through the cross to welcome us home.
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The same God who runs to the prodigal runs to you.
Whatever kind of father you had — or never had — you have a perfect Father in heaven who has lavished His love on us (1 John 3:1). This is the emotional and spiritual climax.

Fathers: Go home and open your arms — speak love, blessing, and faith over your children this week.
Prodigals: Your Father is already running toward you. Come home today; the embrace is waiting.
Everyone: Receive the love of the perfect Father, then pass it on.
Charge: Don’t wait until you feel ready. Take a breath, take God by your side, and live with arms wide open.