BIBLICAL FATHERHOOD--THE GREAT NEED OF THE WORLD 11hh ) THE SHEPHERDING FATHER'S HEART IS TURN TOWARD CHILDREN

We are continuing to look at Psalm 23:6, "And I shall abide in the house of the Lord forever." Men, holiness preaching that comes from a fervent heart that longs to please our Holy God is the appropriate message for this hour. However, this message also comes with a love for our fellow man who is flawed by a sinful nature, but seeks to lead them to the Only One who is truly able to set them free.

John the Baptist's ministry was to the nation of Israel prior to the first manifestation of Christ's ministry on earth (Mathew 3:1-3). His ministry to Israel, who regarded themselves as God's people, could be summed up in the words, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (v. 2). This same message is to be preached again prior the second advent of Christ coming back to reign in this world (Malachi 4:5-6). This great and dreadful day of the Lord is yet to come.

John the Baptist's ministry was certainly a partial fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6 and those today, like Israel, who regard themselves as God's people also need to repent if they wish "to live in the house of the Lord forever." This requires preparation and repentance.

If the hearts of the fathers needed to be turned back to the children and vice versa back in John the Baptist's day, how much more in this hour?

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell