Redeeming Fatherhood
This past Friday we had a wonderful Legacy Luncheon featuring Dr. Ramesh Richard speaking on “Redeeming Fatherhood”. Leading up to the event, I continued to have this overriding thought concerning the ministry of Abiding Fathers. We believe that we have been called to be a part of a movement of God for fatherhood discipleship. And we all should know, according to scripture, that we are in the last or latter days before Christ returns. And that things are going to be extremely difficult and dangerous the closer we get to the end. “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that is the last hour” (I Jn. 2.18).
My overriding thought is that fathers are being recalled, redeemed and restored to Christ and to their families. To take their rightful and necessary role as the high priest and the spiritual leader of their family. As we see the day drawing near, families are going to need to have the father leading as ordained by Christ. This will enable the family to survive, even thrive, in the face of difficult circumstances, persecution and death for some. Jesus spoke these words. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16.33).
Stand fast
Scripture reveals that the final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be glorified when Christ returns and the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God’s people enter that eternity of glory and blessedness.
I/we strongly believe that God is doing advance work in restoring fatherhood across America and across the world. He always is out ahead because he sees everything clearly, even the very end. My father was in the Seabees in World War II. It was the Construction Battalion. Thus, the name. Seabees. They were the advance team that were there well before the fighting forces came onto a beach or into a country. They were preparing what was needed for success in the future battles. This is how I see the fatherhood ministry today. We are Christ’s Seabees.
Pray and prepare
Like any good soldier, you need to suit up. And the clothing that is necessary for victory in the Kingdom is the full armor of God. (Eph. 6.14-17) So, fathers, ‘suit up’ yourself and your flock; pray and prepare (disciple) your family for the conquest. And embrace the fact that “he who is in you as a believer is greater than he who is in the world”. And here is Christ’s battle plan, ensuring victory!
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen”
(I Pet. 5.6-11)
Dads, that’s sobering but great news! Time to suit up!!
