#9 NEHEMIAH | Malachi Connection

Dr. Stephen Phinney: Droves of self-proclaimed Christians are arrogant and refuse to demonstrate the prophetic doctrines of the connection between fathers and their children.

In the spirit of Nehemiah's steadfast leadership and Malachi's prophetic wisdom, we embrace a timeless call to rebuild and restore. Just as Nehemiah dedicated himself to the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, we are summoned to mend the invisible yet profound bonds between generations. Malachi's divine message resonates with a promise of reconciliation, where the hearts of fathers are turned towards their children, and the hearts of children towards their fathers.

Listen to the podcast version:

This restoration is more than a reunion; it is a sacred renewal of relationships, infused with love released from within, understanding, and the unwavering faith of Yeshua Himself.

As we walk this path of restoration, let us be inspired by Nehemiah's perseverance and Malachi's vision, advancing a legacy where each generation uplifts and cherishes the other, creating a harmonious interaction of family and faith BEFORE God comes to strike the land.

(Malachi 4:5-6) “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

---

Could there be a direct connection between children being restored to the hearts of their fathers and the destruction of the End Times?

Not only is the answer to this question “yes,” but it will also be the primary mission of Elijah, one of the two Old Testament prophets who will return during the second half of the Antichrist’s seven-year reign.

So why is God so focused on restoring children to their fathers?

Nehemiah lived during the 5th century BC, specifically around 445-432 before Christ. He was instrumental in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and implementing reforms after the Babylonian exile. His mission was to restore Israel to its promised land before Yeshua came to provide a way of true forgiveness between the people and God the Father. Without Nehemiah’s work, restoration and forgiveness would not have been possible when Christ arrived.

Malachi, on the other hand, is believed to have lived around 450-400 BC. His prophetic ministry occurred after the return from exile and during the time of Nehemiah and Ezra. Malachi is the follow-up ministry of the work Nehemiah conducted.

God Will Come to Punish

Droves of self-proclaimed Christians are arrogant and refuse to demonstrate the prophetic doctrines of the connection between fathers and their children regarding restoration and forgiveness - ultimately forming a twisted form of the Grace of God.

(Jude 1:4) For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

These “ungodly people” are those who refused Malachi’s warnings. When individuals have a broken relationship with their fathers, they are more apt to become independent of God the Father, which forms a “Christian” who becomes a “father figure” in their own eyes, who refutes authority and is thus led by their own interpretations and ideologies. Ironically, this all leads to a perverted form of God’s grace.

---

Years ago, my mentor stopped our discipleship process and told me to pack my bags, return to my father (800+ miles), reconcile with him, and then return for my next session.

I was immediately angered. I returned to my intern office, dropped to the floor, and began raging for over two hours. A fellow intern dashed to my mentor’s office and reported what I was doing. My mentor said, "Leave him be. God is about to redeem him."

Well, I made that trip. Through many tears on my part and my father, we reconciled. It was nothing short of a miracle.

After returning to Denver, I sat with my mentor. He said some interesting words, noting, “Your heart can now be restored to God the Father.”

This single assignment was not only life-changing for me and my father, but before he died, he requested that Stephen be at my bedside when I die. I was. At this time, I had a vision of watching my father become united with God the Father through Yeshua.

Years later, the Lord woke my youngest daughter up to give me the following as a “life passage.”

(Malachi 2:6-7) True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

This ignited my love and studies of Nehemiah, Malachi, and Ezra.

The connection between reconciliation with our fathers, authentic salvation, and the End Times is paramount.

OUR ANTI-FATHER CULTURE

In modern culture, there is an evident shift towards diminishing the role and presence of fathers within the family unit. This anti-father sentiment is often reflected in media portrayals, societal attitudes, and legal structures that either marginalize or undervalue the influence of our fathers.

Fathers are frequently depicted as incompetent or irrelevant, overshadowing their importance in nurturing and guiding their children. This cultural bias not only undermines the critical role that fathers play in emotional, psychological, and moral development but also contributes to a broader disconnect within families. By neglecting the significance of fatherhood, society risks creating generations of children who lack strong paternal role models, which can influence their understanding of authority, responsibility, and even their relationship with God the Father.

Addressing this cultural anti-Biblical trend is essential to restoring the balance and honoring the invaluable contributions that fathers make to the well-being of their families and society as a whole.

Throughout history, Satan has sought to fracture the sacred bond between fathers and their children, sowing seeds of discord and estrangement. This separation not only disrupts the family unit but also distorts the child's perception of God the Father. When earthly fathers are absent or distant, it becomes challenging for children to grasp the concept of a loving, present, and nurturing Heavenly Father.

The enemy's tactics aim to create a void, filling it with doubt, fear, and mistrust of the authority of the Scriptures and those who represent a spiritual father figure. This spiritual attack undermines the foundation of faith, making it harder for individuals to experience the fullness of God's love and guidance.

By restoring and strengthening the relationship between fathers and their children, we can counteract these efforts, building a deeper understanding and connection with our Heavenly Father. This restoration of rebuilding the walls around children and their fathers is crucial for spiritual growth and the well-being of future generations.

My calling is to rebuild the walls surrounding children and their fathers. Since God deems it one of Elijah’s most important issues to address when he returns, I think it is worth addressing today in the Lord’s End Times.

MY CHALLENGE:

• Stop what you are doing, go reconcile with your earthly father. Forgive him of his sins and openly confess your reactions - as sin.

• Seek his forgiveness for your part in the separation and brokenness.

• If he has passed, go to his grave and drop your bitterness and sins of reactions at the foot of his memorial marker. We encourage people to list them on a piece of paper and lay them on the grave while embracing God’s forgiveness through Yeshua.

Walking out your Christian life in full restoration with your earthly father is a testament to the redemptive power of grace and forgiveness. Embracing this journey means embodying the teachings of Christ from within by advancing a relationship rooted in love, understanding, and mutual respect. This restoration not only heals past wounds but also strengthens your indwelling faith, as it mirrors the divine reconciliation we have with our Heavenly Father.

Let this renewed relationship be an example of hope and a living testimony to the redemptive power of God's love. May it guide you to walk out the authentic purpose of restoring the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.

Remember, God always does what He says. If “Christians” ignore this one, God will come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.