Securing the future by remembering the past, Pt 1

It is clearly stated here in this Psalm what the duty of fathers is regarding teaching children the merciful dealings of God with them and their forbears. "We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done," Ps 78:4.

The consequences of failure is clearly indicated here also. "And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God," verse 8. We must not just bear in mind God's merciful dealings with His people in the past and the rich and blessed harvest that was the result, but we must also remember what disobedience and defiance of God by former generations brought upon them. See versus 18-33.

These verses provide us with timely considerations as we recall that 50 years ago there was dawning upon the Free Presbyterian Church a time of great controversy which would break forth into REVIVAL blessing!

I have sought to tell the story of that time by assembling together the reports which appeared in the Church's magazine, "The Revivalist" in 1966-68 and also some local newspaper reports. You can read that account in "A Time to be Remembered" (See www.ivanfoster.net)

Please consider with me the truths that are very applicable to us today.

(In a number of Free Presbyterian congregations the printed publication - "A Time to be Remembered" has been circulated today)