We begin a new feature in this issue titled, "Turning the Hearts." We take this title from the prophecy in Malachi about the need to encourage and support the family. Malachi foretold an Elijah-like work that would "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers" in the end time (Malachi 4:5-6).

With marriages failing at alarming rates and family life in chaos, we will attempt to fulfill the need for support in these critical areas. The family is the backbone of society and of any country.

God loves families. He chose to use the family as a means of understanding Him. In His family, there is the Father and the Son! He wants to bring many sons and daughters into His family in the future (Hebrews 2:9-10; 2 Corinthians 6:18). This is His great purpose for human beings.

On the human level God wants to be involved in our families: "Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1). Also in verse 3 of this same chapter we read, "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward."

The apostle Paul wrote, "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God" (1 Corinthians 11:3). We must look to Him for the principles to guide us in building our marriages and families in the ways that will last. He knows how!

So we will be covering a variety of topics concerning marriage and family life. Look for this feature regularly in United News. If you have any suggestions, questions or topics you would like to have discussed, please e-mail me at Gary_Antion@ucg.org or write to United News, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027.

We look forward to hearing from you and sharing with you the nuggets of gold from the scriptural principles regarding marriage and family life so that we may truly be "turning the hearts."