It Must Begin With Us
It is very easy to look at the faults of others and forget to first take a look at ourselves to see where we stand in our walk with God. We are living in a time when we need to see a revival that will sweep the world, changing the hearts of men. If we want to see a revival that is touching and transforming the lives of sinners then we must be first partakers. We need to identify any spiritual shortcomings in our lives and let the power of God change us.
KEY TEXT: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (I Peter 4:17)
There is a statement which says, “As goes the church, so goes the world.” Is it possible that at times the darkness of sin rises in the world because the church is not letting its light shine as it should? Consider the warning that Jesus gave to the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-5. What was it that Jesus said this church was guilty of?
The church is called to be a candlestick that shines the light of Jesus into a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). It is for this reason that the church needs to be continually renewed and revived in its relationship to the Lord. Consider the ever-present need for revival in the church as you read the words of Jesus to the Laodiceans in Revelation 3:14-19. Why did Jesus give the instruction, “anoint thine eyes with eyesalve”?
It is possible–while looking at the faults and the needs of others–to be blind to our own spiritual condition. Consider this as you examine what Jesus taught about judgment in Matthew 7:1-5. What did Jesus say that we must do first before we can help our brother? Confirm this further from Galatians 6:1 and notice the instruction to “consider thyself.”
A God-sent revival will cause the church to awaken, identify areas of spiritual deficiency, and call upon the Lord. When Christians are seeking God then He will bring revival to their land. Consider II Chronicles 7:14. The way we live our lives as believers will have a direct effect on those around us as to whether or not they will want to know the Lord (I Peter 4:17,18).
Welcome to The Church of God in Sidney!
We wish to thank you for visiting our website and our hope is that you will find something that blesses you spiritually and also causes you to investigate more thoroughly the workings and worship of The Church of God.
Scripture Center
• "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”. - Matthew 18:1-5 NKJV
• "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”. - Luke 6:27-31 NKJV