If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14
This was the text chosen by Pastor Sam Taylor of the People’s Baptist Church as he delivered a thought-provoking sermon, in which he urged fellow believers to heed this scriptural verse and witness the revival God would bring about in their lives for the good of their country.
He pointed out that while God was speaking to the Israelites at the time the prophet of God shared this message, this scripture passage was still relevant in today’s society.
Taylor said there were two sets of people who called themselves Christians [God’s people] – those called by name and those called by nature. He said God’s will “is that all who claim to be His followers, would be called by name and nature”.
To this end, he said, “Those who are Christians by name and nature will rise to meet God in the air when He returns, but those who are playing church will be left behind.”
Speaking on the topic Seeking God’s Revival Power, the preacher said if believers would humble themselves as children, “God would welcome them into His Kingdom”. He told his listeners not to be proud and self-righteous like the Pharisees, but rather, pay attention to the humble way in which Jesus lived His life on earth.
The pastor admonished them to always spend quality time in prayer to God, seeking Him wholeheartedly in faith, obeying His Word, and believing “He can do all things”.
“The Word says if we seek for God with our whole hearts we will find him.”
He stressed the importance of repenting and “turning to God from our wicked ways” as a prerequisite to receiving God’s blessings.
“If God’s people would follow the advice in this verse, their footsteps would be sure and God would do much for them. Blessings would abound,” Taylor said.
He added: “God is saying to us that we must not use His name in vain. If you are God’s child you ought to live as He wants you to live. If you are God’s children it is not enough to have a form of righteousness and holiness. We need to be real and repent of our sins. God has promised us pardon. If we ask Him to forgive our sins He will, for He will not go back on His promises.”
The church leader also noted that while many would like to have God’s revival power in their lives, they failed to spend time with God. Spending time, he said, was key to growing in Christ.
His parting words to those present were: “Humble yourself and God will draw near. Seek Him, pray, and He will answer. Turn from sin and God will heal the land.”
As the sermon came to an end, Taylor invited those who wanted a revival in their lives, to make their way to the Altar. Those who responded, received special prayers and words of encouragement.