Pastor A

Preparing for Revival – Part 1: In just three and one-half weeks we will begin the new 2010 year with Evangelist Bryan Samms of Lancaster Baptist Church and West Coast Baptist College. In preparation for revival, I challenge each TBT member to begin that self-examination process right now. We are utilizing the Midweek Service to prepare our church for revival through examination and prayer. We invite you to join us at 7:00 p.m. As part of this examination process, we will review 23 sets of questions in conjunction with a challenge from a particular passage of Scripture. Part One presents to us the first five sets of questions.

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Confession of sin is necessary for fellowship with God and revival among God’s people. Prayerfully consider the following questions. Go through these questions one by one. Answer truthfully all of these questions.

EVERY “YES” ANSWER MEANS THERE IS SIN OR A SITUATION FOR ME TO RESOLVE IN MY LIFE!

In reading these questions, as I am convicted of sin, confess it at once to God. Be willing to make it right. Then you can claim cleansing and forgiveness.

I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Be sure to name your sin to God. Example: “Lord, I neglected Bible study and prayer.” “Lord, I have not put you first in my plans.” DO NOT MAKE EXCUSES FOR SIN OF ANY KIND – CONFESS – NAME IT!

Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy,”

No matter what others do or do not do, we as born again Christians must leave nothing undone on our part. God wants to work through us to bring about a great spiritual awakening. He can begin by each of us fulfilling every requirement shown by the Lord through the Holy Spirit and His Word. We are to be fervent, on-fire, Spirit-filled soul winners, are you?

A great revival can start today, but it must start with you as an individual. Please give a truthful “YES” or “NO” to each of the following questions. Please read the scripture verses and then answer the question to the best of your ability.

Number 1: MATTHEW 6:12-15 Do you hold a grudge against or hate anyone? Is there anyone you do not love or have not forgiven? Are you harboring any bitterness, resentment, or jealousy? Is there anyone you dislike to hear praised or well spoken of? Do you allow anything to justify a wrong attitude toward another?

Number 2: MATTHEW 6:33 Is there anything in which you have failed to put God first? Have your decisions been made after your own wisdom and desires rather than seeking and following God’s will? Do any of the following in any way interfere with your surrender and service to God: ambitions, pleasures, loved ones, friendships, desire for recognition, money, your own plans, etc.?

Number 3: MARK 16:15 Have you failed to seek the Lost for Christ? Have you failed to witness consistently with your mouth for Christ? Does the life you lead fail to show Christ in you?

Number 4: JOHN 13:35 Are you secretly pleased over the misfortunes of another? Are you secretly annoyed over the accomplishments of another? Are you guilty of any contention or strife? Are there people you deliberately slight?

Number 5: ACTS 20:35 Have you robbed God by withholding what you owe Him of your time, talents, or treasure? (Notice the order) Have you failed to support our mission’s work either in prayer or offering? Do you give less than a tenth of your time and money?