State Overseer

James R. Horne

P O Box 650

Bessemer, AL 35021

(205) 603-9145

james@thecomputersmith.net






The Church of God

Headquarters


General Overseer

Stephen Smith

197 Tillie Road

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 339-8264

www.thechurchofgod.org


Return Unto Me, and I Will Return Unto You

James Horne, State Overseer



Almost anyone today when asked about God or religion will say that they are a “Christian” but few seem to know the true power of Jesus Christ to deliver from sin and to be able to live a holy and consecrated life to God. The prevailing attitude of religion today seems to be summed up in Paul’s description recorded in his second letter to Timothy:


This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (II Tim. 3:1-5).


It seems rather perplexing that men could progressively corrupt themselves while at the same time seemingly become more and more “religious.”  While filling their lives with sin and wickedness, they continue to proclaim themselves to be Christians.  They deny the power of holiness, as is seen in their sinful lifestyles, yet maintain a “form” of godliness. They pretend to know the Lord, claim a born-again experience, but true godliness is not seen in their conduct. I believe we need a return to “the power thereof.” We simply do not need new methods and greater techniques for presenting the gospel to the world, not better planning or special events to attract people, or even eloquent words of man’s wisdom. The need of the hour is a revival of the old time power of God!


How can we return to this much needed power?  Here are a few scriptural thoughts offered from the Word of God.


1.  Live Holy Consecrated Lives - God will not bless half-heartedness      in serving Him.  He still calls us to deny ourselves, take up our      cross, and follow Him.  Too many today are trying to “hold on to      the world with one hand, and hold on to God with the other” as      the old saying goes.  God will accept nothing less than complete      surrender to Him.  He must be first in our lives.  Live holy, and be      faithful to God in everything.  Without a return to holy living and      faithful service, we will not return to “the power thereof.”


2. Establish a consecrated prayer life.  It seems that some have lost their fervency for prayer.  Prayer is our access to God’s promises. God is not satisfied with “emergency” prayers.  Too many fail to communicate with God on a daily basis, yet expect God to respond to their cries in the moment of trouble or disaster (although God does have grace to us).  Those who want God to come on the scene during crisis should be willing to seek him when all is well.  We need to seek Him not only for material benefits (food, clothing, finances, health), but develop an earnest desire to know Him in a deep, spiritual manner.   The power will come to those who desire it enough to return to the “hour of prayer.”  Jesus is still asking His church “could ye not watch with me one hour?” (Mt. 26:40)


3. Study the Word of God.  How can we ever expect to be able to draw closer and deeper to God when we have not studied His Word. After all, the Bible is our only roadmap to heaven. It will lead us in the “narrow way” and teach us how to live acceptable lives unto the Lord. (See 2Tm:2:15)


The power will return to us when we fully return to God by making Him the center of our lives. Let’s concentrate ourselves in making 2012 a year of true power with God as we meet the conditions which will render His favor and blessings upon us.  In so doing, we will impact our world…but it starts with us!


“Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts” (Mal. 3:7).


© The Church of God, Alabama

Please see the announcement page for available ministers for revivals or to fill-in for pastors.


Upcoming Events


District Conventions –

Southern March 3

Central March 17

Northern March 31

(Programs and location forthcoming from District Overseers)


Youth Emphasis Week – April 15-21


Youth Convention – May 4-5


Bible Training Institute – May 27 – June 9


Family Camp - June 27 – July 1


State Convention – July 20-22 (Bessemer)