The day after celebrating America's 250th birthday is the perfect time to remember that while we should be grateful for our nation and faithfully pray for its leaders, God's greatest work has always begun with His people.

One of the most familiar verses in Scripture is also one of the most misunderstood. We often quote God's promise to "heal their land," but we overlook the first word of the promise: if.

This message explores the conditional nature of God's covenant with His people. Before there is healing, there must be humility. Before there is restoration, there must be repentance. Before God says, "Then," He first says, "If."

God's call is not directed first toward the culture, the government, or society at large—it is directed toward His own people. Revival does not begin in Washington or Hollywood. It begins in the hearts of those who bear His name.

Together we'll examine the four responses God requires of His people:

‣ Humble themselves

‣ Pray

‣ Seek His face

‣ Turn from their wicked ways

These are not isolated commands but a progression of a heart that is returning to God. When God's people respond in obedience, God responds in grace—He hears, forgives, and heals.

We'll also connect this message to our new Prayer First emphasis at Hillside. Prayer is not a religious duty performed to earn God's favor. It is the natural response of people who belong to God. As we learned last week, relationship determines response. This week we discover that relationship also requires responsibility.

God is still looking for a people who will humble themselves, seek Him wholeheartedly, and trust Him. The power isn't found in just the word "then." The power begins with "if."