On September 20 the church “Philadelphia” had a holy communion and thought how to become nearer to God through trials and giving our selfishness up.

Youth pastor Vladimir Batalov suggested thinking about the following things: God looks for the community through which it is possible to save many people. It is clear that this community is the church that should be eager to do godly things on default. Though unfortunately believers’ hearts are not always willing to take an active part on such a community. That is why we should ask ourselves this question: am I personally zealous for God?

In Acts it is written: “After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things'” (Acts 15:16, 17). This image helps us to realize that there is certain rebuilding in our heart that will make it possible for others to see God’s glory. Of cause this manifestation of God’s glory is impossible without making believers purer: “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:2).

Senior pastor Pavel Zhelnovakov touched upon the theme of egotism that is turned out to be closely connected with trusting Him and, on the other hand, with reproaching Him. Often saying “love your neighbor as yourself” we pay more attention to the issue of loving ourselves. If we resolve this in the right way, we broaden the opportunities for God’s acting in our life. “Love God and do what you want” — this saying shows what should be the motor of your actions.

When God is silent we easily plunge into selfishness, thinking that He has forgotten or stopped loving us. In such a case searching God becomes not a chance to talk to Him or ask for forgiveness, but a chance to reproach Him and make Him do what would please us. Justifying ourselves for a lie we blame God. It results in problems and lack of many things in our life. What fruitfulness can we talk about if we fight with God?

It was very important to think about “denying ourselves” and not yielding to the tricks of sin, especially on the day of communion when we again and again realize the importance of the cross and that our life should tell about this event, not about our ambitions and resentment.