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May 29, 2011

WELCOME! WE'RE GLAD YOU'RE HERE

We are a group of believers who simply try to follow the Bible as a guide for all we do. Everything done in our worship service is something we have a Bible basis for. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you wish. We will sing hymns together and we will observe the Lord's Supper or Communion together. We will also have an opportunity to give to the work of God in this area. This collection is for the members here, and if you are visiting you should not feel any pressure to give. Our lesson time will be divided into two groups. The young children will go to our classroom area in the basement where they will be taught the Bible at a level they can understand. The adults will stay in the auditorium for a lesson at an adult level. We do try to serve the community, and if you have some needs that we can help you with, mention it to one of the members. Thank you for worshipping with us.

FAMILY NEWS

Work on facility. You will notice that new folding chairs have been purchased for the fellowship area. We have also contracted to have a new furnace and air conditioning system installed in that area for our fellowships and public programs. That should be done by the end of June.

Potluck and Planning Session. Next Sunday will be our monthly potluck. We have a lot of projects we need to get settled including the Fair Exhibit and areawide Singing. We need everyone's ideas and participation, so bring something for us to eat together and bring your ideas and suggestions.

Greg and Adrian Sterling are traveling for a month in Hong Kong and Europe in connection with his work for Notre Dame.

Audrey Gibson is having a struggle to walk and has been in some pain. She has been out to every service, but she is struggling with leg problems. Keep her in your prayers.

Dave Pickens has been having more problems with his leg circulation and some problems with being dizzy. Hopefully a second vein procedure will be done to help him.

Remember those struggling with chronic health problems, especially Janice Love, Thelma Raab, Maelene Salmons, Larry Fox, Billy and Debbie Salmons, and Diane Davis.

TODAY'S LESSON

THE PERIL OF PROSPERITY
2 Chronicles 26


INTRODUCTION
The history of ancient Israel is typical of humans
Chronicles, Judges, Kings--a series of fiascos
Galatians 3:24-25--Schoolmaster
The Old Testament is not what God wants for man, it is man's tragic and faithless history. Uzziah is a good case study.
UZZIAH MAKES A GOOD START--WITH PIETY
2 Chronicles 26:1-5
16 years old--Zechariah is his mentor.
We all started well--need a mentor.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
What is your guide for life?
(The congreation sang "He Leadeth Me.")
UZZIAH ENJOYS GREAT PROSPERITY
2 Chronicles 26:6-10
Brings security to Israel--how important is that?
What price gave you your security?
Memorial Day celebrates that.
Uzziah stays close to the land--"loves the soil."
The culture does not take him away from his roots.
Don't take America for granted.
UZZIAH BECOMES VERY POWERFUL
2 Chronicles 26:11-15
This is the old Testament--political, national system.
As the Church grows its power becomes sought after.
Remember where our success comes from.
UZZIAH'S SUCCESS GENERATES PRIDE
2 Chronicles 26:16-19a
Power generates a need for more power.
There is no room for arrogance in the Church.
Success and power corrupt--Acts 8:18-19, then 20-23
The Christian model--branches on a tree, parts of body
1 Corinthians 2:12-31; John 15:1-8
Be satisfied with what you are--Spiritual Gifts class.
UZZIAH'S END
2 Chronicles 26:19b - 21
The end is separation.
Excluded from God
Do not separate yourself from what is good and holy.


MEMORIAL DAY

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. This was a day set up to remember people in the armed forces who died in the service of our country. It was called Decoration Day in the last century. When you look at what is going on in most of the world, you should be especially grateful that you are an American and that you live in a country where freedom still does exist. Religion is sometimes an enemy of freedom. In many parts of the world the government is run by a religious group who force their views and rules of conduct on everyone. In many cases women are considered to be possessions and have no right to vote, or own property, or even get an education.

Our country has many problems, and the push toward atheism and the sanctioning of immorality by our government certainly is a concern to us all. The fact is, however, that the first century church functioned under an atheistic immoral government, and even in the face of this evil political situation Paul told the early Christians to submit to governing authorities. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 he says that God has ordained civil authority in mankind to bring justice against wrong doers, so Christians are to pay taxes, give respect, and give honor to the civil government under which we live.

We remember not only family members who have died in the service of our country and in active protection of us in police and fire protection, but thank God that He has made it possible for us to have the security that we have both on a national level and on a local level. Imagine having to worry about whether someone will break down your door and force you to do something of a religious nature that violates your conscience and/or your moral convictions. Imagine not being able to hold ajob unless you subscribe to a religious statement of belief. Imagine being denied medical service, police protection, or the right to buy something, just because of your race or because you happen to be a woman.

We thank God that we live in this wonderful country. It is a long way from perfect, but it is so much better than any other place on this planet, that we need to thank and praise God that we have what we have. Remembering, those who made it possible for us to live here with the freedom that we have, is right and proper. Spend some time tomorrow in prayer and meditation, thanking God and remembering those who gave us this great privilege to live in the United States of America.