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October 29, 2017

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 for which we have a Bible basis. 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 and 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

GIBSONS' KIDS' DAY: Between the temperatures and the prediction of rain the kids' day at Gibsons' was cancelled yesterday. We hope everyone got the message, and if you had fixed something for that picnic, please bring it to pot-luck next Sunday.

POTLUCK — NEXT SUNDAY is our monthly potluck, so plan to stay and bring something to share. We will also conduct the devotional at Timbers and need singers and people to meet and greet the residents.

PLEASE USE THE LITERATURE. We have a great many publications available to be used by you. Gospel Minutes is in the tract rack in the lobby. It has interesting and sometimes funny questions that are church related. Christian Chronicle is a brotherhood monthly news magazine covering church activity all over the world. There are copies of the Does God Exist? quarterly, which is sponsored by this congregation and is a four-color magazine you can give to visitors and guests. In the back of the auditorium there are old copies of these magazines. Please use them to reach out to others and to grow yourself!


TODAY'S LESSON

TOMORROW

 Sound on icon

John Clayton
INTRODUCTION — One of the hardest teachings of Christ
A. MATTHEW 6:31 – 34
B. The discussion is about worry, not about being lazy.
C. Worry is actually a heart condition — Pharaoh — we can make changes to reduce our
....worry, stress.
I. EXODUS 7:14 – 25 — Water turns to blood
A. Verse 22 — Magicians duplicate the miracle — Satan will always provide an alternative
....to God.
B. Pharaoh has no concern for his people — hard heart — hardness makes us not be
....concerned for others.
II. EXODUS 8:1 – 7 — Frogs in the bedroom
A. Pharaoh begs Moses to stop it (verse 8).
B. Moses lets Pharaoh set the time — “tomorrow.”
C. We forget the suffering when the crisis is over.
III. EXODUS 8:20 – 29 — Flies only in Egypt
A. Flies will be gone tomorrow.
B. Pharaoh hardens heart
IV. Exodus 9:1 – 7 — Livestock dies tomorrow.
A. Verses 18-19 – Hail — tomorrow
B. Exodus 10:3 – 4 — Locusts — tomorrow —  FUTURE
V. EXODUS 12:29 – 30 — THE ULTIMATE PLAGUE
A. “Not a house where there was not one dead”
B. Why does it take a catastrophe to move us?
C. Israel leaves.
VI. EXODUS 14:1 – 12 — DELIVERANCE AND PANIC
A. Verse 5 — How soon we forget.
B. Israel panics — fear takes over — They want to shoot the messenger (verses 11 – 12).
C. The message changes.
VII. EXODUS 14:13 — GOD'S PROMISE IS “TODAY.”
A. God's emphasis is on “today” from now on.
1. Exodus 16 — Manna was for “today.”
2. Matthew 6:11 — “Give us this day …”
B. Hebrews 3:7 — 14
C. Hebrews 4:5 — “Do not harden your hearts” today.
D. Matthew 6:25 – 34 — a key to Christians — Non Christians do not have that peace.


THE BACK PAGE

DO WE BELIEVE IN LAISSEZ-FAIRE?

First of all, let us get a definition. The dictionary says that laissez-faire is a policy or attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering. It is common in our culture because being “laid back” generally implies that we sit back and let things happen without trying to change them. In the church we may view what is going on in the world as something that is out of our reach, and that no matter what we do, it will not make a difference. I suggest to you that laissez-faire is not only an evil that is hurting the church, but it is an attitude we all have to work on.

We see laissez-faire having an influence in our worship as we go through the motions of worship without enthusiasm or involvement. I am always thankful to God when a song leader calls me to make an effort to select songs that go along with the sermon. That is an area that we do very well in, and it affects our worship. The problems with laissez-faire show up when our worship is not enthusiastic, not on time, not active and involved. Being with a group of Christians who enthusiastically say “amen” to a truth or a plea says to our visitors that we care. Prayers that address real issues at home and abroad say a great deal to all of us.

We need to look at our classes and make sure they start on time, that they are well prepared, that they address real issues, and that they invite participation. Those of us who are teachers need to meet and greet visitors as they come in the door and make them feel welcome with a Bible and whatever props we are using for the class. I do not see a laissez-faire attitude in the apostles or in Jesus Christ. They sought to change their corner of the world, and what they were able to begin, the Holy Spirit enlarged and carried on. How we get enthusiasm into our kids and members can have a significant effect on not only Dowagiac, but also on wherever they go when they leave us. We cannot be supporters of laissez-faire. Our job is to change the world through the teachings and power of Jesus Christ. Let us all work at being more punctual and more enthusiastic about our faith.

— John Clayton

Our sign by the street!

Autumn leaves--Jesus doesn't!

Sign saying from www.sayingsforchurchsigns.com