This Sunday is the day after Independence Day, our country’s 250^th birthday so we will do a message in honor of our country.  I thought this would be a great opportunity to remember why we are privileged to be born in, and to be a part of, this great country.  Our text is Ezekiel 22:25-31.  In this passage Ezekiel speaks of God’s judgment against Judah because of her sin, mentioning several classes (groups) of sinners there.  While lamenting this – God seeks for a man to stand in the gap, and He finds none.  Therefore, He must pour out His indignation on them.  As we reflect on our country this Sunday morning, we can think of the many ways God has blessed us because of who we are and what we’ve done for Him in the spread of His gospel and righteousness.  At the same time, we need to get back to God, and for this do we need for individuals (us?), to stand in the gap?  This week we will look at 2 things that show how God has used us and blessed us (and continues to) because of His great mercy.       

For our scripture reading time, we will read our Declaration of Independence; and we’ll talk a little bit about it in our message.