a. Today we celebrate freedom - Independence Day - Free from the shackles of an oppressive government in England

b. It is a time when we remember and celebrate what it means to live in America

c. We must remember that freedom is fragile and is under attack from many sides

1. There are those who would dictate proper worship behavior and would ban all others

2. Christian voices are being removed from the public arena

3. New guidelines on search and seizure of person and property

d. Freedom is something we all want for ourselves but have a difficult time granting to those who differ from us

1. Let me illustrate with the issue of abortion - those who support this want their voice protected but would deny those of us who oppose it the right to speak in public about it.

2. The NRA wants no voice in favor of any gun control being heard.

3. We want the freedom to screen what books our children read in school libraries but would limit someone else's choices by banning some books

I. WHAT MADE AMERICA GREAT

a. I saw a bumper sticker - "God, Guns, & Guts These made America great" right beside one that read, "Pass with caution - driver chewing tobacco"

b. Let me tell you that is only partially true - Greatness is not measured in terms of my ability to impose my will on someone else

c. America is great because her foundations were in the guarantee of individual freedoms

1. These "Rights" came from their understanding of the God of the Bible

2. Many of our founding fathers were Christian but many were not but their commitment and belief in freedom came from the scriptures - We were founded on and in Biblical principles

d. It is this Spiritual Heritage that is under attack

1. Many would like to remove any reference to the influence of faith from our history texts - would end up being short texts - and would lead us to believe that Guns and Guts are what made us great

2. Prayer is being removed from public places - the Nativity scene is under attack - Isn't it amazing that the ACLU will sue to have the Nativity scene removed but will still take the day off as a national holiday - I often wonder about their consistency

e. Our greatness is rooted in the spiritual lives of the people

II. HOW CAN THE GREATNESS BE RESTORED

a. There are many and some with large audiences that are encouraging us to gain control of the congress and then impose our will on the country - It is not God's Way

1. God does not play the system - He may use it for His purposes but never plays it

2. It is "NOT BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER BUT BY HIS SPIRIT"

b. It make me angry when any political party claims to be the party of God

1. I don't think God is either a Republican or Democrat

a. He is repulsed by the self serving actions of both and they will come under his judgment

2. It is "NOT BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER BUT BY HIS SPIRIT"

c. Look at God's example

1. He emptied himself of all power and became a baby in a manger and if his parents had not taken him to Egypt the political people would have killed God

2. He began a revolution of love that has changed the world like no military might ever has

3. Newsweek - "Most revolutionary people in America are those producing Christian families

3. It is "NOT BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER BUT BY HIS SPIRIT"

d. When we imitate His example we too will begin to be great and make a difference in our country

1. It is "NOT BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER BUT BY HIS SPIRIT"

2. When we begin to focus on individuals need of forgiveness and morality and spiritual strength then we will make a difference

e. Jesus left us a reminder of what Greatness is all about - Communion - His Supper

1. It reminds us the greatness is found in sacrifice

2. That Love and forgiveness are more powerful than any weapon

BOW WITH ME IN PRAYER

1. Invite to receive Christ

THIS IS HIS TABLE NOT OURS - HE GIVES THE INVITATION

SHARE THE BREAD

SHARE THE CUP

TRUE GREATNESS IS FOUND IN SACRIFICE - WE THANK GOD FOR AMERICA - BUT WE MUST FOLLOW HIM AND WE HAVE A STORY TO TELL TO THE WORLD

SING WITH ME - # 409 "WE'VE A STORY TO TELL"