“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”
As we continue our sermon series in which we are doing a deep dive of some of our deepest questions about God, our world, and ourselves, we come to a question that is asked often given the numerous religions in the world, and that is, Do all religions lead to God?
According to most recent studies it is estimated that there are upwards of 10,000 distinct religions in the world. With a majority of the world identifying as a part of them, the five dominant religions are Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, and that is just counting those who claim to have a religious affiliation. As we have seen in the last decade, those claiming "No Religious Affiliation" are also on the rise.
With all of these religious beliefs and differences, it is often asserted that no one can claim to have the ultimate truth. But is that true? Do we all share a claim to the truth? Or is one religion the true religion? Do all paths lead to God? Or is there only one path that leads to God? This morning we will be exploring the unique truth claim of the Christian faith which answers this question, while also asking another question, "What difference does it make for our lives?"
The Approach to God
Pre-Service Music It is Well with My Soul/ Immortal Invisible God Only Wise
*Song O Church Arise -Getty/Townend
Prayer of Confession
Words of Assurance and Law of God
Kids
The Word of God
*Song God of Our Fathers -No. 78
Scripture: Psalm 1
Message “Do all religions lead to God?”
Pastor Matt Lee
Prayer for Blessing
The Response to the Word
Mission of the Month
*Song God is in Control -Paris
*Benediction
Postlude
Offering
The ongoing ministry of the church relies on the generous giving of its members. At this time, we will not be passing the offering plates during the service. Please place your offering in the basket provided.
*Songs used by permission of CCLI #95502
ANNOUNCEMENTS
July Calling Team: Please call Rick Harrison or Sandy Carey with any special concerns or requests.
July Mission of the Month: Michigan Mission, a ministry supported by Cecil and Liz S, located in Alger, MI. This site is for both adults and youth alike who have a heart for outreach mission work. It is also a place to fellowship. Michigan Mission is located right in the heart of a community in need. The most fundamental part of Michigan Mission is to touch God’s people right where they are.
Portable Basketball Hoops Needed: We are looking for a few portable basketball hoops to borrow for our CONNECT Basketball Night on Wednesday, July 21. If you happen to have a hoop that we can borrow, please let Linda B know, and if you need help getting it to the church, please contact Stacia.
Painting with Sandi- There will be no painting classes with Sandi S during the months of July and August.
Summer Series June 13- September 5: Join us as we take a deep dive into the Psalms in order to know ourselves, our world, and our God more deeply.
July 11 - If God is so good why does He allow suffering? Psalm 22
July 18 - Where is God when I am hurting? Psalm 42
July 25 - Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people? Psalm 73
August 1 - Is the God of the Old Testament different from the God of the New Testament? Psalm 23
August 8th - Is there life after death? Psalm 27
August 15th - How can I be forgiven? Psalm 51
August 22 - What about when God feels absent? Psalm 88
August 29 - What is so significant about the Bible? Psalm 119
September 5 - How can I know God's will for my life? Psalm 37
Siloam Nepali Church: Please pray for Pastor Chandra Tamang and the Siloam Nepali Congregation.
Your Leaders are so thankful for your fervent prayers:
Staff: Pastor Matt L, Joey S, Darla L, Stacia W
Consistory: Carrie B, Sandy C, Eric C, Sue F, Rick H, Marcia J, Mike J, Julie L, and our ministry teams
Pray For our RCA missionaries- Phil and Olivia Lekel, and The Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua (CEPAD).
Please pray that the people will come to know God's love through the CEPAD staff and their efforts to reduce rural poverty in Nicaragua. Please also pray for the faith-based leadership development programs, pastoral training, food security, and that CEPAD will be able to continue to help communities develop sustainable practices for long-term transformation.
To hear more prayer requests from ICRC, please call 321-2495, extension 191, or if you have a personal prayer request, please contact Marcia J. You may also submit a prayer request on our website at www.icrclansing.org.
Friends with Health Concerns
Shelby A, Mark and June B, John B, Joe C
Howard C, Sandy F, John F, Carol G,
Kathy G, Roland H, and other Parkinson’s sufferers,
Lon H, Marcia N, Jim P, Marian P,
Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.
Save the Dates
July 13- Deacon’s Meeting
July 13- Men’s Stud
July 15-18- Alger, MI Mission Trip
July 21- CONNECT Basketball Night
July 22- Prayer Team Meeting
July 27- Men’s Study
July 31-August 7- Mission Trip, Omaha, NE