“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”
Our summer series has been a deep dive into the Psalms as we consider some of the deep questions we have about God, our world, and ourselves.
This week we consider the question, "Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people?" Or as the writer of Psalm 73 might ask it, "Why do the wicked prosper?" As the Psalmist wrestles with this question in Psalm 73 he has a realization about God and what it means to truly prosper.
As we read and study Psalm 73 this morning, hopefully, we will have the same realization. If we consider what it means to truly prosper in light of what God would have us believe true prosperity is, perhaps good things do not actually happen to bad people. For, as Jesus asks us, what good is it to gain the whole world but lose our soul?
This morning Psalm 73 helps us to see what it means to truly prosper for all eternity.
The Approach to God
Pre-Service Music Oh Little Town of Bethlehem/
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman/ -A Christmas Carol Medley
Go Tell it on the Mountain
*Song Open up the Heavens -Andrews
Prayer of Confession
Words of Assurance and Law of God
Kids
The Word of God
*Songs This I Believe -Fielding/Crocker
Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy) -Tomlin/ Cash/ Watts
Scripture: Psalm 73
Message “Why Does God Allow Good Things to Happen to Bad People? ”
Pastor Matt Lee
Prayer for Blessing
The Response to the Word
*Song Rejoice the Lord is King -No. 374
*Benediction
Postlude
Moment for Ministry
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 H or Sandy C 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.
Are You Interested in Meeting and Greeting Your Fellow ICRC Attendees?: The Service/Fellowship Team is looking for greeter volunteers. Duties are simple - say hello, assist visitors, distribute bulletins and open/close sanctuary front doors. If you would like to be added to the schedule starting in September please contact Sheryl P or sign up on the posted notice.
Thank You for Your Generosity: Basketball is a pretty big deal here at Immanuel, and that is why we are so grateful for the donations of not one, not two, but 3 basketball hoops to our church for our CONNECT Basketball Night last week! We are so excited to have these hoops available for more basketball fun here at ICRC, and for other basketball events in the future! Thank you to everyone who either donated a hoop to the church or allowed us to borrow one for the big event. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!
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.
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- Kingdom Air Corps
Pray for aircraft safety, good weather, and wisdom in pilotage. Pray for our students who are seeking the will of God in their lives, pray that He will use their time at KAC to direct them to how He would have them serve. Please also pray for Brooks Range Bible Camp and for the many details that still need to come together for camp to happen, and that God will work in the lives and the hearts of the kids that come.
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, Marian P,
Sandi S, and Joy V for continued healing.
Save the Dates
August 10- Men’s Study
August 11- Fellowship Teem Meeting
August 12- Prayer Team Meeting
August 18- CONNECT Carnival, Back to School Theme
August 24- Men’s Study
August 26- Prayer Team Meeting