“Greetings from all of us at Immanuel”
The two most common misconceptions about the Bible that people inside and outside of the church hold: One is that it is a set of rules and mandates that are so regressive and historic that it feels less like a book and more like a cinder block weighing us down. The other is that, while the Bible may be viewed with some respect and esteem, it sits on people's shelves next to other highly respected books, but it is rarely read.
Neither of these views have the life shaping view of the Bible that we must have as Christians. Today, in the well-known verse of Psalm 119:105 we will see what is truly significant about the Bible that is God's Word. The significance of the Bible is that its purpose and influence on our lives goes far beyond what any other set of rules to live by, or books on our shelves, can claim to have. This morning we will seek to see the Bible as God intends for us to see it, so that He might change our lives through it.
The Approach to God
Pre-Service Music
*Songs Let It Rise -Davis
My Hope is in You -Geesbreght
Prayer of Confession
Words of Assurance and Law of God
Kids
The Word of God
*Song Open the Eyes of My Heart -Baloche
Scripture: Psalm 119
Message “What is So Significant About the Bible?”
Pastor Matt
Prayer for Blessing
The Response to the Word
Moment for Ministry
*Song All to You -Brewster
*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
August Calling Team: Please call Sue F or Julie L with any special concerns or requests.
August Mission of the Month: Judson Love Clothing Center is in need of all children's clothing starting with size 4, but especially needed are sports bras sizes S – XL, and men’s/boy’s boxers sizes S- XL. There is a box for donations located just outside of the sanctuary, or you may make a monetary donation towards this very worthy cause.
Combined Outdoor Worship Service with Siloam Nepali Church, Next Sunday, August 31, at 10:00 am.: Praise God as we come together for the diversity of gifts and graces within the body of Christ and for the beautiful variety and variance of the people, personalities, interests, and activities that are represented throughout the whole Church of God.
Greeters Needed: We are starting a new system for Greeter sign-up. On the bulletin board you will find a sign-up sheet which gives you the flexibility to sign up by specific weeks through December. We need 2 greeters per week so you can volunteer as a couple or as an individual. After signing up, you will receive a short description of duties in your mailbox, and a reminder will appear in the bulletin the week prior.
ICRC Members and Visitors: Here at Immanuel, we believe it is our calling as Christians to grow together in the knowledge and example of Jesus Christ. Our primary way of doing this is through our Life Group ministry in which members and guests have the opportunity to be connected with a group of fellow Christians for the purpose of growing together in Christ. Some of our Life Groups have continued to meet throughout the summer and others are planning to start meeting again in the fall. You can find more information about each Life Group, its leader, and meeting time on our website at https://www.icrclansing.org/small-groups. Please talk with our Life Groups Connections leader, Rick H, if you have any questions or would like to know more information.
Summer Series June 13- September 5: Join us as we continue to take a deep dive into the Psalms in order to know ourselves, our world, and our God more deeply.
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
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
Prayers for RCA Missionaries- Peter and Patty Ford, Middle East
Pray for peace and positive relations between Muslims and Christians in the Middle East, and specifically for Lebanon. Pray for Peter and Patty as they carry out their various ministries at NEST and in Beirut, and for the people of Lebanon as they deal with regional tensions and the large presence of Syrian refugees. Please also pray for NEST president George Sabra to guide the school well through the many challenges facing Middle Eastern Christians, and for the students as they face uncertainties both during their time at NEST and once they graduate, due to political and religious tensions in the region.
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 31- Deacon’s Meeting
September 5- Outdoor Worship/ Braylon & Elijah Alford Baptism
September 7- Consistory Meeting
September 8- Spiritual Growth Meeting
September 9- Prayer Team Meeting
September 12- Communion