The Unknown God

Convey condolences to Patrick, Walema, Steve, Stephanie and Kelly.

This is a time of intense pain, sorrow and grief. I know it’s a huge struggle and burden.

we are all standing with you and praying for you. Many are here today to help in whatever little way they can through this time.

Funeral: What happens when someone dies? Where do we go? heaven. Hell. Nowhere.

Is there a God?

Acts 17. - Paul, a highly religious Jew, hated and persecuted the followers of Jesus, even went around arresting, throwing them in prison and had them killed. He had an encounter with Jesus and became a preacher. He became a missionary, telling them all about Jesus’ resurrection. He died for our sins.

He went to Athens, Greece

22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

He noticed the numerous idols they had on display

You are very religious.

Just in case they missed a god - “To the unknown God.”

We live in a world with many religions and beliefs

24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for

“ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’;

as even some of your own poets have said,

“ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

29 Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 17:22–31). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.