When God Gets Sassy. “Prophetic Dreamers or Snoozy Schemers? You Decide!” God Calls Out Fake Prophets: ‘I Had a Dream’ Is So Last Millennium
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Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey there, family! Welcome to our church home. It’s so good to see all your smiling faces today. You know, God’s presence is right here with us, just like He tells us in Jeremiah 23. He’s not some distant figure – He’s close, He’s personal, and He cares about every single one of us.
Before we dive into our worship, I’ve got a few quick announcements:
- Next Saturday: Our annual community picnic in the park. Bring a dish to share and let’s enjoy some fellowship!
- Youth Group: Don’t forget, Wednesday night is movie night. Parents, we’ll need a few volunteers.
- Prayer Warriors: We’re starting a new early morning prayer group on Tuesdays at 6 AM. Come join us as we lift up our community.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s prepare our hearts to meet with God. I’ll read a portion of Jeremiah 23, and I invite you to respond:
Leader: “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away?”
Congregation: You are always with us, Lord.
Leader: “Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord.
Congregation: Nothing is hidden from You, God.
Leader: “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.
All: You are everywhere, Lord. We praise Your holy name!
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds. You are the God who is near, the God who sees all, the God who fills heaven and earth. We stand in awe of Your presence and power. As we worship today, help us to be fully present with You. Speak to us through Your Word, shape us with Your truth, and fill us with Your love. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Now, let’s lift our voices together in praise! Our worship team is going to lead us in some songs that celebrate God’s presence and power. Whether you’re a longtime believer or just checking things out, I encourage you to open your heart and join in. Let’s create a joyful noise to the Lord!
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’re diving into a powerful passage from Jeremiah 23. Jeremiah was a prophet who spoke God’s truth during a time when many false prophets were misleading the people. In these verses, God reminds us of His nature and the power of His Word. Let’s read together:
“23 ‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God far away? 24 Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.
25 ‘I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, “I had a dream! I had a dream!” 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?
27 They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship.
28 Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?’ declares the Lord. 29 ‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?'”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Let’s pray together:
Lord, Your Word reminds us that You are always near, always watching, always present. We thank You for Your constant presence in our lives. Help us to recognize the false messages of this world and cling to Your truth. May Your Word be like fire in our hearts and a hammer that shapes our lives.
Congregation Response: Lord, let Your Word guide us and transform us.
When we give, we’re acknowledging that everything we have comes from God. It’s a way of saying, “Lord, I trust You with my resources, just as I trust You with my life.” Let’s pray over our offering:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your abundant blessings in our lives. As we give back a portion of what You’ve given us, we ask that You use these gifts to further Your kingdom. May our offerings be like Your Word – powerful and effective in bringing about positive change in our community and beyond. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
As we continue in our worship, we have a special treat for you. Our choir has prepared a beautiful rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” This hymn reminds us of God’s constant presence and unwavering love – themes we see echoed in our Jeremiah passage today. Let’s open our hearts as we listen.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Friends, today’s message from Jeremiah 23 is rich with profound truths about God’s nature and the power of His Word. In our full sermon, we’ll dive deeper into these verses, exploring:
- God’s Omnipresence: What does it mean for our daily lives that God is always near?
- The Danger of False Messages: How can we discern God’s truth in a world full of conflicting voices?
- The Power of God’s Word: How can we allow God’s Word to be like fire and a hammer in our lives?
Gain Access to the Complete Short Powerful Sermon
If you’re hungry for more, I’ve prepared a complete study guide that includes:
- Practical Application Points: Ways to live out the truths of Jeremiah 23 in your everyday life.
- Discussion Questions: Perfect for small groups or personal reflection.
- Prayer Prompts: To help you deepen your connection with God based on these verses.
- Further Reading: Additional Scripture passages that complement and expand on our Jeremiah text.
You can find this guide on our church website or pick up a printed copy at the welcome desk after the service. Remember, God’s Word is alive and active – let’s allow it to transform us this week!
Now, let’s prepare our hearts to hear the full message as we continue our worship service.
God’s Presence Unveiled: The Shocking Truth About Where He Really Is
The Hidden Message in Jeremiah That Could Transform Your Faith Forever
Picture this: It’s a quiet Tuesday evening, and you’re sitting in your favorite chair, feeling a bit distant from God. You wonder, “Is He even listening? Does He care about my everyday struggles?”
Little did you know, nestled in the pages of Jeremiah, there’s a message that’s about to flip your world upside down.
You see, centuries ago, God spoke through Jeremiah, addressing the exact same doubts you’re feeling right now. He asked, “Am I only a God nearby, and not a God far away?” It’s as if He’s leaning in, looking you in the eye, and saying, “Hey, I’m closer than you think.”
But here’s where it gets really interesting…
God doesn’t stop there. He goes on to say, “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” Now, imagine that for a second. The Creator of the universe, the One who spoke galaxies into existence, is telling you that He’s not just “out there somewhere” – He’s right here, filling every nook and cranny of your life.
This isn’t just some feel-good message. It’s a game-changer. It means that whether you’re stuck in traffic, facing a tough decision at work, or dealing with family drama, God is right there with you. Not just nearby, but everywhere.
And here’s the kicker: God’s Word, as described in these verses, isn’t just a collection of ancient stories. It’s “like fire” and “like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces.” It has the power to melt away your doubts, shatter your misconceptions, and rebuild your faith stronger than ever.
So, here’s what I’m offering you today: The “God’s Presence Unveiled” Bible Study Sermon Package
- A deep-dive teaching on Jeremiah 23:23-29, unlocking the secrets of God’s omnipresence
- A guide to help you experience God’s presence in your daily life
- An Invitation to Join our online community where you can share your journey and insights with others
- BONUS: “Praying in God’s Presence” – A powerful guide to transforming your prayer life
All of this for just $4.99 – less than your morning coffee! or
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Why am I offering this at such a low price? Because I believe this message has the power to radically transform your relationship with God, and I want to remove any barriers that might keep you from experiencing it.
Don’t let another day go by feeling distant from God. Click below to start your journey into the depths of His presence.
May the Lord wrap you and your loved ones in His comforting embrace, filling your hearts with His boundless grace and unending love.
The Following Outline, Sermon & Final Thoughts are Paid Content:
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Section 10. Sermon Outline
Sermon Title: “God’s Presence: Closer Than You Think”
I. The Nearness of God (Jeremiah 23:23-24) A. God’s omnipresence B. The illusion of a distant God
II. The Power of God’s Word (Jeremiah 23:25-27) A. False prophets and their deceptions B. The enduring truth of God’s message
III. The Transformative Nature of God’s Word (Jeremiah 23:28-29) A. God’s Word as fire B. God’s Word as a hammer
Section 11. The Sermon
I. The Nearness of God (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
Friends, let’s dive into this powerful message from Jeremiah. God asks, “Am I only a God nearby, and not a God far away?” It’s as if He’s saying, “Hey, I’m not just in your church or in your quiet time. I’m everywhere!”
You know, I remember a time when I felt God was distant. I was going through a tough season, and it seemed like my prayers were hitting the ceiling. But then I realized – God wasn’t the one who moved. I was the one who had drifted.
Here’s the thing: God’s omnipresence isn’t just a fancy theological term. It’s a life-changing reality. It means that whether you’re in your office, stuck in traffic, or facing a difficult decision, God is right there with you.
As disciples of Christ, understanding God’s nearness changes everything. It means we’re never alone, never without guidance, never without comfort. It’s the foundation of a deep, intimate relationship with our Creator.
This truth should revolutionize our spiritual growth. When we grasp that God is always near, it transforms our prayer life, our worship, and our daily walk with Him.
Ask Yourself This Question: How would your life change if you truly believed God was present in every moment of your day?
II. The Power of God’s Word (Jeremiah 23:25-27)
Now, let’s talk about the power of God’s Word. Jeremiah warns about false prophets spreading lies. It’s a reminder that not everything that sounds spiritual is actually from God.
I’ve seen this play out in my own life. There was a time when I was chasing after every new spiritual fad, every popular teaching. But I found that true peace and growth only came when I anchored myself in God’s Word.
God’s message isn’t just another voice in the crowd. It’s the voice of truth that cuts through all the noise and confusion of our world.
As disciples, we need to be discerning. We need to test everything against Scripture. It’s not about being cynical, but about being wise and grounded in truth.
This is crucial for our spiritual growth. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the more we can recognize His voice and follow His leading.
Ask Yourself This Question: How can you prioritize God’s Word in your life this week?
III. The Transformative Nature of God’s Word (Jeremiah 23:28-29)
Finally, let’s look at the incredible power of God’s Word. Jeremiah says it’s like fire and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces. That’s some serious power!
I’ve experienced this firsthand. There have been times when a Scripture verse hit me so hard, it was like a spiritual explosion in my heart. It changed my perspective, challenged my assumptions, and set me on a new path.
God’s Word isn’t just information – it’s transformation. It has the power to melt away our doubts, break down our barriers, and reshape our lives.
As disciples, we need to approach God’s Word with expectation. Every time we open the Bible, we’re encountering the living, active Word of God. It’s not just reading – it’s an opportunity for life change.
This is where real spiritual growth happens. As we let God’s Word work in us, we’re gradually transformed into the image of Christ.
Ask Yourself This Question: What area of your life needs to be transformed by the power of God’s Word?
Section 12. Final Thoughts
Moving forward in our Christian lives, let’s commit to living with a constant awareness of God’s presence. Let’s be diligent in discerning truth from falsehood, anchoring ourselves in Scripture. And let’s approach God’s Word with expectation, allowing it to shape and transform us daily.
Remember, friends, our God is not distant or uninvolved. He’s right here, right now, ready to work in your life. His Word is powerful and active, capable of bringing about real change in your heart and mind.
Closing Prayer:
Let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your constant presence in our lives. We’re grateful that You’re not a distant God, but One who is intimately involved in every aspect of our existence. Lord, help us to recognize Your presence more fully each day. Give us discernment to recognize Your truth amidst the noise of the world. And Father, we ask that You would work powerfully through Your Word in our lives. Transform us, shape us, and mold us to be more like Jesus. We open our hearts to You now, ready to be changed by Your powerful Word. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Section 13. Closing Hymn or Worship Song
As we prepare to close our time together, I invite you all to stand as we unite our hearts in worship. Let’s sing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” remembering the constant presence and unchanging nature of our God. This hymn beautifully echoes the truths we’ve explored today from Jeremiah. Let’s lift our voices together in praise to our ever-present, all-powerful God.
Section 14. Benediction
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. And may you walk in the constant awareness of God’s presence, grounded in His truth, and transformed by His powerful Word. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.
