Swipe Right for Exile Romance. Subtitle: Because nothing says ‘I’m over Jerusalem’ like settling down in Babylon.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey everyone! It’s so great to see you all here today. We’re so glad you could join us as we dive into a powerful message from Jeremiah. We believe that God has something special for each of you today, so open your hearts and get ready to receive!
Church Announcements
- Upcoming Events: Don’t forget about our community outreach event next Saturday at the local park. We’ll be providing meals and support to those in need.
- Bible Study: Our small group Bible study on Wednesday evenings will continue this week, we meet in the fellowship hall to discuss Jeremiah.
- Youth Group: Youth group meets every Sunday afternoon.
- Volunteer Opportunities: We are always looking for volunteers to help with Sunday school and the church’s weekly activities.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s turn our hearts and minds to the Lord as we begin our worship. Today, we are reminded in Jeremiah 29:11 of God’s plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. Let us focus on His promises and worship Him with all our hearts.
(A brief responsive reading or a short hymn can follow)
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, we come before you today with hearts full of gratitude. Thank you for your unwavering love and grace. Open our minds and hearts to receive your word today, and guide us to apply it to our lives. Help us to grow closer to you in every way. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Now, let’s lift our voices together in praise! Our worship team is ready to lead us in songs of adoration and thanksgiving. Let’s sing from our hearts, focusing on God’s goodness and His presence in our lives.
(Congregational singing, led by a worship team or choir, including contemporary worship songs, traditional hymns, or a mix of both)
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’re going to be looking at a very relevant passage from the book of Jeremiah.
The Events in Jeremiah 29:1-7
This passage comes from a letter that Jeremiah wrote to the exiles in Babylon. These were people who had been forcibly removed from their homes in Jerusalem and taken to a foreign land. They were facing hardship, uncertainty, and a lot of fear about the future. Jeremiah’s message was one of hope, resilience, and practical guidance for living out their faith in a challenging environment. God was calling them to settle down, build homes, plant gardens, and seek the peace and prosperity of the city where they had been exiled.
Jeremiah 29:1-7 (NIV)
1 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This was after King Jehoiachin and the queen mother, the court officials and the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the skilled workers and the artisans had left Jerusalem.) 3 He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said:
4 “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Let’s come together now to lift up our hearts in prayer.
Intercessory Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word that speaks to us even today. We lift up those among us who are feeling displaced, uncertain, or anxious about the future. Give them strength and courage to build their lives wherever they are. Help us all to seek the peace and prosperity of our community, to be a blessing to those around us, and to trust in your plans for our lives. We ask for your guidance and provision in all things.
Congregational Prayer Response
(After the Intercessory Prayer, the congregation responds)
Lord, hear our prayers, and help us to build our houses and plant our gardens wherever you have placed us. May we be a source of peace and prosperity to those around us, just as you have called us to be.
Section 7. Offering
Now is the time when we can give back to God a portion of what He has so generously given to us.
Message
Giving our tithes and offerings is an act of worship, a way to express our gratitude and trust in God’s provision. Your generosity helps support the work of this church and its mission to spread God’s love in our community and beyond.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the blessings you have poured out upon us. We offer these tithes and offerings as an act of worship, dedicating them to your service. May they be used to further your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Now, let’s prepare our hearts to receive the message as we listen to a special musical selection.
(Special music is performed)
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Section 9. Free Bible Study!
Ever feel like life’s got you planted in the wrong place?
Discover how to thrive WHEREVER God puts you!
The Story: From Babylon to Your Backyard – Finding God’s Purpose in the Unplanned
Hey there, friends!
Ever feel like you’re stuck in a place you didn’t choose, doing a job you didn’t dream of, or surrounded by people you don’t quite understand? Well, guess what? You’re not alone. The Israelites in Jeremiah’s time knew exactly how that felt. They were ripped from their homes in Jerusalem and plopped down in Babylon – a foreign land, a strange culture, and a whole lot of uncertainty.
But here’s the thing: God didn’t abandon them. And He hasn’t abandoned you either. In Jeremiah 29:4-7, God tells them, through the prophet, to “build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.” In other words, He’s saying, “Bloom where you’re planted!”
Now, that might not sound super exciting at first. But think about it. God is calling them – and us – to find purpose and meaning right where we are. To invest in our communities, to build relationships, and to seek the well-being of those around us. Even in the most unexpected and challenging circumstances.
So, what does this mean for you today? Maybe you’re facing a tough situation at work, a difficult relationship at home, or just feeling lost and uncertain about the future. God is saying, “I’m with you. Trust Me. Seek My guidance. And start building, planting, and growing right where you are.”
This isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. It’s about discovering God’s purpose for your life, no matter where you find yourself. And that’s a pretty awesome promise, isn’t it?
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Now picture those prayers being answered. Imagine eyes lighting up with understanding… souls stirred with passion… and spirits strengthened with courage to live out their faith every day.
We created this message to help make those dreams come true in your ministry. Not just another sermon, but a spark that brings God’s Word alive – so you and your congregation can grow in love, unity, and purpose.
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And to help you dive deeper into this powerful message from Jeremiah, we’re offering you a FREE Bible Study that will help you unpack the key truths and apply them to your life. It’s designed to spark meaningful conversations, encourage personal reflection, and help you discover God’s unique purpose for you, right where you are.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Thought-provoking questions that will challenge you to think differently.
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May Jesus pour his Grace Upon you and your family during this special time in our lives.
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