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This past Sunday, July 21, we enjoyed a special time of fellowship and unity with All Nations Church in worship unto God. Below is a guide for personal study and City Group discussion from our Sunday message in Jeremiah 29:1-14.
Discussion Questions
the text of the Scriptures
- Who was the prophet Jeremiah? What do we know about his life, his calling and his ministry?
- What had happened to Israel during Jeremiah’s lifetime and ministry?
- What were the false prophets telling the exiles (see Jeremiah 28)? How does this differ from God’s messgae through Jeremiah?
- What does God command the exiles to do in Babylon (cf. 29:3-9)? What is significant and striking about this?
- What does God promise the exiles (cf. 29:10-14)? How does this extend to us in the new covenant?
- How can the story of the Bible – from Genesis to Revelation – be told along the theme of “city”?
the context of our lives
We are not exiles here. Rather we are natives and transplants, sojourning in Roanoke as we look forward to a better country and eternal city to come (cf. Hebrews 11:16).
- How are you and your City Group (and how might you) seeking the welfare (= shalom) of Roanoke – that is, its peace and prosperity economically, socially and spiritually?
- What are the chief problems and social ills of Roanoke, and how can Christians work and participate toward possible solutions?
- What’s most beautiful and good about Roanoke, and how can we keep building on these strengths toward greater flourishing?
- What could Roanoke become in the next decades – especially if Roanokers were less critical about what our city isn’t and more creative and diligent about what our city could be?
- We must seek Roanoke’s welfare by seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteouesness (cf. Matt.6:33). Why must the glory of God and the good of all be our motivation? What happens when it is not?
Pray for All Nations Church. Pray for the Roanoke Valley. Encourage and exhort one another to believing and sharing the Gospel and to loving this great city both in word and deed.
Remember again in faith how Jesus was crucified outside the holy city for our salvation. Remember again in hope how Jesus is coming with a new and eternal city for our shalom. Let us now lead our lives in this city so that many more know this great faith and hope in Christ Jesus.