First, watch this powerful video from The Bible Project!
Then watch or listen to "Plans For You"!
EXILE
Jeremiah 29:1, 1 Peter 1:1 || Those who put their trust in Jesus are “God’s Elect” having been chosen “in Him before the creation of the world”! And yet, God’s Elect are held in exile. The story of Israel shows us what it is like: We lived in slavery and were saved through water to become God’s treasured possessions, a priesthood for the world, but in our rebellion and brokenness we remain in exile until that day when our King returns!
Dig Deeper: Exodus 19:5-6, Isaiah 52, John 15:1-17, Ephesians 1, Revelation 7:9-17
Jeremiah 29:4-7 || So what do we do while we are in exile? Build homes. Plant gardens. Grow families. For the Lord has put us here!
Dig Deeper: 1 Thessalonians chapters 4 (especially 4:9-12) and 5 (especially 5:12-22)
PROSPER
1 Peter 1:3-5, Jeremiah 29:11 || What is true prosperity? Victory which goes beyond our immediate circumstances or even a “good long life”. God has in mind a prosperity and future which: DOES. NOT. END.
Dig Deeper: Luke 12:13-34, Acts chapter 3, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, 1 Peter chapters 1 and 2
PROMISES
2 Corinthians 1:20-22, Jeremiah 29:12-13 || Do not EVER allow the devil to sell you the lie that “Old Testament promises” do not apply to you. Jesus is the Seed of Abraham, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Son of David…and YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS! We are God’s people because of Jesus, His Son, purchased us, anointed us and then “put His Spirit in our hearts, guaranteeing what is to come!” Remember Galatians 3:29: “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise!”