Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans not for evil, but for good. Plans to give you a hope and a future." is possibly one of the more famous verses from the Bible but would it surprise you to discover it is often misunderstood and misquoted?

Placing this verse in its historical context of the Babylonian exile, Pastor Rohan Bell exposes God's promise of 'plans for good and not for evil' was actually given to people in exile and facing immense hardship. This challenges the perception that being in God's will always means an easy life. Instead God's promise of hope and a future applies not just to ideal circumstances, but also to times of hardship and exile.

Emphasizing this promise of hope and a future applies not just to ideal circumstances, but also to times of hardship and exile, Rohan encourages believers to seek God wholeheartedly and to work for the welfare of others, even in difficult situations, as a means of experiencing God's peace (shalom) and blessing.

Stating God's blessings and purposes can be found our 'Babylon' moments - times of struggle and uncertainty, Rohan is clear: God walks with us through our valleys, and is always at work refining and shaping us and as Christians we're called to integrate into our challenging situations, not isolate ourselves, working for the welfare of others even when we're hurting. This perspective shift can transform us from victims into 'resident missionary visionaries,' finding purpose and God's peace (shalom) and blessing in unexpected places.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - 7:00: Understanding Jeremiah 29:11 in Context

The popular verse Jeremiah 29:11 is often misunderstood when taken out of context.

7:00 - 14:00: God's Message to the Exiles

God's instructions to the exiles in Babylon were to settle and seek the welfare of the city.

14:00 - 21:00: Finding Shalom in Babylon

True peace (shalom) can be experienced even in challenging circumstances.

21:00 - 28:00: Applying God's Promise to Our Lives

We are encouraged to bring our dreams and hopes before God, trusting His plans for our lives.

Key Points:

- Jeremiah 29:11 is often taken out of context, but understanding its historical setting deepens its meaning

- God's promises and blessings can be experienced even in times of hardship or "exile"

- We are called to integrate into society, not isolate or assimilate, while maintaining our identity as God's people

- Working for the welfare (shalom) of others is key to experiencing God's peace in our own lives

- Seeking God wholeheartedly is the condition for finding Him and experiencing His blessings

- External circumstances do not determine our internal peace and prosperity in God

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:

1. Jeremiah 29:11 - This is the central verse of the sermon.

2. Philippians 4:13 - Mentioned as another commonly misused verse.

3. Lamentations 3:22-23 - Referenced when discussing the book of Lamentations.

4. Psalm 23:4 - Alluded to when discussing walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

5. Revelation 21:4 - Alluded to when mentioning God wiping away every tear.

6. Jeremiah 29:1-7 - The main passage being expounded upon in the sermon.

7. Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Quoted towards the end of the sermon.

8. Genesis 1:28 - Alluded to when discussing the "Eden promise" to multiply and fill the earth.

Key Points:

- Jeremiah 29:11 is often taken out of context, but understanding its historical setting deepens its meaning

- God's promises and blessings can be experienced even in times of hardship or "exile"

- We are called to integrate into society, not isolate or assimilate while maintaining our identity as God's people

- Working for the welfare (shalom) of others is key to experiencing God's peace in our own lives

- Seeking God wholeheartedly is the condition for finding Him and experiencing His blessings

- External circumstances do not determine our internal peace and prosperity in God

Scripture Reference:

- Jeremiah 29:1-14, with a focus on verse 11

Stories:

- The historical context of the Babylonian exile and Jeremiah's letter to the exiles

- A personal anecdote about a misinterpretation of Jeremiah 29:11 in a pastoral setting

- Reference to the story of Jews who chose to remain in Babylon after the exile ended

- Brief mention of Psalm 23 and walking through the valley of the shadow of death