This morning began a new series titled, “Loving Where You Live” by shepherding us through Jeremiah 29:1-10. As we look at practical ways to love and serve our neighbors, Pastor Alex taught us about the theology of “place”. When the book of Jeremiah was written, the United Kingdom had been split into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). During this time, Jeremiah was telling the people that they would be in exile for 70 years. This is when synagogues starting appearing since the people had to learn to live in a foreign and unfamiliar context.

3 Ways to love where you live (your address):

1. See the sovereignty of God – When you stood up from closing on your house, it was providential that you are exactly where you needed to be. Acts 17:24-26 says, “From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.”

2. Settle In! Jeremiah 29:5-6, “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.” Plant yourself and be fully present where you live.

3. Seek the Shalom. Jeremiah 29:7, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Bring the peace of Christ to your street. Shalom means, “wholeness, completeness, welfare”. Seeking the shalom is active, not passive.

1. Where are the fingerprints of God on your home situation? How did you get there?

2. What would you do differently if you knew you were going to live in this house and on this street for the rest of your life? Why are you not doing that now?

3. How can you “seek the shalom” of your street?

Father, I trust you that I live where I am supposed to live right now. Help me bring shalom to my street and to be a “verb” neighbor and not just a “noun” neighbor. Holy Spirit, show me where to go and what to do.