C3: Mission Refresh - Neighbors

C3: Mission Refresh: Neighbors

In Jeremiah 29:1, we see the prophet "sent a letter from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon." These Israelites (we just studied Daniel as a part of this time period) are not in Babylon by accident, but by assignment. God determines the places we live (Acts 17:22-27).

Jeremiah 29:5-7 has eleven commands from God for the Israelites. They are to root themselves into the community and "live there" since they will be there for 70 years. They are to "build houses", "plant gardens", "take wives", "have children", "give daughters in marriage", "multiply". These are really simple instructions that anyone can do. The challenge for the Israelites is that they were called to do this in the city where the Babylonians destroyed their home of Jerusalem, harmed their families, and took them from their homes."

Verse 7 begins, "but seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile". They were to be intentional with all the people of the city. They were to bring shalom (peace) to that place with their lives and actions.

As people in greater Charlotte, we can:

1. Withdraw - stay around only those that think/act like us
2. Assimilate - look like the world
3. Influence - live a different way and love people well

The theology of place says that God has ordained both the time and place where you are in His creation for a purpose. Even borders and boundaries are ordained by God.

We must abide in Christ, remember that everyone we cross paths with in made in the Image of God, and love them well. Luke 10:25-37 shows us who our neighbors are. When we stop trying to define who is our neighbor and start delighting in them we become a loving neighbor.

The shalom of the city doesn't come from the government,

but from the church.

Some thoughts to consider as a family:

1. Do you love where you live (street, town, state)? How are you seeking the welfare of the city?
2. Practice hospitality - who could you invite to Thanksgiving at your home?
3. Live and share the gospel - who could you invite to A Carmel Christmas or Christmas Eve?
4. Serve alongside our city partners - Which of our 16 partners would you consider serving with?

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