PART 4: CYCLES

In our adult Bible study we are discussing the book of Jeremiah. We were in chapter 25 last night and let me tell you...it's not one you want to read to your children at bedtime. So far in our study we have been challenged to listen to God's direction, not to find security in our "religion" but in God, to make honest and intentional commitments to God, and to allow Him to shape and mold us (as an individual and as a corps). This week though our eyes were opened to the seriousness of God's wrath. We know that through Christ we are given the opportunity to accept His sacrifice for us. What we discussed though are the cycles as the human race, the church, and as people we go through in our commitments to God. Here, the nations (Israel and Judah in particular) were trying to have it all...allowing their hearts to become consumed with the world (not people but desires and ideas) and not focused on pure worship of God. So, I guess my question today is...where do you see humanity, the church, and maybe even yourself in this cycle? Are we repeating the sins of previous generations? Are we on the mend or are we spiraling out of control? Will the words in Jeremiah 25 ring true to our church/corps, town, nation, or world? What, if anything, can we do to influence change in hearts (individual and corporate) from a temporary to an eternal focus?