Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14

For seventy years, the Israelite people had been living in exile. It was one of the most difficult experiences the people of God had ever encountered. Through that journey, they learned what it means to be the community of faith. They also learned about a new promise from God that would restore them in unimaginable ways. While we live in a very different time and place, the lessons they learned and the promise God made them are as important now as they were then.

Scripture: Acts 8: 26-40

Being called away from exile and back into community is not always an easy task. As we seek to show up for those who are still experiencing an exile in life, we are called to answer two fundamental questions: Who should our community include? And how should we show up for our community?

In Acts, we see a people who are trying to live into this new reality and answer these new questions. As we look forward to 2024, our church also begins the work of answering these two important questions.

Scripture: Matthew 18:10-14

There are countless people today who are experiencing a kind of spiritual exile. They have been cast out of communities of faith and wonder if there will ever be a place for them in God’s Kingdom. This week we’re exploring one of Jesus’ parables and learning why the church must answer the call to go and find those who’ve been exiled so they can be returned to the family of faith.

Scripture: Malachi 3:8-12

God has called Middletown Christian Church to be a place where all of God’s children can find a home and where the love of Christ shapes every person who comes into our community of faith. Making that call a reality will take a lot of work and some sacrifices. If we trust God in this, a blessing beyond compare will be poured out upon and through our church that could change everything.