Better Is Coming | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, June 2
Scriptures
Jeremiah 32:7-17. Jeremiah 29:10-11, Jeremiah 29:4-7.
Introduction
In bad times, don’t buy into bad. – Pastor Jentezen Franklin
Welcome to our Group Guide for "Better Is Coming," by Pastor Jentezen Franklin. Look at any news headline and you will see declarations of doom, gloom, and fatalism. Often, we can rightly see through the worldly and excessive negativism peddled by the media. But when calamity, heartbreak, or unanswered prayers are personal and seemingly never-ending, we may tend to buy into what we see in the natural but is that the way God sees it?
This message invites us to “buy in” to adopting a mindset of promise and hope. Now, not when it gets better. Get ready to buy into the truth that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). And, that nothing is too hard for the Sovereign Lord who made the heavens and the earth by His great power and outstretched arm! (Jeremiah 37:12)
- What sticks out to you about the message, “Better Is Coming”?
- How can we effectively guard our hearts and minds against the negativity and fear propagated by the media? What are some practical ways to stay focused on God's promises?
Thriving in Babylon
Jeremiah instructed the exiles in Babylon to move on with their lives and pray for the pagan nation that held them captive.
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (NIV):
4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.
7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."
Reflecting on our personal lives and cultural existence today and considering how we are to live as families and productive citizens, we recall a saying from the '70s and '80s: “We’ll enjoy koinonia while we wait for Maranatha.” Koinonia is where we get the word "fellowship." It means association and close relationships.
Praise God, that’s what we’re able to do with our Free Chapel groups while we "occupy" or live our lives, waiting for our Lord’s coming (Maranatha), which could be at any given time… only He knows when.
- In what ways can you continue to live productively and faithfully in your current situation, despite any negative influences around you?
We are to live in fellowship with a long view but also knowing our Lord could return at any moment!
Our trust and hope in Him give us the strength to do what we need to do daily as we anticipate His return and pray for peace and for one another.
Our fellowship with one another also provides encouragement as we bear each other’s earthly burdens. What a blessing!
- Why is it important to pray for the places we live, even if they seem hostile to our beliefs?
It might be challenging to pray for leaders when they are unjust, but that is precisely when your prayers are most crucial (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Trusting in God's Promises and Leadership
Leaders who inspire confidence, believe in our abilities, and support us throughout are encouraging to everyone. God provided this leadership to the captives and does the same for us today.
Jeremiah 29:10-11 (NIV) 10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
As we navigate through life, it's crucial to remember that God has a unique plan for each of us—individually, as families, communities, and even as nations. His plans are always for our good and His glory. In times of challenge, we must hold steadfast in our faith, knowing that He will never place us in situations beyond our ability to overcome.
His plans are designed to bring about good and to glorify His name.
Here are some of the promises we see in Scripture and their powerful impact on believers: We are never alone.
| 1 Corinthians 10:13 | God will not give us more than we can bear and provides a way out. |
| Philippians 4:13 | God provides us with strength. |
| Matthew 19:26 | With God, all things are possible. |
| 1 Peter 3:11 | By doing good and seeking peace, we align with God's will and find peace. |
| Romans 5:11 | Through Jesus, we are reconciled with God and can boast in our restored relationship. |
| Romans 15:13 | God fills us with joy, peace, and hope through the Holy Spirit. |
| Genesis 28:15 | God promises to be with us, watch over us, and fulfill His promises. |
| Joshua 1:9 | God commands us to be strong and courageous, promising His constant presence. |
Through these promises, we are able to trust that “Better times are coming” when we start in homes and communities to act and walk by faith, knowing that Jesus will guide our paths, trusting that he will provide a way.
Although times in life can be troubling, don’t be afraid to dream. Don’t be afraid to live a life of fun and service to others. God is in control!
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)
- Comment on what this passage means to you, your ability to maintain a positive attitude, and your belief that our great God is in control. As Pastor Franklin said, “Grace always comes with hope.”
Conclusion
God can bring you back to the same ground where you experienced defeat and deliver you a victory! Our job is to ‘buy into’ (believe) the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen – that’s faith! (Hebrews 11:1)
Therefore, let us remember and act based on His faithfulness:
- Don't Limit Him: Reject hopelessness and adopt a mindset of promise and hope—the mind of Christ. Joy comes in the morning. Better is coming! Jesus was anointed to bring good news, free the captives, heal the blind, and release the oppressed. Nothing is too hard for Him!
- Buy In Now! Trust in God's promises despite current circumstances. Just as a seemingly foolish property purchase showed confident trust in God, believe that He is all-powerful and at work. Don't wait for better times to trust His promises. "I have never seen the righteous forsaken." (Psalm 37:25)
- Take Care of the Title-Deed: You are an heir. Focus on God's plan and your inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled. Remind yourself of God's good plans for you. (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Peter 1:3-4)
- Live and Possess the Land: God was in control, not the Babylonians. God is in control now. Continue to do good, seek peace, and be a blessing, even in difficult times. You are not a slave or prisoner in your situation. It won't always be like this.
- Takeaway: What is one key takeaway from today's discussion that you can apply in the coming week?
- Encouragement: How can you encourage someone in your life who is currently struggling to see beyond their present difficulties?
Resources