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Howie Batson: Babylonian Blues (Jeremiah 29:1-14)
Howie Batson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas, reminds his hearers even an angel in the book of Daniel wanted to know how long it would be for deliverance. The Psalms ask the question, as well. Focusing on the words of Jeremiah, Batson gives expression to the sense of exile, which he says is not simply geographical.
The weeks of physical distancing to slow the coronavirus pandemic have come to feel like exile. In opposition to the promises proclaimed by false prophets of false hope, Jeremiah gave unexpected instructions to the exiled people of Israel.
Batson applies Jeremiah’s words to life in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. They are emotional, pragmatic and hopeful words.
This sermon was delivered on Mar. 29, 2020, during the morning worship service at First Baptist Church in Amarillo. Batson cooperated with Bobby Dagnel, pastor of First Baptist Church in Lubbock, to develop his sermon outline. It is part of a series responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Message notes are available here.
Babylonian Blues // March 29, 2020 from First Baptist Amarillo on Vimeo. Sermon starts at 32:23, ends at 56:08.
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