Hear God call you to worship through his word:

Praise the Lord! 
     For it is good to sing praises to our God;
         for it is pleasant,
               and a song of praise is fitting. 
                         -Psalm 147:1

Song 1 – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Song 2 – Good and Gracious King

Song 3 – Blessed be Your Name

Our welcome team members will pass an offering basket during Song 4 – Even So, Come.

For information about giving online, please visit ucclife.fi/give or follow the QR code on the screen. 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen. 

Confession of Sin

Confess your sins to God:

Almighty God, 
unto whom all hearts are open,
all desires known, 
and from whom no secrets are hidden –
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen. 
(Book of Common Prayer, 1552)

Assurance of Pardon

Receive these words of comfort from God:

Come to me, all who labour and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 
-Matthew 11:28-30

A particular welcome to any visitors joining us today – if you’d like to get connected or find out more about UCC, please visit our digital visitors card. 

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. ² And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.

God Rules.
He is building an eternal kingdom and calls to people to live in light of that truth.

1. God Rules & His Purposes Prevail

2. God Rules Even Though His People Will Be Persecuted

3. God Rules & His Presence Will Persist

Please hold the elements until all have received; we will partake together. 

Song 5 – The Power of the Cross

The body of Christ, broken for you; 
the blood of Christ shed for you. 

Song 6 – Your Glory / Nothing but the Blood

Our Father in heaven, 
hallowed be your name;
your kingdom come;
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. 
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.

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Introduction

1. How do the opening verses of the book introduce the message that God Rules over His Kingdom and that His people should live in light of that fact? 

Into the Text

1. Why did God put His people into exile? 
2. What is the significance of the articles from the temple being taken from Jerusalem into Babylon? Who is behind this and what’s going on? 
3. What is the significance of the terms ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘Babylon’ biblically speaking? 
4. What are the ways God’s presence is seen in Babylon?

Application

1. Why is the principle taught in verses 1-2 so important in light of the reality of our experience living as Christians in a godless world? Illustrate this practically from your own experience of difficult situations, when truth about God’s control of events has encouraged you. 
2. Do you think God punishes His people today for their disobedience and lack of distinctiveness? What signs are there of that happening in the Church today? And what is God’s purpose in it? 
3. What are the ways God’s presence is seen in the world today? How does this challenge other beliefs and worldviews?