The Reality of the Dispersed

Introduction

Introduction

- So recently, we've had a church member join the military. Military is not an easy way of life and has a lot of potential to be involved with danger and fighting. When we have family or friends join the military, there's that brief period of time, to some it seems like forever, where they are unable to be contacted. I think it's because of boot camp or sometimes it's because of secret operations.

When those times are among us, it's kind of frightening or scary and can cause us to worry. We scroll Facebook to see if anything has been posted, we anticipate phone calls, texts, anything! We just want to know our loved one is okay! Right?

And then...

There's nothing like receiving a letter from that loved one or the voice mail affirming they are okay!

When that letter/message comes in, what do we typically do? We share it! We tell...

Everybody in the family. Screen-shot the picture and forward it to everybody. If it's a letter, we pass it around for everyone to read. Let everyone listen to the voice-mail. Friends, those who are concerned.

This letter right here was written to people anticipating any kind of hope.

To those this letter was written too, is what I want speak on tonight...

There are 3 present realities of this word "dispersed."

The twelve tribes James wrote too. The dispersed Christian today. Jesus' dispersion and homecoming.

1. The 12 tribes James wrote to.

a. The actual word "diaspora," is only used 3 times in the New Testament. Each time it refers to those...

Alienated Dispersed 12 Tribes (here)

b. This word has a rough past in the Bible. Let me show what I think James is pointing to by using that phrase "12 tribes."

c. Listen to these definitions of when and how this word was used...Listen to these OT references...

(; cf. ; Ez 20:23; )

d. The word was like looking at a scar or a black eye on their history because it showed them their disobedience.

SHOW THE SCAR ON YOUR LEFT ARM AND EXPLAIN.

2. The dispersed Christian today. SECRET (Our reality hasn't changed with the struggling Christians here).

a.

b. Who's being talked about here?

"Hall of Faith"

c. Check out what they went through!

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THE SYRIAN REFUGEES ARE LIVING THIS REALITY. READ ARTICLE. THEY MAY HAVE NO HOPE, MENTION RYAN SMELTZER.

In the scriptures...

d. They had their eyes fixed on Christ who himself was dispersed for us. This leads to the 3rd reality.

3. Jesus' dispersion and promised homecoming.

a.

b.